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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2013/2014 -
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Law : Law

Postgraduate Course: International Sales Law and the Commodities Markets (LAWS11305)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Law CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaLaw Other subject areaNone
Course website http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/teaching/online_distance_learning/llm_degrees/llm_in_law/modules/international_sales_law_and_the_commodities_markets Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThis course provides an advanced study of international sales law with particular focus on the sale of international commodities. The course will provide an overview of the operation of the commodities markets. It will provide a practical focus on the legal issues arising in commodities sales whilst locating this in the general debate surrounding the harmonisation of international sales law. Throughout the course there will be a focus on the pros and cons of the alternative legal systems, notably English law (which is widely chosen in these markets) and alternative systems for international sales such as the CISG. The course will analyse standard trading contracts (such as the GAFTA 100 contact) and their interaction with connected contracts such as those for carriage and insurance of goods. There will also be an analysis of string sales contracts and futures contracts which are characteristic of commodity type sales. The course will also focus on issues of particular relevance to the commodities markets and such as remedies and termination. These will be discussed from a comparative perspective and in the context of the debate about harmonisation. Finally there will be a discussion of commodities litigation and arbitration with particular emphasis on specialist commodity arbitration under the GAFTA rules.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements Please contact the distance learning team at escript.support@ed.ac.uk
Additional Costs Students should have regular and reliable access to the Internet.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesPlease contact the distance learning team at escript.support@ed.ac.uk
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?No
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2013/14 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1) Learn enabled:  No Quota:  None
Web Timetable Web Timetable
Class Delivery Information This course is taught by distance learning.
Course Start Date 13/01/2014
Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Seminar/Tutorial Hours 40, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 156 )
Additional Notes
Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
No Exam Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
The aim of the course is to promote a deeper understanding of the operation of the commodities markets and the role of law in their operation. By analysing industry specific contracts and problems the course aims to promote critical thinking about the role of law in the operation of markets, the problems of legal harmonisation and the pros and cons of various solutions.

By the end of the module students should:
1. be able to understand the key issues in commodities sales,
2. be knowledgeable about the structure and function of the various contracts involved in commodities sales how these are designed and how they interact with each other,
3. be able to think critically about key issues in international sales law with particular reference to commodities sales,
4. engage critically with issues surrounding the harmonisation of international commercial law.
Assessment Information
One essay of up to 4,000 words (60%); one individual assignment (20%); contribution to weekly online discussions throughout the semester (20%). Requirements for all module assessment will be outlined to students within the individual modules at the start of each semester.
Special Arrangements
This course is taught by distance learning.
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus 1. An introduction to commodity trading world trade flows. The various types of commodities and how these are traded. The various economic actors in the commodities markets (banks, private finance, trading companies, exchanges and markets, States and State entities). The interaction between the commodities markets and other markets
2. The international legal background. Domestic law (SOGA 1979); harmonisation of law; (CISG, CESL); Relevant soft law instruments and trading terms in particular INCOTERMS/ UCP 600. The role of UNCITRAL and the ICC
3. The trading contract and associated contracts. The GAFTA 100 contract. Shipping, banking and insurance contracts
4. Delivery terms CIF and FOB terms INCOTERMS
5. Quality terms, quality inspection, quality certificates and the role of inspection agencies
6. An analysis of string contracts and commodities futures Contracts
7. Breach of contract- termination and repudiation
8. Breach of contract ¿ problems in damages law
9. Choice of law and conflict of laws- English law and its alternatives- harmonisation
10.Commodities litigation and arbitration : case study GAFA arbitration
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserMr David Holloway
Tel: (0131 6)50 2063
Email: David.Holloway@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Clare Polson
Tel: (0131 6)51 4411
Email: Clare.Polson@ed.ac.uk
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