Law

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Robin Evans-Jones

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course seeks to evaluate, from theoretical, substantive and historical perspectives, the nature of the Common law and Civil law: the two main legal "families" of western civilisation that originated and were developed in Europe. The course also involves a study of the interaction of the Civil and Common law in "mixed" legal systems of which Scots law is a leading example. An evaluation is made of law in "Britain". The debate concerning the convergence of the Common and Civil law is considered and its importance for the creation of a new "common law" of Europe.

Structure

At least 7 two hour seminars.

Assessment

Essay of 5,000 words (25%)
Examination of 3 hours (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Prof. F. Becker

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Intended learning out-comes
**Awareness of the law on competition;
**Awareness of the sources of competition law;
**Awareness of the possible inadequacies of competition law;
**Ability to act as part of a group; to organise own learning and development; to manage own time; to express ideas clearly and cogently both orally and in writing; to extract, analyse and apply information from a variety of sources; to listen effectively.
**Ability to find, read and analyse a variety of legal materials.
**Ability to develop logical arguments, and a critical faculty in relation to competition law.

Structure

4 x lectures
4 x seminars

Assessment

3 hour examination ('closed book')

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Paul Beaumont

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

a. Court's method of interpretation and the question of whether it engages in judicial activism.
b. Fundamental Human Rights
c. Locus standi of non privileged aplicants;
d. Mandatory preliminary rulings
e. The question of direct effect, indirect effect and damages against the State for failure to implement a Community Directive;
f. Whether reforms made at Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice have given sufficient power to the European Parliament to control the Commission and the Council in the Community law making process.

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars
Introductory and revision seminars

Assessment

Two 2000 word essays (worth 12.5% each)
3 hour examination (worth 75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Christopher Gane

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course is in two parts
a. Seminar Programme investigating the Protection of Human Rights; The mechanisms established for the protection of Human Rights; Developing a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Convention on Human Rights; Developing a critical understanding of the role of human rights in the field of criminal justice.
b. The learning outcomes of this course (i.e. what members of the class should have learned and be able to do as a result of the seminar programme and their own private study.

Structure

Seminars only

Assessment

1 x essay - 4,000 words. (33%)
1 x 3-hour exam (67%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Donna McKenzie Skene

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course aims to examine the law relating to domestic insolvency in selected jurisdictions, to assess what lessons for domestic insolvency law (if any) may be learned from these jurisdictions, to examine a number of topics in the field of international insolvency, to assess the potential impact of current initiatives in the international insolvency field on law and practice in the UK and internationally and to develop independent research skills and the ability to analyse complex material and to formulate an independent response to such material.

By the end of the course, students should:
* have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical impact of the law in relation to the topics studied
* have developed independent research skills and
* have the ability to analyse complex legal materials and issues and to formulate an independent response to them.

Structure

Eight 2-hour seminars

Assessment

1. continuous assessment, comprising (i) a piece of coursework of 2,000 words based on the work of seminar 4(counting for 20% of the final assessment) and (ii) an essay of 3,000 words (counting for 30% of the final assessement)
2. 1 x 3 hour examination to be held in January 2006 (counting for 50% of the final assessment).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor C van der Merwe

Pre-requisites

none

Co-requisites

none

Notes

Overview

This course covers, an historical and comparative overview of the institution of apartment ownership; individual and common property; participation quotas for maintenance; the establishment of apartment ownership schemes and the acquisition of title in a unit; whether the owner of an apartment acquires genuine ownership of the apartment; sanctions to enforce obligations; settlement of disputes; alterations and improvements; developments in phases; management and administration; and termination of apartment ownership schemes; and the conversion of rental buildings to apartment ownership schemes.

Structure

Eight 2-hour seminars

Assessment

Assessed Essay (25%)
3-hour Examination (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

James Chalmers

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The aim of this course (that is, what the teaching staff intend the course to impart) is to develop a critical and comparative understanding of the general principles of criminal law.
Learning Outcomes:
*knowledge and understanding of theoretical and comparative approaches to the basic principles of criminal law;
*the ability to think critically about the general principles of criminal law;
*the ability to construct arguments with reference to relevant material;
*the ability to synthesise relevant material in order to support analysis and argumentation;
*the ability to communicate both orally and in writing on the topic;
*the ability to act as part of a group in solving problems;
*the ability to conduct personal research

Structure

There are no lectures or tutorials in this subject. All classes will be conducted by way of seminars.

