79708 Contemporary Business Law
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2017 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides students with an understanding of the Australian legal system and law-making process. Students first explore the laws of property, torts and contracts to develop a framework for analysing subsequent business law topics. Areas of law that are of practical relevance to business are then explored such as commercial contracts and trade practices legislation, consumer protection, business structures, competition law, insolvency and intellectual property. A focus on recent developments in these areas ensures that students have knowledge of emerging developments in business law on completion of this subject.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply a coherent knowledge of Australia?s legal system and the law-making process; |
|---|---|
| 2. | Identify the relevance and impact of law on the business community; |
| 3. | Identify and apply Australian business law to practical examples; |
| 4. | Investigate and examine contemporary issues from a legal, business and personal perspective; and |
| 5. | Speak and write in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner as individuals and in groups. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes which reflect the course intended learning outcomes:
- Legal Knowledge
An advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of legal knowledge including the Australian legal system, social justice, cultural and international contexts, the principles and values of ethical practice, and contemporary developments in law and its professional practice. (1.0) - Research Skills
Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues and demonstrate intellectual and practical skills necessary to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, legal methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions (4.0) - Communication and Collaboration
Effective and appropriate professional communication skills including highly effective use of the English language, an ability to inform, analyse, report and persuade using an appropriate medium and message and an ability to respond appropriately. (5.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
Strategy 1: Preparation for class.
Students familiarise themselves with the substantive law to be canvassed before each class by reading and reflecting on the prescribed reading. The prescribed reading and proposed timetable for classes is available on UTSOnline and below in this subject outline. This is an essential learning strategy for this subject. Students are also encouraged to bring to class a recent business-related article from the web or a newspaper demonstrating some legal issue. Preparation for class enables students to develop knowledge that forms the basis of their participation on lectures and seminars as well as small group collaborative discussions.
Strategy 2: Consolidating Learning
The subject is taught as a series of interactive seminars. During class, students discuss concepts and ideas that have been raised by the readings. In addition, students are encouraged to undertake readings after class to consolidate their learning. This provides a way to ensure that they have fully understood the concepts and laws essential for businesses.
Strategy 3: Group research and class presentation
In groups, students research a topic relating to law and business and present their findings to the class. Students also present their individual research into their allocated topic in an individual report. Participating in group research and presentations provides students with an opportunity to integrate the learning from their preparation for interactive lectures with the research conducted for their presentation. By drawing on their preparation in this way students further test and develop their knowledge of business law together with their research skills and capacity to collaborate. Students also develop skills in presentation and communication as they present their group research, raise questions, contribute their observations and respond to their peers. In this way, students develop and test their learning while also obtaining feedback from their teacher and peers (see ‘Strategy 4: Feedback’ below).
Strategy 4: Feedback
Both formal and informal feedback are provided throughout the session. Feedback comes from a variety of sources including: from peers who respond to a student’s contribution in the class or on UTSOnline; from the teacher in response to a student’s questions in class, presentations and written assignments; and from personal reflection.
Students have an opportunity to test their understanding of the readings completed in preparation for the lectures or seminar by asking questions or contributing their observations. In this way, the teacher addresses and explores students’ questions and observations in a group setting, providing feedback on students’ developing understanding. Formal feedback is offered on students’ case notes, seminar presentations and research essays providing an opportunity for students to implement suggestions in subsequent assessment tasks.
Subject Delivery
The subject will be taught in weekly interactive seminars.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to the Australian legal system
- The law-making process
- Business Structures
- Insolvency
- Property Law
- Torts
- Contractual Relations
- Consumer Protection
- Competition Law
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quiz
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 3 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 |
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| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | One (1) hour including reading time, 500 words (equivalent) |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 2: Group Assignment
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 4 and 5 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0, 4.0 and 5.0 |
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| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Part A - Group Presentation: see Further Information below. Part B - Individual Report: 1500-1800 words. |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 and 5.0 |
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| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 2,500 words (equivalent) |
| Criteria: |
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Required texts
- John Taggart & M Squire, Contemporary Business Law (Tekniks, 2016)
- The session notes provided during the subject will be accessible on UTSOnline.
Recommended texts
Note: Students are not expected to read all these references. They are available for research topics or some students may find them easier to understand or provide more depth than the required texts.
- Paul Latimer, Australian Business Law, Oxford University Press, latest edition
- Turner, Australian Commercial Law, Law Book Co, latest edition
- Davenport and Parker, Business & Law in Australia, Thomson Reuters, latest edition
- Vermeesch and Lindgren's Business Law of Australia - LexisNexus latest edition
Students’ attention will be drawn to a number of useful websites throughout the subject.
References
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Law section of the UTS Handbook: www.handbook.uts.edu.au/law/index.html
UTS:Law Webpage: www.law.uts.edu.au/
UTS Policies: www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/index.html
UTS:Law Guide to Written Communication: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/current-students-information-faculty-law/overview#uts-law-guide-to-written-communication
UTS Student Administration Unit – Managing your course and studies: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/managing-your-course
Other resources
UTS LIBRARY
The UTS Library has a wide range of services and resources that you will find useful, including law reports, law journals, textbooks, and access to online resources: www.lib.uts.edu.au
Relevant materials for this subject may also be available on Closed Reserve, which is a special borrowing service that allows you to use the material for two hours or overnight, to ensure the materials are available to many students. Materials on Closed Reserve are listed in the library catalogue by subject details and Subject Coordinator.
LEARNING SKILLS
The following websites provide information and links to help you develop your learning skills.
- http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/help/study-skills
- https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/academic-support/study-skills
UTSOnline
This UTSOnline site for this subject may include key announcements, lecture slides, and clarification of administrative and assessment matters. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they are registered on UTSOnline for this subject, and regularly check UTSOnline for announcements, resources and tasks.
UTS Audio Visual Service (AVS) Lecture Recording
Lecture recordings will be uploaded on UTSOnline within a reasonable time period (approx.. 2-3 days) after the lecture takes place. Please note that no responsibility is taken for the quality or reliability of this recording service and that no special consideration applications will be considered in relation to problems experienced by students relying on recordings rather than attending lectures. Students may only use these recordings for private study purposes and (to avoid any legal action) permission must be obtained from the Subject Coordinator for any other usage.
Personal Recordings
Audio or visual recording of classes for this subject is strictly prohibited unless written approval is sought and given in advance by the Subject Coordinator. Approval for audio or visual recording will usually be limited to medical or hardship reasons, and if approved, must be arranged by the student. Students may only use the audio or visual recording for private study purposes and (to avoid any legal action) permission must be obtained from the Subject Coordinator for any other usage. Given the interactive nature of classes, any student who does not wish to be audio-recorded must advise the Subject Coordinator in advance otherwise permission from students is assumed.
