Course Title: Apply the principles of contract law

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: LAW5730C

Course Title: Apply the principles of contract law

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6164 - Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing

Course Contact: Theresa Lyford

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5444

Course Contact Email: theresa.lyford@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Judy Curtain

judy.curtain@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources and supply solutions to contractual issues in a legal environment.

It applies to individuals who provide support in a range of legal service settings with a degree of responsibility to plan and complete investigations.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBLEG415 Apply the principles of contract law

Element:

1. Determine nature and meaning of contract

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Access sources of legal information on nature and meaning of contract

1.2 Distinguish between common law and legislation in contract

1.3 Assess significance of contracts and contract law in business, and document outcomes of this assessment

Element:

2. Determine principles of contract law

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Define legal principles governing simple contracts

2.2 Identify and document key elements of a simple contract matter

Element:

3. Enhance professional practice through application of relevant principles of contract law

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Assess a legal matter involving contractual issues by applying principles of contract law

3.2 Analyse and evaluate key issues

3.3 Review analysis with designated person

Element:

4. Distinguish between a contract being discharged or breached

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Specify procedures for discharge of contracts

4.2 List available remedies for breach of contract

4.3 Apply procedures for discharge of contracts to workplace legal matter

4.4 Apply identified remedies to a relevant workplace legal matter


Learning Outcomes


The student will obtain a working knowledge of the law of contract in the context of conveyancing.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and may include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

This course is comprised of one competency: BSBLEG415/LAW5730C Apply Principles of Contract Law.

(Please note that this schedule is subject to change)

Course Schedule:  Apply Principles of Contract Law, Semester 1, 2021

Week

Topic

 

Assessment

Week 1

 

Introduction

  • When classes are held, and what topics are covered each week (including the relevant Unit of Competency and associated Elements/Performance Criteria);
  • What learning materials and activities need to be completed; and,
  • What assessments are due

 

 

Week 2

 

 Intention to Create Legal Relations

An Introduction to the Law of Contract by S Graw chapters 2 and 5

 

Week 3

 

 Intention to Create Legal Relations

An Introduction to the Law of Contract by S Graw chapters 2 and 5

 

Week 4

 

Offer + Acceptance

Graw chapters 3 and 4; chapter 17 Contracting electronically

 

Week 5

 

Consideration, (privity, capacity & parties, if time)

 Graw chapters 6, 7 & 8

 

Week 6

 

Terms, general & special conditions (exemption clauses, if time)

Graw chapters & 10

 

Week 7

 

Mistake,Misrepresentation + ACL misleading or deceptive conduct

Graw chapter 12

 Assessment 1: Elements of a Valid Contract Due

Week 8

 

Duress, undue influence and
Unconscionability

Graw Chapter 13

 

Week 9 

 

Illegality (15 minutes) then Breach + Remedies

Graw chapters 14, 15 and 16

 

 

Week 10

 

Remedies

 

 

Week 11

 

Misrepresentation

  Assessment 2: Case Studies Due

Week 12

 

Exclusion Clauses Unfair Contracts and Revision    

Week 13

 

Revision    

Week 14

 

 

 

 

Week 15

 

    Assessment 3: Discharging & Remedies for Contract Due

Week 16

 

Resubmissions

 

 

Week 17

 

Grade Entry  

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities including the self - paced activities in the workbooks.  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Online learning materials can be accessed by going into the RMIT's Learning Management System, Canvas. 

The online learning materials listed may include: 

  • Course outlines
  • Power point Presentations
  • Supporting Reading material
  • Industry relevant articles
  • Activities


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:

  • apply principles of contract law
  • demonstrate the steps for discharge of a contract.

Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

  • define commonly used legal terminology, institutions and main features of Australian legal system
  • outline methods used to identify appropriate information sources of Australian law
  • explain nature, aims and rationale of contracts, including agreements, intention to create legal relations, consideration, and capacity to contract
  • explain remedies for breach of contract
  • describe illegal and void contracts
  • explain privacy of contract and assignment of contract.

Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the legal services administration field of work and include access to:

  • office equipment and resources
  • legislation and regulations relevant to contract law
  • sources of information about contract law.       