Assessment

1 x essay - 4,000 words (one-third)
1 x 3-hour final examination. (closed book, two-thirds)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Paterson

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The petroleum industry brings together the most powerful public and private actors in the form of states and trans-national corporations.
Oil and Gas Law has the task of arranging the resultant relationships and of ensuring that the legitimate interests of each side are protected. In so doing, the law requires to take cognisance of (among other things) the physical characteristics of oil and gas and the considerable public interest that exists in the way in which this natural resource is exploited.

Structure

Seven 2-hour seminars
An Introductory and Revision Session

Assessment

1 x 2,000 - 3,000 word essay (25%)
1 x 3-hour examination (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

William J Craig

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Focus of the subject
The subject is structured around three broad topics:
1. An introduction to international tax law, with particular reference to the relevant rules of public international law. Current issues which are of pre-eminent importance will be examined in detail.
2. Double taxation conventions ('DTC's) (Also referred to as tax treaties); their interpretation and application. The scope for review of the system of DTC's in a global market.
3. International avoidance and the measures adopted by States to counter such avoidance. Tax havens: Transfer pricing: Harmonisation

Structure

Ten tutorials

Assessment

Two 2000 word essays (20% each)
Course participation, including a presentation (10%)
3 hour exam (50%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms Aude Fiorini

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Students will:
*develop a familiarity with the literature and legal sources of public and private international law which will enable them to keep their specialist knowledge up to date.
*become aware of the problems relating to the interrelation between public and private international law.
*acquire knowledge of the nature, sources and subjects of private and public international law.
*acquire knowledge of the relationship between international law and state law.
*develop a good understanding of the different facets of the concept of state jurisdiction (in public international law),
*acquire knowledge of the rules and principles governing court jurisdiction in private international law.
*develop an understanding of the problems raised by the notion of extraterritoriality and the responses thereto.
*become aware of the practice of assets freezing on the international arena.
*acquire a good knowledge of the operation of, and difficulties raised by, Antisuit injunctions.
*learn to organise their own learning programme and manage their time effectively.
*be able to assimilate large amounts of material and extract from it relevent information to successfully prepare for and complete each seminar and written assignment.
*be able to listen effectively in class
*be able to express ideas cogently orally and in writing.

Structure

There are no lectures or tutorials in this subject. All classes will be conducted by way of seminar.

Assessment

(i) degree examination (75%) (ii) Two 2500-word essays (each 12.5%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Various, depending on programme of study

Notes

Overview

The course would cover the substantive United Kingdom and European Union laws of patents, as well as the relevant international conventions.

Structure

12 hours of seminars

Assessment

50% on written examination and 50% on continuous assessment based on practical exercises.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Various depending on programme of study

Notes

Overview

The course would cover the United Kingdom and European Union laws of trade and service marks, as well as the relevant international conventions.

Structure

12 hours of seminars

Assessment

Assessment would be 50% on written examination and 50% on continuous assessment based on practical exercises

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Anne-Michelle Slater

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

International, European and UK law of town and county planning; conservation of the natural and built environment; the regime for regulation and facilitating development. The course will be international and comparative in the material it covers but with an emphasis on the UK; European and USA sustems.

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars

Assessment

One three-hour written examination (75%); continuous assessment (25%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Kathryn Last

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will consider the concept of biodiversity in international and European law and will examine in detail a number of regimes for its conservation, including:
* Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio) 1992
* Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migatory Species of Wild Animals 1992
* Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 1979
* Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) 1973
* Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar) 1971
* Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation on Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora
* Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars

Assessment

One three-hour written examination (75%); continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Kathryn Last

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

*The development of the concept of sustainable development
*Legal definition of sustainable development
*Implications of sustainable development in law at international, European, UK and local government level.

