LL6006 - Company Law (2018/19)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2018/19 | ||||||||||||
| Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Company Law | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2018/19(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module introduces students to company law and includes the formation, constitution and management of companies, together with share issue, share capital, loan capital and selected aspects of insolvency law.
Students will also examine – and look behind – the corporate veil, making a critical evaluation of the rules of corporate governance.
The module aims to develop several key transferable skills including independent
research, critical analysis and academic writing in the context of company law, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources of law.
It is a vital and dynamic topic for anyone interested in working in the corporate sector, and anyone who needs to know how businesses operate.
Module aims
Syllabus
1. Incorporation of Companies LO 1 and 2
2. The Corporate Constitution LO 1 and 2
3. Corporate Governance LO 1 and 2
Corporate Personality
Directors’ Duties
Protection for minority shareholders
Corporate Transparency
The Veil of Incorporation
4. Corporate Finance
Share issue
Share capital
Capital maintenance
Loan capital
Securing loans on corporate assets
5. Corporate Failure
Priority of creditors
Transaction avoidance provisions
Disqualification of directors
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Learning and Teaching Strategy
Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.
The lecture will be used for:
Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
An introduction to relevant academic literature;
Guidance on learning strategies;
Use of blackboard and IT resources;
Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for:
Development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules/principles/cases;
A range of step by step writing exercises;
IT tasks such as research of cases and statutes
Problem-solving
Critical analysis
Legal writing
Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.
Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of Weblearn for access to all of the above materials.
There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research
Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto Weblearn.
Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable. Company law is particularly important for anyone wishing to work in the business sector, whether as a lawyer or in any other key position requiring legal compliance.
Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Independently research, evaluate, critically analysis and appraise the principles of company law.
2. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise complex principles, solve legal problems and analyse contemporary issues relating to company law.
Assessment strategy
Description of assessment items.
1. Research-Based Essay (2,500 – 3,000 words)
A written paper consisting of answers to a range of approved questions.
This will demonstrate the ability to research independently, synthesise and analysis information, to identify issues and to provide critical evaluation.
2. Time Constrained Examination
Written examination to demonstrate the ability to solve legal problems and critically analyse contemporary issues relating to Company Law in a time-constrained environment.
Bibliography
Core Text:
Dignam, A and J Lowry, J, Core Text: Company Law (OUP)
Other Texts:
Hannigan, B, Company Law (OUP)
Mayson, S, D French, D and Ryan, C, Company Law (OUP)
Sealy, L and Worthington, S, Cases and Materials on Company Law (OUP)
Journals:
The Company Lawyer
Law Quarterly Review
Electronic Databases:
Westlaw and Lexis Library