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
 


Assessment Tasks

You will demonstrate competency by undertaking three assessments. You must successfully complete all assessments to be deemed competent in this unit.  

Assessment 1: Elements of a Valid Contract

Due: Week 7

Summary and Purpose:  There are a total of three (3) assessment tasks you need to complete for this unit. This is assessment task one (1) of 3 that you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. This assessment is to be complete individually.

The purpose of this assessment is to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to understand the operation of contract law and its main sources of law.

Assessment Instructions:  You must submit individual responses to each of the following questions/ activities. You must also meet the minimum requirements of all tasks outlined in the marking guide of this unit.


Assessment 2: Case Studies

Due: Week 11

Summary and Purpose: There are a total of three (3) assessment tasks you need to complete for this unit. This is assessment task two (2) of 3 that you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. This assessment is to be completed individually.

The purpose of this assessment is to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to understand how to assess if there exists a valid contract.

Assessment Instructions: In this assessment, you will be presented with a range of different case studies. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge and skills of the principles of contract law and how these principles are applied in practice.

There are a total of six (6) case studies, all of which must be answered using the information provided. You will be expected to provide advice to the clients in the case studies and must do this in line with the instructions provided. You must submit individual responses to each of the following questions/activities. You must also meet the minimum requirements of all tasks outlined in the marking guide of this unit.

Assessment 3: Discharging & Remedies for Contract

Due: Week 15

Summary and Purpose: There are a total of three (3) assessment tasks you need to complete for this unit. This is assessment task three (3) of 3 that you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. This assessment is to be completed individually.

The purpose of this assessment is to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to understand how a contract may be discharged and what remedies exist for a breach of contract.

Assessment Instructions: This assessment task consists of two parts:

  • Part A – Short Answer Questions and Case Studies
  • Part B – Presentation of a Specific Case

You must submit individual responses to each of the following questions/activities. You must also meet the minimum requirements of all tasks outlined in the marking guide of this unit.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Canvas.

 

Other Information

Submission Requirements

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

 

Resubmissions (VET Programs)

If you are found to be unsuccessful (Not satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

 

Penalties for Late Submission 

Late submissions of assignments without special consideration or extension will automatically be considered a re-submission (see above).

 

Extensions, Special Consideration and Adjustment to Assessments

 

Extensions:

Extensions are available for unforeseen circumstances of a short-term nature.

An application form must be submitted to the school at least one working day before the due date of the assessment.

Extensions can be approved for a maximum of one week (seven calendar days) past the due date for an assessment. (Where students need an extension exceeding one week they must instead apply for special consideration.)

 

Special consideration:

Special consideration is available for unexpected circumstances outside students’ control. These include but are not limited to: unexpected short-term ill health, and unavoidable family, work, cultural or religious commitments.

An application for special consideration is made in advance of an assessment wherever possible but will normally be accepted within five working days after the assessment date

For more information, see the Special Consideration page of the RMIT website.

 

Adjustments to Assessment:

RMIT provides several adjustments to assessment for students experiencing ongoing or long-term circumstances. Find the right one for your circumstances here.

 

Changes to the Assessment Scheme

Where a change to assessment approved by the dean/head of school changes an assessment due date, students will be given at least five working days’ notice of the new due date.

 

Feedback

You can expect to receive marks and feedback on in-course assessment work in time to improve your performance in related assessment tasks later in the course.

 

Academic Integrity and Misconduct

Students demonstrate academic integrity in their assessment practices by:

  • engaging with assessment activities in an honest way;
  • providing accountability for the authorship and originality of work submitted;
  • acknowledging the work of others and the re-use of original work.

Academic misconduct is addressed in accordance with the Student conduct policy

Assessment involving research with human participants, their information or their tissue, or animal subjects is carried out in accordance with the Staff ethics and integrity policy.

For further information see the Academic Integrity website.

 

Review and Appeal

A student may request a review of an assessment result or appeal a final course grade in accordance with the Conduct of assessment and appeals section of the Assessment Processes.

 

Grade Criteria

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

The following grades are available for this course.

Vocational education grades:

CA - Competency Achieved

NYC - Not Yet Competent

DNS - Did Not Submit for assessment

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview