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Ian Ayres

Course description: Contracts I & 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:

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Course description: Contracts I & 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 defenses: how an otherwise valid contract can be void, including the statute of frauds, mistake, misrepresentation, duress, unconscionability, and illegality.

Performance: the scope and content of a contractual obligation, including conditions, the duty of good faith, and the impracticability defense.

Remedies: the types of available remedies for a breach of contract, including various types of money damages and injunctive relief.

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What's inside

Syllabus

SPECIAL CONTROLS ON PROMISSORY LIABILITY – FORMATION DEFENSES I
SPECIAL CONTROLS ON PROMISSORY LIABILITY – FORMATION DEFENSES II
CONTRACT PERFORMANCE I
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CONTRACT PERFORMANCE II
REMEDIES I
REMEDIES II
THIRD PARTY INTERESTs

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores foundational contract law concepts found in most first-year law classes
Covers key sections from The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) which governs the sale of goods
Taught by Ian Ayres whose work in law is recognized
Develops an understanding of formation defenses like statute of frauds, mistake, misrepresentation, duress, unconscionability, and illegality
Examines the scope and content of a contractual obligation including conditions, duty of good faith, and impracticability defense
Explores available remedies for breach of contract such as money damages and injunctive relief

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Reviews summary

Engaging contract law course

learners say this law course is engaging, well structured, and well presented. They praise the knowledgeable instructor and say that the course material provided a comprehensive overview of American contract law. According to students, the course was challenging but worthwhile and they highly recommend it to law students and professionals alike.
Students say the course material is clear and easy to understand.
"The Course is an excellent one and provides a lot of theoretical insights."
"Both courses American contract law I & II were delivered in a candid, lucid and easy to understand kind of language coupled with the in-between touches of humor by the learned and shrewd instructor."
"Professor Ian is one of the best professors ever! He teaches to all tiers of learning abilities."
"This is intense and fruitful course, within which I learned a lot and received an invaluable legal experience."
Students say the course is worthwhile and challenging.
"It's not an easy one, but totally worth it!"
"It was a bit difficult yet interesting as well."
"Even if the course was not easy, it is an excellent course, as well as the methodology, the materials, and the professor, congratulations !!!"
Students say the course provided a comprehensive overview of American Contract Law.
"Professor Ayres obviously put a tremendous amount of work into this course and it shows! Having taken business law courses in the past, I thought I had a good grasp of contract law. I was wrong. This course has both great depth and great breadth."
"This is intense and fruitful course, within which I learned a lot and received an invaluable legal experience."
"A very in-depth and exceptionally well structured and presented course. It truly gives the learner a brief, yet thorough overview of some of them major institutes of US Contract law."
Students say the course material is engaging.
"Professor Ayres obviously put a tremendous amount of work into this course and it shows!"
"The course material is engaging and delivered in a superbly expert manner by Professor Ian Ayres."
"Both courses American contract law I & II were delivered in a candid, lucid and easy to understand kind of language coupled with the in-between touches of humor by the learned and shrewd instructor. It was a very engaging, informative and enjoyable experience, Mashallah!"
Learners praise the knowledgeable and engaging instructor.
"Professor Ian is one of the best professors ever!"
"Professor Ian is one of the best professors ever! He teaches to all tiers of learning abilities."
"The Course is an excellent one and provides a lot of theoretical insights. I am humbled to have passed this Course although I must admit that I did not pass it easily or automatically. Special thanks to the Yale University Law Professor for his valuable observations on 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 II with these activities:
Review basic legal terminology and concepts
Refresh your knowledge of fundamental legal terms and principles to enhance comprehension.
Browse courses on Legal Terminology
Show steps
  • Go over your notes or textbooks from previous law courses or introductory materials
  • Review online resources or legal dictionaries to familiarize yourself with key terms
Watch online video lectures on contract law
Supplement your learning with additional resources that provide visual and auditory cues.
Browse courses on Contract Law
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online platforms or resources offering contract law video lectures
  • Choose specific lectures that align with the topics covered in the course
  • Take notes and summarize key points from the lectures
  • Use the videos to reinforce your understanding or clarify any concepts
Read the case law mentioned in the lectures
Gain familiarity with key legal doctrines discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Case Law
Show steps
  • Identify the common law cases mentioned in each lecture
  • Read through the cases and summarize the main points
  • Review your notes or summaries at regular intervals to reinforce memory
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete practice exercises on contract law principles
Repetition and practice help solidify your understanding and identify areas where you need improvement.
Browse courses on Contract Law
Show steps
  • Find online or offline practice exercises covering contract law
  • Solve the exercises and compare your answers to provided solutions or examples
  • Review your mistakes and focus on understanding the underlying concepts
Write a summary of a specific contract law concept
Summarizing a complex concept helps clarify understanding and identify any knowledge gaps.
Browse courses on Contract Law
Show steps
  • Choose a specific contract law concept to focus on
  • Research the topic and gather relevant information
  • Organize your thoughts and structure the summary logically
  • Write the summary clearly and concisely, using your own words
  • Proofread and revise your summary to ensure accuracy and clarity
Join a study group or online forum for contract law
Engage in peer discussions to clarify concepts, share insights, and test your understanding.
Browse courses on Contract Law
Show steps
  • Identify or join an existing study group or online forum focused on contract law
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your perspectives
  • Collaborate with other students to solve problems and strengthen your understanding
Attend a workshop on a specific contract law topic
Structured workshops provide in-depth exploration of specific topics, enhancing your knowledge.
Browse courses on Contract Law
Show steps
  • Identify workshops or seminars offered by legal organizations or universities
  • Choose a workshop that aligns with your learning goals and interests
  • Participate actively in the workshop, engage with experts, and ask questions
Draft a sample contract based on a given scenario
Applying your knowledge to a practical scenario allows you to integrate and test your understanding.
Browse courses on Contract Drafting
Show steps
  • Identify a specific legal scenario that requires a contract
  • Research relevant contract law principles and precedents
  • Draft a sample contract that addresses the key elements and clauses
  • Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or legal professionals to improve your draft

