Foundations of Contract Law [AJ]

Module overview

Foundations of Contract Law is important in a number of different ways. Firstly, it is a building-block module on which other subjects will depend in later years of the degree. Contract law also exemplifies principles of law and techniques of analysis which go to the heart of any legal system. The existence and application of the law of contract have far-reaching effects on social relations and economic practice, whether the perspective is that of a large commercial company or of a consumer. The law of contract affects our daily lives and conditions the way in which business is conducted. This module aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of the principles of the law of contract, and with a rigorous training in the analysis and practical application of those principles. At the same time the module aims to develop critical understanding of the underlying issues such as the need for policy considerations, the endeavours to balance different groups of contract parties, the limits of the rule of precedents and the question of judicial activism.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

thoroughly analyse relevant legal materials, including case law.
critically appraise thoroughly and offer solutions in existing areas of debate in contract law.
identify and explain how certain facts, in an actual or hypothetical situation, may be ambiguous or uncertain, and to demonstrate how, if they are clarified or made more specific, they could lead to a different legal analysis.
apply contractual principles, with appropriate legal authorities, in the solutions of practical problems.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the principal policies and values underpinning contract rules.
the main principles which govern: •entry into a contract. •the terms of a contract.
existing areas of debate about what the law is and what it ought to be.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

develop and present a written argument with appropriate evidence.
apply information gained, through instruction and self-study, to inform, support or criticise a proposition.
identify and analyse a range of key policy issues.
critically and with perceptiveness evaluate others' arguments.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be by a combination of weekly lectures (2 hours) and weekly tutorials (1 hour) in small groups. You will be expected to attend all lectures and tutorials and will be expected to have prepared for, and participate fully in, tutorials. The lectures will provide a structured outline of the key doctrines and principles of contract law and an introductory critique of topics and concepts. The tutorials work alongside the lectures and focus on discussion of selected topics and concepts as well as practicing answering problem and essay questions. They also provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and obtain feedback on their progress. The tutorials are interactive and you are expected to come prepared for the tutorial and engage actively in discussions.

Study time
Type	Hours
Follow-up work	20
Lecture	22
Wider reading or practice	20
Tutorial	10
Preparation for scheduled sessions	40
Revision	38
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Resources. You are expected to purchase one textbook which will be indicated at the beginning of each year. Access to primary source material in the form of cases, statutes and secondary materials are all available either in the Library of via electronic legal databases.

Assessment

Formative

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

Examination

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Written feedback plus generic feedback in lecture.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No
Percentage contribution: 100%

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External