Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module LAW2011: FUNDAMENTALS OF LAND LAW

Department: LAW

LAW2011: FUNDAMENTALS OF LAND LAW

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • The Law of Obligations (LAW1023).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with a sound understanding of the various rights and interests that can affect land
  • To provide a good working knowledge of how rights and interests in land are acquired, protected and transferred
  • To enable students to apply this knowledge in order to resolve competing claims to land
  • To encourage an awareness of the social and economic contexts and the systemic goals that influence the regulation of interests in land.

Content

  • Ownership of Land:
  • The nature and scope of land ownership, including fixtures
  • Tenure and Estate
  • Interests in land: legal and equitable
  • Co-ownership
  • Registered and unregistered land
  • The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on land law
  • Interests in land :
  • The relationship of Landlord and Tenant
  • Licences and Proprietary Estoppel
  • Mortgages
  • Easements
  • Freehold Covenants

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding in several areas of English land law.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to:
  • Identify relevant principles of law
  • Apply those principles to solve land law problems
  • Analyse case law and interpret statutes
Key Skills:
  • Acquisition of knowledge through critical analysis of primary and secondary sources
  • Synthesis, critical judgment and evaluation of ideas and arguments
  • Written communication skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Student learning will be facilitated by both large and small group teaching
  • Large group teaching will be used to introduce topics, and direct student learning in particular areas
  • Some lecturers will concentrate on applied skills, particularly problem solving in land law
  • Small group teaching will encourage in depth analysis of material
  • Module staff will provide on-going support and guidance as appropriate.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 27 1 or 2 per week 1 hour 27
Tutorials 6 2 or 3 per term 1 hour 6
Preparation and Reading 167
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
two-and-one-quarter hour written examination - including 15 minutes reading but not writing-in-the-answer-book time 100%

Formative Assessment:

1 essay, 1 in-class assessment exercise during the year

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University