Module Identifier
LAM7110
Module Title
THE LAW AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE: SUBSTANTIVE TOPICS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr David A Poyton
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
LAM7010

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment One assignment of 5,000 words  Learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5  100%
Supplementary Assessment One assignment of 5,000 words 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Display a knowledge and understanding of how existing legal principles governing contractual activity can apply to electronic commerce.
2. Critically evaluate the regulatory measures in place to protect consumers¿ economic interests and the application of those measures in the electronic environment.
3. Display a knowledge and understanding of the legal and practical issues associated with electronic payment mechanisms and online dispute resolution.
4. Display an ability to gain access to the relevant literature and materials in this field and how to use them in a critical discussion of the issues covered by this subject.
5. Present critical and well-informed argument regarding the problems of achieving an effective regulatory balance between the interests of all stake holders involved in electronic commerce.

Brief description

Rationale:
The module is intended to build on the material covered in LAM7010. The module will enable students to study key substantive legal issues associated with electronic commerce at a postgraduate level through the distance learning format. This will increase the availability and opportunity for studying this subject especially for a range of potential students already involved in online commercial activity in the UK and overseas. The module deals with the fundamental legal issues associated with cross-border electronic commerce activity.

Brief Description:
This module will provide an opportunity for the student to examine key elements of commercial activity in the context of electronic commerce. The principal areas to be studied in depth include: electronic contracts, consumer protection, electronic payments and dispute resolution. Each topic will be examined to critically evaluate whether the needs of the electronic environment are met by existing principles and policies. New legal developments associated with electronic commerce will also be examined to see if they are appropriate to meet stated goals and objectives. The focus will be primarily the common law and EU/EC developments but comparisons will be drawn with other jurisdictions and bodies.

Content

1. Electronic Contracting.
2. Electronic Commerce and the Consumer.
3. Payment Mechanisms in Electronic Commerce.
4. Dispute Resolution in the Online Environment.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication Written communication is developed by the presentation of information and argument in written answers and in a more informal way by the use of Blackboard to encourage communication among students and between students and staff. Oral communication skills are developed at the residential study schools.
Improving own Learning and Performance Distance learning, by its very nature, requires strong individual learning and performance structures and this module further develops key skills in this area.
Information Technology The module is delivered almost entirely by distance learning which relies heavily on the use of electronic information resources and on-line learning and teaching.
Personal Development and Career planning Independent learning enhances time management skills. Studying the module will also develop an enhanced capacity for critical thought and the ability to work independently.
Problem solving By the examination and discussion of actual and hypothetical case studies.
Research skills Through the detailed study at advanced level of literature, legal material and research findings on the subject.
Subject Specific Skills This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyse, evaluate and practise a series of series of skills with respect to the negotiation of international contracts.
Team work Team working skills will be encouraged and developed in group activities and discussions at the residential study schools.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7