Teaching - Faculty of Law - Universität Regensburg

Since 1978, the University of Regensburg has offered a supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies for law students. Additional knowledge from other fields has always been extremely beneficial for lawyers, significantly broadening not only their education but also their career prospects. In this day and age, with the excessive rush to pursue a legal education, additional knowledge in other fields has naturally become even more important than ever before. Knowledge of Eastern European studies is highly versatile. The reconstruction of Eastern Europe represents the major challenge facing Western Europe in the near future. Diplomatic, economic and legal relations with Eastern Europe are set to intensify considerably, and lawyers are urgently needed to address this.

The supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies for law students at the University of Regensburg takes into account the fact that time for additional activities becomes increasingly scarce as the final exams draw nearer.

The supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies is therefore aimed at law students in their first semesters, when the focus on the final examinations is not yet so dominant and there is still scope for additional courses. It is limited to an additional workload of four lecture hours per week and concludes after four academic semesters.

Given the importance of knowledge of Eastern European languages, the centrepiece of the supplementary programme is an introduction to the Russian language with a specific focus on social science and legal vocabulary. This language programme is complemented by further modules on topics such as the state and law, history, the economic system and the economic geography of Russia.

This core programme is specifically supplemented and rounded off by regular guest lectures from academics from Eastern European countries and by excursions. A certificate is awarded for participation in the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies.

This results in the following total number of hours:

8 SWS language tuition
(primarily Russian, but also Czech or similar languages on request)
8 SWS subject-specific teaching

In order to improve the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies, we would ask you to complete the (anonymous) evaluation form and send it to, or hand it in at, Professor Dr Manssen’s department.

Evaluation form (external link, opens in a new window)

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From the winter semester 2024/25 onwards, the University of Regensburg will be offering a series of Ukrainian language courses at various levels, from A1 to C2, for students and staff as part of the DAAD-funded Centre for Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies ‘Denkraum Ukraine’. The courses will run continuously every semester. Registration is available via the SPUR portal.

Further information and registration at: https://www.uni-regensburg.de/denkraum-ukraine/lehre/index.html (external link, opens in a new window)

I would be delighted if the courses could also be promoted as part of the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies and included in the curriculum.

Professor Mirka Lecke and I are happy to answer any queries.

Information on the programme

The supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies offers an important additional qualification within the law degree programme, which is of great significance in view of the rapidly growing German-Russian economic relations and the EU’s eastward enlargement.

The supplementary programme is designed so that it can be undertaken alongside the law degree without placing a significant additional burden on students.

Lectures to be attended

The following modules must be attended over a period of four semesters:

Recommendation:

2 SWS specialist language + 2 SWS specialist module

2 SWS specialist language + 2 SWS specialist course

2 SWS subject-specific language + 2 SWS subject-specific module

This amounts to a total of 8 SWS of language courses and 8 SWS of subject-specific modules over 4 semesters.

The language to be learnt is Russian or another Eastern European language. Only one language may be chosen; that is, the 8 SWS of subject-specific language courses must be completed in a single language. The list of subject-specific modules is provided separately for each semester.

A certain degree of variation is possible within the 4 semesters. It is important that the interdisciplinary dimension of the accompanying degree programme is maintained. This means that, in addition to law lectures, students must also attend economics and history lectures. In total, students must attend 2 SWS of history modules, 2 SWS of economics modules and 4 SWS of law modules.

There are plans to offer a course on regional studies with a focus on cultural studies. As soon as such a course is offered, the compulsory requirement will be 2 SWS of regional studies and 2 SWS of law courses instead of 4 SWS of law courses. These courses must be chosen from the list below. In addition to these modules, a range of supplementary modules is also offered, which are intended as optional specialisation modules.

It is essential that, by the end of the four semesters, the total number of language and subject-specific modules has been completed. Proof of attendance must be provided for each module. This leads to the award of a certificate in the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies.

The lectures ‘The EU and Eastern Europe’ and ‘European Constitutional Law’ are also prerequisites for the specialisation in ‘European and International Law’. If these lectures are chosen for the purpose of obtaining the certificate in the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies and the specialisation ‘European and International Law’, this certificate cannot be used to extend the period of exemption from degree requirements, as these are compulsory modules within the specialisation. Other modules would then have to be chosen for the Certificate in Eastern European Studies.

