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PLG 172 Law of Simple Contracts

This course covers the negotiation and creation of agreements that legally bind parties in business arrangements with special emphasis on negotiations, offers, acceptance of offers, terms, and the conditions and circumstances under which contracts are made or broken.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

PLG 172 Law of Simple Contracts

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course covers the negotiation and creation of agreements that legally bind parties in business arrangements with special emphasis on negotiations, offers, acceptance of offers, terms, and the conditions and circumstances under which contracts are made or broken.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Define the elements of a contract. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 4, 5)
  2. Distinguish what does not amount to an offer, an acceptance, consideration, or competent parties. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 3, 4, 5)
  3. Explain the grounds to avoid a contract and what discharges one's obligation under a contract. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 3, 4, 5)
  4. Explain the types of damages available to an injured party when a contract is breached. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 3, 4, 5)
  5. Describe how contracts end, including breach of contract, performance, agreement, impossibility, or impracticability or by alteration of a written contract. (CCC1, 5; PGC  3, 4, 5)
  6. Determine the types of contracts governed by the statute of frauds. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 3, 4, 5)
  7. Explain how contract rights are transferred and contract obligations are assumed. (CCC1, 5; PGC 3, 4, 5)
  8. Draft contracts commonly prepared in law offices. (CCC 1, 5, 6; PGC 3, 4, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Define the elements of a contract.
    1. List the elements that must be present in order for a valid contract to exist.
    2. Identify terms within a contract that support a valid offer and acceptance.
    3. Give examples of various forms of consideration.
    4. Explain what determines if parties are competent to contract.
  2. Distinguish what does not amount to an offer, an acceptance, consideration, or competent parties.
    1. Explain how an agreement is reached.
    2. Give examples of valid offers.
    3. Discuss the criteria for a valid acceptance.
    4. Explain the requirement of consideration.
    5. Discuss problems with consideration that would void a contract or render a contract unenforceable.
    6. Give examples of agreements enforceable without consideration.
    7. Discuss the liability of parties to a contract if they are minors or determined to be incompetent.
  3. Explain the grounds to avoid a contract and what discharges one's obligation under a contract.
    1. List ways to avoid contractual obligations.
    2. Define rescission, novation, accord, and satisfaction.
  4. Explain the types of damages available to an injured party when a contract is breached.
    1. Define breach of contract.
    2. Give examples of remedies to parties injured as a result of breach of contract.
    3. Compare and contrast compensatory damages, nominal damages, punitive damages, and equitable relief.
  5. Describe how contracts end, including breach of contract, performance, agreement, impossibility, or impracticability or by alteration of a written contract.
    1. Describe defenses for a breach of contract suit.
    2. Explain remedies for fraud, duress, and undue influence.
    3. Give examples of how a contract can end by performance, agreement, impossibility, or impracticability or by alteration of a written contract.
  6. Determine the types of contracts governed by the statute of frauds.
    1. List types of contracts that must be in writing to be enforceable.
    2. Identify types of written evidence that satisfy the statute of frauds.
    3. Cite the basic legal rule governing oral evidence as it pertains to the statute of frauds.
  7. Explain how contract rights are transferred and contract obligations are assumed.
    1. Explain the difference between transfer of rights and transfer of obligations.
    2. Identify rights and obligations that cannot be transferred.
    3. Explain how a transfer is legally accomplished.
  8. Draft contracts commonly prepared in law offices.
    1. Draft a contract for the sale of personal property.
    2. Draft a contract for the sale of real property.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Tests (3)  (equally weighted)

30%

Summative: Final Exam

30%

Formative: Drafting Assignments (equally weighted)

30%

Formative: Homework (equally weighted)

5%

Formative: Participation

5%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

PLGAASPLG

  1. Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
  2. Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
  3. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
  4. Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
  5. Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal