Law of Torts
| Module title | Law of Torts |
|---|---|
| Module code | LAW2015H |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Matthew Channon (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 9 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 5 |
|---|
Module description
Tort law is a collection of misbehaviours or misadventures where the law deems it appropriate to intervene with civil remedies. For example, if a driver carelessly crashes into another car, they might be liable in the tort of negligence, and have to pay for any damage. If a defendant publishes a story which is derogatory of the claimant, they might be liable in the tort of defamation, and have to issue an apology. If a defendant plays loud music every night so that their neighbour cannot get any sleep, they might be liable in the tort of private nuisance, and be ordered to quieten down. This module will explore a range of important torts such as these. Also, tort law is one of the foundations of legal knowledge required for those wishing ultimately to practice as a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is only available to students studying for the JD on the HKUST-Exeter Programmes in Law. This module will teach you the guiding principles and illustrative detail of tort law, and how it fits within the law of obligations more generally. It seeks to develop your skills of critical analysis, reasoned argument, and creative problem-solving. It will be taught principally through tutorials.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate knowledge of tort law and a range of major concepts, values and principles relevant to its application
- 2. identify, explain and discuss key issues in tort law and to apply relevant rules and theories
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. demonstrate knowledge of legal concepts and their contextual, social, and political implications
- 4. identify key elements of legal problems, identify their relative significance and select appropriate methods for investigating and evaluating them
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. work independently and manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities, exercises and assessments
- 6. manage relevant learning resources, information, and learning strategies, and to develop own arguments and opinions with some guidance
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Negligence
- Interference with land
- Interference with the person
- Privacy
- Defamation
- Defences and remedies
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 267 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 9 | 9 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 24 | 24 x 1 hour video recorded lectures |
| Guided Independent study | 177 | Reading and preparation for tutorials |
| Guided Independent study | 90 | Researching and writing essays |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial questions | 9 x 1 hour | 1-6 | Feedback in tutorial from tutor |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best four out of maximum nine essays (one per tutorial, each with equal weight ) | 100 | 800 words per essay | 1-6 | Feedback in tutorial from tutor |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best four out of maximum nine essays | One essay: 3200 words | 1-6 | August/September referred/deferred period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
This reading list is indicative, providing an idea of textbooks that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not a confirmed or compulsory reading list:
The latest editions of:
Witting, Street on Torts (Oxford)
Tamblyn and Hughes-Davis, Tort Law (Routledge)
McBride and Bagshaw, Tort Law (Pearson)
Horsey and Rackley, Tort Law (Oxford)
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2001 |
| Last revision date | 10/01/2019 |