Career center

Learners who complete American Contract Law II will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Corporate Lawyer
Corporate Lawyers negotiate, draft, and review contracts on behalf of corporations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles, including formation defenses, performance obligations, and remedies for breach. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to advise clients on a wide range of contracting matters.
Contract Manager
Contract Managers are responsible for managing the lifecycle of contracts within an organization. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to draft, negotiate, and administer contracts while minimizing legal risks and ensuring compliance.
Litigator
Litigators represent clients in court proceedings, including contract disputes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles, including formation defenses, performance obligations, and remedies for breach. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively represent clients in contract litigation.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations, including contract law. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to advise organizations on compliance with contract-related laws and regulations.
Procurement Manager
Procurement Managers are responsible for sourcing and acquiring goods and services for an organization. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to draft, negotiate, and administer contracts for the procurement of goods and services.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead sales teams and are responsible for negotiating and closing sales contracts. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles, including formation defenses, performance obligations, and remedies for breach. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively negotiate and close sales contracts.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects, often involving contracts with vendors and clients. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to draft, negotiate, and administer contracts related to project management.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing employee relations, including the drafting and administration of employment contracts. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to draft, negotiate, and administer employment contracts in compliance with applicable laws.
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties, which involves the negotiation and execution of contracts. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles, including formation defenses, performance obligations, and remedies for breach. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively negotiate and close real estate contracts.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide financial advice to clients, often involving the drafting and administration of investment contracts. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to draft, negotiate, and administer investment contracts in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents sell insurance policies to clients, which involve the negotiation and execution of contracts. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles, including formation defenses, performance obligations, and remedies for breach. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively negotiate and close insurance contracts.
Consultant
Consultants provide professional advice to clients, often involving the drafting and administration of consulting contracts. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will be prepared to draft, negotiate, and administer consulting contracts in compliance with applicable laws.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and manage businesses, which often involve the negotiation and execution of contracts. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of contract law principles, including formation defenses, performance obligations, and remedies for breach. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively negotiate and close contracts that support your entrepreneurial ventures.
Mediator
Mediators help parties resolve disputes, often involving contracts. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to facilitate the resolution of contract disputes.
Arbitrator
Arbitrators resolve disputes, often involving contracts. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal principles governing contract formation, performance, and remedies. By completing this course, you will gain the skills and knowledge to resolve contract disputes impartially and effectively.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 II.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of contract law. It is written in a clear and engaging style.
This textbook provides a more in-depth analysis of contract law than the course, and it valuable reference tool for students who want to learn more about the subject.
This casebook is commonly used in law school courses on contracts. It provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States, covering most of the key concepts found in a first-year law school class.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of contract law. It is written in a clear and engaging style.
Provides an economic analysis of contract law. It good choice for students who are interested in the intersection of law and economics.
This casebook is commonly used in law school courses on contracts. It provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States, covering most of the key concepts found in a first-year law school class.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of contract and commercial law. It good choice for students who are interested in a broader understanding of these areas of law.

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