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars

Assessment

One three-hour written examination

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Prof Peter Duff

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Students should acquire an awareness of the main characteristics of the criminal justice process; a knowledge of the main types of modern criminal justice systems; an understanding of various theoretical models of criminal justice; an appreciation of comparative legal methods; an ability to search for information (or further information) on particular topics within the general field of criminal justice; an ability to act as part of a group in solving problems; an ability to organise own learning and development; an ability to manage own time; an ability to express ideas clearly and cogently both orally and in writing; and an ability to analyse and evaluate complex conceptual arguments.

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars
An Introductory and Concluding class

Assessment

1 x 2-hour final examination. (67%)
4,000 word essay. (33%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

William J Craig

Pre-requisites

none

Co-requisites

none

Overview

The purpose of the course is to consider current issues in international commerce as they relate to taxation in a global market. The methodology adopted is that of topic specific seminars which cover key current issues in international law.

Students will approach the subject from a range of differing academic backgrounds. The course aims to set the context in UK tax law for an examination of contemporary issues in international tax law with special emphasis on the European dimension. This is to be done by subject-specific analysis of prominent issues, at a level of study appropriate for the LL.M.

Structure

10 Sessions

Assessment

3 hour exam (50%) + continuous assessment (50%) Essay/Assignment

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr David Jenkins

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course aims to introduce students to the conceptual problems that warfare and anti-terrorism measures present to the domestic implementation of international human rights norms.

Structure

1 x weekly 2 hour session - not a lecture course.

Assessment

1 x 5,000 word essay (50%)
1 x 3 hour written examination (50%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Robert Dunbar

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will begin with a consideration of the institutional history of the theoretical basis for the protection of groups and /or members of groups in law. The course will then consider the development of group protection, from the minorities system created after World War One, the relevance of major post-World War Two instruments, to the norms which have emerged since the fall of Communism in the late 1980's and early 1990's. The course will consider the development of the international law of indigenous peoples, and the relevance of the concept of self-determination to group issues. Finally, the potential tensions between protection of groups and different aspects of individual human rights will be critically assessed.

Structure

Seven / eight fortnightly two hour seminars.

Assessment

Assessed coursework (one 5,000 word essay), 40%; a three-hour degree exam, 60%;

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Paterson

Pre-requisites

none

Co-requisites

none

Notes

Overview

to be inserted

Structure

to be inserted

Assessment

to be inserted

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

Admission to LLM by Research or PhD.

Overview

This course will examine:
- The nature of a research thesis in law: how to recognise and validate problems and to formulate and test hypotheses in law
- Legal Information Skills
- Writing workshop 1: Introduction to skills and referencing practices: What are good research practices in law
- Writing workshop 2: Abstracts and research outlines: How to summarise, document, and report on findings and progress
- Writing workshop 3: Reading, Re-reading, and Re-drafting: How to analyse critically and evaluate one's own writing and that of others
- Presentation workshop: for PhD candidates only
- Topics in Methodology: these may include comparative and interdisciplinary approaches in research

Structure

4 compulsory weekly two-hour seminars

Assessment

1st attempt:
Assignment 1 - literature review
Assignment 2 - short article of 1,000 words
Assignment 3 - review and revision of Assignment
Assignment 4 - abstract writing
Assignment 5 - research outline drafting
Assignment 6 - (optional for LLMs) preparation for presentation and submission (10,000 word paper)

Resit: Students who fail will be required to repeat all elements of the course until the course is successfully completed.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr X Yang

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

An understanding of how these problems have been dealt with for different purposes and for different circumstances. Topics include the assertion of sovereignty over air space, the consequent potential difficulties and opportunities in establishing international civil aviation, and the need for common international standards in certain matters and their enforcement, the assertions of sovereignty over Natural Resources together with questions of compensation, the question of a 'shared' resource, and the attempts that there have been to set areas of the Earth aside from such questions.

Structure

2 hour seminar or discussion will introduce each particular topic.

Assessment

Closed book examination - 3 hours.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course considers how intellectual property rights promote and hinder global development, especially in the light of international commitments in the right to health and education. Topics will range from access to medicine, exploitation of traditional medical knowledge, access to educational materials, exploitation of folklore and designs, and the use of geographical indications for trade.

