University of Kent at Canterbury s1

UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Module Specification

1. The title of the module
Introduction to German Civil Law (LW317)

2. The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School

3. The Start Date of the Module
2009/10

4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable.
2008/9 entrants

5. The number of students expected to take the module
2 -8

6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None

7. The level of the module
Level C – module to be taken in stage 1

8. The number of credits which the module represents
None

9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring

10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None

11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes

LLB English and German Law

12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes

·  To introduce students to the German legal system (PLO 12.A.3)

·  To provide a sound grounding in aspects of German civil law (PLO 12.A.5)

·  To introduce students to methods of assessment used in German universities, in preparation for the year of study abroad (PLO 12.A.6)

·  To introduce students to relevant legal terminology in the German language (PLO 12.D.e)

On completion of the module students will have:

·  Developed an understanding of key elements of German civil law (PLO 12.A.3 & 5)

·  Engaged with written and oral work on German law in German (PLO 12.D.a,b,c,e)

·  Increased fluency in their use of German (PLO 12.C.e)

13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes

·  To apply knowledge to complex situations (PLO 12.B.1)

·  To recognise potential alternative conclusions for particular situations, and provide supporting reasons for them (PLO 12.B.5)

·  To identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching (PLO 12.C.c)

·  To identify and retrieve uptodate information, using paper and electronic sources (PLO 12.B.3)

·  To act independently in planning and undertaking tasks (PLO 12.B.7)

·  To use the German language and legal terminology with care and accuracy (PLO 12.D.e)

·  Have increased confidence in their oral participation in group discussion (PLO 12.D.a,b,c)

14. A synopsis of the curriculum

The module provides an introduction to German civil law including elements of practice and procedure.

15. Indicative Reading List

A study pack will normally be produced at the beginning of the year, providing an outline of the module structure, analysis of legal issues, questions for discussions, further reading.

16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes

The total number of staff /student contact hours is 20 over the year.

In addition to the contact hours students are expected to undertake approximately 80 hours of private study.

The function of the seminar is to:-

·  Enable the seminar leader to provide an expository framework of the areas of law to be considered, upon which students may build more detailed knowledge through private study.

·  Provide a fuller discussion of the more difficult legal concepts.

·  Indicate points of difference and similarity between UK and German law.

·  Enable students to learn through engaging in legal argument based on their prior reading, and generally in relation to hypothetical concrete situations.

·  Provide the opportunity for students to raise points or clarify issues arising from reading.

·  To identify learning difficulties in relation to particular topics, or of particular students, so that appropriate remedial steps may be taken.

·  Enable students to practise language skills relevant to the subject

·  To introduce students to the style of assessment methods they will encounter during their year abroad.

Private study will be primarily addressed to preparing for seminars and to researching seminar topics.

(MLO’s 12.1 – 7 and 13.1 – 7)

17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes

This module is not part of the formal 120 credit diet for Stage 1, therefore assessments for do not formally ‘count’ for the degree. This module represents extra learning for students on the degree programme.

The module convenor will assess students level of performance as demonstrated by their attendance, level of preparation for, and participation in seminars and at least one piece of written work of 1500 – 2000 words. Students who do not demonstrate the appropriate level of performance will not be deemed to have passed the module and will therefore not be permitted to proceed to a year abroad. Students who do not pass the module and are therefore not permitted to proceed to the year abroad, will have their programme of study changed to LLB Law.

(MLO’s 12.1 - 6 and 13.1 – 6. MLO’s 12.7 and 13.7 are tested by participation in seminars held entirely in German. Formal testing of language skills is undertaken in compulsory language modules on each programme)

18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space

None, this module currently provided therefore the resources are already in place.

19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities

This is confirmed

Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"

Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by Departmental staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"