Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

• The legal profession and commercial activities are increasingly engaged in international activities. For this reason, legal graduates should possess the fundamental knowledge and skills required to operate within the international legal sphere. In this course the focus is on the international rules and principles governing cross-border contracts concerning sale of goods. The outset for the course is the 1980 UN Sales Convention, but a number of other international sources of law will be introduced as well. The course relies on student participation for analysis of hypothetical and practical cases, contracting practice etc

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• The international framework of contract law
• The methods and purpose of unification of private law
• The principles of international trade, including UNIDROIT Principles
• The polycentric domestic judicial setting in which international trade is set
• The Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, including: scope, contract formation, performance, and remedies

Skills

• Master the terminology and concepts of the field.
• Apply the autonomous interpretation method
• Identify and analyse international contract law problems and risks
• Interpret and apply the rules of the Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods
• Independently locate relevant legal sources in the field, including case law, traveux preparatoire and scholarly works
• Explain and react to the deficiencies of the Uniform Sales Law
• Present and explain an analysis of a theoretical or practical problem in a convincing and appropriate manner

Competences

• Apply the autonomous interpretation method salient to the uniform sales law
• Recognize international contract law problems
• Recognize risks in cross-border trade and react appropriately
• Advise on legal matters relating to international sales contracts
• Advise on the risks involved in domestic litigation and international arbitration
• Advise on the pros and cons of the default uniform sales law vs. choice of domestic law

Type of instruction

• Lectures

Extent and expected workload

• 270 hours

Exam

Exams

Additional information

• The module is open to students from Law and Business Law