Structure

Six 2-hour fortnightly seminars

Assessment

1 three hour written examination

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Paul Beaumont

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will focus on the contribution of international conventions to private international law of Family Law in the United Kingdom and Europe. In doing so the working methods of and the significance for private international law of the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the European Union will be assessed. Specific conventions in the areas of divorce, custody, child abduction and adoption will be analysed and the Brussels II and Brussels II bis Regulations.

Structure

Seven 2-hour seminars
An introductory and revision session

Assessment

Two 2000-word essays (12.5% each)
final 3-hour examination - (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Kathryn Last

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will develop:
the students' interest in , and knowledge of, selected areas of the lase pertaining to cultural property at an advanced level;
will analyse issues pertaining to cultural property in terms of UK, European and international law;
will promote scrutiny of concepts and rules against the political, economic and social context within which they operate.

Structure

6 x two-hour seminars

Assessment

3-hour examination - (60%)
Essay (5000 words maximum) - (40%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor ADM Forte

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

By the end of the course you should have acquired in relation to UK Commercial Law:
(i) in-depth knowledge of several areas of modern commercial law;
(ii) the ability to articulate and debate complex commercial issues;
(iii) the ability to apply knowledge gained through the course to commercial problems.

Structure

6 x seminars
An introductory and revision session

Assessment

Two essays, 2500 words maximum (12.5% each)
3-hour unseen examination (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Various, depending on programme of study

Notes

Overview

The course would cover the United Kingdom and European Union laws of intellectual property.

Structure

12 hours of tutorials in addition to extensive web-based course materials

Assessment

Assessment would be 66.6% on written examination and 33.3% on a written essay.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr Rob Dunbar / Dr Brigit Toebes

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

To develop a familiarity with the literature and legal sources of international human rights law which will enable the student to keep their specialist knowledge up to date;
To become aware of the problems relating to the effectiveness and enforcement of global human rights law;
To become aware of the source of international human rights protection;
To learn to organise own learning programme and manage their time effectively;
To be able to assimilate large amount of material and extract form it relevant information to successfully prepare for and complete each seminar and written assignment;
To be able to listen effectively in class; and
to be able to express ideas cogently orally and in writing.

Structure

Seven 2-hour seminars
An introductory and revision session

Assessment

3-hour degree examination (70%)
1 x essay - 3,000 words, (30%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Campbell

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will allow and encourage students to acquire a critical understanding of selected areas of EC Substantive Law. At the end of the course students should have a thorough grasp of the law and have demonstrated ability to act as part of a group; to organise individual learning and development; to manage individual time; to express ideas clearly and cogently both orally and in writing; to extract analyse and apply information from a variety of sources; to listen effectively; to find, read and analyse a variety of legal materials; to develop logical arguments, to exercise a critical faculty in relation to legal materials; to demonstrate individual writing skills

Structure

Seminars

Assessment

1 x final examination

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mrs Margaret Ross

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will cover the following range of topics:
Corroboration and Similar Fact Evidence in Criminal Trials;
Proof and understanding probability; Right to silence, burdens of proof and human rights; Hearsay; Expert evidence and DNA in criminal cases; Vulnerable witnesses

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars

Assessment

Essay, 3000 words maximum - (25%)
3-hour exam - (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Richard Goldberg / Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

**Introduction to computer technology and e-commerce
** Computer contracts, digital signatures
**Copyright infringement and protection for software
**Database protection
**Defamation on the Internet
**Domain names and trademarks.

Structure

6 x 2 hour seminars

Assessment

3-hour examination

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Various, depending on programme of study

Notes

Overview

The course would cover the procedural United Kingdom and European Union laws of patents, as well as the relevant international conventions.

Structure

12 hours of seminars

Assessment

Assessment would be 50% on written examination and 50% on continuous assessment based on practical exercises.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Richard Goldberg

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Various, depending on programme of study

Notes

Overview

The course would cover the United Kingdom and European Union laws of copyright, industrial designs, and the rights considered allied to copyright and designs, such as performers rights, moral rights, and broadcast rights.

Structure

12 hours of seminars

Assessment

Assessment would be 50% on written examination and 50% on continuous assessment based on practical exercises.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Anne-Michelle Slater

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

International, European and UK law of marine and coastal law; the legal regime controlling development in marine and coastal waters; conservation and preservation of marine species and habitats of the natural and built environment; the regime for regulating and facilitating development.
The course will be international and comparative in the material it covers but with an emphasis on the UK and European legal systems.

