Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT

American Contract Law I
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 33 hours
  • Course by Yale University
  • Offered by

About

American Contract Law I (along with its sister course Contracts 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: how a valid and enforceable contract is created, including concepts such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel.

Modules

Welcome Information

    • 1 Videos
    • 4 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Welcome to Contracts

4 Readings

  • About the Course
  • The Uniform Commercial Code
  • The Restatement (2nd) of Contracts
  • Pre Course Survey

Default Rules, Altering Rules and Mandatory Rules.

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Default Rules, Altering Rules and Mandatory Rules

2 Readings

  • Filling Gaps in Incomplete Contracts (recommended)
  • UCC §§1-102, 1-103, 2-102

Louisa Hamer v. Franklin Sidway

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Hammer v. Sidway

1 Readings

  • Hamer v. Sidway Case Decision

Andrew D. Ricketts v. Katie Scothorn - "Foregoing Employment"

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Ricketts v. Scothorn

1 Videos

  • Ricketts v. Scothorn

1 Readings

  • Ricketts v. Scothorn Case Decision

Bolin Farms v. American Cotton Shippers Association- "Expensive Cotton"

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Bolin Farms v. American Cotton Shippers

1 Videos

  • Bolin Farms v. American Cotton Shippers

1 Readings

  • Bolin Farms v. American Cotton Shippers Case Decision

Ex Ante and Ex Post Perspectives

    • 1 Videos
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • The Ex Ante and Ex Post Perspectives

Ora Lee Williams v. Walker–Thomas Furniture Co. - "Installment Loan"

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Williams v. Walker-Thomas Furniture

1 Videos

  • Williams v. Walker-Thomas Furniture - "Installment Loan"

1 Readings

  • Williams v. Walker- Thomas Furniture Case Decision

Enforcement of Money Judgements

    • 1 Videos
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Enforcement of Money Judgments

Property Rules and Liability Rules

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Property Rules and Liability

1 Readings

  • Property Rules, Liability Rules and Inalienability

Jacob & Youngs, Inc. v. George E. Kent- "Reading Pipe"

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Jacob & Youngs v. Kent

1 Videos

  • Jacob & Youngs v. Kent

1 Readings

  • Jacob & Youngs v. Kent Case Decision

Sullivan v. O'Connor - "Nose Job"

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Sullivan v. O'Connor - "Nose Job"

1 Readings

  • Sullivan v. O’Connor Case Decision

Coase

    • 1 Videos
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • The Coase Theorem

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Introduction

A. Promise Plus Consideration

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Kirksey v. Kirksey

2 Videos

  • Kirksey v. Kirksey - "Moving Inconvenience"
  • Langer v. Superior Steel - "Repudiated Pension"

2 Readings

  • Isaac Kirksey v. Angelico Kirksey Case Decision
  • William F. Langer v. Superior Steel Corp. Case Decision

B. Intent to Contract and the Seal

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Nominal Consideration

2 Videos

  • Nominal Consideration, The Seal and the Model Written Obligation Act
  • Cohen v. Cowles Media Co. "Journalist's Source"

2 Readings

  • Nominal Consideration, The Seal and The Model Written Obligation Act
  • Dan Cohen v. Cowles Media Co. Case Decision

C. Mixed Motives and Adequacy of Consideration

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Apfel v. Prudential-Bache Securities
  • Jones v. Star Credit Corp.

2 Videos

  • Apfel v Prudential-Bache Securities "Worthless Computer Technique"
  • Jones v Star Credit

2 Readings

  • Robert C. Apfel v. Prudential–Bache Securities, Inc.
  • Clifton Jones v. Star Credit Corp. Case Decision

D. Pre-Exisiting Duty Rule

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Alaska Packers' Association v. Domenico

1 Videos

  • Alaska Packers' Assn' v. Domenico - "Sailors' Salary Increase"

1 Readings

  • Alaska Packers’ Association v. Domenico Case Decision

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Consideration and its Substitutes the Consideration Doctrine I

E. Mutuality of Obligations

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • McMichael v. Price
  • Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon

2 Videos

  • McMichael v. Price - "Sand Requirements"
  • Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon - "Output Contract for Product Endorsements"

2 Readings

  • W. M. McMichael v. Harley T. Price Case Decision
  • Otis F. Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff–Gordon Case Decision

F. Quasi-Contract and Moral Obligation

    • 2 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Bailey v. West
  • Mills v. Wyman

2 Videos

  • Bailey v. West - "Bascom's Folly"
  • Mills v. Wyman - "Moral Obligation" & Webb v. McGowin - "Rescuer’s Recompense"

4 Readings

  • Howard E. Bailey v. Richard E. West Case Decision
  • Second Restatement § 86
  • Daniel Mills v. Seth Wyman
  • Joe Webb v. N. Floyd and Joseph F. McGowin Case Decision

