General information
| Course type | AMUPIE |
| Module title | Introduction To European Contract and Tort Law |
| Language | English |
| Module lecturer | dr Krzysztof Żok |
| Lecturer's email | kz10@amu.edu.pl |
| Lecturer position | Assistant Professor (Adjunct) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Law and Administration |
| Semester | 2026/2027 (winter) |
| Duration | 20 |
| ECTS | 6 |
| USOS code | 10-IEUCL-w-Erasm |
Timetable
Suggested date for classes: Tuesdays at 13.15-14.45, room 4.9 Collegium Iuridicum Novum.
Please note that the date may change.
Module aim (aims)
The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles of the European law of obligations, with a specific focus on contract and tort law. By the end of this course, students will gain:
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Knowledge of the basic characteristics of European law of obligations, including its main legal traditions and harmonisation efforts across Europe.
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A solid understanding of contract law, including its concept, scope, and sources, as well as the formation, performance, and consequences of non-performance of contractual obligations.
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A clear grasp of tort law, including the concept of tort, liability for damages, and key principles governing compensation for harm.
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An awareness of unjust enrichment, including its concept and legal consequences within the European legal framework.
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An introduction to consumer protection laws in the European Union, covering legislation safeguarding consumer rights.
This course equips students with the fundamental legal knowledge required to analyse and apply European contract and tort law principles in both academic and professional contexts.
Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)
Basic knowledge of civil law.
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to Contract Law
Week 2: Contract Formation: Elements and Validity
Weeks 3–4: Performance of Contractual Obligations
Week 5: Liability for Non-Performance of Obligation
Week 6: Fundamentals of Tort Law
Week 7: Tort Liability and Damages
Week 8: Unjust Enrichment: Principles and Remedies
Week 9: Consumer Protection
Week 10: Final Exam
Reading list
Recommended literature:
- Bar Ch. von, Clive E. (eds.), Principles, definitions and model rules of European Private Law: Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR). Vol. 1-6, Munich 2006.
- Burrows A., A casebook on contract, Oxford 2009.
- Chen-Wishart M., Contract law, Oxford 2012.
- Dajczak W., Nieborak T., Wiliński P. (eds.), Foundations of law: the Polish perspective, Warszawa 2021.
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Dam, Cees van., European tort law, New York 2006.
- Graziano Th., Comparative contract law: cases, materials and exercises, Basingstoke 2009.
- Grundmann S., Mazeaud D., General clauses and standards in European Contract Law: Comparative Law, EC Law and Contract Law Codification, The Hague 2006.
- Hogg M., Promises and contract law: comparative perspectives, Camkbridge 2014.
- Klass G., Letsas G., Saprai P., Philosophical foundations of contract law, Oxford 2016.
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Oliphant, Ken. (eds.), Steininger, Barbara C. (eds.), European tort law. Basic texts, Wien 2011.
- O'Sullivan J., Hilliard J., The law of contract, Oxford 2010.
Newer editions are of course wolcome.
Additional materials will be provided during the course.