Sustainable Development and Private Law (5cr)

Objective

1 A comprehensive knowledge of the concept of sustainability and of the role private law plays while trying to promote sustainability, especially environmental sustainability.

2 Ability to view contract law, property law and other traditional fields of private law from the sustainability perspective, also in detailed questions.

3 Ability to develop creative solutions to abstract problems, especially using the general doctrines of private law.

Content

During the course, the participants get familiar with the concept of sustainability and the importance of private law while trying to promote sustainable development. First, the relevant private law questions have to be identified. For example, the business models of the so called Circular Economy are going to be studied. Second, the participants are going to address the content of the regulation we have at the moment, both at the EU level, and at the national level. Thirdly, the acceptability of the regulation is going to be studied. The participants are required to ponder it the law needs amendments, or if it is possible to interpret the regulation we have at the moment so that the sustainability goals are reasonably met.

Further information

The location of the intensive course depends on the funding applied for the course and will be informed later.

Timing
22.8.-26.8.2022.

Tutor
Professor Janne Kaisto

Execution methods

An intensive course, 22.8-26.8.2022, with preliminary reading and an essay submitted afterwards. During the intensive week, there are lectures, reading, working in small groups and oral presentations.

The intensive course comprises of five days, from Monday to Friday, of intensive working. All the working days are similar. First, there is going to be a lecture of 2 hours. At the end of the lecture, the students are given questions they have to start answering after the lecture is over. The participants work in groups of 4-6 students, and they have 4 hours to study the questions. One or more teachers are ready to give assistance. Finally, the groups present their findings to all of the participants. This will take 2 hours. So, the students get to work for 8 hours every day, altogether 40 hours. The topics change on a daily basis.

Accomplishment methods

Reguirements:

Before the intensive week, the participants are asked to read the UN Resolution by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, i.e. the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Participation during the intensive week 22.8-26.8.2022, and performing the tasks given during the week.

Writing of an individual essay of 5000 words. The participants are free to choose their topic, as long they write about sustainability and private law. The students have to submit their essays 30.9.2022, at the latest.