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

This unit explores the nature, function and regulation of companies in Australia, with a view to understanding and being able to apply corporations law principles arising at common law, in equity and under statute. Students engage with corporate governance principles, comparative perspectives and recent developments in the law to critically study the internal structure and governance of the company, placing emphasis on duties owed by directors to the company and rights and remedies available to members. In the context of ongoing debate concerning the role and theory of the corporation, students consider the relationship between corporations and the outside world in the form of corporate liability in contract, tort and criminal law. Through class discussion, students develop appreciation of the ethical issues confronting company directors and their advisers and hone their skills of analysing legal issues, advising as to the application of corporations law to hypothetical problem scenarios and effectively debating policy issues. Students refine their research, analytical and communication skills by preparing a research assignment based on a corporations law problem or policy scenario. They then carry out a critique of their own work to identify how they can further improve these key skills so as to become effective participants in the practice and policy development of corporations law.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply principles of corporations law to solve hypothetical legal problems and demonstrate understanding; (2) evaluate ethical issues raised by the separate legal entity and limited liability doctrines, and faced by company directors and their advisers; (3) analyse a complex corporations law problem or policy issue using advanced legal research and reasoning; (4) critique aspects of corporations law with a view to creating appropriate and justified recommendations for change; (5) create clear, concise and persuasive legal arguments using correct and plain English, both verbally and in writing; and (6) critically evaluate the quality of research, problem-solving, communication and argument substantiation skills by reviewing a submitted corporations law assignment..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research assignment (including critique); (2) tutorial 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)
Rebecca Faugno and Ian Murray
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering LAWS4103 Contract LAWS4106 Torts LAWS5103 Equity and Trusts LAWS4110 Legal Interpretation
Contact hours
up to 4 hours per week
  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.