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Ian Ayres
American Contract Law I (along with its sister course Contracts II) provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States. The course covers most of the key concepts found in a first year law school class. Each lecture is based on one or more common-law cases, integrating legal doctrines with policy discussions. The course also covers key sections from the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs the sale of goods.
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to understand:
Read more
American Contract Law I (along with its sister course Contracts II) provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States. The course covers most of the key concepts found in a first year law school class. Each lecture is based on one or more common-law cases, integrating legal doctrines with policy discussions. The course also covers key sections from the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs the sale of goods.
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to understand:
Read more
American Contract Law I (along with its sister course Contracts II) provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States. The course covers most of the key concepts found in a first year law school class. Each lecture is based on one or more common-law cases, integrating legal doctrines with policy discussions. The course also covers key sections from the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs the sale of goods.
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to understand:
Formation: how a valid and enforceable contract is created, including concepts such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/8nez50/american
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
CONSIDERATION AND ITS SUBSTITUTES THE CONSIDERATION DOCTRINE I
CONSIDERATION AND ITS SUBSTITUTES THE CONSIDERATION DOCTRINE II
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
CONSIDERATION AND ITS SUBSTITUTES THE CONSIDERATION DOCTRINE I
CONSIDERATION AND ITS SUBSTITUTES THE CONSIDERATION DOCTRINE II
Read more
THE BARGAIN RELATIONSHIP I
THE BARGAIN RELATIONSHIP II
THE BARGAIN RELATIONSHIP III
THE BARGAIN RELATIONSHIP IV
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces the Uniform Commercial Code, which learners can build on later
Taught by Ian Ayres, who are recognized for their work in contract law
Provides a strong foundation for learners interested in US contract law
Covers most of the key concepts found in a first year law school class
Integrates legal doctrines with policy discussions
Save this course
Save American Contract Law I to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Reviews summary
American contract law i: foundations
Learners say American Contract Law I is a well-received course that provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of this legal subject. The course is considered largely positive and highly informative by students, with its main strengths being its engaging assignments, clear explanations, and thorough coverage of key legal concepts. According to reviews, the course is well-structured and easy to follow, with thought-provoking case studies and practical examples that help learners understand the nuances of contract law. The course is taught by Professor Ian Ayres, who is highly praised by students for his engaging and knowledgeable lectures. Overall, American Contract Law I is considered an excellent course for anyone looking to gain a solid understanding of this essential legal subject.
Concepts are presented in a clear and understandable way.
"Excellent Course! Thx to Coursera for making it possible and of course the prestigiuos university of Yale."
"This course is very professional, quite complex, and thus very interesting for a specialist (lawyer or law teacher)."
"It has been an amazing journey. I feel almost like a genius in american contract law. The second part awaits me!"
Students value Professor Ayres' engaging and knowledgeable instruction.
"Excellent!! Wonderful course. Thank you so much for offering this class."
"I absolutely loved the course! The videos were interesting and contained great information."
"This is the best online course i have ever taken. it is very concise and explanatory. keep it up and thank you."
Explores important cases influencing American Contract Law.
"Clear and comprehensive introduction to American Contract Law. Lectures and case laws are engaging, relevant and interesting."
"Wonderful course! Use many cases and readings give us a thoroughly introduction to Amercian Contract law."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in American Contract Law I with these
activities:
Explore interactive simulations or online resources on contract formation
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the intricacies of contract formation through interactive and engaging online resources.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms or simulations that provide interactive contract formation exercises
-
Participate in the simulations or tutorials, following the instructions and scenarios provided
-
Reflect on the outcomes and apply your learnings to real-world contract scenarios
Participate in peer review and discussion of hypothetical contract scenarios
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking and communication skills by engaging in discussions with peers about complex contract law issues.
Show steps
-
Prepare by reading course materials and reviewing relevant case law
-
Join a peer group and present a hypothetical contract scenario
-
Facilitate discussion and encourage diverse perspectives
-
Critically evaluate the arguments of others and provide constructive feedback
Practice recognizing and analyzing consideration
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of one of the key elements of contract law by practicing identifying consideration in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Consideration
Show steps
-
Read the provided case briefs or scenarios that illustrate consideration
-
Identify the elements of consideration in each scenario
-
Analyze whether the consideration is sufficient and legally binding
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a visual representation of the elements of a contract
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the essential elements of a contract by creating a visual representation.
Show steps
-
Identify the key elements of a contract (e.g., offer, acceptance, consideration)
-
Choose a visual format (e.g., flowchart, diagram, or infographic)
-
Create a visually engaging representation that illustrates the relationships between the elements
-
Share your visual representation with others for feedback and discussion
Review E. Allan Farnsworth's Contracts
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of contract law by reviewing a classic legal textbook that provides detailed analysis and well-reasoned arguments.
View
Cases and Materials on Contracts (University...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read selected chapters or sections relevant to the course material
-
Take notes and highlight key concepts
-
Consider how the textbook's perspectives align with or challenge your current understanding
Analyze case studies and identify potential contract breaches
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of contract breaches by examining real-world cases.
Browse courses on
Breach of Contract
Show steps
-
Read provided case studies or scenarios involving contract breaches
-
Identify the relevant contract terms and determine whether they have been breached
-
Analyze the potential legal remedies available to the non-breaching party
Draft a simple contract for a hypothetical business transaction
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of contract law to a practical scenario by drafting a legally binding contract.
Show steps
-
Identify the essential terms of the contract (e.g., parties, subject matter, price)
-
Draft the contract in clear and concise language, ensuring it complies with legal requirements
-
Review and revise the draft to ensure accuracy and completeness
-
Seek feedback from peers or a legal professional to enhance the quality of the contract
Explore interactive simulations or online resources on contract formation
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the intricacies of contract formation through interactive and engaging online resources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms or simulations that provide interactive contract formation exercises
- Participate in the simulations or tutorials, following the instructions and scenarios provided
- Reflect on the outcomes and apply your learnings to real-world contract scenarios
Participate in peer review and discussion of hypothetical contract scenarios
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking and communication skills by engaging in discussions with peers about complex contract law issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare by reading course materials and reviewing relevant case law
- Join a peer group and present a hypothetical contract scenario
- Facilitate discussion and encourage diverse perspectives
- Critically evaluate the arguments of others and provide constructive feedback
Practice recognizing and analyzing consideration
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of one of the key elements of contract law by practicing identifying consideration in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Consideration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the provided case briefs or scenarios that illustrate consideration
- Identify the elements of consideration in each scenario
- Analyze whether the consideration is sufficient and legally binding
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a visual representation of the elements of a contract
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the essential elements of a contract by creating a visual representation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key elements of a contract (e.g., offer, acceptance, consideration)
- Choose a visual format (e.g., flowchart, diagram, or infographic)
- Create a visually engaging representation that illustrates the relationships between the elements
- Share your visual representation with others for feedback and discussion
Review E. Allan Farnsworth's Contracts
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of contract law by reviewing a classic legal textbook that provides detailed analysis and well-reasoned arguments.
View
Cases and Materials on Contracts (University...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read selected chapters or sections relevant to the course material
- Take notes and highlight key concepts
- Consider how the textbook's perspectives align with or challenge your current understanding
Analyze case studies and identify potential contract breaches
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of contract breaches by examining real-world cases.
Browse courses on
Breach of Contract
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read provided case studies or scenarios involving contract breaches
- Identify the relevant contract terms and determine whether they have been breached
- Analyze the potential legal remedies available to the non-breaching party
Draft a simple contract for a hypothetical business transaction
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of contract law to a practical scenario by drafting a legally binding contract.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the essential terms of the contract (e.g., parties, subject matter, price)
- Draft the contract in clear and concise language, ensuring it complies with legal requirements
- Review and revise the draft to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Seek feedback from peers or a legal professional to enhance the quality of the contract
Career center
Learners who complete American Contract Law I will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Contract Attorney
Contract Attorney
Contract Attorneys work on both sides of business transactions, drafting agreements, reviewing contracts, helping negotiate terms, and assisting with dispute resolution. These attorneys need a strong understanding of contract law fundamentals, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel, topics covered in this course. The course will help attendees understand how contracts are created, which is essential for Contract Attorneys charged with creating contracts. Additionally, attendees will cover the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs the sale of goods, which is very valuable for Contract Attorneys working on the legal side of business transactions.
Business Lawyer
Business Lawyer
Business Lawyers advise and represent businesses in a multitude of legal matters, including contract drafting, negotiation, and enforcement. This course will help equip attendees with a foundational understanding of contract law, including topics such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This is vital for Business Lawyers, who draft contracts on behalf of businesses.
Corporate Lawyer
Corporate Lawyer
Corporate Lawyers advise and represent corporations on various matters, including contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance. This course may be useful for those seeking a career as a Corporate Lawyer, as it will help attendees build a foundation in contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. These concepts are key to understanding how contracts are formed and enforced, which is essential for Corporate Lawyers.
Legal Consultant
Legal Consultant
Legal Consultants help businesses and individuals navigate legal matters, which frequently involve contracts. This course would be useful for those who seek a career as a Legal Consultant as it provides a foundational understanding of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge will help Legal Consultants advise clients on the enforceability and interpretation of contracts.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that companies comply with laws and regulations. As part of this role, Compliance Officers may need to review and draft contracts. This course would be useful for Compliance Officers as it will help them build a foundation in contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge is essential for understanding how contracts are formed and enforced, which is key for ensuring compliance.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice to individuals and businesses on financial matters, which sometimes involve reviewing and analyzing contracts. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts as it provides a foundational understanding of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge is key for understanding how contracts are formed and enforced, which can help Financial Analysts evaluate the financial implications of contracts.
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents help clients obtain insurance policies, which involves reviewing and explaining contracts. This course may be useful for Insurance Agents as it will help them build a foundation in contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge will help Insurance Agents understand how contracts are formed and enforced, which is essential for ensuring that clients have adequate insurance coverage.
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents help clients buy and sell property, which involves drafting and reviewing contracts. This course will help Real Estate Agents understand the fundamentals of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge is essential for Real Estate Agents to ensure that contracts are legally binding and protect the interests of their clients.
Loan Officer
Loan Officer
Loan Officers help individuals and businesses obtain loans, which involves reviewing and analyzing contracts. This course may be useful for Loan Officers as it will help them build a foundation in contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge will help Loan Officers understand how contracts are formed and enforced, which is essential for ensuring that loans are legally binding and protect the interests of both the lender and the borrower.
Banker
Banker
Bankers provide financial services to individuals and businesses, which may involve reviewing and analyzing contracts. This course may be useful for Bankers as it provides a foundational understanding of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge will help Bankers understand how contracts are formed and enforced, which can help them evaluate the financial implications of contracts.
Auditor
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. This may involve reviewing contracts to understand the terms of agreements and assess risk. This course can be useful for Auditors as it provides a foundational understanding of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge can help Auditors better understand the enforceability of contracts.
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for trials. This course may be useful for Paralegals as it will help them build a foundation in contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge will help Paralegals understand how contracts are formed and enforced, which is essential for assisting attorneys in various legal matters.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries assess risk and uncertainty in various areas, including insurance and finance. This may involve reviewing and analyzing contracts to understand the terms of agreements and assess risk. This course can be useful for Actuaries as it provides a foundational understanding of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge can help Actuaries better understand the enforceability of contracts.
Accountant
Accountant
Accountants provide financial advice and prepare financial statements for individuals and businesses. This course may be useful for Accountants as it will help them build a foundation in contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge can help Accountants understand how contracts are formed and enforced, which can be useful when providing financial advice or preparing financial statements.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses. This course may be useful for those seeking a career as a Lawyer as it provides a foundational understanding of contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel. This knowledge is essential for Lawyers who draft, negotiate, and enforce contracts on behalf of their clients.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8nez50/american
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
American Contract Law I.
The Restatement (Second) of Contracts comprehensive and authoritative statement of the law of contracts. It is used by courts and lawyers as a reference guide, and is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand contract law.
Save
This treatise classic work on contract law. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of all of the major topics, and is an essential reference for anyone who wants to understand contract law. The treatise is written in a clear and concise style, and is accessible to both students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States. It covers all of the major topics, and is written in a clear and concise style. The book is well-suited for both students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the remedies for breach of contract. It covers all of the major topics, and is written in a clear and concise style. The book is well-suited for both students and practitioners.
The UCC set of laws that govern commercial transactions in the United States. It covers a wide range of topics, including sales, leases, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions. The UCC is an essential reference for anyone who wants to understand contract law, and this book comprehensive and authoritative guide to the UCC.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the formation of contracts. It covers all of the major topics, and is written in a clear and concise style. The book is well-suited for both students and practitioners.
Save
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the performance of contracts. It covers all of the major topics, and is written in a clear and concise style. The book is well-suited for both students and practitioners.
Provides a unique perspective on contract law. It argues that contract law is not simply a set of rules, but a system for promoting cooperation and performance. The book is written in a clear and engaging style, and is well-suited for both students and practitioners.
Save
Concise and practical guide to contract law. It covers all of the major topics, and is written in a clear and concise style. The book is well-suited for both students and practitioners.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8nez50/american
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Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Yale University
Instructor
Ian Ayres
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English
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Good to know
Introduces the Uniform Commercial Code, which learners can build on later
Taught by Ian Ayres, who are recognized for their work in contract law
Provides a strong foundation for learners interested in US contract law
Covers most of the key concepts found in a first year law school class
Integrates legal doctrines with policy discussions
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