Not available in 2021/22
LL4K5      Half Unit
International Commercial Contracts - General Principles

This information is for the 2021/22 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Jan Kleinheistercamp, NAB 7.09

Availability

This course is available on the LLM (extended part-time), LLM (full-time) and University of Pennsylvania Law School LLM Visiting Students. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course is capped at 30 students. Students must apply through Graduate Course Choice on LSEforYou.

Pre-requisites

Firm knowledge in contract law and/or international sale of goods from previous studies.

Course content

The course treats what can be called the general part of transnational contract law, i.e. the general principles of law which are of relevance in any kind of international contract, be it sale, construction, shipping, financing, or joint venture. These general principles relate to contractual formation and negotiations, interpretation, transversal general principles, changed circumstances and hardship, agency, third parties, assignment, self-help and set-off, direct performance and damages and penalties. At present, such contracts are governed either by uniform rules of international conventions or by the national laws applicable by virtue of conflict of law rules. The course puts the existing national and international solutions in a comparative perspective so as to work with the sources of such generally accepted principles. Where there are divergences between existing solutions, the course focuses on the elaboration of new efficient solutions that are internationally acceptable and have the potential of becoming general principles in the future. For these purposes, special attention is given to the UNIDROIT Principles on International Commercial Contracts. Other national laws, however, are drawn upon from time to time. Students are also encouraged, in both classes and examination, to reflect upon the similarities and differences between their own national laws and the UNIDROIT Principles.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 20 hours in Lent Term. Students will usually have two additional hours in the Summer Term. This year teaching will be delivered through recorded online lectures and a mix of both in-person and online classes to accommodate students who are unable to physically be on campus. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Lent Term.

Formative coursework

One 2,500 word essay after week 6 on previous exam questions (choice of 1 out of 3).

Indicative reading

S. Vogenauer & J. Kleinheisterkamp, Commentary on the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (1st edn, OUP 2009); H. Kötz, European Contract Law (OUP 1997); K. Zweigert & H. Kötz, An Introduction to Comparative Law (3rd edn, OUP 1998); H. Beale et al., Ius Commune Casebook on the Common Law of Europe: Cases Materials and Text on Contract Law (2nd edition, OUP 2010); T. Kadner Graziano, Comparative Contract Law (Palgrave 2009).

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the summer exam period.

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Law

Total students 2020/21: 31

Average class size 2020/21: 15

Controlled access 2020/21: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Communication
  • Specialist skills