LW1A05-General Introduction to Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Not open to students on any LLB degree.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LW1SOC Law & Society LW1CRI Criminal Law and LW1LS Legal Skills
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a ten week course which provides students with an introduction to the English legal system, the law of contract and some aspects of the law of tort. This module is delivered at University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia.

Aims:
To provide students with an introduction to the foundations of English law: the English legal system, the law of contract and some aspects of the law of tort.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify the sources and administrative structure of English law;


• demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles of contract law;


• demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles of tort law;


• display a familiarity with the basic techniques of statutory interpretation and rules of precedent;


• exhibit a basic knowledge of some fundamental legal rules and an ability to deploy these rules in solving rudimentary problems;


• formulate and evaluate simple legal arguments;


• show some ability to analyse the existing law critically.

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop research skills and computer skills in preparing for and completing computer-based exercises.

Outline content:

• The English legal system: court structure and the doctrine of precedent; statutory interpretation.


• Contract: formation of a contract; terms; misrepresentation, mistake and frustration; breach and exclusion of liability; remedies for breach of contract.


• The tort of negligence: the duty of care in respect of omissions, economic loss and misstatements; the standard of care; causation and remoteness of damage; defences.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be by lectures, and students will also learn through completing interactive computer-based exercises, with on-line feedback. Students will be required to supplement the knowledge they acquire from lectures by independent study, and will be able to evaluate their comprehension through the completion of the computer-based exercises.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	6
Guided independent study:	74
Total hours by term	94	6	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2 hour unseen examination paper. The paper will have two sections: Section A - Multiple choice questions. Section A counts for 50% of the mark for the examination. Section B - Short Form Questions (a choice will be given). Section B counts for 50% of the mark for the examination.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to complete a formative online computer exercise containing  multiple choice questions for which they receive instant feedback.



They will also be given the opportunity to submit a short essay of the same kind and length as those that they will be required to write in the module examination. This will take place in the revision lecture with the question being made available a week before the class.  Students will self mark.

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:
40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
As for the first attempt, but during the summer re-take period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

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