Comparative Law, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces law by way of comparing different legal systems. The course is divided into three parts. The first part of the course provides an introduction to the field of comparative law as such and some of the dominant legal systems of the world (e.g. continental European civil law, common law, Chinese, East Asian Law, and Islamic Law).

The selection of systems will vary between years. The second part introduces and compares various legal and institutional concepts (e.g. law, legal sources, and courts) and how they have developed in various legal systems. The third and final part involves comparing specific substantive and procedural topics (e.g. contracts, sales, family law, and administrative law).
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the students shall:

- demonstrate a basic understanding of comparative methods, fundamental legal and institutional concepts, and how different legal systems solve certain problems, and 

- demonstrate an ability to apply comparative legal methods, and, 

- demonstrate an ability to discuss similarities and differences between legal systems.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching will consist of both lectures and seminars. Participating students are required to carefully study all distributed texts and cases before each seminar. Further instructions on the requirements for each seminar will be handed out as the course proceeds. All teaching and literature will be in the English language.

A student who has been accepted and registered for the course has the right to teaching and guidance only during the term/academic year when he/she was accepted and registered.

Examination modes

Examination takes place through fulfillment of two parts, partly the compulsory course elements specified in component 1 below, partly writing, presenting and defending an individual paper as specified in component 2 below.

Component 1
Active participation during compulsory seminars.
Component 2
Fulfillment of an individual paper (essay), including writing, presenting and defending the paper.

Grades
A passing grade on the activities under components 1-2 above are required to receive a passing grade for the course as a whole. For component 1 the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) can be awarded. For component 2 the grades awarded are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).

On the entire course, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade for the course as a whole is based on the result of component 2 and awarded after the completion of all compulsory course elements.

The appointed examiner may decide to use other forms of examination if required by particular circumstances. A student who has not received a passing grade on a test will be afforded an opportunity for re-examination. A student who has passed examination may not be re-examined. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons exist. A written request for change of examiner is submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Education.

Students who have participated in but failed a test, including essays, seminars, written and oral assignments et cetera, but not including the final written, take home or oral test of the course, have the right to do a make-up assignment in order to reach the grade Pass (but not higher grades). The make-up assignment must be completed no later than two months after the student learned of the failed grade and using the same form of examination.

Transfers
Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits. For more information, see: www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande/