Contract Law

Module overview

This module provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the key salient issues of contract law, focusing on English contract law while drawing insights from comparative and transnational approaches. It comprises 3 parts. The first two parts cover the rules on contract formation and contract terms (in part 1), and how a contract can be ended and remedies for breach (in part 2). Having gained sound foundational knowledge of these important rules and principles of the common law, in part 3 we take a wider perspective to reflect on transnational contract rules and dispute resolution. This comparative view provides students with an insight into different approaches to contract law, as well as an appreciation of the mechanisms for dispute resolution. These latter aspects enable students to gain a more expansive understanding of how English contract law is situated within the global trading sphere. Part 1 (40% of the content) Introduction to contract law, the common law, and the function of contract law. Contract formation. Contract terms and their interpretation. Part 2 (40% of the content) Introduction and overview of remedies for contractual breaches Discharge of Contracts Breach of Contract and its consequences Part 3 (20% of the content) Contract law in wider perspective: transnational, comparative and international approaches Contractual Disputes and Dispute Resolution

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the English law on the formation of a contract, the methods by which it can be ended, and the remedies available for a breach of its terms. Having successfully completed the module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: the main principles which govern: oentry into a contract. othe terms of a contract. othe discharge of a contract othe remedies for breach othe various methods of dispute resolution othe different approaches to contract law, from a comparative, transnational perspective the principal policies and values underpinning contract rules. existing areas of debate about what the law is and what it ought to be. Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to: analyse relevant legal materials, including case law and statutes. identify key legal and policy issues. apply contractual principles, with appropriate legal authorities, in the solutions of practical problems. draft basic legal advice upon such problems. critically appraise and offer solutions in existing areas of debate in contract law. Transferable and Generic Skills Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to: critically evaluate others’ arguments. develop and present a written argument with appropriate evidence. identify and analyse key policy issues.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching: = 60 hours Lecture: 10 lectures, each 2 hours, per semester = 40 hours Tutorials: 5 tutorials, each 2 hours, per semester = 20 hours

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	60
Independent Study	240
Total study time	300

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Coursework

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment:
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	25%
Open Book Exam	75%