Introduction to Civil Law.

The purpose of this subject is that the students achieve a satisfactory degree of knowledge of the basic provisions that rule civil contracts. Not only the student has to acquire theoretical knowledge, but also he has to learn the adequate legal technique to solve practical cases as Contract Law is a dynamic subject of an extraordinary importance in economic life.

Contract Law is an essential part of Civil Patrimonial Law. It studies the rules regarding the general theory of contracts and civil contracts in particular. In this sense, the concept of contract is analyzed, as well as its essential elements, effects and inefficacy. With regard to each type of contract, the students will study the contents thereof and, in particular, the rights and obligations of the contracting parties. The main contracts to be studied are: the contract of sale, donation, lease of things, rural and urban leases, the contract of provision of services, construction contracts and partnership, among others. The scope of Contract Law goes beyond Civil Law and extends to other fields of Law, specially Commercial and Labour Law. European Law of contracts has also to be taken into account as there is a tendency towards its uniformity in the European Union. In addition, due to their current relevance, the students will approach to consumer's mechanisms of protection, making a special reference to the use of contracts with general conditions.

Three on-site hours shall be taught every week: - Aggregate group: In a first theory class, of one hour and a half, the main contents of the subject shall be explained. For the adequate understanding of the lectures, the previous reading of the subject in the handbook of reference is recommended. - Small groups: In a second class (continuous assessment), study cases shall be solved and the students will have to discuss and legally argue about them. Personal tutor hours will be set according to the corresponding rules.