Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module LAW1051: TORT LAW

Department: Law

LAW1051: TORT LAW

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to M101
Tied to M155
Tied to L3M1

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide a general understanding of the structure of the law of tort.
  • To examine in detail the nature of the major torts.
  • To examine the place of tort law within the legal system as a whole.

Content

  • General Principles of Tort Law, Specific Torts: Negligence, Personal Torts, Land Torts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the law of tort in England and Wales.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to apply the law of torts and understand and analyse its development.
Key Skills:
  • Students should be able to demonstrate sound analytical and writing skills as well as the ability to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning.

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

  • Lectures are used primarily to impart knowledge as well as to suggest approaches to evaluation and critical analysis;
  • Seminars will be used to develop and enhance students' capacity for legal-problem solving in a particular factual situation, evaluative critical analysis and their appreciation of laws' linkage with broader fields of enquiry;
  • Formative assignments are used to develop subject-specific and key skills.
  • The examination tests the ability to focus on relevant legal issues and organise knowledge and argument appropriate to questions raised. The examination questions will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 weekly 1 hour 20
Seminars 6 Normally three in each of Michaelmas and Epiphany 1 hour 6
Staff office hours 28 Normally weekly during Michaelmas, Epiphany and Easter Terms 1 hour 28
Preparation and Reading 146
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination - including 15 minutes of reading but not writing-in-the-answer-book time 2hrs 15mins 100%

Formative Assessment:

Two essays of about 1,500 words each


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