We concluded our series of review sessions by examining principal -agent liability for torts and contracts. I reviewed acts that create agency as well as agent authority to act on behalf of the principal. We then expanded our discussion to specifically address the allocation of liabilities within the employer -employee relationship , noting the term "respondeat superior" and workers compensation law as a sole remedy for injuries incurred on the job. Last, we reviewed the various forms of business ownership:corportions, LLCs, and partnerships.
Today's first sessions focused on the function of the narrative framework , and identifying the motifs of reality vs illusion ,and atavism. We noted how the frame narrator hears and interprets Marlow's tale just as the reader does, and I clarified for Nina certain passages where the text is unclear whether Marlow or the frame narrator is speaking. After Nina did very well in identifying and discussing the examples of exploitative colonialism , I parsed metaphorical passages wherein Marlow discusses the distinction between what is on the surface of the river he navigates and the truth that lies beneath. In that regard, we then analyzed passages comparing the African jungle to primordial earth and I defined and discussed the motif of atavism in the context of the passage.We discussed the relationship between isolation and the reemergence of violent primordial law. During our last session, we worked on writing .After I provided a prompt about the function of forshadowing in the first segment of the novel ,Nina prepared an outline on how foreshadowing suggests plot outcomes and themes and began drafting a short analysis. As she wrote, we shared a screen and I provided instruction and editing suggestions.
In preparation for Friday's final, today Nina completed a practice test . As Nina worked through the problems ,we discussed and reviewed Nina's questions and areas where she needed clarification. Through this exercise, we studied landlord -tenant law, the statute of frauds. the statute of limitations , and the application to a fact pattern of the elements various torts and contract claims.
During today's classes, we talked about a wide variety of topics. From talking about feelings and emotions to plans for the future, or how current events affect our daily life -
We discussed the concept of Interdependence and how consumers may not realize the complex web of people it takes to produce, transfer and provide goods and services.
Nina competed an exercise identifying various phrases and descriptions of the mysterious character Kurtz who has not yet appeared in the novel other than by reputation. Nina very perceptively recognized that the Manager who claims Kurtz is "exceptional" is fearful Kurtz will take his job and therefore has in reality sabotaged Marlow's vessel in the hope that Kurtz will die in the jungle before he can be rescued . We then analyzed the symbolism of Kurtz' painting of a blindfolded woman holding a torch noting the veiled allusion to Beatrice in Dante's "Inferno". We discussed the phrase"philanthropic pretense" in this context and tied this painting to Marlowe's earlier comment that women must carry on Man's pretenses and illusions as women are too fragile to bear the truth of the cruelty underlying the illusion. We also parsed Marlowe's contradictory observation about his distaste for lies. Although Marlowe has not yet met Kurtz ,we examined how he begins to feel aligned with Kurtz believing that Kurtz offers some hope of a redeeming idea justifying the greed and exploitation that Marlowe begins to encounter in the Outer Station. Last, we reviewed Nina's study guide homework and supplemented her answers based on class discussion.
Continuing our course review today we addressed types of contracts-executed, unexecuted ,and bilateral, as well as remedies for breach of contract-damages, rescission, and reformation. In this regard , I further addressed "liquidated damages" and the limitation on this remedy if it becomes a a penalty. Next, we addressed the elements of the torts of fraud, negligence , nuisance ,and trespass. Last, we reviewed UCC sales warranties-express and implied and the method of disclaimer of the implied warranties.
We looked at the Economics of Property Rights and how important it is to have these in place, regulated properly, and support or basic human rights and needs.
