Corporate & Commercial Law I: Contracts & Employment Law from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

In this module, you will become familiar with the course, your instructor and your classmates, and our learning environment. This orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required to navigate and be successful in this course.

Module 1: Forming Enforceable Agreements

In this module, you will be introduced to the concept of legally enforceable agreements, also known as contracts. Contracts are the most important legal concept with which businesses must be familiar. This module will introduce all of the elements of a valid contract: agreement, consideration, capacity, legality, and satisfaction of the statute of frauds. By the end of this module, you will be able to recognize a valid, enforceable contract, and identify reasons why an agreement may not be enforceable.

Module 2: Special Rules for Sales Contracts

In this module, you will learn the special rules that apply to contracts for the sale of goods. A set of statutes, known as UCC Article 2, modifies the common law rules governing contract formation, and this module will detail those modifications. By the end of this module, you will be able to determine which contracts are governed by UCC Article 2 and how they differ from contracts that do not involve the sale of goods.

Module 3: Enforcing Agreements

In this module, we continue our discussion of contract law by focusing on the enforcement of agreements. We begin by examining who can enforce contracts, then discuss when contracts can be enforced in court, and end by looking into what types of awards courts will grant when a party has been the victim of a breach of a contract. Throughout this module, we will call special attention to different rules that apply to contracts for the sale of goods.

Module 4: Agency and Employment Law

In this module, you will learn the foundations of the laws governing employees and employers. We begin with several lessons on the law of agency, which underpins all employment relationships. After that, we look at a series of laws that provide workers with various rights, including the right to unionize and take collective action as part of a labor union. By the end of this module, you will have a basic understanding of some of the fundamental rules that govern the employer-employee relationship.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners who need to understand fundamental business law concepts, such as contracts, agency, and debt management

Geared towards individuals preparing for the REG section of the CPA exam, providing a comprehensive study of business law topics tested on the exam

Offers a solid foundation in business law principles, making it appropriate for beginners or those seeking a refresher

Taught by Michael R. Fricke, an experienced instructor in business law and accounting

Although not specifically designed for non-native speakers, the English-language course materials may pose challenges for learners with limited English proficiency

The course does not cover advanced business law concepts and may not be suitable for learners seeking in-depth knowledge

Reviews summary

Solid course for fundamentals of contracts & employment law

Learners say this largely positive course is a helpful resource for someone who wants to understand the basics of corporate and commercial law, with a focus on contracts and employment law. The engaging lectures and practical examples from knowledgeable Professor Michael R Fricke help make complex topics easier to understand.

The course provides a good overview of the legal terminology used in contracts and employment law.

"Learned the legal aspects of Contracts, Agency and Employment rights in a short time."

"I ventured into this course to gain insight into the fundamentals of corporate law and the terminologies and legislation that it entails."

"I've found this course to be decidedly instructive, and worth every minute I spent on it."

The course is well-structured and easy to follow.

"This was my first online class with GIES. I look forward to taking additional classes!"

"I liked the course and the instructor."

"I'm a university student. I would like to take this opportunity to thank lecturer Professor Fricke, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Coursera."

Professor Fricke uses practical examples to illustrate the concepts.

"Professor Fricke explains the topics passionately and in an engaging way is if you were taking a live class."

"The instructor explains the concepts clearly and uses appropriate examples."

"The course covered The Sale of Goods: UCC Article 2 provisions and the subtle nuances of the contract."

The lectures are engaging and well-paced.

"The way the course content prepared is awesome."

"Professor Michael Fricke presented it in a very nice and simple way, made it easy to understand and imbibe."

"Professor Fricke has explained the Course material in a very interesting manner and simple terms, easy to understand."

Professor Fricke is an excellent instructor who makes the material easy to understand.

"Professor Fricke is fabulous and teaches us in a very clear and precise way."

"The professor was very clear on all of their exclamations and how certain aspects of contracts, employer laws, employee laws strikes, labor unions discharges and breaches of contract in a very simplified manner."

"I love that the delivery was solely done through video lectures and a single PowerPoint document."

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 Corporate & Commercial Law I: Contracts & Employment Law with these activities:

Review Contracts

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Reinforce your foundational understanding of contracts and their enforceability to establish a stronger base.

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Review notes and handouts from previous courses on contract law.
Complete practice questions or exercises related to contract formation and enforceability.
Summarize key concepts and principles related to contracts in your own words.

Practice Contract Law Concepts

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Prepare for this course by reviewing foundational Contract Law concepts to ensure a strong base.

Browse courses on Contracts

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Review the elements of a valid contract.
Practice identifying and analyzing different types of contracts.
Work through practice problems involving contract formation and breach.

Review the chart of accounts and accounting transactions

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Reviewing the chart of accounts and accounting transactions will help refresh your memory on the basics of accounting, making it easier to understand the more complex concepts covered in this course.

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Gather your accounting textbooks and notes.
Review the chart of accounts.
Review accounting transactions.

Five other activities

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Primer: Contracts 101

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Review the fundamentals of contract law to establish a strong basis and give you a strong foundation when you begin.

Browse courses on Contracts

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Read the provided materials for this activity
Complete the practice exercises

Learn UCC Article 2

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Deepen your understanding of UCC Article 2 and its impact on sales contracts to enhance your ability to analyze and resolve legal issues.

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Identify reputable online tutorials or courses on UCC Article 2.
Follow the tutorials and complete any assignments or practice exercises.
Summarize or outline the key provisions and concepts of UCC Article 2.

