LW0LAW-Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Ms Sharon Sinclair-Graham
Email: sharon.sinclair-graham@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To prepare students for undergraduate programmes which involve the study of law by providing a grounding in the main principles of Contract Law, the Tort of Negligence and the structure of the English legal system.

Aims:

To prepare students for undergraduate programmes which involve the study of law by providing a grounding in the main principles of Contract Law, the Tort of Negligence and the structure of the English legal system.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure, personnel and functions of the English legal system and the law of negligence and contract;


• Show evidence of the ability to apply techniques of ordered thinking and the skills necessary to analyse and solve legal problems;


• Communicate legal arguments clearly and succinctly and to draw appropriate conclusions;


• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the changing nature of law in society.

Additional outcomes:
The development of library and research skills and the ability to make use of available resources.

Outline content:

The module begins with an introduction to some basic principles of the constitution: sources, parliamentary sovereignty; the rule of law; separation of powers. These principles provide a background to a more detailed study of the English legal system: sources of law to include the legislative process, statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, common law and equity, EU law, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998; institutions and process to include civil andcriminal proceedings, the hierarchy of the courts, the judiciary and the jury. Two areas of substantive law are included, the law of contract and the law of negligence. The module introduces students to the principles of formation of a contract: offer, acceptance, intention, and consideration. It then considers terms of a contract (express or implied) and the types of terms,with an overview of remedies for breach of contract. The study of the law of negligence is more detailed and includesduty of care, breach, causation and remoteness of damage. The duty situation is exemplified through an examination of psychiatric injury. The course also considers the concept of Vicarious Liability and policy issues underlying the Tort of negligence.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Topics are introduced through a combination of lectures (online or face to face), seminars (can be delivered remotely as well as face to face) and individual surgeries. Independent learning is encouraged through reading based on textbooks, articles and case studies. Case and statute exercises assist in the development of skills in legal reasoning. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	40	40
Tutorials	20	20	6
Guided independent study:	140	134
Total hours by term	200	194	6
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1 exam paper –8 hours long (online) – Autumn Term – English Legal System and Contract Law 

1 exam  Paper – 8 hours long (online) – Spring Term – English Legal System and Tort Law 

1 exam paper – 8 hours long (online)  – Summer Term - English Legal System Parts 1 and 2

1 exam paper – 8 hours long (online)  – Summer Term - Contract and Tort Law 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 paper – 2000 words long – Contract Law – Problem Question (Due in Spring Term)



1 paper – 2000 words long – Tort Law – Problem Question (Due in Summer Term)

Formative assessment methods:

1 mid-term test each semester 

1 presentation

There is an autumn and spring end of term test; there are twopieces of coursework; seminar preparation - analysis of problems and concepts; debating issues in class; answering pre-seen questions on an area of law - verbally and in writing

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

60% to get into a Law degree programme, 40% to get into a non-Law degree programme.

Reassessment arrangements:

By two written examinations  in August or September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: It is useful to have a laptop to type notes in class but this is optional.


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023