This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module LAW1071: CONTRACT LAW
Department: Law
LAW1071: CONTRACT LAW
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- To provide a general understanding of the nature and functions of the law of contract.
- To critically examine key elements of the law of contract.
- To provide some understanding of the common law in action.
Content
- The nature of Agreement
- The rules of Offer and Acceptance
- Consideration
- Duress
- Promissory Estoppel
- Privity
- Contractual Terms (including Exclusion Clauses and Limitation Clauses)
- Misrepresentation
- Mistake and Frustration
- Undue Influence
- Breach and Remedies
- A brief introduction to the Law of Restitution
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Students should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the law of contract in England and Wales.
Subject-specific Skills
- Students should be able to critically analyse the law of contract (and its development) and apply it to factual situations.
Key Skills
- Students should be able to apply analytical and writing skills as well as the ability to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures are used primarily to impart knowledge - and also to suggest approaches to evaluation and critical analysis;
- Tutorials will be used to develop and enhance students capacity for legal-problem solving in a particular factual situation, evaluative critical analysis and their appreciation of laws' linkage with broader fields of enquiry;
- Formative assignments are used to develop subject-specific and key skills.
- The examination tests the ability to focus on relevant legal issues and organise knowledge and argument appropriate to questions raised. The examination questions will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | weekly | 1 hour | 20 | |
| Seminars | 4 | Normally two in each of Michaelmas and Epiphany | 1 hour | 4 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 176 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100% | Written examination - including 15 minutes reading but not writing-in-the-answer-book time | 2hrs 15mins | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Two essays of 1,500 words each
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.