LW3COM-Commercial Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Elizabeth Conaghan
Email: e.t.conaghan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to introduce module members to some of the fundamental principles of commercial law through a critical examination of, and engagement with, relevant case law, legislation, business practice, academic work, historical influences, economic drivers and public policy.  It focuses primarily on the study of the law surrounding contracts for the sale of goods although module members will also be introduced to the concept and law of agency. The module builds on module members' knowledge of contract law and it aims to equip students with a critical appreciation of some of the central themes and pillars of commercial law. The focus is on the law relevant to commercial transactions in England and Wales, although comparative and transnational perspectives will be drawn upon from time to time.

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to the essence of commercial law by a study of the law surrounding contracts for the sale of goods. Students will also be introduced to agency law and principles. The module builds on the students' knowledge of contract law. It aims to equip students with an understanding of a legal framework key to business.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students who pass this module will be able to:

• demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the operation of sale of goods contracts and the law relevant to sale of goods transactions;


• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the concept and law of agency;


• apply precedents and statutory provisions to fact-based scenarios so as to reach clear and supportable conclusions.

Additional outcomes:

Students will be provided with opportunities:

• to develop their oral communication skills and the skill of legal writing;


• to develop their analytical abilities;


• to enhance their use of technical and complex material;


• to improve their engagement in group interaction by working in groups.

Outline content:

Areas covered on this module will include:

• The nature and context of Commercial Law;


• The nature of the contract for the sale of goods and the ambit of the Sale of Goods Act 1979;


• The impact of the Consumer Rights Act 2015;


• Obligations and rights of sellers and buyers;


• Exclusion and limitation clauses;


• Delivery obligations;


• Remedies of buyers and sellers;


• Passing of property and risk in goods;


• Sales by non-owners (nemo dat quod non habet);


• The concept and nature of agency.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module adopts a blended learning approach with lectures predominantly being pre-recorded, allowing students to watch, digest and re-watch.  Students will be set assigned reading material in relation to each topic and in preparation for seminars. The module requires robust participation in seminars and requires a thorough understanding of the materials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12	9
Seminars	4	6
Guided independent study:	84	85
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Summative essay of not more than 5 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules submitted in the Autumn term (40%) OR an individual oral presentation, to be accompanied by an abstract and bibliography (40%).


2. Summative Written work: Evaluative Report and Client Letter not more than 7 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules submitted in the Spring term (60%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be provided with the opportunity to submit a written piece of formative work during the Autumn Term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
See School Guide (Programme Assessment). Only a failed element need be re-taken; the mark for a passed element can be carried forward.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023