In addition to the specialist language taken as part of the ‘Eastern European Studies’ supplementary programme, proof of achievement in accordance with Section 24(2) of the JAPO must be provided when registering for the state examination.

Antje Himmelreich

Lecturer

Ms Himmelreich completed her law degree in Dresden and subsequently worked in Dresden and Moscow during her legal traineeship. From 2003 to 2008, she worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Eastern European Law at Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel.

Since April 2008, she has been a research officer specialising in Russian and
Ukrainian law, as well as the law of the other CIS states, at the Institute
for Eastern European Law in Regensburg.

Since 2013, she has been giving guest lectures and, in February 2018, began delivering regular
lectures on German civil law as a lecturer on the German-language course ‘School of German Law’ run by the University of Regensburg at Moscow State University (MGU); however, this course has been suspended since the outbreak of war on 24 February 2022.

Since the 2019/2020 winter term, she has been a lecturer at the University
on Russian law.

Winter semester

21270-Lecture-HIMMELREICH

Introduction to Russian Law: Legal History, Legal Institutions and Constitutional Law

The aim of the lecture is to provide an overview of the legal system of the Russian Federation. In addition to legal history and legal culture, the course will focus primarily on Russian legal institutions and constitutional law, including constitutional jurisdiction.

No specific language skills or prior knowledge are required.

The course comprises a total of two SWS (4 ECTS). Where necessary, appropriate assessments are offered to enable students to earn ECTS credits
– in the form of an oral or written examination. A certificate of attendance may be awarded for regular attendance (including for students on the supplementary programme in Eastern Studies).

Dates: Usually weekly on Fridays and Saturdays.

For current enrolment options -> see ‘Lecturers’there

Summer semester

21207-Lecture-HIMMELREICH

Russian Civil Law

The aim of the lecture is to provide an overview of modern Russian
civil law. Topics covered include the law of persons,
the theory of legal transactions, general law of obligations, contract law
including the law governing specific types of contract, statutory
obligations, property law, inheritance law and the fundamentals of
conflict of laws, each illustrated with practical examples.

No specific language skills or prior knowledge are required.

The course comprises a total of two SWS (4 ECTS). Where necessary,
exams are offered to enable students to earn ECTS credits
– in the form of an oral or written examination. Upon regular
attendance, a certificate of attendance may be awarded (including for
students on the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies).

Dates: Usually weekly on Fridays and Saturdays.

For current enrolment details -> see“Lecturers” (external link, opens in a new window)there

Ekaterina Köhler

Lecturer

The lecturer was born in Moscow. In 2010, she graduated with a law degree from Lomonosov Moscow State University and also completed the German-language programme for lawyers (DSG) at the University of Regensburg. She subsequently worked as a research assistant to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Rainer Arnold. Since 2015, she has been teaching Russian to trainee lawyers at the University of Regensburg. Since 2017, she has also been a certified tutor in Russian as a foreign language (Lomonosov Moscow State University).

Email (opens your email program)

Russian language training for law students

as part of the supplementary programme in Eastern Studies

at the University of Regensburg

This course series focuses primarily on teaching the Russian language with a legal slant, without requiring any prior knowledge. Starting with the Cyrillic alphabet and phonetics, participants are initially offered a traditional language course covering topics such as greetings, small talk and cultural studies. This knowledge is then seamlessly built upon using legal texts, such as laws and court judgements, with an emphasis on legal vocabulary and its correct usage. At the same time, skills in both oral and written formal communication, as well as working with contracts, are taught. This makes the course programme suitable for non-lawyers as well, particularly as legal knowledge, whilst desirable, is by no means a prerequisite. Naturally, throughout the course series, particular emphasis is placed on active speaking, listening and reading comprehension.

General legal knowledge is enhanced through an introduction to the structure of the Russian state and constitutional law, as well as insights into criminal and civil law, with frequent comparative legal references to Germany. Where possible, current topics are incorporated flexibly.

Although the programme starts ‘from scratch’, it is also suitable for students with prior knowledge who are interested in legal terminology and business communication. After the first two courses, the language level achieved corresponds roughly to levels A1–A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); however, no certificate examination is offered.

Successful completion of each individual course in its own right fulfils the requirements for specialist language training in accordance with Section 24(2) of the JAPO; however, it is of course recommended that students complete the entire course series. This is also an essential component of the ‘Complementary Studies in Eastern European Studies’.

