module specification

The module focuses on bills of lading, their types and their functions in international trade. Particular analysis will be devoted to the Hague-Visby Rules.

MODULE AIMS

The aim of this module is for students to be able to:

• learn about the different types of bills of lading
• understand the functions of bills of lading
• know when the Hague-Visby Rules apply.
• develop their ability to apply knowledge through a series of practical exercises.
• develop their ability to construct legal arguments.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

1. Contracts of carriage of goods by sea
2. Introduction to bills of lading
3. Types of bills of lading
4. Functions of bills of lading
5. The Hague-Visby rules and their application
6. Cargo claims and specific issues (including: title to sue, identification of the carrier potential application of the Hague-Visby rules, issues in relation to proof of the loss, proof of the carrier’s breach, as well as an examination of the possibility for exclusion or limitation of the carrier’s liability)
7. A comparative study of the Hague Rules, the Hague-Visby Rules, the Hamburg Rules and the Rotterdam Rules

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. As an alternative core for the LLM award, students will be able to undertake and experiential learning project. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Comprehend and manage a substantial body of legal knowledge focused on carriage of goods by sea.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the types and functions of bills of lading.
3. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing.
4. Synthesise relevant case law, statute and international conventions, understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to all aspects of the law on carriage of goods by sea.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of coursework, giving a choice of either a critical analysis of contemporary issues and/or experiential employment-related practical exercises.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on a piece of contributing summary assessment before another summative component is due to be submitted.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/123A63D5-9DB2-6EC1-7AA0-2BF47307BD9E.html?lang=en-US&login=1