LW1CONNU-Contract Law (NUIST-Reading Academy)

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: LW1JILSNU Jurisprudence (NUIST-Reading Academy) and LW1TORNU Tort Law (NUIST-Reading Academy)
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Ms Sharon Sinclair-Graham

Email: sharon.sinclair-graham@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The course focuses on all key aspects of a contract, including how a valid contract is formed, contents of a contract and remedies for breach. It is vital you understand the principles of contract law and can apply the case law.

Aims:

To give students a thorough grounding in the law of contract

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of contract law

• Show evidence of the ability to apply techniques of ordered thinking and the skills necessary to analyse and solve legal problems;

• Communicate legal arguments clearly and succinctly, by means of presentations and written work, and to draw appropriate conclusions;

Additional outcomes:

• The development of library and research skills and the ability to make use of available resources.

• An ability to understand legal academic texts, both written and spoken, more easily

Outline content:

The Contract module will be structured as followed for each week:

Lecture – 2 hours per week

Seminar – 2 hours per week - to include seminar problems and presentation

Specialized Seminar – 2 hours per week – problem solving, homework discussion and review of the lectures and

understanding of the principles taught previously

Week 1

An introduction to the Principles of Contract and Formation of a Contract. A review of the principles relating to

offer, such as distinguishing an offer from an “invitation to treat” and understanding when offers cease to be open

for acceptance. Understanding the difference between bilateral and unilateral contracts.

Week 2

Acceptance. A review of the law of acceptance in relation to bilateral and unilateral contracts. Gaining an

understanding of the general rules, exceptions and problems that arise in relation to acceptance.

Week 3

Intention to create legal relations and Capacity to make contracts. Understanding the presumptions developed

by the courts in relation to intention to create legal relations and understanding the limitations on capacity to

contract in relation to minors, and others.

Week 4

Consideration – a review of the law of consideration. Understanding the basic rules and the ways in which the

courts have developed the principles of consideration by case law, with a review of the equitable doctrine of

Promissory Estoppel.

Week 5

The Content of a Contract. Incorporation of Term – Express and Implied and an introduction to Exclusion clauses.

Week 6

Reading Week – students will consolidate their learning thus far, ready for a mid-term test in week 7.

Week 7

Types of Terms. Conditions, Warranties and Innominate Terms; Exclusion Clauses; the effect of breach, the

Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Week 8

Misrepresentation - when does it remain a mere pre-contractual statement and when might it be incorporated as

a term of the contract? Why does it matter? Remedies for misrepresentation.

Week 9

Remedies in Contract – Statutory and common law; the common law remedy of damages, and equitable remedies

in detail – Injunction, Specific Performance, Rescission and Rectification

Week 10

Contract Law in context – problem scenarios.

Week 11

Revision

Week 12

Revision

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Topics are introduced through a combination of taught classes, seminars and individual tutorials. Independent learning is encouraged through reading based on textbooks, articles and case studies. Case and statute exercises assist in the development of skills in legal reasoning.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	16
Seminars	78
Tutorials	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	20
Exam revision/preparation	10
Advance preparation for classes	10
Preparation for presentations	5
Preparation for seminars	5
Completion of formative assessment tasks	15
Group study tasks	5
Essay preparation	10
Reflection	4
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Written assignment including essay	10
Set exercise	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One exam in summer term – 3 hours long which is worth 70% which is combined with Tort Law

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One assignment set in the Autumn term, to be submitted in the Spring Term which is worth 10%

Formative assessment methods:

Mid-term test in week 7 on the previous weeks across Contract and Jurisprudence

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Written examination 100%

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 June 2019