Each course runs for one semester’s lecture period, comprising 2 SWS, and concludes with a final written examination.

Overview of the individual courses

F1a:

- Introduction to Grammar (Alphabet and Phonetics, Conjugations, Declensions

etc.)

- General vocabulary, including legal job titles and

fields of work

- Basic rules for formal conversation, greetings and addressing others

- Constitutional law: key features, history of the constitution

- Fundamental rights in the Russian Federation

F1b:

- Advanced grammar, including the past tense and future tense

- Consolidation of general vocabulary

- Constitutional Law: In-depth study, including the theory of the state and law

- The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation: role, powers and

composition

F2:

- An introduction to Russian criminal law

- Advanced grammar

- Advanced formal oral communication, including over the telephone

- Formal written communication and guidance on business correspondence

- Dealing with official documents

- Fundamentals of legal case analysis in Russian

F3:

- Insights into Russian civil law

- Advanced grammar

- Stylistics

- Internationalisms

- Legal writing and drafting of legal documents

- Working with contracts

General information:

Courses F1a and F2 always take place in the winter semester.

F1b and F3 generally take place in the summer semester, and F1a is sometimes held then as well.

Further information and registration (under the ‘Lecturers’ tab):

https://www.uni-regensburg.de/rechtswissenschaft/oeffentliches-recht/manssen/lehre/index.html (external link, opens in a new window)

Frequently Asked Questions about the supplementary programme in Eastern European Studies

How many Russian language courses are there for lawyers?

There are 4 courses:

Level 1 (“F1a Russian for Lawyers I”)

Level 2 (“F1b Russian for Lawyers II”)

Level 3 (“F2 Russian for Lawyers III”)

Level 4 (“F3 Russian for Lawyers IV”)

Russian as a JAPO certificate. Which courses are recognised by JAPO?

All four courses (Levels 1 to 4) meet the requirements set out in Section 24(2) of the JAPO.

Who is eligible to take which course?

Level 1 – beginners only who do not have sufficient prior knowledge to take advanced courses. Participants in the OWB programme with sufficient prior knowledge generally sit only the written examination. If active participation in the course is desired, this may be permitted by arrangement, subject to availability.

Level 2 – Beginners with prior knowledge at A1 level

Level 3 – Advanced learners from Level A2 onwards

Level 4 – Advanced learners from level A2 onwards

I’ve heard there’s a ‘Cyrillic’ script.

Yes, it is possible to learn to read and write sufficiently in just one semester! Special teaching materials are provided to make getting started exciting and straightforward. There is the option to learn cursive script as well as block letters, although this is not a requirement. Students are often able to read and write adequately after just a few weeks.

I know a bit of Russian.

You may enrol from Level 2 (‘F1b Russian for Lawyers II’). The beginners’ course would not provide sufficient challenge for you.

I have a good command of spoken and written Russian.

You may enrol from Level 3 (‘F2 Russian for Lawyers III’) onwards.

Can I miss classes, or is attendance compulsory?

It is recommended that you attend the lectures to ensure you benefit from the learning process. Whilst attendance is not compulsory, you must inform the lecturer if you are unable to attend. In the event of an unexcused absence, course materials such as answers to homework assignments etc. cannot be provided retrospectively.

Do I have to do homework?

Homework is an essential part of the course and is vital for successful learning. At the very least, a genuine attempt is required in order to receive the solutions.

What does the exam involve? Is it oral or written?

The exam is written and usually takes place on the last day of lectures in the semester. The exam consists of four parts: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, language structures and writing.

I still have some questions. What should I do?

Please feel free to contact the lecturer by email (ekaterina.koehler@jura.uni-regensburg.de).

Events and excursions

Event: Guest lecture by Reverend Schäfer SAC

Seminar onBuilding Law and Politics (external link, opens in a new window)

Zingst, 31 May to 3 June 2023

PhD seminar in Wrocław from 18 May to 21 May 2023

Notes: (external link, opens in a new window)

Field trip

Astana from 22 April to 30 April 2023

Project: The Rule of Law in Everyday Life (external link, opens in a new window)

Event announcement:

Guest lecture by Dr Agnieszka Malicka

Symposium and PhD seminar in Regensburg

Trends towards Europeanisation in national legal systems: the case of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic
On 22 and 23 June, a German-Polish-Czech symposium and doctoral seminar took place in collaboration with the Chair of Public Law and International Law (Prof. Dr Robert Uerpmann-Wittzack) and the Chair of Civil Law and Labour Law (Prof. Dr Frank Maschmann), a German-Polish-Czech symposium and PhD seminar took place (‘Trends towards Europeanisation in national legal systems’). The event was financially supported by the Hans Vielberth University Foundation.

