UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School
Learning and Teaching Committee:
8/12/2014
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
(LW630) - International Sale of Goods Law
2.
School which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School
3.
Start date of the module
September 2015
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
50 students
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
LW517 International Business Transactions
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
Honours [H]
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring Term
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
All single and joint honours law programmes
1
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will have:
11.1 Knowledge and understanding, including an introduction to a range of critical and
theoretical perspectives, of the law governing international sales.
11.2 Knowledge and understanding of the legal rules governing contracts for the
transportation of goods from one territory to another.
11.3 An introduction to and understanding of the performance of contracts in
international business transactions.
11.4 An understanding of the practical aspects of contracts relating to international
sales of goods and related contracts;
11.5 Knowledge and detailed understanding of the principles of English law applicable
to international sales of goods and related contracts by reference to pertinent
primary and secondary sources;
11.6 Knowledge and understanding of related uniform laws and harmonising
measures;
11.7 A critical understanding of relevant proposals for the reform of English law or
related uniform law;
11.8 An ability to read and evaluate legal texts and cases and understand their
relevance to international trade and cross national business transactions.
11.9 An ability to analyse the legal issues that arise from an understanding of the
practical basis of contracts for international sale of goods and related contracts;
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
12.1 Conduct independent research which informs a sustained and complex
argument;
12.2 Coherently present complex arguments in writing;
12.3 Appreciate that juridical problems can only be fully understood through
interdisciplinary research methods;
12.4 Use electronic data bases for original legal research – e.g. carry out online,
subject specific journal searches;
12.5 Make proper use of the library resources by way of law reports, articles and
monographs and textbooks.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module deals with private law of international sale of goods agreements. It considers
the laws relating to export sales and international sale of goods. It covers in its purview, the
regulation of transportation of goods, frustration of contracts, finance of trade and the
insurance implications. Although the main focus will remain on English law, the Convention
on the International Sales of Goods (CISG), the Uniform Law on the Formation of Contracts
(ULF), the UNCITRAL model laws and other leading regulations will be comparatively
treated in relation to the various topics within the module. The module will provide a strong
grounding in the area of commercial laws with an emphasis on the international aspects of
the sale of goods. Topics to be covered include: - Introduction to International Commercial
Law/Harmonisation; International Trade Terms; Incoterms; Formation of International Sales
Contracts; Performance of Contract; Examination and Acceptance of Goods; Frustration;
International Agents, E-Commerce and Marine Insurance.
2
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
14. Indicative Reading List









Leo D’Arcy, Carole Murray and Barbara Cleave eds. Schmitthoff’s Export Trade: The
Law and Practice of International Trade, 12th ed Sweet & Maxwell, London, 2012.
J.C.T. Chuah, Law of International Trade, Sweet & Maxwell, 5th edition 2013.
Indira Carr, International Trade Law, 5th edition London: Cavendish 2014
Day and Griffin, The Law of International Trade LexisNexis Butterworths, 2003
Todd, Bills of Lading and Bankers' Documentary Credits, 3rd ed., Lloyd's of London
Press 1998.
Debattista, Sale of Goods Carried by Sea, 2nd ed., Butterworths 1998.
Dalhuisen on International Commercial, Financial and Trade Law, 3rd ed Hart
Publishing, 2007.
Ingeborg Schwenzer, Christiana Fountoulakis, Mariel Dimsey, International Sales Law A
Guide to the CISG 2012.
Joseph F. Morrissey, Jack M. Graves, International Sales Law and Arbitration:
Problems, Cases and Commentary Kluwer Law International, 2008
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
General:
The key learning and teaching methods are: lectures, both traditional and interactive
(Socratic); tutor-led seminars; directed reading; independent research for course
assessments; feedback on course assessments.
Specific:
There will be a one hour lecture a week. The purpose of the lectures will be to deliver by
both the dissemination of information and by example the subject specific learning
outcomes 11.1 - 6 and the generic learning outcomes 12.1 and 12.2.
Seminars will play a complementary role to lectures and will test student learning of
substantive content thus helping to deliver subject specific skills 11.7 – 9. Through effective
seminar leadership the students will achieve the generic learning outcomes 12.1 – 5.
This module is allocated 150 hours of study, with 10 hours allocated to lectures and 10 to
seminars. 130 hours are allocated to independent study and preparation of special study
essay.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
The module will be assessed by examination 50% and coursework 50%. The assessment
strategy is both formative and summative and will involve
(a) a writing task of no more than 3000 words to develop and assess skills necessary in
academic writing for instance, citation skills and formal academic writing skills and skills
necessary for structuring argument as well as abilities in argumentation, conducting
3
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
independent research and using multiple sources. The essay will thus, test module learning
outcomes 11.1 – 9 & 12.1 – 5.
(b) An examination of 3 hours. The exam helps to identify the level of knowledge and
understanding of the legal and doctrinal aspects of the topics taught on the course and the
philosophical arguments that lie behind international trade law. It requires the ability to write
clearly and master complex issues and read and evaluate recommended texts and cases
and understand their relevance to the operation of the system of international business and
trade law and their role in promoting development .The exam questions will cover the
complete course encouraging a consolidation of learning and providing a sound foundation
for further postgraduate study of international commercial law. The examination will thus,
test module learning outcomes 11.1 – 9 & 12.1 – 5.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special
educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable
adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials,
teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where
needed.
19. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
4
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)