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars

Assessment

A three-hour written exam (75%); continuous assessment (25%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr Kathryn Last

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will examine the different theoretical approaches to environmental regulation, including:
* The precautionary principle
* The Polluter-pays principle
* The preventive principle

It will also consider different regulatory techniques, such as:
* Civil liability
* Command and control techniques
* Economic instruments
* Negotiation and agreements

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars

Assessment

One essay of no more than 4000 words (40%)
Three hour written examniation (60%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

William J Craig

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Introduction
1. The State of E-commerce in Europe
2. The Business Changes; Contracts
3. Liability of Intermediaries
4. Jurisdiction
5. Alternative Dispute Resolution
6. Consumer Protection
7. Electronic Signatures
8. Payment Systems
9. Data Protection
10. Cybercrime
11. Intellectual Property
12. Taxation and E-commerce

Structure

Ten Sessions

Assessment

3 hour exam (50%) + continuous assessment (40%) + 10% presentation in class

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Christopher Gane

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

To develop a critical understanding of the issues surrounding crimes which have an international or transnational dimension.
To develop a critical understanding of the concept of crimes against international law, and the elements of the principal offences of this nature.
To develop a critical understanding of the principal defences to crimes against international law.
To develop a critical understanding of the principal forms of international cooperation in the investigation, prosecution and punishment of offenders.

Structure

Eight 2-hour seminars

Assessment

1 x essay - 4,000 words (33%)
3-hour final examination (67%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Tom Burns

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Introductory seminar on the forces of globalisation and the pressure for some degree of alignment in company laws.
The parameters of comparative company law.
A comparative review of the national laws on the regulation of companies.
Limits to limited liability: a comparative review of the rules on "lifting the veil of incorporation".
A comparative study of the laws on directors' duties.
The multinational company.
Franchising as a case study on market-entry strategies for companies engaged in international trade.

Structure

A mix of lectures and seminars over the 12 timetabled teaching sessions.

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment - 2 essays 4-5,000 words (50% each)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Robert Dunbar

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will begin with a consideration of the institutional history of the WTO and of the historical development and theoretical underpinnings of the GATT. The nature of the WTO and its norms will be considered and critically assessed. The course will then consider the core principles of the GATT, the principle exceptions to those core principles and the theoretical bases for such exceptions. Paticular attention will be given to the interaction between trade law and other matters of international concern, and the "trade and...." controversies-trade and the environment, trade and human rights, trade and labour rights, trade and culture-will be considered. Time permitting, consideration will be given to the expansion of the WTO norms into new areas such as trade in services and trade and intellectual property rights, and to the nature of dispute resolution in the WTO.

Structure

Seven/eight fortnightly two-hour seminars.

Assessment

Assessed coursework (one 4,000 word essay), 40%; a three-hour degree exam, 60% (open book)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr John Paterson

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

What is corporate governance and why does it matter?
Economic and socio-political theories of the firm and corporate governance.
The private sector dimentions of corporate governance - the growth of codes.
The current reform agenda in the UK.
Current issues in corporate governance internationally.

Structure

One introductory lecture, six fortnightly seminars and a concluding lecture/seminar drawing together the various themes and providing an opportunity for final discussions.

Assessment

One, 5,000-word essay (50%) and one three-hour written exam (closed book) (50%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor Florian Becker

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Constitutional framework of the EU intervening into the economic system; basic assumptions on the relationship of state(s) and economic systems; fundamental rights and freedoms (of services, goods and capital) as a framework of economic acticity; selected topics of EU economic law: state aids, state owned companies, public procurement; economisation of other areas of EU-law (e.g. environmental law).

Structure

1 two hour lecture (Wed at 11): class will be split in two, if number of students exceeds 20; course work: two seminars on special topics subject to announcement.