Regensburg Real Estate Law Day

12th Regensburg Property Law Conference on 13 October 2017

Prof. Dr Gerrit Manssen, together with Prof. Dr Dr Herbert Grziwotz, in cooperation with the ZfIR and the IRE|BS Institute for Real Estate Economics, and with the participation of Prof. Dr Jürgen Kühling, will be organising the 12th Regensburg Real Estate Law Conference at the University of Regensburg on 13 October 2017. Under the theme “Amendments to the BauGB and urban development contracts – current issues and developments”, this year’s event will focus on various issues relating to public law. As in previous years, renowned experts will be in attendance, whose presentations will stimulate subsequent discussion and debate.

MAY 2015

Symposium and PhD seminar at the University of Wrocław

“Trends towards Europeanisation in national legal systems, using Germany and Poland as examples”

11 May 2015 University of Wrocław

Report (external link, opens in a new window)

JULY 2013

German-Korean Symposium

"Current Issues in Bureaucracy Research"

4 July 2013 at the Centre for East and South-East European Studies, Regensburg

Report (external link, opens in a new window)

View the poster (external link, opens in a new window)

JUNE 2013

Symposium on Polish Law

on 19 June 2013, 2.00 pm, Vielberth Building, Room 2.35

View the poster (external link, opens in a new window)

Report on the symposium (external link, opens in a new window)

MARCH 2013

Excursion to the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig

from 26 to 27 March 2013

Report (external link, opens in a new window)

NOVEMBER 2012

German-Ukrainian seminar in Kyiv

European Approaches to Good Governance

on 4 November 2012

Report (external link, opens in a new window)

APRIL 2012

German-Russian conference

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the local government sector: implementation, financing and oversight, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

11 April to 13 April 2012 at the Centre for Eastern and South-Eastern European Studies in Regensburg

Report (external link, opens in a new window)

School of German Law in Moscow

Due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, this degree programme has been suspended since the end of February 2022!

“Studying and gaining qualifications in the East and West. International expertise as a key to success and added value”

Through the German-language degree programme “School of German Law”, Moscow State University (MGU) offers Russian students the opportunity, as part of their law degree at MGU, to familiarise themselves specifically with the fundamentals of the German legal system, including its links to European law, whilst deepening their knowledge of German. Successful completion of this programme forms the basis for a subsequent Master’s degree programme in Regensburg, Germany.

The “School of German Law at MGU” in Moscow is a collaborative project between the University of Regensburg and Moscow State University (MGU). It was established by the Faculty of Law at the University of Regensburg and today promotes legal dialogue and academic exchange, as well as cultural and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The School of German Law has a comprehensive German-language law library on site. The collection is available in the reading room of the law faculty library. The collections of texts and textbooks are made available to students free of charge.

The programme: part-time

The “School of German Law” programme is designed and structured so that students can complete it alongside their studies at the Faculty of Law of Moscow State Lomonosov University (MGU).

Entry requirements: a preparatory year

Admission to the programme in German Law is conditional upon the successful completion of a one-year preparatory course. During this preparatory year, the main focus is on intensive German language tuition. Applicants’ German language skills, which are assessed in a final examination, are the main selection criterion for admission to the German Law programme.

The programme: four semesters to graduation

The German law programme at the “School of German Law” in Moscow is designed to last four semesters. Both the preparatory year and attendance at all courses offered by the School of German Law during the four-semester programme are free of charge for students. It is recommended that students undertake this programme concurrently during their second and third years of study.

The qualification: a certificate entitling the holder to pursue an LL.M.

Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a certificate entitling them to pursue an LL.M. This gives them the opportunity to undertake a one-year Master’s programme at the Faculty of Law of the University of Regensburg in Germany.

Duration

four semesters (excluding the preparatory year)

Entry requirements

Successful completion of the preparatory course (1 year)

Qualification

Certificate entitling the holder to pursue an LL.M.