TORT LAW IN CONTEXT - 2020/1

Module Overview

Tort Law in Context is the second part of the tort law syllabus, the first part (Introduction to Tort Law) is taught in Semester II.

Building on Introduction to Tort Law, Tort Law in Context develops the students’ understanding of the concepts, terminology and polices relevant to modern tort law together with the potential overlap with other areas of law and Human Rights by looking in detail at some specific contexts where tort law is relevant in a modern society. The Module will consider some so-called ‘special liability regimes’ (Occupier’s Liability, Employer’s Liability and Product Liability) and will further examine how tort protects land interests and personal integrity.

Tort Law in Context will allow opportunities for students to further develop their academic skills of legal research, legal writing, critical analysis and problem solving through the use of both real case examples and tailored case studies.

It therefore satisfies part of the law of obligations, as required by the qualifying law degree (QLD) requirements.

Module provider

School of Law

Module Leader

BERO Stephen (Schl of Law)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Introduction to Tort Law

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Special Liability Regimes

• Occupiers Liability


• Employers Liability (including claims for mesothelioma)


• Product Liability

• Private Nuisance


• Public Nuisance


• Rylands v Fletcher

• Defamation


• Misuse of Private Information

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• Their knowledge of the topics covered;

• Their ability to think critically and to analyse relevant areas of law and policy

• Their ability to apply their knowledge and critical analysis to short problem questions and essays

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• 2 hour written examination during the exam period for Semester 2 which will require the students to answer two questions, comprising one essay and one problem question, to test their knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills to an appropriate level

The assessment method for each module has been selected to test a variety of key skills, competences and outcomes as required by QAA. As such, assessment method cannot be changed. Reasonable adjustment may be made on application subject to ALS approval AND  only where such adjustment still allows for the required skills, key competences and outcomes to be assessed at an equivalent level.

Formative assessment and feedback

Students will receive feedback on their performance, as follows:

• Oral feedback in lectures and, in particular, tutorials;

• General class discussions on guided themes/topics, with immediate (oral) feedback on their performance;

• Formal, written feedback on the formative assessment exercise which will give them practice in writing an answer to either an essay or problem question which is similar in style and content to what they can expect in their summative assessment;

• Individual, informal feedback, from time to time, as required.

 

Module aims

• To evaluate and examine the rules of law to a level appropriate to Level 5 students (comprising both the common law principles and relevant legislative provisions) which provide the legal framework of tort law both generally and in the example areas covered by the Tort Law in Context syllabus (as indicated below)
• To consider, examine and demonstrate a knowledge of the considerations of policy which underlie tort law generally and in the areas covered by the Tort Law in Context syllabus
• To consider and evaluate the objectives of tort law as they relate to the areas of tort law covered by the Tort in Context syllabus
• To understand how the areas of tort law considered in the Tort in Context syllabus can overlap with and complement other areas of law, including Human Rights
• Along with Introduction to Tort Law (Semester I) to satisfy the QLD requirements as to the law of Obligations

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Introduce topics, with particular emphasis on key areas of the syllabus, in lectures - using appropriate visual aids together with other with supporting materials (e.g. news clips)

• Facilitate a more detailed study of the syllabus by directed independent study of selected legislation, case law and other texts and directed preparation of focussed tutorial questions

• Enhance student’s understanding and awareness by group discussion in tutorial

• Facilitate student’s revision of the Module by a written formative assessment (see below) and by interactive revision lectures during and at the end of the Semester

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures (2 hours per week x 11 weeks);

• Tutorials, (1 hour per week x 8 weeks)

 

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: LAW2086

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.