Download PDF

Course Outline

LAW303 Corporations Law

Course Coordinator:Ashley Pearson (apearson@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2022Semester 2

USC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to the USC website for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

The main focus is on companies incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The course is structured around the ‘life-cycle’ of registered companies from pre-incorporation to dissolution. It considers corporate governance with an emphasis on directors’ duties and the rights and remedies of members; corporate finance and external administration. The course also considers the context in which companies operate, their role in society and the implications of the concept of corporate personality.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Lecture – On campus lecture - 2 hours in weeks 1-6 and 8-13. 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus and/or online tutorial - 1 hour in weeks 2-6 and 8-13. 1hr Week 2 11 times

Course Topics

Structuring Business Activities

The Corporate Form: Theory, History and Regulatory Framework

Registration and its Effects

Internal Management and the Distribution of Corporate Power

Dealing with Third Parties: Corporate Liability, Company Contracts and Promoters Duties

Directors’ Duties: Duty to Act for a Proper Purpose; Duty to Avoid a Conflict of Interest; Duty of Care, Skill and Diligence; Avoiding Insolvent Trading; and the Business Judgement Rule

Member’s Rights and Remedies: Oppression, Personal Rights of Members and the Statutory Derivative Action Process

Corporate Finance: Operation of Credit, Raising Equity, Declaring Dividends, Securitisation

Winding Up Procedures, Insolvency and the Role of Liquidators

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of fundamental principles and procedures of Australian Corporations Law Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical issues that may confront a corporate lawyer and explain appropriate professional responses to those issues Ethical
3 Access, use, interpret and apply complex statutory material to resolve corporate law problems and issues Knowledgeable
Empowered
4 Evaluate theoretical perspectives of Australian Corporations Law and assess how theories may apply, influence, or critique corporate law issues Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
5 Exercise the communication skills that are required of lawyers including presenting and drafting Empowered
Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the USC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

LAW204 and enrolled in any Law Program

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

​Formative feedback will be provided during tutorials with the completion of tutorial exercises and discussing of correct answers and approaches in Weeks 1-4. In addition, a formative quiz is available in Week 4 for students to assess their understanding of the course materials.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 0% 
15 questions
 Week 4 Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Essay Individual 25% 
1500 words
 Week 8 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral Individual 25% 
10 minutes
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All 4 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50% 
4 Hours
 Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Optional Quiz
Goal: 
To test your understanding of key concepts and principles covered in weeks 1-3 of the course.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
Short answer questions (Optional).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Correct answers to quiz questions.
 1 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Critical Essay
Goal: 
To demonstrate theoretical and critical understanding of corporate law by analysing an area of doctrine in light of theories of the corporation. Students are expected to focus on analysis, justification and critique of doctrinal elements of corporate law through comparing and contrasting different theories and critiques of the corporation.
Product: Essay
Format: 
This is a 1500-word individual written assignment. The assignment requires students to select and respond to one (1) essay question. You will be required to focus on analysis, justification and critique of doctrinal elements of corporate law through comparing and contrasting different theories and critiques of the corporation. Essays should be formatted with a clear introduction (including a strong thesis which responds to the question), a number of well-supported arguments that establish the thesis and a conclusion.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstration of critical understanding of theories of the corporation and corporate law doctrine, as evidenced by accurate articulation and analysis of the issues examined
 1 4
2 
Demonstration of ability to engage in critical analysis and think creatively
 3 4
3 
Constructing persuasive arguments
 4
4 
Development of a strong thesis, clear development of arguments in support of that thesis, and persuasive presentation of the materials engaged
 1 3 4
5 
Demonstration of requisite academic communication skills, use of appropriate and persuasive expression
 5
6 
Accuracy of citations and academic referencing and use of accurate
 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Oral Moot Presentation
Goal: 
To assess your detailed knowledge of particular area of corporations law and your ability to present formal arguments that apply the law to a particular fact scenario. It will also assess your problem-solving and oral communication skills.
Product: Oral
Format: 
You will form teams of two to present moot arguments in one of the tutorials between week 5 and week 12, responding to a hypothetical fact scenario dealing with a particular area of corporations law. You will be required to prepare and present a 10 minute oral moot submission (including responding to questions from the moot judge) which adheres to the formality of a moot presentation. 

Materials on mooting and moot presentations will be provided on Canvas and worked through in the tutorials in Weeks 2-4.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Quality of Argument (including identification of issues and understanding and application of the relevant laws)
 3
2 
Coherence and logic to the presentation and ability to present as a team
 1 3
3 
Presentation
 5
4 
Handling of Questions
 5
All - Assessment Task 4:Final Exam
Goal: 
To assess your understanding of Corporations Law principles and your capacity to apply that understanding to new fact scenarios.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
Online examination held during the exam period. Examination answers must be completed and submitted within the allotted time to the online submission point. The exam may contain a mix of legal problem and/or essay questions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identifies legal issues and applicable law correctly
 1
2 
Applies legal rules to a problem in an analytical and logical way
 3
3 
Formulates appropriate conclusions
 3 5
4 
Demonstrates awareness of corporate governance and ethics
 2

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Directed study hours may vary by location. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Hargovan, Brown & Adams 2020 Australian Corporate Law (7th Edition) n/a Lexis Nexis
Required n/a 0 Australians Corporations Law 2001 Cth Legislation [Available at: www.legislation.gov.au] n/a n/a

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUSC

USC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Administration of Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Academic Misconduct
  • Students with a Disability

Visit the USC website: https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

USC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • USC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • USC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • USC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • USC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • USC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • USC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
Download PDF