Whole group sessions - a series of participatory lectures will disseminate basic knowledge and understanding as the foundation of preparation for a structured programme of tutorial sessions - 2 hours per week x 22 weeks = 44 hours.

Small group sessions - a series of tutorial sessions will examine particular aspects of the Law of Contract. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop both individual and collaborative learning; for example, a moot and an information technology based tutorial - 10 hours per semester = 20 hours.

Directed study and independent learning - principally, this will consist of preparation for tutorials and directed research. The module study guide provides students with an integrated programme of learning guidance via further reading references, tutorial workplans, IOLIS and Lotus Learning Space.

Completion of the tutorial workplans will encourage students to focus of the type of problem areas which can be assessed and facilitate tutorial discussion. It is hoped that the fact that students may take their completed workplans into the examination room will encourage them to undertake this work. In addition the use of the workplans during the course of the examination is intended to place a greater emphasis on analytical skills as opposed to rote learning. An unseen, compulsory question on the examination paper, based on a pre-seen case report, and the format of the assignment will enable an element of research to be assessed. Completion of tutorial reflective assessment forms at the end of each tutorial will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively - 236 hours.

TOTAL LEARNING TIME = 300 HOURS.

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law.
Module Study Guide.
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.
Specialist software; IOLIS, Lotus Learning Space.

Richards, P. (2003). Law of Contract, 6th ed. Harlow: Longman.
Smith J.C., Smith and Thomas. (2000). A casebook on Contract, 11th ed. London, Sweet & Maxwell.

1 x assignment (word-processed), maximum length 2000 words at the end of Semester 1 (40%)
The assignment will assess Learning Outcomes 1 - 4.

1 x tutorial participation (10%)
This tutorial based presentation will assess Learning Outcomes 1 and 5

1 x 2 hour open book examination at the end of Semester 2 (50%)
Students may consult their completed tutorial workplans in the examination room.
The examination will assess Learning Outcomes 1 - 4.

To pass this module, a student must:

(a) obtain a mark of at least 40% for the tutorial-based presentation, AND
(b) obtain a mark of at least 35% in both the assignment and the examination, AND
(c ) the average mark for the assignment and the examination must be at least 40%.'

The module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the core principles relating to formation, performance and discharge of contracts and an appreciation of the commercial implications of such principles.

Issues covered will include:

- formation of contracts
- contractual obligations under terms of the contract
- exclusion clauses and unfair contract terms
- vitiating factors and their consequences
- methods of discharging contracts
- remedies for breach
- legal developments resulting from commercial activity and technological advances