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LAW1071: CONTRACT LAW

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Type	Tied
Level	1
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Law

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations 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

Theories underpinning contract law
The nature of Agreement including the rules on offer and acceptance
Other elements of a contract including intention to create legal relations
Consideration and Promissory Estoppel
Contractual Terms (including exemption and limitation clauses)
Misrepresentation
Frustration
Duress and Undue Influence
Breach and Remedies

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	Monitored
Lectures	20	weekly	1 hour	20
Tutorials	5	Normally: two in Michaelmas; three in Epiphany	1 hour	5	Yes
Preparation and Reading				175
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
written examination	3 hours	100	yes

Formative Assessment

Two essays of 1,500 words each, 1 compulsory and the other optional.

More information

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