Course Structure Overview
The Law curriculum at Guru Kashi University Bathinda is meticulously designed to provide a balanced blend of foundational knowledge and specialized expertise. The program spans three years, with each year structured to build upon the previous one through carefully curated courses and progressive learning experiences.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year I, Semester I | LAW-101 | Introduction to Law | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW-102 | Constitutional Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW-103 | Criminal Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW-104 | Torts and Damages | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester I | LAW-105 | Contract Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW-201 | Property Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW-202 | Family Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW-203 | Administrative Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW-204 | International Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year I, Semester II | LAW-205 | Law of Evidence | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-101 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW-301 | Corporate Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-201 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW-302 | Intellectual Property Rights | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-201 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW-303 | Labour and Employment Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-201 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW-304 | Environmental Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-201 |
| Year II, Semester III | LAW-305 | Human Rights Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-201 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW-401 | Criminal Justice Reform | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-301 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW-402 | Banking and Financial Services Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-301 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW-403 | International Trade Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-301 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW-404 | Legal Writing and Research | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-301 |
| Year II, Semester IV | LAW-405 | Legal Clinic | 0-0-2-2 | LAW-301 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW-501 | Advanced Constitutional Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-401 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW-502 | Case Analysis and Advocacy | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-401 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW-503 | Special Topics in Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAW-401 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW-504 | Moot Court Competition | 0-0-2-2 | LAW-401 |
| Year III, Semester V | LAW-505 | Research Project | 0-0-0-6 | LAW-401 |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW-601 | Final-Year Thesis | 0-0-0-6 | LAW-501 |
| Year III, Semester VI | LAW-602 | Internship Program | 0-0-0-3 | LAW-501 |
The curriculum integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application through a variety of courses that emphasize critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary studies, exploring connections between law and fields such as economics, political science, philosophy, and sociology.
Advanced Departmental Electives
Several advanced departmental electives are offered to provide students with deeper insights into specialized areas of law:
- Corporate Governance and Ethics: This course explores the principles and practices of corporate governance, focusing on ethical standards, accountability mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. Students analyze case studies involving major corporations and evaluate governance failures and reforms.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Students learn about mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution methods used in civil and commercial contexts. The course includes practical simulations of negotiation and mediation processes.
- Globalization and International Law: This elective examines how globalization affects international law and legal institutions. Topics include trade agreements, human rights treaties, and the role of international organizations in shaping global legal norms.
- Legal Technology and Digital Rights: With the increasing digitization of society, this course explores how technology impacts legal practice and individual rights. It covers topics such as data privacy, cybercrime, artificial intelligence in law, and digital contract enforcement.
- Public Interest Litigation: This course focuses on the role of public interest litigation (PIL) in promoting social justice and protecting marginalized communities. Students study landmark PIL cases and analyze the impact of judicial activism on democratic governance.
- Gender Justice and Feminist Legal Theory: This elective examines gender disparities in legal systems and explores feminist perspectives on lawmaking and interpretation. Students engage with issues such as domestic violence, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination.
- Humanitarian Law and Conflict Resolution: Students study international humanitarian law, focusing on laws governing armed conflict and protection of civilians during wartime. The course includes analysis of recent conflicts and the role of international tribunals in resolving disputes.
- Environmental Impact Assessment and Policy: This course addresses legal frameworks for environmental protection, including impact assessment procedures, regulatory compliance, and policy development. Students examine case studies from national and international contexts.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places a strong emphasis on project-based learning, which encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Mini-projects are assigned throughout the program to foster critical thinking and collaboration among peers. These projects often involve research into current legal issues, policy analysis, or advocacy strategies.
For the final-year thesis/capstone project, students select a topic of personal interest within their area of specialization. They work closely with faculty mentors to develop a comprehensive research paper that contributes original insights to the field of law. The evaluation criteria include the clarity of argumentation, depth of research, adherence to academic standards, and presentation skills.
Students are guided in selecting appropriate projects based on their interests and career goals. Faculty members provide mentorship throughout the project lifecycle, offering feedback on methodology, literature review, and writing style. This personalized approach ensures that each student develops a meaningful and impactful contribution to the field of law.