Hasselt University FacUlty oF law · turned Hasselt University into a genuine melting pot of students and staff from all over the world. Come, and broaden your horizon at Hasselt

Hasselt University FacUlty oF law

information for exchange students

2

Hasselt University, established in 1971, is an independent uni-versity that takes an active and enterprising approach towards education, tailored to the individual needs of each and every student. Being a young university makes us flexible. Flexibility allows us to create new and dynamic strategies that take ac-count of regional, national and global developments.

Approximately 3000 students, 600 teaching and research staff and 300 administrative and technical staff are connected to Hasselt University. Hasselt University offers study programmes in its four faculties: the Faculty of Business Economics, the Fa-culty of Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Law.

Hasselt University has two locations: - The Campus of Diepenbeek, which occupies an attractive 150

acre site in the middle of Limburg’s green belt. - The City Campus of Hasselt, which is very near the city centre.The Faculty of Law operates from the Hasselt campus.

Our number one characteristic is our dynamic spirit regarding research and education. We spearhead basic and applied research leading directly to patents and spin-offs.

We have also created an environment perfect for any student with a drive to develop his or her talents. In short, we offer our students and staff the chance to develop their talents. This has turned Hasselt University into a genuine melting pot of students and staff from all over the world.

Come, and broaden your horizon at Hasselt University!

Hasselt University

A small university, ideas big enough for the world

FacUlty oF law‘Justice is law in action’Benjamin Disraeli

The Faculty of Law retains a young, though experienced, staff. Our emphasis on international and public law is unique. The program-me focuses on international law, EU law, judicial protection and mediation, and provides a platform for the comparison of European and various national legal systems. Thanks to our “assignment- and problem-based” learning system our graduates develop skills that last a lifetime. Hasselt is partnered with Maastricht University and the K.U.Leuven; both reknowned for their academic traditions.

3

Unique and modern profileThe process of European unification has had a significant im-pact on the legal profession. To be successful in an integrated Europe, lawyers and legal experts must be knowledgeable in both EU and national law. Our bachelor programme focuses on international and EU law and provides a platform for the comparison of international, European and various national le-gal rules.

Our master’s programme focuses on mediation, a new and alternative approach to settling disputes out of court. Judi-cial mediation is often easier, faster and cheaper for the par-ties concerned and avoids the need to bring a costly case to court. If the parties reach agreement during mediation, the case can be concluded in the form of an in-court settlement.

Problem-based learning Problem-based learning clearly illustrates the innovative char-acter of our faculty. It is a method of teaching that forms a core part of Maastricht University, with whom we collaborate closely, and has been ever since the University’s foundation. Hasselt University has adopted the same problem-based approach to

a diFFerent perspective on law

learning in some of its programmes, but with the bachelor and master of law programme, in particular.In a problem-based learning environment students are person-ally responsible for their academic education. In small tutorial groups, they analyse problems, conduct discussions, exchange knowledge and formulate their learning goals as a group. This motivates them to do their own research.

By actively addressing a number of issues, students manage to grasp the theory and learn to apply their insights to various questions. Differing views enlivens discussions and allows stu-dents to experience the true strength of the group’s cultural diversity. Moreover, students gain essential skills, such as how to present opinions, how to debate, how to write texts and how to work together.

Skills that last a lifetimeOur learning system is effective: our graduates are assertive, independent and expert professionals. They are skilful in ana-lysing complex issues, collecting and structuring information, working in international teams, conducting and leading discus-sions, and in creating and presenting ideas.

4

I. First Semester (September-December)

International Law – ECTS: 6The purpose of the course is to acquire a deeper understand-ing of general international law against the backdrop of global-isation. Leitmotiv is the impact on international law of the (real or perceived) decline of the nation-state and the emergence of non-state actors, such as intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, multinational enterprises and the individual. The focus is on general international law rather than on substantive fields. This is an intensive course covering a lot of ground within a limited period of time. Every week there will be both a lecture and a group tutorial. Lectures will employ the Socratic method, tutorial groups will employ the problem-based learning method. Students are expected to complete a two page assignment by midnight the day before the relevant tutorial group meeting and to submit this electronically.

