Online Class: Contract Law 101 - An Introduction

With a focus on practical knowledge, this course reshapes your approach to contracts by equipping you with the skills to negotiate, interpret, and enforce agreements confidently, regardless of your career stage or goals. You'll leave equipped to identify pitfalls and maximize opportunities in every contract, effectively navigating the legalities that govern transactions.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Lehi City Public Library
 
  • 11
    Lessons
  • 27
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 10
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.0
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Imagine a world where every agreement you make-whether personal, professional, or digital-is a step forward, backed by confidence and clarity. A world where you never again feel uncertain about the terms you sign or the deals you negotiate. This course doesn't just teach you about contracts-it transforms the way you approach them, empowering you to take control of every interaction where agreements are made.

Welcome to The Essentials of U.S. Contract Law, an immersive journey into understanding the principles that shape one of the most fundamental aspects of modern life. Contracts are everywhere-from the fine print of your streaming subscription to the handshake deals that launch careers. Yet, most people lack the tools to truly grasp their power. This course changes that. It equips you with the skills, insights, and practical knowledge to navigate contracts like a pro, ensuring you're always one step ahead, whether negotiating terms, interpreting obligations, or enforcing your rights.

This is not just another legal course. It's a masterclass in empowerment, designed for anyone who wants to build confidence in their decision-making. Through engaging storytelling, relatable examples, and actionable lessons, you'll explore not only what contracts are, but how they shape the world around you. You'll discover the art of negotiation, the science of drafting, and the critical thinking needed to identify red flags in agreements that could cost you down the line.

But what truly sets this course apart is its focus on you. Every module is crafted with your goals in mind-whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone simply looking to make smarter choices in everyday transactions. You'll learn how to decode the legal jargon that intimidates so many and replace guesswork with knowledge. With each lesson, you'll unlock new skills, from negotiating favorable terms to navigating disputes with ease. And as you move forward, you'll gain more than knowledge-you'll gain a sense of control over your decisions and your future.

In today's fast-paced world, understanding contracts isn't just an advantage; it's a necessity. This course is your gateway to mastering the rules of engagement in everything from real estate and business to the emerging frontier of digital contracts. By the time you finish, you won't just understand contract law-you'll own it.

The choice is simple. Stop wondering if you're protected, if you're getting the best deal, or if you're unknowingly putting yourself at risk. Step into a new level of confidence and control. Enroll today, and transform the way you interact with the world forever. Your future of informed decisions and successful agreements starts here.

 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.58 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(794 votes)

Lesson 1. The Essence of Contracts: Understanding Agreements Made Simple

At the heart of contracts are offer, acceptance, and meeting of the minds, securing mutual understanding and legal obligation when values are exchanged. Written contracts offer enforceability with tangible proof, while oral and implied contracts depend on context and conduct. 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WorkSheet-27003.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Contract Law; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 : Contract Basics

Lesson 2. Understanding Contract Complexities: A Closer Look at Terms and Enforcement

Privity ensures that contract enforcement is restricted to the parties involved, preserving accountability within the agreement framework. Detailed contract terms protect interests by outlining rights, responsibilities, and remedies for breaches, ensuring agreements remain robust even when unforeseen issues arise. 28 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-StudyGuide-27004.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 : Contract Elements and US Law
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. From Litigation to Resolution: Exploring Contract Remedies

Contract enforcement not only upholds legal obligations but also fosters trust and cooperation in business transactions. ADR strategies, notably arbitration and mediation, offer efficient and creative solutions outside courtrooms, helping to preserve valuable business relationships. 28 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Activity-27005.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Enforcement
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 : Contract Enforcement
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Navigating the Complexities of Offer and Acceptance in Contracts

Contracts are key legal tools that simplify complex agreements when their core elements, offer and acceptance, are clearly understood. Recognizing and correctly applying these principles can enhance your ability to negotiate and secure binding agreements. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Downloadable-27006.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Offer & Acceptance
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Mastering the Art of Contract Negotiation and Writing

The art of negotiation is enhanced by understanding the subtle cues through active listening, allowing participants to address underlying concerns effectively. Successful contracts require transparent documentation, safeguarding parties against disputes through well-defined clauses and terms. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-StudyGuide-27007.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 : Negotiating and Writing a Contract
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Deceit in Contracts: Recognizing and Resolving Misrepresentation

