Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Students develop an ability to read, understand, analyse and apply the law of contract through the study of decided cases and contractual terms. As most of the applicable law studied in Contract is common law case law this material is the primary focus of the unit. Students are also introduced to legislation that impacts on contract law in Australia. The unit begins with an examination of the rules relating to the formation of contracts and concepts of offer and acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, privity and contract formalities. Students then study incorporation and construction of contractual terms and implication of terms. They continue mapping the life of a contract by investigating how contracts come to an end through agreement, performance, breach and repudiation, and frustration of contract. Although contract remedies are studied in a dedicated Remedies unit, students are introduced to restitutionary claims for unjust enrichment. They study the provisions in national consumer legislation (the Australian Consumer Law) that impact on the law of contract, in particular the law of misleading or deceptive conduct. Students analyse case law, extract legal principles from judicial decisions and clearly state them, and analyse and solve hypothetical legal problems relating to the topics covered.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of key aspects of Australian contract law including formation, terms and discharge of contracts: actions in debt and for breach, restitutionary claims and the impact of national consumer legislation on the common law of contract; (2) explain the relationship between the common law of contract and equity, contract law and restitution, and common law and legislation; (3) evaluate developments in or affecting the law of contract that promote ethical practice in a commercial setting; (4) analyse a hypothetical fact scenario and identify the relevant facts and legal issues raised and apply case law and statutory principles correctly to reach reasoned conclusions; and (5) provide an oral or written opinion on a hypothetical legal problem and/or a critical analysis of a case in a clear and concise manner and effectively communicate the opinion.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment; (2) seminar/tutorial attendance and participation; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Sagi Peari
- Unit rules
- Co-requisites
- LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
- Contact hours
- 4 hours per week
- Recommended
texts -
Paterson, J.and Robertson, A. Principles of Contract Law, latest edn: Law Book Co. of Australasia 2020.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.