General Information
International Contracts is an elective subject in postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject deals with problems in the drafting and enforcement of contracts involving two or more legal systems, with reference to international conventions. Topics covered include the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods, choice of governing law, choice of forum, selection and standardisation of terms, title and retention, delivery, payment and long-term contracts, and relevant aspects of dispute resolution. International Contracts is taught in an intensive and practical manner, with an emphasis on negotiation and drafting, cases and comparative law, as experienced in international legal practice. The subject should be of interest to students intending to do work involving transactions across borders.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Law Subject code: LAWS77-745 Subject title: International Contracts Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: September 2024 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Intensive Workload items: - Seminar: x2 (Total hours: 8) - Seminar
- Seminar: x1 (Total hours: 4) - Seminar
- Seminar: x1 (Total hours: 4) - Seminar
- Seminar: x1 (Total hours: 4) - Seminar
- Seminar: x1 (Total hours: 4) - Seminar
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 96) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: International Contracts is taught in an intensive and practical manner, with an emphasis on negotiation and drafting, cases and comparative law, as experienced in international legal practice. The subject structure assumes topic materials are read in advance of classes. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Ping Xiong (2024). INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW.. 7th, LexisNexis
- Jason Chuah (2023). LAW OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE. 7th, Sweet & Maxwell
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Law |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LAWS77-745 |
| Subject title: | International Contracts |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2024 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Intensive |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | International Contracts is taught in an intensive and practical manner, with an emphasis on negotiation and drafting, cases and comparative law, as experienced in international legal practice. The subject structure assumes topic materials are read in advance of classes. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Juris Doctor students are expected to have completed a minimum of 80 credit points of compulsory law subjects. |
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Develop an awareness of national variations in apparently common legal concepts and attitudes to the law.
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Consider the central role of contract in international trade.
- Experience negotiation across legal systems and how working as a team can produce optimal results.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Oral Pitch In-class presentation of an allocated topic and selected cases 20.00% Week 3 1,2,3 Draft Document§ Drafting documents relating to an international contract: Heads of Agreement 15.00% Week 4 1,2,3,4 Draft Document Drafting a contract for the international sale of goods, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum justifying and analysing the contract clauses 35.00% Week 8 1,2,3,4 Draft Document Drafting a Statement of Claim to commence arbitration following a breach of contract 30.00% Week 11 1,2,3 - § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Pitch | In-class presentation of an allocated topic and selected cases | 20.00% | Week 3 | 1,2,3 |
| Draft Document§ | Drafting documents relating to an international contract: Heads of Agreement | 15.00% | Week 4 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Draft Document | Drafting a contract for the international sale of goods, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum justifying and analysing the contract clauses | 35.00% | Week 8 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Draft Document | Drafting a Statement of Claim to commence arbitration following a breach of contract | 30.00% | Week 11 | 1,2,3 |
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Students may be asked to respond to questions from the subject coordinator regarding the content of their assessments. Students are expected to keep evidence of drafting and research.
Subject curriculum
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Module 1: Introduction. International trade and commerce.
Introduction to the subject, teaching and assessment methods rationale, and students. Brushing up on academic and legal skills – research, writing, referencing, statutory interpretation, problem-solving. Role of contract in international trade and commerce. Contract content checklist and the use of model contracts.
SLOs included
- Develop an awareness of national variations in apparently common legal concepts and attitudes to the law.
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Consider the central role of contract in international trade.
- Experience negotiation across legal systems and how working as a team can produce optimal results.
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Module 2: Party autonomy and sources of norms.
Sources of law: domestic v international law. Party autonomy and the applicable law. Dispute resolution methods overview. The relationship between choice of law and choice of forum in international contracts.
SLOs included
- Develop an awareness of national variations in apparently common legal concepts and attitudes to the law.
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Consider the central role of contract in international trade.
- Experience negotiation across legal systems and how working as a team can produce optimal results.
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Module 3: From contract formation (front-end) to dispute resolution (back-end).
Contract formation and amendment. Standard Terms and Conditions. Introduction to international commercial mediation and arbitration. Initiating arbitration - drafting a statement of claim and legal arguments.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Experience negotiation across legal systems and how working as a team can produce optimal results.
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Module 4: Specific issues in international sales contracts.
Import-export considerations, tax and customs regulations, permits, licenses, labelling, and currency issues. Time and place of delivery; payment of the price. The use of commercial terms: Incoterms, and UCP 600.
SLOs included
- Develop an awareness of national variations in apparently common legal concepts and attitudes to the law.
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Consider the central role of contract in international trade.
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Module 5: Specific issues in international sales contracts.
Conformity of goods: quantity, quality, description, packaging, samples, fitness for ordinary / particular purpose. Different risks in international contracts; passing of the risk under the CISG. Contractual and legal warranties.
SLOs included
- Develop an awareness of national variations in apparently common legal concepts and attitudes to the law.
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Consider the central role of contract in international trade.
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Module 6: Specific issues in international sales contracts.
Breach of contract and remedies available: cure, reduction of price, damages, interest, contract avoidance. Force majeure and hardship. Exclusions and limitations of liability under the CISG and under fixed sum clauses.
SLOs included
- Develop an awareness of national variations in apparently common legal concepts and attitudes to the law.
- Demonstrate how these variations are brought together in particular transactions to identify the 'common core' of contract law and an expanding international law of contracts.
- Consider the central role of contract in international trade.