This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the law of tort and the law of contract, as well as the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies, regularly using the principles of practice and problem based learning. Students learn that some obligations are imposed by society while others are voluntarily entered into and that, in either case, the law provides rules and remedies for those who suffer loss as a result of, for example, negligence or breach of consumers’ contractual rights.
Topics covered include:
- Negligence
- Product Liability
- Contract formation
- Sale of Goods
- Distance Selling

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities, split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding

SMALLER GROUP SESSIONS
These are preceded by a period of independent learning. The module materials contain indicative reading for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply legal principles to factual situations. For all smaller group sessions, there are questions to help guide reading and preparation. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among students and between students and tutors. A variety of teaching methods is adopted in order to encourage the development of essential skills such as intellectual rigour, communication, problem solving, research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, judgement and the appropriate use of IT


DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (228 hours)
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, such as online tests, are provided to enable students to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the Law of Obligations. Students are provided with guidance in their module materials, including via Blackboard. Completion of the tasks encourages students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.
Pre-seen guidance to support research for the assessment is provided.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

All learning outcomes are assessed by means of written assignment:

Teaching Block 1:
1 x 1,500 word assignment - weighted at 50%

Teaching Block 2:
1 x 1,500 word assignment – weighted at 50%

To pass the module, students must obtain an average mark of at least 40% and a mark of at least 20% in each assignment.


Additional Assessment Details

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
Formative assessment during the module supports the learning and encourages progress. Its aim is to provide useful feedback to students prior to the summative assessment. The feedback obtained following the marking of the first written assignment in particular assists students in developing and improving their approach to the second assignment

Module Study Guide

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources

Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard, and the Web.

Specialist software / databases (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)

Bermingham & Brennan. Tort Law Directions (4th Edition, OUP, 2014)
Taylor & Taylor. Contract Law Directions (5th Edition, OUP, 2015) or such other texts as may be specified as being most suited to the module requirements

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of aspects of the law of tort and the law of contract
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis
Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding gained by applying the law to a variety of problems and tasks, using case law and statutory interpretation
Analysis
Problem solving

3. Present written arguments in a logical and coherent way and communication of relevant material in a clear and effective manner
Communication

4. Produce accurate and clear written legal advice and reports
Communication

You will study two elements of civil law: Tort and Contract. In Tort you will consider torts such as negligence which imposes an obligation on us to take care not to injure or cause losses to other people and what the consequences are if we breach that obligation. In Contract you explore the obligations which arise when legally binding agreements are made between two or more parties. You will reflect on important terms in the contracts we make when we buy and sell goods.