The module will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the core principles relating to the formation, performance and discharge of contracts and an appreciation of the commercial implications of such principles.
Students will explore these principles through the following topics:

Intention in domestic and commercial agreements
Offer and acceptance
Consideration
Contractual terms, exclusion clauses and unfair terms
Misrepresentation and duress
Contracts in restraint of trade
Discharge of contract by breach and frustration
The effects of frustration and remedies for breach
The influence of technology on commercial activity

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 64 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 236 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks.

Contact will include a mixture of small and larger group activities, much of it based on the principles of practice and problem based learning. Learning will be organised into a series of sessions where students will be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying related theory and knowledge based around the subject matter.

Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and rules of the subject matter can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints.

The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require group work and electronic interaction. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors.

Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter.

The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.



Large Group Sessions (Lectures)

In this module the basic principles of contract will be outlined in a series of whole group participatory lectures lasting one hour each week over a period of 22 weeks – 1 x 22 = 22 hours

Smaller Group Activities (Workshops)

The lectures will be supplemented by workshops consisting of smaller groups to examine particular aspects of the law of contract by means of group problem solving activities. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop both individual and collaborative learning. Students will be encouraged to present argument and carry out research using electronic resources. Each workshop will be held weekly over a period of 21 weeks and will last two hours.
2 x 21 = 42 hours

DIRECTED STUDY AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING:
This will consist of preparation for the work to be undertaken in the workshops and also assessment. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide, lecture materials and via Blackboard. A significant amount of on-line guided support will be provided via Blackboard and this will include further reading, research exercises, and on-line collaboration to support workshop preparation. The independent learning activities encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the principles of contract and provide practice in preparation for assessments.


Directed Study and Independent Learning = 236 hours
TOTAL LEARNING 300 HOURS

Formative Assessment

Semester 1:

Research Exercise Workshop 1: Learning Outcomes 4,5
Practice Case study with questions assessing formation of contract:
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2 and 3
MCQs on semester 1 topics: Outcomes 1 and 5

Semester 2:

Practice Exam: Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3
MCQs on semester 2 topics Learning Outcomes 1 and 5


Summative Assessment:

FINAL

May: One three hour examination on Semester 1 and 2. Topics assessing learning Outcomes 1 – 5. Statutory materials can be taken into the examination room.

Minimum Pass Mark: 40%

Weighted at 100% of total mark.

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law
Module study guide. Lecture Outlines. Work plans. Power points
Computing facilities including use of Lexis Nexis and Westlaw

Poole J, Casebook on Contract, Current Edition, OUP
Richards, P. Law of Contract, Current Edition, Pearson Longman
Richard Taylor & Damian Taylor Contract Law Directions (latest edition) OUP

1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the main principles of contract law, their inter-relationship and areas of current and future development.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate an ability to communicate such knowledge and understanding in writing.
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate and analyse arguments, concepts and legal principles and to apply law to provide appropriate solutions in problem situations.
Analysis
Application
Problem Solving

4. Demonstrate an ability to conduct research
Enquiry

5. Demonstrate ability to reflect on legal source material and communicate effectively
Reflection