LWMTGC-Oil and Gas Contract Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Jorge Guira

Email: j.m.guira@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module will deal with the fundamental elements and peculiar legal character of oil and gas contracts. Students will be introduced to the form and substantive content of these contracts, including the contractual rights and obligations of oil companies and governments as well as liability for breach of contract.

Aims:
The module is designed to provide:
- an understanding of the specific issues that relate to contracts in the oil and gas industry
- a critical appreciation of the balance between the contractual negotiation power of private companies and of governments in the oil and gas sector
- an understanding of the liabilities that private companies and governments face in the presence of contractual relationship in the oil and gas industry

Assessable learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate:

- An understanding of the structure and purpose of a range of commercial oil and gas agreements
- A critical appreciation of the process of creation of the agreements and differences caused by the relative size of the parties
- Familiarity with the standard forms and master drafting styles for the agreements
- A critical awareness of the linkage between the agreements - the flow of risk and reward

Additional outcomes:
The module will encourage the development of:

- High-level oral communication skills through reflective, analytical class-discussion;
- High-level writing skills through close and critical analysis of both primary and secondary source material;
- An ability to apply theoretical and contextual knowledge to practical problems that face people working in the field.

Outline content:
The module consists of the following main themes:
- contracts in the oil and gas industry
- drafting a contract in the oil and gas industry
- rights and obligations arising from these contracts
- liability for non-fulfilment of the contract

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will consist of 10 x 2-hour seminars. Students will be given the chance to submit a formative assessment which will be marked and returned with feedback.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Guided independent study	180
Total hours by term	200.00
Total hours for module	200.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
15 page essay (formatted in accordance with the School of Law􀀒s Assessed Work Rules)

Formative assessment methods:
One formative assessment task which is an important component of students􀀒 progress towards the learning outcomes of the module.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the standard University policy.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 20 April 2018