Law of Contract (Level 4)
Module summary
Module code: LAW1099
Level: 4
Credits: 30
School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department: Law and Criminology
Module Coordinator(s): Michael Ottley
Specification
Aims
To understand the general principles of the law of contract, to know statutory law and case law, and to be able to apply principles and rules to practical cases and scenarios. Students will have a solid theoretical understanding of the law of contract if they have successfully completed the course which they will be able to use as a foundation for their future studies
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1 Define and understand the basic components of a contract
2 Show a knowledge and understanding of the substantive principles of the law of contract, including case law and basic legislation
3 Identify and explain relevant contractual principles and apply them in a practical context
4 Acquire basic essay -writing and problem-solving techniques and be able to present coherent, concise legal arguments.
5 Recognise the circumstances in which the courts or Parliament will interfere in the freedom of the parties to make their own agreements
Demonstrate competence in the use of authoritative, primary and secondary sources
Indicative content
• Offer & Acceptance
• Consideration
• Express Terms
• Implied Terms
• Exemption Clauses
• Misrepresentation
• Duress and undue influence
• Mistake
• Frustration
• Remedies
Teaching and learning activity
The course will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars and directed reading. Seminars will be designed to teach a variety of skills including problem-solving, analysing essay questions, structuring essay answers, communication of knowledge, research, reading of texts and case law.
Assessment
Coursework: 50% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6.
Outline Details: An assessed piece of coursework on an area of contract law. 1000 words.
Examination: 50% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Outline Details: Final examination (3 hours) - choice from a range of essay-type and problem-type questions – students need to answer 3 questions.
Formative Assessment: Seminar questions made at home and discussed in class (answer models given), quizzes on VLE and in class that can be self-checked (often MCQ which aids in preparation of SQE exam which is also MCQ).