Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2004 - 2005

Module Title	The Law of Contract
Module Code	LG316
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Level	4	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

The aims of this module are: - To acquaint students with the role of contract law in business and economic activity; - To teach students the principles that underlie the common law of contract; - To explain to students the effect of legislative intervention on the common law principles of contract law; - To teach students the common law rules of contract law; - To teach students legislation regulating some areas of contract law; and, - To teach the students how to use the law of contract to draft contracts and the ability to avoid contractual disputes and/or solve them.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, students must: - Appreciate the function of contract law in business; - Know and understand the basic principles that underpin contract law; - Know and understand the fundamental rules of contract law and demonstrate a sound knowledge of relevant case law and legislation; - Be able to solve problems with reference to case law and legislation; and, - Be able to avoid or solve contractual disputes by reference to case law and legislation.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	0
Tutorials	0
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	75

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

- Basic principles: contract freedom and form freedom; function of the courts; impact of legislation and European Community law; protection of the "weaker" partner: employees, agents, consumers, etc. - Fundamental rules: intention; offer and acceptance (consensus); incomplete agreements; consideration, estoppel and legitimate expectation; privity; formalities; capacity; formation and construction; contract terms; standard form contracts and exemption/exclusion clauses; invalidity; discharge; remedies. - Legislation (indicative): Sale of Goods Act, 1890; Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980; EC (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations, 1995; Consumer Credit Act, 1995; Consumer Information Act, 1978. - Types of contracts (indicative): contracts for the sale of goods, contracts for the supply of services; agency contracts, consumer credit contracts; restraint of trade contracts.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Indicative Reading List

- Clark, Contract Law in Ireland, 4th edition, Dublin: Round Hall - Sweet and Maxwell, 1998 - Friel, The Law of Contract, 2nd edition, Dublin, Round Hall Press, 2000 - McDermott, Contract Law, Dublin, Butterworths, 2001 - Fitzsimons & Mulcahy, Contract Law, Dublin Round Hall Nutshells Series, 2000 - Clark & Clarke, Contract Cases and Materials, 2nd edition, Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 2000 - Treitle, The Law of Contract, 9th edition, London: Sweet and Maxwell, 1995 - Lecture notes and Reader

Programme or List of Programmes

BA in Accounting & Finance

Bachelor of Business Studies

BSI

Business Studies ( with INTRA )

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

EBF

BA in European Business (French)

EBG