Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module LAW1071: CONTRACT LAW

Department: Law

LAW1071: CONTRACT LAW

Type	Tied	Level	1	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2015/16	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Tied to	M101
Tied to	M103

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combination of Modules

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
Lectures	20	weekly	1 hour	20
Seminars	5	Normally two in each of Michaelmas and Epiphany	1 hour	5	■
Staff office hours	28	Normally weekly during Michaelmas, Epiphany and Easter Terms	1 hour	28
Preparation and Reading				147
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
written examination	2hrs 30mins	100%

Formative Assessment:

Two essays of 1,500 words each

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University