Contracts represent mutual commitments, yet their fairness can be undermined by unethical actions such as false claims and power imbalances. Understanding these threats and their legal remedies ensures protection and integrity in one's professional dealings. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-StudyGuide-27008.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 : Improper Contract Situations
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. The Power Dynamics of Contracts: Understanding Unfair Advantages

Inundating contracts with complex clauses can obscure unfair terms, significantly affecting legal rights. Parties lacking capacity, like minors, are shielded from exploitation, ensuring contract terms are comprehensible and just. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WorkSheet-27009.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 : Unfair Contractual Conditions
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Contract Termination and Completion Explored: Navigating Legal Complexities

Contracts safeguard interests in global transactions, yet their premature termination is sometimes necessary due to various legal intricacies. Understanding the grounds and legal doctrines like estoppel ensures parties navigate these complex scenarios effectively. 32 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WorkSheet-27010.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 : Contract Termination & Completion
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Legal Insights into Real Estate Transactions

Well-structured real estate agreements include contingency clauses for aspects like financing and inspections, granting flexibility to buyers and sellers. These contracts also detail components such as purchase price and closing procedures, solidifying the legal transfer of property and protecting both parties. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-HomeWork-27011.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 : Special Contract Situations
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Guardians of Creativity: Understanding Intellectual Property and Contractual Nuances

Intellectual property, coupled with the invisible influence of social contracts, fortifies both individual creativity and societal cohesion, mandating a dual comprehension of legal and social constructs. By navigating IP and social contracts wisely, creators and businesses can foster environments where innovation is protected, and communities thrive, simultaneously fueling progress and collaboration. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-Activity-27012.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 : More Special Contract Situations

Lesson 11. The Evolution of Contract Law in the Digital Era: Internet Transactions Unveiled

The digital realm's legal landscape demands updated frameworks for electronic transactions, employing UETA and E-Sign to equip online contracts with traditional validity. In recognizing blockchain and smart contracts, the law must advance alongside technology to facilitate automated and secure agreements. 74 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-Activity-27013.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: E-Signing; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 : Contract Law & The Internet
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam
323
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define a contract's essential elements, including offer, acceptance, and consideration, in the context of everyday agreements.
  • Evaluate the differences between written, oral, and implied contracts by analyzing various scenarios and their legal enforceability.
  • Identify and differentiate between common law and UCC principles in the context of service-related contracts and the sale of goods, and describe the implications for legal compliance.
  • Recognize the essential elements of a contract, such as parties, offer, and acceptance, and explain their roles in forming a legally binding agreement.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of liquidated damages by evaluating a contractual scenario and explaining how predefined penalties can impact rights and remedies in contract disputes.
  • Identify the key differences between arbitration and mediation in alternative dispute resolution, including the binding nature of decisions and third-party roles.
  • Define the concepts of offer and acceptance in contract formation by explaining their roles in creating legally binding agreements.
  • Identify and describe the importance of consideration in contracts by examining its three foundational components: bargain, benefit/detriment, and mutual inducement.
  • Define the legal concept of capacity to contract by identifying the criteria that determine an individual's ability to enter a legally binding agreement.
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary to negotiate mutually beneficial contract terms by engaging in a role-playing exercise that requires collaboration and strategic compromise.
  • Define the concept of misrepresentation in contracts and distinguish between fraudulent, negligent, and innocent misrepresentation using real-world examples.
  • Demonstrate the recognition of undue influence in contract situations by identifying key signs of power imbalance and trust exploitation in real or hypothetical scenarios.
  • Define and identify the elements of undue influence in contract scenarios by reviewing real-life examples and assessing relationships involving trust and dependence.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Contract Law 101 - An Introduction
Course Number: 8900104
Lessons Rating: 4.58 / 5 Stars (794 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: February 2024
CEU Value: 1.0 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.
Course Type: Self-Paced
Assessment Method: Lesson review exams
Instructional Team: Linda Zavadil

Student Testimonials

  • "I like the flow and ease of moving throuhg the lessons." -- Sabrina R.
  • "Instructor was motivational and encouraging." -- Paul N.
  • "The course was easy to follow and well explained in order for mere mortals like me to understand." -- Monique S.
  • "Excellent instructor. The very best. Always there for you. Thoughtful feedback. Excellent course." -- Mohammad H.
  • "Great course for anyone who needs straight to the point insight into Contract Law." -- Gilbert H.

Related Courses