Events in the Summer Semester 2026
- Mondays, 12:00–2:00 p.m. c.t., Lecture Hall G, starting April 13, 2026
- Wednesdays, 8:30–10:00 a.m., Lecture Hall A, Starting: April 15, 2026
- Group I: Mondays, 4:00–6:00 p.m., Library of the Institute for Roman Law, starting April 13, 2026
- Group II: Mondays, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Library of the Institute for Roman Law, starting April 13, 2026
- Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Library of the Institute for Roman Law, starting April 15, 2026
Information about the contents
Lecture: History of Roman Law
This lecture for new students (always offered in the winter semester) focuses on the development of Roman law from the Twelve Tables (c. 450 BCE) to Justinian’s Codex (c. 530 CE). We will explore key stages and turning points in Roman law throughout this 1,000-year history and see how a primitive, sacred order evolved into a sophisticated and complex legal system. Comparisons with developments in modern law will frequently arise. Students who pass the final exam will receive the certificate in “Fundamentals of Law” required for the undergraduate program.
Recommended literature: History of Roman Law: Schermaier/Kunkel, History of Roman Law, 14th edition
Recommended literature: History of Roman Law: Schermaier/Kunkel, History of Roman Law, 14th edition
© Karin Alperth
Lecture: Institutions of Roman Law
(Roman Law of Obligations and Property Law)
This course (which alternates between focusing on the law of obligations and the law of property and is always held during the summer semester) deals with the institutions—that is, the central legal concepts of Roman private law. Understanding these concepts allows for an objective perspective on the German Civil Code (BGB) and reveals the principles on which the legislature based its work. It is only through this understanding that certain details of modern law become comprehensible. Participation in the seminar is recommended only after passing the intermediate exam in civil law. Upon passing the final exam, students earn their second certificate of foundational studies.Recommended literature: Römisches Schuldrecht: Kaser / Knütel / Lohsse, Römisches Privatrecht, 23. Auflage
© Karin Alperth
Lecture: Historical Foundations of European Private Law
Modern European private law systems are based on Roman law, Greek philosophy, and Christian theology. This lecture course (offered in the summer semester) provides an overview of how these traditions have intertwined in the history of European law since the Middle Ages, and how they manifest themselves in specific, selected rules. The lecture is structured historically and comparatively; the examples are drawn from German, French, and English law. The lecture is part of Focus Areas I (Core Area), III, and VIII (Optional Area).
© Martin Schermaier / Dr. Klaus Kowalski
Seminar: Digest Exegesis
In this course students learn and practice interpreting Roman legal texts. The course is open to all students and can be visited from the first semester onward; it is offered every semester. Advanced students can earn a proseminar certificate. Knowledge of Latin is helpful but not required.
© Karin Alperth
Seminar: Reading the Pandects
In the Pandects seminar, students read and discuss a selected title from Justinian’s Digests using the lectio continua method. The current topic is Title D. 15,1 (de peculio), which addresses the liability of the paterfamilias for the transactions of those under his authority (a form of liability limited to the capital invested). Those with a solid knowledge of the German Civil Code (BGB) and proficiency in Latin can measure their legal skills against the finest jurists of our legal tradition. A seminar certificate (in the area of specialization) may be earned.
© Lea Janßen