Navigate Business Law Scenarios

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Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing real-world business law scenarios and applying course concepts.

Browse courses on Business Law

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Read and analyze complex business scenarios.
Identify relevant legal issues and principles.
Apply course knowledge to propose solutions and advise on legal implications.

Draft a business plan for a new business venture

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Develop a comprehensive plan for starting a new business, considering factors such as market research, financial projections, and operational strategy.

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Conduct market research to identify a viable business opportunity
Develop a detailed business plan outlining your business concept, target market, and financial projections
Secure funding for your business through investors or loans
Launch your business and monitor its performance

Solve Past Exam Questions

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Test your understanding and improve your problem-solving skills by practicing actual CPA exam questions related to business law.

Browse courses on Business Law

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Obtain past CPA exam questions or study materials.
Allocate 1-2 hours to solving questions.
Analyze your answers, identify areas for improvement, and review relevant course materials.

Career center

Learners who complete Corporate & Commercial Law I: Contracts & Employment Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corporate Lawyer

Corporate Lawyers negotiate and draft contracts for businesses, ensuring that these agreements comply with applicable laws and regulations. This course covers the fundamentals of contract law, providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. You'll gain an understanding of contract formation, enforceability, and breach of contract, which are essential concepts for Corporate Lawyers. Additionally, the course's focus on business law topics relevant to the CPA exam indicates a strong foundation in the legal principles that govern business transactions, making this course highly relevant to a career as a Corporate Lawyer.

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Commercial Lawyer

Commercial Lawyers represent clients in business transactions, including contract drafting and negotiation. This course provides a strong foundation in contract law, covering topics such as offer and acceptance, consideration, and breach of contract. You'll also gain an understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs sales of goods and other commercial transactions. This knowledge is essential for Commercial Lawyers, who must be able to interpret and apply complex legal principles to business dealings.

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Employment Lawyer

Employment Lawyers represent employees or employers in matters related to employment law, including contracts, discrimination, and workplace safety. This course covers employment law topics relevant to the CPA exam, providing you with a solid understanding of the legal framework governing the employer-employee relationship. You'll gain insights into agency law, employment contracts, and labor laws, which are essential for Employment Lawyers.

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Business Consultant

Business Consultants provide advice to businesses on a variety of topics, including legal compliance, risk management, and strategic planning. This course covers business law topics that are essential for Business Consultants to understand, including contract law, employment law, and business organizations. By completing this course, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address legal issues that businesses face, making you a valuable asset to clients.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that businesses comply with applicable laws and regulations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of business law topics, including contract law, employment law, and corporate governance. You'll gain an understanding of the legal framework that businesses must operate within, enabling you to identify and mitigate risks and ensure compliance with the law.

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Contract Manager

Contract Managers are responsible for the negotiation, drafting, and management of contracts for businesses. This course covers the fundamentals of contract law, providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. You'll gain an understanding of contract formation, enforceability, and breach of contract, as well as the special rules that apply to sales contracts.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee employee relations, including hiring, firing, and employee benefits. This course provides a solid foundation in employment law, covering topics such as discrimination, workplace safety, and labor laws. You'll gain insights into the legal framework that governs the employer-employee relationship, enabling you to effectively manage employee relations and maintain compliance with the law.

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Salesperson

Salespeople negotiate and close sales contracts for businesses. This course provides a foundation in contract law, focusing on the special rules that apply to sales contracts. You'll gain an understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs sales of goods, as well as the legal principles that govern contract formation, enforceability, and breach of contract. This knowledge will help you to effectively negotiate and close sales contracts, maximizing your success as a Salesperson.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and manage their own businesses, which often involves negotiating and drafting contracts. This course provides a practical overview of business law topics, covering contract law, employment law, and business organizations. You'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and comply with the legal framework that businesses operate within, enabling you to make informed decisions and mitigate risks as an Entrepreneur.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to make recommendations on investments and business decisions. This course covers business law topics relevant to the CPA exam, including contract law and debtor-creditor relationships. You'll gain an understanding of the legal framework that governs business transactions, enabling you to evaluate the financial risks and opportunities associated with investments and business decisions.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns for businesses, which often involves the use of contracts. This course provides a foundation in contract law, covering the essential elements of a valid contract and the legal principles that govern contract formation, enforceability, and breach of contract. This knowledge will help you to understand and negotiate marketing contracts, ensuring that your marketing campaigns are legally compliant and有效.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and marketing of products for businesses, which often involves the use of contracts. This course provides a foundation in contract law, focusing on the special rules that apply to sales contracts. You'll gain an understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs sales of goods, as well as the legal principles that govern contract formation, enforceability, and breach of contract. This knowledge will help you to understand and negotiate product development and marketing contracts, ensuring that your products are legally compliant and meet customer needs.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of businesses, which often involves the use of contracts. This course provides a practical overview of business law topics, covering contract law, employment law, and business organizations. You'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and comply with the legal framework that businesses operate within, enabling you to effectively manage operations and mitigate risks.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and manage risks for businesses, which often involves the use of contracts. This course provides a comprehensive overview of business law topics, covering contract law, employment law, and business organizations. You'll gain an understanding of the legal framework that businesses operate within, enabling you to identify and mitigate risks and ensure compliance with the law.

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Auditor

Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. This course covers business law topics relevant to the CPA exam, including contract law and debtor-creditor relationships. You'll gain an understanding of the legal framework that governs business transactions, enabling you to evaluate the financial risks and opportunities associated with audits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor