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: 2022/3

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.Ìý 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. ÌýStudents 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.