The overall objective of the module is to help provide a context within which you will study other modules the LLM programmes. It provides both an introduction to different legal regimes and a foundation for understanding English law in relation to other jurisdictions. This means that you will be introduced to some different theoretical and methodological frameworks across different legal jurisdictions, which are necessary for a fuller appreciation of the international context of law. In addition, the module will introduce you to legal skills in relation to locating legal sources.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Autumn Term 2022-23
Module aims
This module will be a compulsory element of the LLM degree, to prepare students for the rest of the taught course. It will provide an introduction to the study of comparative law and a foundation for understanding the study of English law in so far as it is relevant to the rest of the course. These skills will be developed through lectures, seminars and exercises on relevant legal topics.
The principal aims are:
To give students a grounding in the understanding of the difference between common law systems (such as England) and civil law systems
To introduce students to the techniques and methodologies of studying law in a comparative manner, including reading cases and statutes/codes and undertaking legal research
To give students an awareness of the usefulness of studying law comparatively, in the context of internationalisation of law
To introduce students to the core skills for studying law at York Law School
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
An ability to classify different legal systems
An understanding of some key similarities and differences between common law systems (such as English law) and civil legal systems
An ability to identify sources and institutions of public and private international law
An ability to undertake legal research (including finding and using primary sources such as cases and statutes/codes and secondary sources such as academic journal articles) from the University library and its on-line resources
Academic and graduate skills
Act autonomously and in a group to define legal problems and determine how to research legal issues relevant to those problems
Critically evaluate and understand relevant theoretical and methodological frameworks in different legal jurisdictions
Begin to construct coherent and logical arguments at a basic level, addressing legal and practical issues relevant to legal problems
Make use of appropriate legal materials
Begin the practice of reflecting critically on their own learning in the course
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Reflective Report
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Reflective Report
N/A
100
Module feedback
Individual feedback form with reference to assessment criteria returned at end of term 1
Indicative reading
M Siems, Comparative Law (Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition, 2018)
K Zweigert & H Koetz, An Introduction to Comparative Law (Oxford University Press, 3rd edition, 1998)