CQUniversity Unit Profile
LAWS11030 Introductory and Contract Law
Introductory and Contract Law
All details in this unit profile for LAWS11030 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will introduce you to business law in Australia and the law of contract. Topics include the origins of the Australian legal system, the current legal environment of business and the law of contracts as it regulates business transactions. A particular study is made of the nature, terms, validity, operation and discharge of contracts. STUDENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED LAWS11054 COMMERCIAL LAW CANNOT ENROL IN THIS UNIT.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Examination
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student evaluations.

Feedback

Improve audio quality in recorded material.

Recommendation

Recorded material being refreshed with improved audio.

Feedback from Student evaluations.

Feedback

Match recordings with the PowerPoint presentations.

Recommendation

Recorded material being refreshed so that it aligns with PowerPoint presentations.

Feedback from Student evaluations.

Feedback

Legal terms difficult to understand.

Recommendation

Students to be referred to the legal glossary of terms. Teaching staff encouraged to quiz students on basic legal terminology for non-law students. Legal terminology to form part of Moodle discussions which should increase early course engagement.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the Australian legal system including the formal structures, its historical evolution and the role of the doctrine of precedent and statutory interpretation
  2. Describe and discuss certain basic contract and tort legal concepts, referring to relevant sources of legal authority
  3. Idenitfy correctly legal problems and issues arising out of commonly encountered fact situations, and make informed decisions by applying the relevant law
  4. Communicate effectively in this discipline using appropriate style and terminology.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Examination - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Examination - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Concise Australian Commercial Law

Edition: 3rd (2015)
Authors: Clive Turner, John Trone & Roger Gamble
Thomson Reuters
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780455234847
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
David Beddoe Unit Coordinator
d.beddoe@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Introduction to Law and the Legal Process

Chapter

Chapter 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Development of the Australian Legal System

Chapter

Chapter 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

The Common Law & the Doctrine and Practice of Precedent

Chapter

Chapter 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Legislation and Statutory Interpretation

Chapter

Chapter 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

The Nature of a Contract: Offer and Acceptance

Chapter

Chapters 2 & 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Intention, Consideration and Capacity

Chapter

Chapters 4, 5, 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Operation and Contents of Contracts

Chapter

Chapters 9, 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment Due: Week 7 Thursday (27 Apr 2017) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2017

Module/Topic

Genuine Agreement

Chapter

Chapter 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2017

Module/Topic

Illegal and Void Contracts.

Chapter

Chapters 8, 11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2017

Module/Topic

Discharge of a contract. Remedies for Breach of Contract

Chapter

Chapter 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2017

Module/Topic

Aspects of the Law of Tort

Chapter

Chapter 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2017

Module/Topic

Unit Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

Part A: Case analysis

You will be required to read and answer a series of questions from a case. Most of the answers can be taken directly from the case but some questions might require you to conduct some legal research. Part A of the Written Assessment aligns with learning outcomes 2, 3 & 4.

Part B: An essay and/or a legal problem question(s)

  • Essay - it is a short essay based on the material covered in the first four introductory modules. An essay would align with learning outcomes 1 and 4.
  • Legal problem question - you will be required to: identify legal issue(s), demonstrate your understanding of basic contract law concepts, cite the law to support your argument and make an informed decision applying the relevant law. A legal problem question aligns with learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4.

You are required to submit one WORD document (not PDF) containing all parts of your Written Assessment with the document name as your student name with student number ( e.g. Peter Smith S0123456.doc).

The questions you will be required to answer for this written assessment are found in Moodle under the Assessment block.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Thursday (27 Apr 2017) 11:45 pm AEST

Assignments that are not submitted on time will attract a late penalty of 2 marks per day late, unless an extension has been granted. All applications of extension should be applied online via Moodle. Please provide document to support your application.


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (12 May 2017)

Students who submitted their written assessment on time will have their assessments returned on Friday of Week 9 before 11:45pm.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

High distinction standard

* the answer is very well written and clearly expressed

* there is a demonstrated appreciation and understanding of the issues involved

* the answer is well structured and logically organised

* demonstrated mastery of referencing system

* there is evidence of a comprehensive analysis of the issues

* conclusions are backed by well-reasoned arguments demonstrating a detailed insight and analysis of issues

* comprehensive coverage of all relevant issues

* references are made to the appropriate legislation for particular issues

* statutory provisions are analysed and interpreted correctly

* the legislation is applied to the particular fact situation in a competent manner

* consideration is given to the operation of the common law

Distinction standard

* the answer is well written and expressed

* the answer is structured and logical

* the issues have been reasonably well identified and appreciated

* there is correct use of referencing

* issues have been analysed

* reference is made to all appropriate legislation, although the analysis and interpretation is not as

detailed and reasoned as for the high distinction standard

* the effect of the common law is considered

* there is a comprehensive coverage of the issues

* occasional errors of law and legal reasoning may still be present.

Credit standard

*the answer is generally well written and expressed

* the answer is structured and sequential

* referencing is satisfactory

* issues are identified and addressed

* there has been an attempt to analyse some of the issues

* the coverage of issues is reasonably comprehensive often with a good treatment and analysis of

particular points

* errors of law and incorrect reasoning may sometimes be present

* statutory interpretation may require improvement

* depth of treatment is often lacking in some of the issues.

Pass standard

* the answer is able to be followed and understood

* the answer could perhaps be better organised and structured

* the referencing may need improvement

* issues may need to be identified and addressed in more depth

* analysis when present may be incorrect

* some familiarity with the legislation and its application is demonstrated

* sometimes the conclusions reached are simple

* there may be several errors of law

* there may be quantities of material of marginal relevance included in the answer.

Fail standard

* the answer may be significantly short of the required length

* the written expression is poor and difficult to understand

* the answer is poorly organised

* there has been a failure to identify and address the issues in the question

* referencing is generally inadequate

* there is a lack of familiarity with the legislation and its appropriate application

* the reasoning and application demonstrated is poor

* frequently there is much irrelevant material.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the Australian legal system including the formal structures, its historical evolution and the role of the doctrine of precedent and statutory interpretation
  • Describe and discuss certain basic contract and tort legal concepts, referring to relevant sources of legal authority
  • Idenitfy correctly legal problems and issues arising out of commonly encountered fact situations, and make informed decisions by applying the relevant law
  • Communicate effectively in this discipline using appropriate style and terminology.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
60%

Length
180 minutes

Exam Conditions
Open Book

Materials
No calculators permitted
Law dictionaries, Business and Law dictionaries (discipline specific dictionaries) are authorised.
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?