Assessment

One 4000 word essay (40%)
One 3-hour written examination (60%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Michael Plaxton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

none

Notes

Overview

The course will (a) give students a general introduction to the relevant constitutional provisions in the United States and Canada; (b) explain the federal human rights legislation in Canada (and perhaps provide one or two examples of provincial human rights legislation); (c) discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act, and relevant case law interpreting its provisions; (d) discuss the American Civil Rights Act; and (e) (if there is time) discuss other legislation designed to prevent human rights abuses - for example, the Violence Against Women Act.

Structure

1 hour introductory meeting; 6 fortnightly two-hour seminars

Assessment

Assessed coursework (one 5000 word essay), 40%, three-hour degree (closed book) exam, 60%

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Catherine Ng

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course considers how intellectual property rights promote and hinder global development, especially in the light of international commitments in the right to health and education. Topics will range from access to medicine, exploitation of traditional medical knowledge, access to educational materials, exploitation of folklore and designs, and the use of geographical indications for trade.

Structure

Six 2-hour fortnightly seminars.

Assessment

1 assessed essay of no more than 2500 words (25%)
1 three hour written examination (75%)

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Thomas Burns

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Introductory seminar on the forces of globalisation and the pressure for some degree of alignment in company laws
The parameters of comparative company law
A comparative review of the national laws on the regulation of companies
Limits to limited liability: a comparative review of the rules on 'lifting the veil of incorporation'
A comparative study of the laws on directors' duties
The multinational company.

Structure

A mix of lectures and seminars over the 12 timetabled teaching sessions

Assessment

The course will be assessed by continuous assessment. The continuous assessment may consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of three pieces of coursework. The final piece of coursework, which shall be an essay, will be worth 50%. The other assessed work shall be worth the remaining 50% of the marks.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Tamas Gyorfi

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

1. Constitutionalism as a political ideal. The so-called counter-majoritarian difficulty.
2. Five historical types of constitution-making. The problem of constituent power.
3. Basic models of judicial review. Standing, admissibility.
4. The right to life, privacy and human dignity.
5. Freedom of religion. (Emphasis will be on the question to what extent religious argument can be used in the public space.)
6. Equality.
7. Comparative constitutional interpretation. Typology of the applied arguments.

Structure

One introductory lecture, at least six seminars and a concluding lecture/seminar drawing together the various themes and providing an opportunity for final discussions.

Assessment

1st attempt: One 2,000 word essay (25%) and one three-hour written exam (75%)

Resit: One resit attempt to be permitted and taken at the next available exam diet.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Professor ADM Forte

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course concentrates on aspects of the law of international trade which are both topical and of intellectual interest. Emphasis is placed on the sources of international trade law; the export transaction; and contracts associated with the export of goods.

Structure

Six 2-hour seminars
An introductory and revision session

Assessment

3-hour examination (75%)
2 x essays (each 2,500 words) (25%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Professor C Mellish

Pre-requisites

Only available for students on the MSc/PgDip in Information Systems.

Notes

Overview

- The topic studied may be self-proposed by the student, or the student may take a topic suggested by an academic member of staff.
- Topics will be related to the area of the MSc Project and gaps in the students' knowledge.
- How to analyse and specify gaps in knowledge.
- Independent study skills (how to use textbooks, internet, papers, colleagues; what level of detail to study at; time management)
- Reviewing materials, including scientific papers, technical documentation, and marketing materials about related products and services.
- Communicating knowledge to a general computer science audience.

Structure

One 1-hour lecture. Two 1-hour meetings with academic supervisor at the start of the course to draw up a plan for independent study. One hour meeting with academic supervisor per week, in which students discuss their progress and problems.

Assessment

Continuous assessment (100%). Students will produce a dissertation (about 20 pages) about the topics they studied in the course, and the systems studied and critically analysed. Marking will be done by an expect in the area studied, moderated by the course organiser.

Credit Points

40

Course Coordinator

Professor C Mellish

Pre-requisites

Admitted to the MSc after satisfactory performance on the first 80 credits of the programme.

Notes

Overview

The student will undertake a software engineering project to develop a complex web site, as part of a team under the guidance of teaching staff in the department. The project will require creative, analytical and practical skills. A major component of the project is its presentation, both written and oral (with a report size around 50 pages).

Structure

1 one-hour tutorial per week with a project guide.

Assessment

95% Project (submission of report and code); 5% presentation