LLM INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW

Title:

Advanced International Commercial Law Issues

Code:

LWMTAI

Convenor:

DR Mimi Zou

Summary:

This is a series of seminars designed to provide students an advanced analysis and critical understanding of the most relevant areas of transactional business law issues facing lawyers in today’s globalised economy. The study of law and economics of governance provides the intellectual backbone of the course. This field, that has its origins in Ronal Coase’s work (Coase 1937, 1960), emphasizes the role of institutions in providing governance of societal interaction. The study of institutions is broadly concerned with the study of the optimal institutional forms through which social problems may be resolved. We will focus on a wide range of institutions, including property, contract, hierarchy, firm and liability.Drawing on the theoretical distinction between the market and the firm (Coase 1960; Jensen and Meckling 1976; Williamson 1986; 2000), the course will examine a number of different types of contractual relationships that may take place within the firm, in the market, or in other hybrid forms of governance, such as franchising, licensing, and sub-contracting agreements, repeated and long-term purchasing contracts and joint venture agreements. Through the lenses of this theoretical approach, it shall further explore when and why two companies may prefer to merge in a single firm as an alternative of dealing via arms-length contract as well as the role of property rights, as alternative to contracts, and their role in promoting innovation. The module will look at a series of case studies to inform this analysis in such diverse areas as financial services, corporate insolvency, competition, behavioural economics, energy, transport and technology.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Corporate Finance and the Law

Code:

LWMTCF

Convenor:

DR Andrea Miglionico

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Project Skills

Code:

LWMTPS

Convenor:

DR Jorge Guira

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Project

Code:

LWMTPR

Convenor:

MR Adrian Aronsson-Storrier

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Corporate Social Responsibility

Code:

MMM034

Convenor:

PROF Kleio Akrivou

Summary:

This module is delivered at University of Reading UK. Students will learn about the cross-disciplinary Corporate Social Responsibility subject involving firms, individuals and wider society with a focus on international management of responsibility. A strong component of Ethical theory is being learnt as part of the foundational knowledge of this module.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 15%, Report 15%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Topics in Financial Regulation

Code:

ICM295

Convenor:

MS Deepa Govindarajan Driver

Summary:

This module provides an overview of the purpose and operation of financial regulation, and the consequences of financial sector reform for different markets and jurisdictions, including that of the students’ home countries. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Governance and Compliance in Financial Services

Code:

ICM294

Convenor:

MS Deepa Govindarajan Driver

Summary:

This module enables students to develop a deep, practical understanding of the corporate governance and compliance challenges specific to financial services firms. The modules then explores how these challenges should be addressed within regulated firms with a view to enhancing the real economy.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Corporate Governance and Accountability

Code:

ICM270

Convenor:

MS Deepa Govindarajan Driver

Summary:

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of corporate governance. The module then focuses on a critical discussion of the corporate form and corporate accountability.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Financial Markets

Code:

ICM106

Convenor:

DR Alfonso Dufour

Summary:

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia. 

This module provides an introduction to commercial and investment banks and an overview of the main characteristics and risks of a range of international financial markets: equity, fixed income, foreign exchange, futures and commodity markets. An interactive workshop is used to compare alternative market structures. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Project 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Risk Management in Financial Services

Code:

ICM128

Convenor:

MS Deepa Govindarajan Driver

Summary:

This module allows students to develop a meaningful understanding of financial intermediation, the consequent risks posed to, and by, financial intermediaries, and how these should be addressed.  

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Contemporary Issues in Environmental Law

Code:

LWMENV

Convenor:

DR Mark Wilde

Summary:

This module is designed to provide in depth coverage of certain topical issues in environmental law. It is intended to be a freestanding module and does not depend upon existing knowledge of the subject. The module is of interest to law students on the LLM programme and students from other departments pursuing subjects related to environmental management and regulation. In terms of the syllabus the module addresses the complexity of the subject and weaves together certain threads. It commences by examining the nature and sources of environmental law and focuses on the multi-layered nature of the subject. To this end it looks at the relationship between domestic, European and international environmental law. In this respect an important issue over the next few years at least is likely to be the complications arising from ‘BREXIT.’ The module also considers the general approaches to environmental law and policy and identifies overarching principles and general themes. Having ‘set the scene’ the module then examines how environmental law deals with a number of the most pressing issues facing society today and looks at a number of substantive areas as ‘case studies’. This approach means that there is some flexibility in the syllabus and the substantive areas covered may change from time to time. However, there are likely to be some constants, not least of which is climate change.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Energy Law and Policy in Power and Renewable Fuels

Code:

LWMEPP

Convenor:

DR Jorge Guira

Summary:

Renewables and Green tech are growing rapidly while nuclear and coal remain mainstays in certain economies.  The module provides an introduction to the basic law, institutional and policy frameworks which drive policy, transaction, and regulation. We therefore focus on core trends in energy law and policy. We then look to how this influences transaction structures in core areas such as renewables as well as more conventional fuels. Understanding the core role of markets, and technology, and how large sale projects are financed and operationalized is crucial.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Legal Aspects of International Financial Regulation

Code:

LWMFIN

Convenor:

DR Andrea Miglionico

Summary:

This module aims to help students understand:

• The legal basis, nature and purpose of financial regulation.
• The financial context and the organisation, purpose and structure of regulators.
• Soft law and hard law mechanisms – how regulators seek to address the risks posed to various stakeholders. 
• Regulatory policy development.
• Prudential and conduct of business aspects to regulation when managed and supervised by multi-agency regulatory bodies in financial markets. 
• The role of governance and culture in financial firms.
• Factors that make the financial services regulation and supervision complex or problematic. 
• The interaction between regulators, senior managers, risk managers, compliance professionals and auditors.
• The change and evolution of the regulatory architecture and framework for domestic and international financial institutions, especially post-crisis. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Energy Law and Regulation

Code:

LWMELR

Convenor:

DR Jorge Guira

Summary:

The aim of the module is to enable students to develop an understanding of the legal, commercial and economic issues, which arise in the regulation of energy markets, with a focus on the European energy market. We will consider and critically examine the way in which the European Institutions have sought to create an internal market for energy in Europe (particularly for natural gas and electricity), and their attempts to improve security of supply for energy imports, to create favourable conditions for new investment and to enhance energy efficiency. The course will also examine the external relations of the EU in energy policy through focused case studies (e.g. EU-Russia energy relations)

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Legal Aspects of Corporate Rescue

Code:

LWMLCR

Convenor:

DR Bolanle Adebola

Summary:

Credit is the ‘life-blood’ of modern market economy. Its corollary, however, is insolvency. No corporate entity is immune from the prospect of failure, though the effects may vary in severity. Across the globe, the notion of an alternative to failure for financially distressed entities is justifiably receiving prime focus. With both emerging and developed entities concerned to reform their insolvency systems to facilitate the rehabilitation of financially distressed entities, rescue models, both formal and informal, are being created or modified with varied levels of success. The module invites students to explore the rescue concept, assess the perspectives and objectives aspired to by international rescue systems, examine the challenges faced by policy-makers and evaluate the effectiveness of the choices that are made. The module introduces students to the issues peculiar to the rescue of various types of corporate entities; highlighting how the differences in their requirements impact the design of effective international rescue models. At the end of the module, students would have developed significant knowledge of a fast-paced, rapidly developing area of the law with national and international significance.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Introduction to International Law

Code:

LWMIIA

Convenor:

DR Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne

Summary:

Introduction to International Law teaches the basics of international law succinctly, but to an advanced level. The module is designed to provide a starting point for students entering the LLM programme who do not already have a background in international law. The module covers the key features of the international legal system, such as the nature of the international law, treaties and other sources of international law, the subjects of the international legal system, dispute settlement and the establishment of state responsibility.  It also gives students the opportunity to put some of the mechanisms of the international legal system into practice, through interactive group exercises.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Commercial Arbitration (CIArb Accredited)

Code:

LWMTAR

Convenor:

DR Bolanle Adebola

Summary:

Arbitration has been one of the most important dispute resolution processes for several centuries. Though other methods of dispute resolution have evolved in recent years, mediation and conciliation being examples, arbitration continues to retain its importance in both domestic and international contexts. This module seeks to provide a critical understanding of important aspects of international commercial arbitration. It explores the characteristics of arbitration and discusses its operation in various international fora.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Banking and Finance Law

Code:

LWMTBL

Convenor:

DR Andrea Miglionico

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Intellectual Property Law: Copyright and Designs

Code:

LWMTCC

Convenor:

DR Basak Bak Tezgel

Summary:

This module provides advanced knowledge of the legal protection that is afforded to creative works and industrial designs. Students will be encouraged to critically assess statutory provisions and common law principles that govern copyright and design law, as well as the rationales justifying particular doctrines and the effects of the practical operation of these fields of intellectual property. Subject to discussion will be emergent topics in the area of copyright and design law, such as online copyright infringement, internet platform liability, artificial intelligence and parallel trade issues.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Competition Law

Code:

LWMTCM

Convenor:

MR Athanassios Skourtis

Summary:

The object of the module is to prepare students for issues likely to arise in the enforcement of competition legislation. Most importantly, there will be an emphasis on evolutionary aspects of policy making and competition law enforcement, given the varying rules in different jurisdictions.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International Corporate Governance and the Law

Code:

LWMTGL

Convenor:

DR Folashade Adeyemo

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

International and Comparative Intellectual Property Law

Code:

LWMTII

Convenor:

MR Adrian Aronsson-Storrier

Summary:

The module explores the law and regulation of intellectual property from an international and comparative perspective. Subject to discussion will be the international instruments that offer the minima of protection in copyright, patents, trade marks, designs. These include the WIPO Internet Treaties, the TRIPS Agreement, the Berne Convention, the Rome Convention, the Madrid Agreement and Protocol, the Paris Convention. Although intellectual property protection has been harmonised at international level, intellectual property laws remain inextricably territorial. Some areas in which protection differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction will be discussed in the form of case studies.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Legal Aspects of International Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers

Code:

LWMTMA

Convenor:

DR Jorge Guira

Summary:

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Privacy and Data Protection

Code:

LWMTDP

Convenor:

MRS Patsy Kirkwood

Summary:

The module explores the legal protection afforded to privacy and personal data, with emphasis on the processing of information in the online environment. Subject to discussion will be the way in which privacy is protected under EU law, the tension between privacy and freedom of speech, the protection of personal and sensitive data (eg medical data), the UK and EU regulatory framework, including the data protection laws and the freedom of information provisions.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Oil and Gas Contract Law

Code:

LWMTGC

Convenor:

DR Jorge Guira

Summary:

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.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Internet Law

Code:

LWMTWB

Convenor:

DR Basak Bak Tezgel

Summary:

The module explores the issues related to the law and regulation of the ‘borderless’ internet. These include allocation of jurisdiction; e-privacy and data protection; liability of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for online crimes and infringements; regulation of domain names; legal issues of cloud computing, software licensing and ‘open source’ distribution; data ownership, big data and mass digitization projects; freedom of speech on the internet and intellectual property issues of the information society.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Intellectual Property Law: Patents and Trade Marks

Code:

LWMTTT

Convenor:

MR Adrian Aronsson-Storrier

Summary:

This module provides advanced knowledge of the legal protection that is afforded to inventions, trade names and brands. Students will be encouraged to critically assess statutory provisions and common law principles that govern patents and trade mark law, as well as the rationales justifying particular doctrines and the effects of the practical operation of these doctrines.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Legal Issues in Oil and Gas

Code:

LWMTOG

Convenor:

DR Jorge Guira

Summary:

This module will introduce students to the basics of oil and gas law. The course will cover fundamental topics such as ownership of natural resources such as oil and gas, the licensing regime for oil and gas exploration and production, basic elements of oil and gas agreements, the rights and obligations of oil and gas companies, the institutional context of oil and gas exploration and production and the tortious elements of oil and gas exploration and production.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.