General Introduction to Law

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    General Introduction to Law

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Legal Studies

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Lower

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4

  • Overview

    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: LW1EL Essentials of Law LW1CRI Criminal Law LW1LS Legal Skills
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Mrs Elizabeth Conaghan
    Email: e.t.conaghan@reading.ac.uk
    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.
    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
    Lectures 20
    Practicals classes and workshops 4
    Guided independent study 76
    Total hours by term 100.00
    Total hours for module 100.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 100
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Formative assessment methods:
    Students will have the opportunity to complete a number of formative online computer exercises containing sets of 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 be marked and returned to them with feedback.
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the 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: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/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.
    Length of examination:
    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.
    Requirements for a pass:
    40% overall
    Reassessment arrangements:
    As for the first attempt, but during the summer re-take period.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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