【College News】
The EMI course Introduction to English Contract Law offered students an intensive and enriching introduction to the key principles and theories of English contract law. At the beginning of each class, Professor Mindy invited students to share their thoughts and reflections on the previous session or the assigned readings. She responded to their comments individually, shared her own perspectives, and used them as a starting point for further discussion.
Compared with the lecture- or presentation-based formats commonly seen in law courses in Taiwan, this course placed particular emphasis on active participation, independent thinking, and the expression of individual viewpoints. Rather than focusing solely on contract law rules and cases, Professor Mindy encouraged students through questions and discussion to consider how legal rules have developed, the reasons behind them, and the purposes they serve. Through this interactive approach, they gained not only a stronger understanding of English contract law, but also a deeper appreciation of the values and policy considerations underlying legal rules.
Students noted that the intensive format covered a substantial amount of material within a relatively short period of time, making the course both demanding and rewarding. However, Professor Mindy’s guidance and the open atmosphere of classroom discussion kept students engaged and provided ample opportunities to think, ask questions, and exchange ideas. International exchange students also joined the class, bringing perspectives from different legal backgrounds and further enriching the discussions. In addition, Professor Mindy was approachable and welcoming both inside and outside the classroom, allowing students to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing different views.
Throughout the course, Professor Mindy also introduced a comparative perspective, inviting students to consider English and Taiwanese law side by side. Comparing the two legal systems helped students better understand the distinctive features of English contract law while also encouraging them to rethink familiar legal questions from different perspectives. At the end of the course, Professor Mindy shared some of her own experiences and encouraged students to remain curious, explore new possibilities, and approach their future studies with an open mind.
As the intensive course came to an end, students took away more than substantive knowledge of English contract law. They also strengthened their ability to ask questions, develop and express their own views, and think independently about legal issues. Through discussion and exchange, they further broadened their comparative-law perspective and developed their legal analytical skills. For the students, the course was both an in-depth exploration of English contract law and a learning experience distinct from those they had encountered before.
