International Arbitration
Course Level
intermediate - advanced / 3rd - 4th year
Course Language
English
Course Classification
This is a Themis course. It is also open to non-Themis students.
Course Type
soft skills course with practical exercises
Teaching Mode
face-to-face teaching
[tbc]
Course Organization
intensive course over 4 entire days (2 Fridays and 2 Saturdays)
[tbc]
ECTS-credits
5 (if course has been attended regularly and exam has been passed)
Frequency
The course will be held in every winter semester.
Time Schedule and Course Venue
please see our electronic course catalogue
[to be updated]
Course Content
Summary: The course offers a systematic introduction to International Arbitration, in particular commercial arbitration. In addition, the course includes a case study which illustrates how International Arbitration works in practice. The case study will lead to a Moot Court on the final day where each student is invited to take an active role.
Contents: The course consists of two parts. In the first part (days 1 and 2) a systematic overview on International Arbitration will be offered, with a special focus on commercial cases. The main issues covered are the rules and procedures of important arbitral institutions, mainly the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The different stages of the arbitral proceedings will be explored, including the formation of the arbitration agreement, the question of the applicable law, the procedural rules, the domestic and international enforcement of the award and the possibilities to challenge an arbitral award before State courts.
The second part of the course (days 3 and 4) will be dedicated to the practical application of the topics mentioned above. For this purpose, all participants will be invited to work on a case study in the field of international commercial arbitration. Students will be divided into two groups in order to prepare a Moot Court-like simulation of arbitral proceedings on the case in front of the Tribunal. The Tribunal will be addressed by students at the end of the course. After the hearings and the decision of the Tribunal there will be a final session which is dedicated to commentaries on the case as well as feedback on students’ performance.
Learning materials: The Course is based on a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation which will be made available for students. References in the presentation will include important court decisions as well as international statutory law and treaties. These materials, which are easily accessible online, include the Arbitration Rules of organisations like AAA and ICC as well as the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention).
[to be updated]
Restricted Enrollment
yes (that means that the number of participants is limited and that you might not get a place in this course)
[tbc]
Course Registration
Please sign up for this course under the module "Study Program for Exchange Students - Module 6".
[tbc]
registration period: 1 October 2025, 9 a.m. - 10 October 2025, 12 p.m. (noon)
In order to know if you have obtained a place in this course, please check out your course plan on Campus Management (tab "Stundenplan") from 11 October 2025.
As long as there are still seats available after the registration period has expired, they will be allocated according to the principle "first come, first served" if you sign up by 31 October 2025.
De-Registration from this Course
regular drop period: 1 October 2025, 9 a.m. - 31 October 2025, 12 a.m. (midnight)
After the regular drop period you can only drop this course with a valid cause until 14 days prior to the exam. Please contact the International Office at the Law Department if you have to use this option.
Type of Exam
At the beginning of the second part, just before the case study, there will be a written exam (90 minutes) on the key issues of the course. A qualified individual performance in the Moot Court may positively influence the final grade, which is mainly based on the written exam.
[tbc]
Registration for the Exam
Students will automatically be registered for the exam when they sign up for this course.
De-Registration from the Exam
Students who drop this course via Campus Management are automatically de-registered from the exam. Students who do not drop this course via Campus Management and do not take the exam, are going to finish this course with a non-passing grade (0 points).
Grade Release