This week's chapters provide an overview of the field of contracts as well as a detailed examination of one of the fundamental building blocks of contract formation: agreement.

There are two discussion board topics this week. If your last name begins with the letters A-M, your initial post will be on Question 1, and if your last name begins with the letters N-Z your initial post will be on Question 2.

• Your initial post will be due no later than 11:59 pm on Wednesday. You will not be able to see anyone else's post until you have made your initial post.
• Your response post will be on the question you did not address in your initial post. It is due no later than 11:59 pm on Friday.
• Your Reflection/Reconsideration post is due no later than 11:59 pm on Saturday.

As a general rule on the discussion board, we are looking for analysis. A student's personal opinion is just that - a personal opinion - and as such is entitled to little weight. You are free to express your opinion, but to obtain a good grade you need to tie your discussion to our course concepts analytically.

Question 1. Michael, a recent college graduate, is on his way home for his new job. He gets caught in a snowstorm and is taken in by an elderly couple, who provide him with food and shelter. After the snowplows have cleared the road, Michael proceeds home. Michael's father, Thomas, is most appreciative of the elderly couple's action and in a letter promises to pay them $500 for the assistance they provided to Michael. The elderly couple, in need of funds, accept Thomas' promise. Then, because of a dispute between Michael and Thomas, Thomas refuses to pay the elderly couple the $500. Discuss whether the couple can hold Thomas liable in contract for the services rendered to Michael.

Question 2. Ownerhired Driverto drive Owner'scar in a NASCAR race. Driver'sfriend Buddypromised to pay Driver$3000 if he won the race. Driverwon the race, but Buddyrefused to pay the $3000, arguing that his promise was unenforceable. Driversued Buddyfor breach of contract. Analyze the case: does Buddyhave to pay?