G. Promissory Estoppel

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Allegheny College v. Nat. Chautauqua County Bank

1 Videos

  • Allegheny College v. Nat. Chautauqua County Bank - "Donation"

1 Readings

  • Allegheny College v. National Chautauqua County Bank of Jamestown Case Decision

H. Statute of Frauds

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Statute of Frauds

1 Videos

  • Statute of Frauds

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Consideration and its Substitutes the Consideration Doctrine II

A. Manifestation of Mutual Assent

    • 2 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Lucy v. Zehmer

2 Videos

  • Embry v Hargadine - "Manifestation of Mutual Assent"
  • Lucy v. Zehmer - "Joking Offer"

3 Readings

  • Embry v. Hargadine, McKittrick Dry Goods Co. Case Decision
  • UCC §§ 2-204, -205. -206, & -207
  • W.O. Lucy v. A.H. Zehmer

B. Offers Create Power of Acceptance

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Lefkowitz v. Great Minneapolis Surplus Store
  • Leonard v. Pepsico

2 Videos

  • Lefkowitz v. Great Minn. Surplus Store - "Ambiguous Offer"
  • Leonard v. Pepsico - "Harrier Jet Ad"

2 Readings

  • Morris Lefkowitz v. Great Minneapolis Surplus Store Case Decision
  • John Leonard v. Pepsico, Inc. Case Decision

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The Bargain Relationship I

C. Exercising Power of Acceptance

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Ever-Tite Roofing v. Green
  • Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball

2 Videos

  • Ever-Tite Roofing v. Green - "Performance as Acceptance"
  • Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball - "Medical Warrantee"

2 Readings

  • Ever–Tite Roofing Corp. v. G.T. Green Case Decision
  • Louisa Elizabeth Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. Case Decision

D. Silence as Acceptance

    • 3 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Ammons v. Wilson & Co.
  • Beneficial National Bank, USA v. Obie Payton

3 Videos

  • Ammons v. Wison & Co. - "K.C. Shortening"
  • Beneficial National Bank, USA v. Obie Payton - "Unilateral Credit Card Change"
  • Adams v. Lindsell - "Misdirected Missive"

3 Readings

  • R.L. Ammons v. Wilson & Co. Case Brief
  • Beneficial National Bank, U.S.A v. Obie Payton Case Decision
  • Adams v. Lindsell Case Decision

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The Bargain Relationship II

E. Nature and Effect of Counter Offer

    • 4 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 4 Assignment
Show info about module content

4 Assignment

  • Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway v. Columbus Rolling-Mill
  • Textile Unlimited, Inc. v. A. BMH and Company
  • The Gateway Cases
  • Specht v. Netscape

4 Videos

  • Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway v. Columbus Rolling-Mill - "The Mirror Image Rule"
  • Textile Unlimited, Inc. v. A . BMH and Company - "Yarn Battle of Forms"
  • The Gateway Cases - "Acceptance by Non-Return"
  • Specht v. Netscape - "No Clickwrap"

4 Readings

  • Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway Co. v. Columbus Rolling–Mill Co. Case Decision
  • Textile Unlimited, Inc. v. A. .BMH and Company, Inc. Case Decision
  • Rich Hill v. Gateway 2000 & William Klocek v. Gateway Case Decisions
  • Christopher Specht v. Netscape Communications Corporation Case Decision

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The Bargain Relationship III

F. Irrevocable Offers

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Drennan v. Star Paving

1 Videos

  • Drennan v. Star Paving - "Mistaken Bid"

1 Readings

  • William Drennan v. Star Paving Co. Case Decision

G. Indefinite, Incomplete and Deferred Terms

    • 3 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Raffles v. Wichelhaus
  • Dixon v. Wells Fargo

3 Videos

  • Raffles v. Wichelhaus - "Peerless Ships"
  • Hoffman v. Red Owl Stores - "Promised Store"
  • Dixon v. Wells Fargo - "Unfulfilled Mortgage Modification"

4 Readings

  • Raffles v. Wichelhaus Case Decision
  • Joseph Hoffman v. Red Owl Stores, Inc. Case Decision
  • Frank Dixon v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
  • Congratulations!

Mastery Quiz

    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The Bargain Relationship IV

Auto Summary

American Contract Law I offers a comprehensive overview of U.S. contract law, ideal for those in personal development and legal studies. Taught by Coursera, this foundational course covers key concepts from a first-year law school curriculum, including contract formation, offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel, integrating legal doctrines with policy discussions. It also delves into the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) for the sale of goods. Lasting 1980 minutes, it is available through Starter and Professional subscription options, catering to aspiring legal professionals and enthusiasts.

Ian Ayres
Instructor

Ian Ayres