Foundations of the European Union – ECTS: 6This course is devoted to an in-depth study of institutional EU law, within the broader perspective of EU law. Building on basic instruction in EU law, it seeks to bring the students up to the level where they can handle institutional EU law matters in a professional or academic context. The four main topics of the course are: the ‘horizontal’ division of competences between the institutions of the European Union (including legislative and administrative decision-making), the ‘vertical’ division of com-petences between the European Union and the Member States (principles of legality, subsidiarity, etc.), the judicial enforcement of EU Law (infringement proceedings and claims before nation-al courts) and the role of the citizen in the European legal order (fundamental rights, review of EU action).

European Environmental Law – ECTS: 3This offers students knowledge of the institutions of the Eu-ropean Union and of European environmental law. The main subject of this course is the relationship between companies and the environment. With regard to European environmental law, we will focus on a company’s potential obligations and liabilities, as well as on different kinds of incentives to protect

coUrses

If you choose to study at Hasselt University as part of your law studies, we can offer you some interesting English taught courses.

the environment. First, students get information on the EU as a supranational institution (competences, organisation,...). Sec-ond, we will look at the general EU environmental principles and policy. Third we will discuss the most important and rele-vant topics within European environmental law for companies. These include among others environmental permits, access to environmental information, environmental impact assessment, eco-management and audit schemes, climate change (emis-sion trading), environmental liability and waste.

Français Juridique – ECTS: 4The purpose of the Français Juridique (Legal French) course is to familiarize students with how to work in a French legal and academic setting. In this course, attention is given to French, whilst the law is the medium. Legal French is a language for specific purposes and because it is related to the law, it is system-specific. This means that each legal system or sub-system has its own specific terminology and phraseology. Le-gal French may therefore feature in various forms at national, supranational and international level.

II. Second Semester (January-June)

Legal English – ECTS: 4The purpose of the Legal English course is to familiarize stu-dents with how work in an English legal and academic setting. In this course, attention is given to the English language, whilst the law is the medium. Legal English is a language for specific purposes and because it is related to the law, it is system- specific. This means that each legal system or sub-system has its own specific terminology and phraseology. Legal English may therefore feature in various forms at national, supranation-al and international level. This course covers basic terminology and phraseology specifi-cally related to International and European Law. These areas of law pose less terminological problems than national systems. Some of the phraseology may also be found in other, nation-al systems. For this reason, they are a good starting point to learn to use English in a legal environment. All language skills

5

are practiced: writing, speaking, reading and listening. Upon conclusion of the course, the student should feel confident to participate in courses on other areas of law that use English as their language of instruction. The course consists of a 2-hour lecture on the use of Legal Eng-lish and 6 practice-tutorials of 2 hours each. The two practice tutorials are dedicated to International law, one to European Human Rights Law and three to Community Law. Assignments include oral presentations, papers and terminology work.

Law of the Internal Market – ECTS: 6The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the core of what is known as the “substantive law” of the European Community/the European Union. The course is based on two main pillars: firstly, an introduction to the four freedoms and secondly, competition law. These constitute the foundation of the economic and social order of the European Union. The course deals in detail with the free movement of goods (finan-cial and quantitative restrictions), the free movement of per-sons, the freedom of establishment, the free movement of serv- ices. It specifically addresses the position of family members and the recognition of qualifications. Furthermore attention is paid to third country nationals, their right to family reunification and long term residence. Also addressed are the association agreements concluded between the EU and third countries. The free movement of capital and financial services are similarly addressed. In the final part, the course gives an introduction to competition law including, cartel agreements and concerted practices, the abuse of a dominant position, mergers, state monopolies, state aid and the enforcement of competition law.

North – South – ECTS: 3This optional interfaculty course, North-South, seeks to pro- vide a rigorous interdisciplinary theoretical and applied educa-tion to sustainable development. Its aim is to encourage in-depth scientific debates on cultures, their knowledge systems and various ethical orientations. This interdisciplinary course is an institution wide course.

