Instructional goals
Applying Knowledge and Understanding:
Students should be able to apply the principles of Private Law to both common law and civil law systems.
By developing these skills, students will be equipped to understand the role of Private Law in society and economy.
Making Judgments:
Students are expected to critically analyse cases.
Communication Skills:
Students should be able to use legal terminology in reference to different legal systems.
Learning Skills:
Students should develop the ability to understand legal aspects of global transactions.
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Private Law, focusing on its application to different legal systems and its intersection with society and the economy.
Prerequisites
None
Intended learning outcomes
Understand the basic principles and concepts of Private law
Apply Private Law concepts to real-world scenarios.
Develop critical thinking and legal reasoning skills.
Course Contents
The course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the main principles of Private Law and will give students an overview of the main areas of Private law (contract law, tort law, property law, unjust enrichment). A special focus will lie on global contract and tort law as well as current developments in Private Law (e.g., digitalization, sustainability).
Reference Books
Readings materials and books will be announced at the start of fall term.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, based on Socratic method, hence including case analysis and discussion
Assessment Method
course attendance, class participation, exam
Thesis assignment criteria
Week 1
Introduction to Private Law:
Private Law vs. Public Law
Private Law and its role in society
methodology
sources of Private Law
Common Law vs. Civil Law
Week 2
Contract Law I:
basic principles of Contract Law
formation of contracts: offer, acceptance, consideration
interpretation of contracts
Week 3
Contract Law II:
culpa in contrahendo / pre-contractual information obligations
standard contract terms
form requirements
Week 4
Contract Law III:
Problems arising during the formation of a contract:
misrepresentation
duress
undue influence
Week 5
Contract Law IV:
warranty law
breach of contract
remedies
Week 6
Contract Law V:
types of contract law
international sale of goods
consumer law
Week 7
Tort Law I:
introduction to tort law
duty of care & causation
damages
Week 8
Tort Law II:
economic torts
product liability I (introduction)
product liability II (artificial intelligence)
Week 9
Property Law:
introduction to property law
ownership and possession I (acquisition)
ownership and possession II (transfer)
Week 10
Unjust Enrichment
principles of unjust enrichment
restitution for unjust enrichment
unjust enrichment vs. Tort Law
Week 11
Globalisation and Private Law
CISG in practice
private law along the supply chain
International Private Law
Week 12
Current trends and challenges in Private Law
digitalisation and Private Law
sustainability and Private Law
the future of Private Law