Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module BUSI2241: PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS LAW

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI2241: PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS LAW

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2017/18 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to NN12
Tied to N205
Tied to N208
Tied to N201
Tied to N203
Tied to N207
Tied to N500
Tied to N506
Tied to N508
Tied to N501
Tied to N505
Tied to N507
Tied to N509
Tied to N510
Tied to N511

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • It is important for those students studying in the fields of business and accounting to have an understanding of the legal framework within which businesses operate and the requirements and restrictions imposed on a business by the different aspects of the law that are relevant to the operation of a business.

Content

  • Introduction to the English Legal Framework - statute and case law
  • The law of Tort
  • Contract Law - offer acceptance and consideration. Remedies for breach
  • Agency
  • Vicarious Liability
  • Types of Business entity - sole traders, partnerships and companies
  • Company formation and administration
  • The veil of incorporation
  • The memorandum and articles of association
  • Management of the company; the duties and responsibilities of directors
  • Corporate Governance
  • Criminal Law; insider dealing
  • Insolvency
  • Employment Law
  • Sale of Goods
  • Company finance
  • European Law

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of the significant aspects of law as they appertain to the operation of a business.
  • Understand the regulatory framework with which businesses must comply.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to analyse and offer advice on common legal issues facing a business.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication - through summative assessment
  • Skills of enquiry and explanation through applying legal principles and forming arguments

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of an online assessment. Summative assessment is by a written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 1 weekly 1 hour 21
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hour 8 ■
Preparation and Reading 171
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 3 hours 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Online test accessed via DUO.

■ 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