204 Contract Documents and Construction Law
Class Syllabus
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Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization and Grading
Grading Policies
Textbook Information
Reading Ahead
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Introduction
This
course focuses on understanding the relationship between contract documents
and the construction process. We
will explore contractual relationships, legal roles and responsibilities,
and contract types. Legal
issues will be studied including regulatory issues, liens, bonds, insurance,
and how standardized forms are used. General
conditions clauses that affect levels of decision making authority, project
close-out and the superintendents role as agent of the contractor will be
studied. We will study legal
issues that often result in construction disputes including differing site
conditions, time and schedule impacts, change orders and changed conditions.
We will also study contract dispute resolution including
negotiations, alternative dispute resolutions, and litigation of disputes.
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Learning objectives:
By the end of this class you should:
-
Understand the importance of contract documents and
construction law as they pertain to on site construction supervisors.
-
Be able to understand and use common legal terms.
-
Understand the different forms of formal dispute
resolution including litigation, arbitration and mediation.
-
Understand the roles of partnering in avoiding construction
conflicts by communicating and building trust between contractual
partied.
-
Be able to differentiate between various contractual
relationships by understanding the roles and responsibilities of
contractual parties.
Understand the different types of construction
contracts and how the construction supervisors role may be affected by
them. -
Be able to determine the levels of decision making
authority and relationships as defined by the general conditions.
-
Learn how to recognize, develop and manage a
documentation system
-
Understand the effects of changes as they are
encountered and develop methods to react to potential conflicts
resulting from changes.
-
Know how to recognize differing site conditions and
understand the importance of handling changed conditions effectively.
-
Know how to handle schedule impacts, delays,
accelerations, suspensions and disruption of time related work
activities.
-
Be able to resolve conflicts and issues through
negotiation.
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Class Organization and Grading
The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student
can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.
Module |
Point Value
|
By End of Week
|
|
0. Student Orientation
|
0
|
Before start
|
|
1. Introduction to Contract Documents and
Construction Law
|
25
|
1
|
2. Creating a Positive
Environment Through Partnering
|
25
|
2
|
|
3. Contractual Relationships
|
25
|
3
|
4. Contract Forms and
Documents
|
25
|
4
|
5. Managing General
Conditions
|
25
|
5
|
6. Good Documentations
Practices
|
25
|
6
|
7. Changes
|
25
|
7
|
8. Differing Site
Conditions
|
25
|
8
|
9. Time Impacts
|
25
|
9
|
10. Resolving Issues
Through Negotiations
|
25
|
10
|
|
Total Points
|
250 |
|
It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall
behind. Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each
week. Class work must be completed before the following Monday. Students will
not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available
in advance. Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in
advance on the course calendar.
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Grading Policies
Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each
module and participation in at least two class discussions.
Each quiz will count 10 points and class discussions will count 15 points
per module. Students learn more and learn better when they discuss
the topic at hand. For that reason, I consider the regular weekly
discussions to be even more important than the weekly quizzes.
Grades will be posted on a weekly basis. You will
have full access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of
how you are doing at all times.
Your overall grade in the course will be determined by the
total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and assignments.
The grading scale is as follows:
You will be given more information about the grading and
other course matters in the Orientation Module.
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The Textbook
The textbook for this class is Unit 4, Contract
Documents and Construction Law (S), 6th Edition
Textbook ordering information can be
found at this link.
The cost of each textbook is approximately $156 plus shipping and
handling. If you order a used book be sure you are getting the correct
edition.
Allow at least 5 working days between ordering the book and receiving
it by the least expensive shipping. Foreign students should allow
at least 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. You can have your book
delivered more quickly by paying more for the shipping.
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Reading Ahead
This table details the reading assignments for the entire course. This will give
you opportunity to read ahead and get a jump on upcoming modules.
Module |
Reading Assignment |
| 0. Student Orientation |
None |
| 1. Introduction to Contract Documents and
Construction Law |
Read Unit 1 |
| 2. Creating a Positive Environment Through
Partnering |
Read Unit 2, |
| 3. Contractual Relationships |
Read Unit 3 |
| 4. Contract Forms and Documents |
Read Unit 4 |
| 5. Managing General Conditions |
Read Unit 5 |
| 6. Good Documentations Practices |
Read Unit 6 |
| 7. Changes |
Read Unit 7 |
| 8. Differing Site Conditions |
Read Unit 8 |
| 9. Time Impacts |
Read Unit 9 |
| 10. Resolving Issues Through Negotiations |
Read Unit 10 |
| |
|
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