Module Information

Module Identifier
LC23820
Module Title
Contract Law
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Dr David Poyton
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
CT13820 or LC13820
Mutually Exclusive
CT23820
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Unseen exam  50%
Semester Assessment 2500 word essay  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Resit missed or failed unseen exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit missed or failed 2500 word essay  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify and explain the fundamental principles of the law of contract and analyse their relevance and application

2. Identify, analyse and evaluate the crucial elements required for a legally binding contract.

3. Demonstrate a good understanding of the construction and enforceability of a contract.

4. Evaluate and analyse the scope of contract law, identifying problems and considering options for reform.

5. Construct convincing and cogent arguments on the basis of relevant law and case facts in order to develop skills in reading; understanding and applying the relevant legal texts (cases or legislation) to legal problems; and to interpret and analyse legal rules and texts in a sophisticated and effective manner.

Brief description

The module sets out the general requirements for a valid contract. It also looks at procedural unfairness and the parties to the contract. Different aspects of the terms of the contract are also studied. The module then looks at contract performance and breach, and the remedies available.

Content

​Note that the Level 2 students attend the Level 1 lectures in this module. HOWEVER, in order to reflect their Level 2 status, (i) their examinations, and (ii) seminar work are different and are set at a higher level.

The module aims to inform students of the key principles of the different areas set out above, as well as considering the specific legal elements of these principles, primarily through study of relevant case law, but also legislation

Content
  • Introduction to the Law of Contract
  • Contract Formation
  • Consideration
  • Duress
  • Capacity & Legality
  • Privity of Contract
  • Express and Implied Terms
  • Classification of Terms
  • Incorporation of Terms
  • Construction of Terms
  • Exemption Clauses
  • Contract Misrepresentation
  • Mistake
  • Undue Influence
  • Contract Frustration
  • Performance and Breach of Contract
  • Remedies
  • Restitution
Delivery:
30 x 1 hour lectures
6 x 1 hour seminars

Student workload:
200 hours

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication The module will develop students’ written communication skills by way of the examination. In addition, student will develop their oral communication skills through individual and group responses to set work on the seminars.
Improving own Learning and Performance Seminar participation and exam preparation develop different aspects of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources through the dissemination of ideas to others orally, and developing written communication skills.
Information Technology Library and research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and assessed work.
Personal Development and Career planning Recommended topic for any considering working in criminal practice/criminal justice system.
Problem solving The module will develop students’ problem-solving skills in a number of ways. Students will be required to analyse a range of sources and texts in order to answer problem-solving questions in the seminars; AND in their examination.
Research skills Students are expected to research and synthesize a range of academic source material in preparing for their seminars and for their examination.
Subject Specific Skills Legal research: use of legal databases as a resource for statute and case law Reading primary sources in the way of cases and legislation Problem solving exercises in seminars will assist in examination problem-solving style questions, and, more widely, in the legal profession
Team work The seminars will include problem-solving and group discussions which will provide opportunities for students to develop team-working skills and discuss their thoughts with the rest of the class

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5