The Changing Role of the State in a Globalised World – ECTS: 6Our perception of globalisation in the twenty-first century, how-ever, is markedly different to that of the previous century. Two trends are particularly significant. Firstly, some of the most pres-sing issues of our times are global in nature, and secondly, con-trary to the cold war politics of the 20th century, the world is in-creasingly becoming multi-polar with the rising power of several developing nations. In order to prepare students to engage with this changing scenario, this course will introduce the history, leading theories and formative debates on globalisation, and development and the ways in which the two are related. The course addresses classical political economic theory through

modernisation theory, dependency, neoliberalism, alternative development and human development. It addresses ongoing debates on globalisation, and the rise of Asia and emerging societies. The course will use both original texts and critiques to help students develop their own interdisciplinary understand-ing of globalisation and development, presented during the last week of the course, in the form of student debates.

International Business Law – ECTS: 6This course deals with several important features of Inter-national Business Law. It centers on the international sale of goods transaction, which is then used to explore a number of other issues, such as agency, the carriage of goods, insurance and payment. We will look at which law governs international contracts for the sale of goods, and in particular at the 1980 Vienna Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. We will analyse the formation of a contract, the rights and duties of the buyer and seller and the remedies available to one party in the event of a breach of contract by the other party and excuses for non-performance. An important fea-ture of international sales transactions is the use of standard terms of contract, we will study the new INCOTERMS 2010. The carriage of goods constitutes an important component of the international sales transaction. This part of the course will cover the legal regimes regarding the carriage of goods by road (CMR treaty) and by sea (the Hague (Visby) Rules), as well as the rules applicable to multimodal or combined transport. The mode of payment for the goods is an important element in any international sale contract. The more frequently used payment systems such as bills of exchange, bank guarantees and letters of credit will be studied in some detail. This course is useful and essential for those who want to be involved in the legal aspects of international trade.

IMPORTANT:

Exchange students who have knowledge of Dutch and meet all

requirements for participation in bachelor and master courses of

the Dutch programme may do so.

6

Summer course English

The language centre CLT, located in Leuven, organises inten-sive courses in English during the month of July. These courses comprise of 50 hour classes. The number of participants per group is limited to about 16.

Website: http://www.clt.be

Summer course Dutch

Erasmus students can follow an intensive EILC-course of Dutch during the summer. All information can be found on this web-site: http://www.epos-vlaanderen.be/?CategoryID=355

The deadline for application is June 1st, but it is recommended students apply earlier.

Language courses

Every foreign student can subscribe to a course of ‘Basic Dutch’. This course will be organised by an external organi-sation from October through to January and from February through to June. The cost is approximately 60 euro for one semester. The courses are on a week evening.

If you would like to learn another language, then the language institute ‘PCVO-Moderne Talen’, located close to the centre of Hasselt, offers several other language courses (Arabic, Chinese, German, English, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Croatian, Polish, Portugese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Tur-kish and Swedish). The tuition fee is very low.

admission and applicationThe Erasmus coordinator at your home university will offer you all the information needed concerning admission and application. Furthermore, this person will be able to inform you about the procedure for the study programme, and about the required documents.

lingUistic preparation and langUage coUrses

7

Located, as it is, in the heart of the Belgian-Dutch-German Euro-region, Hasselt is a truly internationally-minded town. It is a stone’s throw away from cities such as Brussels, Liège (French speaking part of Belgium), Aachen (Germany) and Maastricht (the Nether-lands), while Paris and London are all located within a couple of hundred kilometres of Hasselt.

Hasselt is a dynamic student town where young people feel com-fortable and at ease. The town organizes all kinds of theatrical per-formances, music and pop festivals, either in the open air or in the well-known Ethias Arena.

It is noteworthy that all public transport in Hasselt is completely free of charge for students, staff members and guests of Hasselt Uni-versity.

To taste Hasselt you can visit the Jenever (Gin) Museum, as well as to the many cosy restaurants and cafés dotted all over the town. You can visit St. Quentin’s Cathedral, the prestigious Fashion Mu-seum, the Municipal Museum and the Virga Jesse Basilica, the beautiful Japanese Garden and the many green oases adorning the town. Hasselt is not only the capital of taste but also home to the true ‘bon vivant’!

Hasselt

ContactIf you have any questions concerning your choice of courses, please contact the Erasmus faculty coordinator:Ingrid VranckenE-mail: [email protected] - Phone: +32 11 26 90 24

Information about application, accomodation, insurance, student jobs, sports and cultural activities, etc., can be obtained from the international office of Hasselt University:Erika VandersmissenE-mail: [email protected] - Phone: +32 11 26 81 69