Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
International Contract Law
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
The lecturer will always be available to answer questions and for tutorials. Students are kindly requested to contact the lecturer by email (jamenor@uic.es) or speak to the lecturer at the end of the lectures.
Introduction
The course International Contract Law aims to provide students with an initial understanding of the legal aspects of international trade and business in a globalized and heterogeneous international society.
To this end, legal texts issued by supranational institutions and bodies will be analyzed, not only within the framework of the European Union but also in the broader context of international trade. The working languages of the course will be Spanish and English.
The classes will be eminently practical, encouraging students to engage actively in their own learning and creating an environment in which student participation is encouraged and valued. Students’ intellectual and academic curiosity, motivation and commitment will be essential to making the most of the course.
The course will also include sessions led by guest lecturers who can provide a specific professional perspective based on their own experience. During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to interact with leading professionals in the field.
In summary, the course seeks to provide students with a solid foundation for operating in a global business environment, enabling them to understand the complexities of international business processes and to become familiar with the tools available to address the challenges arising from the internationalization of companies.
Pre-course requirements
No procede
Objectives
Know and understand the legal framework of international contracts and trade.
Understand and get familiar with economic documentation and customary documentation in international trade operations.
Work independently and plan and organize their learning.
Acquire legal terminology in the English language capacity in matters relating to international contracts.
Knowing the sources of law in international contracts (treaties, private systems, principles and scope of autonomy) and contractual mechanisms for resolving disputes (judicial and non-judicial mechanisms: mediation and arbitration).
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 11 - To acquire skills for autonomous learning
- 27 - To skillfully use terminology and linguistic structures in English related to Law
- 28 - To be able to read and understand bibliography and other legal texts in English
- 29 - To be able to gather and interpret economic documentation
Learning outcomes of the subject
1. Know and understand the legal framework of international contracts and mechanisms for resolving international commercial disputes.
2. Be able to interpret and understand common economic documentation and documentation in the trade.
3. Be able to work independently and to plan and organize their learning.
4. Get the ability to speak in English in matters relating to the appropriate legal terminology in commercial matters.
Syllabus
- International trade. Introduction.
- General framework of international contracts.
- Sources of International Contract Law: UNIDROIT Principles; Incoterms; international guarantees.
- Dispute resolution in international contracts.
- International M&A: company acquisitions and joint ventures.
- Commercial contracts: distribution, agency and franchising agreements.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course will be taught through an introductory lecture, followed by materials provided to students at the end of each session for the analysis of the different aspects of the topic addressed.
In this context, and with the aim of developing individual skills while also encouraging students to become accustomed to working in groups, students will undertake assignments requiring individual preparation followed by group discussion and collective presentation.
Students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as support instruments to enhance their understanding and follow-up of the course. Notwithstanding the foregoing, students will be encouraged and expected to engage with and make proper use of the course through their own study and personal reflection.
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | COMPETENCES |
|---|---|
| Presenting concepts and their practical application in the classroom | 27 |
| Classroom activities in order to follow up on students (both individual and in a group) | 27 29 |
| Student independent study | 11 27 28 29 |
| Individual and group projects | 27 28 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final grade for the course will consist of the final examination, which will account for 60%, and continuous assessment, which will account for 40%.
The 40% corresponding to continuous assessment will be based on:
- 20% based on the submission and quality of the practical assignments carried out throughout the course. Failure to submit more than 70% of the assignments will mean that the student will not be eligible to receive this component of the grade.
- 20% based on attendance and participation in class. Failure to attend more than 70% of the classes will mean that the student will not be eligible to receive this component of the grade. Attendance will be recorded at each session.
Class attendance is compulsory.
The final examination will consist of a written, face-to-face test comprising multiple-choice questions, with the possibility that more than one answer may be correct.
In order to pass the course in the first examination sitting, students must obtain a minimum grade of 4/10 in the final examination.
Students will be allowed to use printed materials during the examination, but they will not be allowed to use any electronic devices, including tablets, mobile phones, laptops or similar devices.
As an exception to the above, in the second examination sitting in July, continuous assessment will not be taken into account. The maximum final grade that may be obtained by students taking the second examination sitting is 5/10.
Bibliography and resources
No particular textbook will be followed as the central or essential course manual. As indicated above, at the end of each session, students will be provided with the presentation used as the basis for the class.
Nevertheless, the following publications may serve as reference materials for students:
- J. C. Fernández Rozas, R. Arenas García and P. A. de Miguel Asensio, Derecho de los Negocios Internacionales, 7th ed., Iustel, 2024.
- Carlos Esplugas Mota (ed.), Derecho del Comercio Internacional, 11th ed., Tirant lo Blanch, 2025.
- S. Sánchez Lorenzo (ed.), Cláusulas en los contratos internacionales: redacción y análisis, 2nd ed., Atelier Libros Jurídicos, 2021.
- Folsom, Van Alstine, Ramsey & Shaefer, International Business Transactions, 14th ed., West Academic, 2024.
- Bart Wernaart (ed.), The Routledge Companion to International Law and Responsible Business, Routledge, 2026.