Law School Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title LAW OF TORT
Code LAW209
Coordinator Dr PJ Case
Law
Paula.Case@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 30

Aims

To provide an introduction to the functions of the law of torts within the legal system;
To provide a structured outline of a range of actionable torts, and commentary on contentious issues and recent developments therein;
To consider how the legal principles can be applied to a variety of hypothetical facts.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of the law of tort.

(LO2) Demonstrate basic understanding of the social and economic context in which the law of tort functions, its aims and objectives and its underlying policy issues.

(LO3) Identify and correctly apply the law to a set of hypothetical facts.

(LO4) Adopt a critical perspective to existing legal rules and identify constructive suggestions for reform.

(LO5) Undertake independent research, with appropriate guidance.

(LO6) Construct coherent legal arguments, orally and in writing.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis


Syllabus

 

The module syllabus will include a selection of the following topics:
• Negligence (Semester 1)
o Duty of care
o Breach of duty
o Causation in fact and law
o Defences
o Damages and death
• Discrete torts (Semester 2)
o Occupiers’ liability
o Nuisance (public and private) and the rule in Rylands v Fletcher
o Trespass to the person
o Vicarious liability
o Liability for defective products
o Defamation (libel and slander)


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Students will attend 22 hours of lectures per semester. These sessions will provide students with a broad overview of the subject area, a structure to follow to aid comprehension and facilitate independent study, and analysis and guidance on key issues.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Students will attend five tutorials in semester one and five tutorials in semester two. These sessions will take place on a fortnightly cycle. Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for these sessions in advance. These sessions will interrogate various module topics in detail, offering students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to problem-based questions and consolidate their independent learning of the subject.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The tutorials offer an opportunity for students to explore the material in more depth and practice application of the law to given facts. They should b e used to help you clarify points you do not understand or to enhance your knowledge, understanding and application skills.

The module’s general pattern will be:

• Students engage with set reading, diverse online materials and recorded materials.
• Students will attend 2-hour seminars which focus learning on core areas of tort ultimately designed to support attainment in all assessments.
• Students will engage with a variety of online learning materials including videos, reading materials, weekly MCQ’s and discussion boards linking to core areas of Tort to help develop and test their understanding.
• Students will have x1 Formative Moc Assessments which will be supported by recorded support sessions for feedback and development.
• All Canvas materials designed to allow for student lead learning by way of pre-requisite release. The aim of which is to foster/embed a student journey which i s as supportive as the students are engaged. All materials are designed to be link released requiring the student to follow a purposely designed building of materials and support tailored to each area of study.
• Further additions of purely formative weekly MCQ’s also designed to support for more personalised development opportunities by way of MCQ signposting of development materials based on students scores therein. Students will be informed in intro recording and in handbook of their nature and use in their learning and clarity on how best to benefit from them.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 44

20

        64
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 186
TOTAL HOURS 250

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Third assessment point Assessment Title: Written examination comprising both ‘seen’ and ‘unseen’ components. Assessment Type: Written Exam, Seen and Unseen, Managed by SAS. Duration / Size: 1  180    90       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
First assessment point: Assessment Title: sampled formative essay Assessment Type: coursework Duration / Size: 1500 words Weighting: 5% Reassessment Opportunity: No Penalty for Lat         
Second assessment point: Assessment Title: Online multiple-choice question assessment Assessment Type: Unseen MCQ Duration / Size: 20 questions Weighting: 5% Reassessment Opportunity:          

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Other Staff Teaching on this Module

Dr DP Horton Law D.Horton@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr JB Fanning Law J.B.Fanning@liverpool.ac.uk
Miss SA Bennett Library Sarah.Bennett@liverpool.ac.uk
Miss S Farrelly-Treanor School of Law and Social Justice Shannon.Farrelly-Treanor@liverpool.ac.uk

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Additional Programme Information