FOUNDATIONS OF COMMERCIAL LAW

Course Objectives:
The main objective of the course is to provide a background of law and legal theory and introduce the students to the basic legal principles and sources of the laws of contract, corporations and intellectual property. The aim is to become aware of the institutional framework in which law is created, changed and applied, to become aware of the factors that influence legal outcomes, of events and decisions, and to develop effective strategies for avoiding and addressing legal problems in business.

Course Description :
This course introduces students to legal theory, principles and sources of law; the court system; and the role of law and judiciary in the development of business and investment. It provides an overview of the laws that shape the way business is carried on, the manner in which contracts are made and enforced and the role played by corporations in development of business and investments. The main emphasis of the course will be on the laws relating to contracts, corporations and intellectual property.

Course Outline:
Topics include:
1. Legal Theory
2. General principles and sources of law.
3. Court system and access to justice.
4. Basic principles of the Law of Contract. This will include formation, modification and termination of contracts and remedies.
5. Basic principles of Partnership and Company Laws
5.1 the legal nature of partnerships
5.2 joint ventures
5.3 corporations.
6. Company Law
6.1 rights and liabilities of share-holders
6.2 rights, duties and obligations of directors and other offices
6.3 financing
6.4 meetings of companies and directors
6.5 resolutions
6.6 liquidation
6.7 securities and controls
6.8 mergers and acquisitions.
7. Partnership Law
7.1 Formations, registrations and termination
7.2 rights and liabilities of partners and third parties
7.3 financing.
8. Basic principles of the laws relating to trade-marks, copyrights, patents and designs.

Learning Outcomes:
The course will:

1. Provide students with a basic understanding of specific legal rights and responsibilities that arise in the relationships, and will familiarize them with where the law comes from, how it is applied, and how it can be changed.
2. Strengthen students' analytical abilities in problem-solving by exploring the legal consequences of business and consumer decisions.
3. Provide a general knowledge of the procedures for resolving civil disputes.
4. Enable students to use legal terminology common to the subject areas covered in the course.

 Use of Modern Instructional Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software in this course.  Use of the Internet may also be required.

Skills to be developed:
This course helps students in developing the following skills:

1. Communication (written) Through Assignments and Examinations
2. Analytical Through examinations
3. Legal drafting skills Through assignments
4. Creative Thinking Through assignments and classroom
discussions
5. Ethics Through lectures
6. Use of Information Technology Through use of PCs, Internet, CD-ROM, Statistical
data base in the library

Evaluating Student Performance:
Class participation and attendance 10%
Coursework assignment 1 15%
Coursework assignment 2 15%
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 30% 

Grading:
Percentage Score Letter Grade GPA Points Percentage Score Letter Grade GPA Points

90 – 100 A 4.0 70 - 74 C 2.0
85 - 89 B+ 3.5 65 - 69 D+ 1.5
80 - 84 B 3.0 60 - 64 D 1.0
75 - 79 C+ 2,5 < 60 F 0.0

Educational Resources:

Course Schedule & Outline:
Sixteen Week Semester, 3 hrs/Wk