METHODOLOGY, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF TEACHING PRIVATE LAW DISCIPLINES

Abstract

Within the framework of All-Russian practical science conference "Legal Science and education in Siberia: traditions and innovations" a Round table was held on "Methodology, problems and prospects of teaching private law subjects". It was attended by representatives of the scientific community of Altai State University, Siberian Federal University, Tomsk Polytechnic University and Tomsk State University and practitioners. The article deals with the materials of the round table and abstracts of the participants. Since the Conference was held to commemorate the centenary of Prof. B.L. Haskelberg, who has worked at the Department of Civil Law for many years, the round table was opened by a report about his life and research activity. In the course of the Round table and subsequent follow-up discussions the participants considered a variety of problems of private law subjects, which are studied within the framework of both undergraduate and master courses. The article points out the need to take into account the Soviet experience when teaching disciplines directly aimed at forming the skills of a lawyer in all areas of professional activity. The authors stress that the changing legislation and guidelines in education should not sideline the education of students. A lawyer must possess high moral and ethical qualities. The most promising methods for implementing a practice-oriented approach in the teaching of civil law, such as drafting legal documents, analysis of real documents, case study, business game and maieutics are examined. Special attention is paid to the objectives and principles of legal regulation of social relations, the understanding of which allows distinguishing separate legal branches and related educational subjects. It is proposed to introduce a special course on the basics of programming (optional) into the curriculum. It is noted that the emergence of LegalTech has a significant impact on teaching of legal disciplines, but the technology cannot replace a professional. Research seminars aiming at teaching master students to do a qualified research, to carry out a legal expertise of regulatory and other legal acts and competently formulate the research results should be widely conducted.