University of California, Santa Barbara

Contracts and Commercial Agreements

University of California, Santa Barbara

Contracts and Commercial Agreements

William Karalius

Instructor: William Karalius

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify the elements of a valid contract and evaluate enforceability in business contexts.

  • Analyze offer, acceptance, consideration, and contract types under common law and the UCC.

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Recently updated!

March 2026

Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the CPA Licensure Prep: The Regulatory Framework of Business Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, you'll explore how businesses utilize contracts to establish relationships both internally with company personnel and externally with other parties such as vendors or suppliers. You'll examine the elements that make up a valid contract and how such contracts are enforceable. You'll explore the importance of consideration in any contractual structure. By the end of the module, you'll be prepared to recognize the differences between a valid contract, a void contract, and a voidable contract.

What's included

5 videos4 readings2 assignments

In this module, you'll explore how agreements are formed and ultimately become binding through offer and acceptance. You'll examine the unique characteristics of common law and how it governs contracts. You'll further examine the characteristics of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and the applicability of standardizing contracts within a specific subset of business activities. By the end of the module, you'll be able to recognize what makes a business an assignor or an assignee with respect to a contract with another party.

What's included

4 videos3 readings2 assignments

In this module, you'll explore some of the most common types of contracts that businesses establish with other parties. You'll develop a deeper knowledge of the nuances of a bilateral agreement and a unilateral agreement based on the respective actions taken by the involved parties. You'll examine how businesses establish express contracts with internal and external parties. By the end of the module, you'll have a firm understanding on how implied contracts are enforceable and what is considered a valid action resulting in such contracts.

What's included

4 videos2 readings2 assignments

In this final module, you bring together the full landscape of contract law—formation, enforceability, governing frameworks, and classifications—and apply it to real-world business situations. You’ll evaluate whether agreements are valid, void, or voidable, determine which legal rules apply, and decide how different contract types shape obligations. This module challenges you to exercise professional judgment, not just recall definitions.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

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Instructor

William Karalius
University of California, Santa Barbara
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