Overview
Assignment Objective: This creative assignment uses a mind map to help you visually explore and organize the key differences between domestic and international contracts for the sale of goods and to unpack the CISG methods for preventing disputes.
By mapping out legal concepts and relationships, you will demonstrate both conceptual understanding and practical distinctions in international contract law.
Instructions:
Create a mind map that clearly shows:
- The key differences between domestic and international contracts for the sale of goods, including governing laws, contract formation, enforcement mechanisms, and jurisdictional issues.
- How the CISG modifies or replaces domestic law for international contracts.
- The dispute avoidance mechanisms within the CISG, such as:
- Clear rules for offer and acceptance
- Remedies for breach
- Interpretation principles (e.g., good faith, trade usage)
- Rules for avoiding conflicts in contract terms
There are many free resources online such as Canva, Miro, and Mindomo that you can use to create a mind map to illustrate your thoughts. You can also search the Internet to find many free templates and examples, or draw it by hand and upload a clear scan or photo.
Mind Map Must Include:
- A central concept labeled something like “Contracts for the Sale of Goods”
- Two major branches:
- Domestic Contracts (e.g., governed by the UCC or local law)
- International Contracts (e.g., governed by CISG or other agreements)
- Sub-branches that explore:
- Governing law
- Dispute resolution procedures
- Contract formation rules
- Common clauses and terms
- Examples of disputes or legal risks
- A dedicated branch or section for the CISG outlining:
- How it prevents or minimizes disputes
- Unique rules or legal concepts
- Comparison with domestic approaches
Use color-coding, symbols, or icons to visually emphasize comparisons, advantages, or risk areas.
(Optional)
Use the company and transactions from your Phase I Unit III Course Project as your context for illustrating examples or contract risks. Label this clearly on your mind map if you choose to do so.
Insert your mind map image into a PowerPoint presentation. Your mind map should be at least one slide in length, but no more than two slides in length (excluding a title slide, if used).
Finally, from the Record tab in PowerPoint, utilize the Audio function to record narration to your mind map slide(s). Use the narration to explain your mind map, as you walk your audience through your thought process in analyzing this case study. Your narration must be at least 90 seconds, but no longer than two minutes in length.