Aims

The aim of this seminar is to help students undertake an in-depth study of specific topics in the branch of law covered by each seminar, the theoretical basics of which have been taught in previous years. The seminar programme is different every year. Its scope is sufficiently wide to allow a subdivision into about fifteen subjects closely linked by a common theme.

Main themes

The method used requires students to complete two assignments. First, an oral presentation, to be given during the year, of the results of their research on an assigned topic; second, a written paper in which students can systematise and synthesise the problems involved in their topic and make use of the results of the discussions and debates following their own presentation, as well as those of the other seminar participants. The seminars start at the beginning of the academic year. The first oral presentations do not take place until the second term. During the first term, each student works on the various themes to be analysed. At regular intervals, however, each participant must report on the progress of his or her research and raise any questions or difficulties encountered. This particular task is carried out in teams to ensure co-ordination of the various assignments. During the first term, some of the seminar sessions are devoted to lectures on a subject closely related to the theme of the seminar. The specialist lecturer may be a member of the Faculty, or a guest speaker from outside the establishment. Each student is graded individually on the seminar. The grade takes into account the work done during the year, active participation in the assignments and discussion groups, the quality of the oral presentation and the written paper submitted at the end of the year.

Content and teaching methods

Theme: Pleasure navigation and the law
In the academic years 2004-2006, the seminar studies legal questions concerning sea and inland waterway pleasure navigation.
Many aspects are dealt with: real rights on pleasure boats (with acquisition methods and financing: mortgage, leasing; types of ownership: co-ownership, multi-ownership), optimising the use of the boat (for example with a rent-management contract), security, responsibility, insurance, environment, etc.
In 2002 and 2004, the seminar ended with publication of students' assignments. This coincided with an afternoon workshop where the students gave an oral presentation on their subject in front of a professional audience (potential employers).
The professors responsible for this seminar hope that the 2004-2006 academic years will also culminate in a public presentation and publication of written work.

Other credits in programs