Texts...
Required
 

Course... Rationale Description Competencies Requirements

Instruction & Grading...
Method of:
Instruction
Grading
Tests
Assignments &  Extra Credit

 Page Last Revised:  06/05/2008

Fall 2008 

M/W, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

M, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

T/TH, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Required:  Cheeseman, Henry R., Contemporary Business and Online Commerce Law (6th ed, Prentice Hall, 2009)

Recommended:  The Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary, Webster's Student Dictionary, The American Heritage Dictionary, or some other comparable paperback dictionary.

COURSE RATIONALE:  This course is designed with the understanding that if students are to hold positions in the business world, they need to be versed in the laws that will impact on their business dealings.  Within this class we will create an environment wherein students become aware of the legal ramifications that can follow from their decisions in the day-to-day happenings of the business world, and learn how to formulate policies of risk management to minimize potential pitfalls. In a practical way, these business students become business people who will be able to order their affairs to avoid legal challenges. It is a required core course for all Business and Paralegal Studies majors, an elective for all Administrative Office Management majors, and is transferable to most colleges.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of the legal principles that govern the conduct of business.  Included in this study are surveys of the essential elements of legal history, jurisprudence, business crime, torts, contracts, agency relationships, administrative law, labor and employment law, and the legal environment of international law.  Introduction to legal research and brief writing is also included.

COURSE AND UNIT COMPETENCIES: The general competencies acquired in this course are a greater understanding of the interaction between our legal system and the business environment, the ability to apply legal and ethical reasoning to business analysis, reinforced business writing and oral communication skills, an appropriate legal vocabulary, and enhanced critical thinking skills.  See Expected Student Outcomes for a list of what you'll be able to do after taking this course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: To maximize your enjoyment (and grade) in this class:  attend class regularly, engage in meaningful participation in class activities, complete assigned case problems and homework, present at least one case brief (oral presentation and written summary), take all examinations on the assigned dates, and submit a well-researched, well thought-out paper on a business law topic of your choosing.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Class discussion, individual and group problem solving, role playing and classroom simulations, lecture (with accompanying PowerPoint presentation) and/or video, will be used to clarify points in the text and to discuss items not covered in the text.

 METHOD OF EVALUATION:

Tests: In addition to the final exam, at least four tests will be scheduled throughout the course.  Tests may be a composite of true/false and/or multiple-choice; most tests will also have an essay component (which will be done as a take-home activity instead of being done in class the day of the test).  There will be no makeup for a missed test unless you provide a note from your doctor, lawyer, parole officer, or employer to justify your absence (and a phone call to me prior to the examination being given).   If, however, a test is missed for an excused absence, the make-up test must be taken before the missed test is returned to the other students; no more than one make-up test may be taken during the semester. 

****Important Note****

Use of a paperback collegiate dictionary or foreign language dictionary is not only permitted during the tests, it's highly encouraged.

Assignments:  In addition to the essays on the tests, there are three general types of writing assignments in this class: 

 Except for group assignments completed in-class, all submitted work –

The schedule of Assignments sets forth our activities for the first six weeks of the semester and is provided as a time planning tool; assignment sheets for additional weeks will be provided as the semester progresses and we adjust for the pace of this individual class.

Your future employers will not accept late work;  neither will I -- no excuses, no exceptions.  However, unlike an employer, I have attached a “free pass” to the back of the hard copy of your syllabus (handed out in class) that can be submitted in lieu of one chapter assignment.  The free pass may not be used towards any points on the research papers, has no value until 3 consecutive assignments have been submitted, but does have end-of-semester value (see Extra Credit) if all assignments have been submitted.

Should you be unable to attend class on a date when an assignment is due, but not wish to use your free pass, you may: 

(1)    Turn the assignment in early,

(2)    have someone deliver the assignment to class for you the day it’s due,  

(3)    have someone deliver it to my office before I leave for the class when it is due, 

or, if all else fails (e.g., you live in Mariposa and no one’s available to act as your courier),  

(4)    send it to my email address provided it is date/time stamped by the email system as having been received before the start of the class for which it is due.  I’d rather have the assignment by email than have you skip it, but please do not abuse the privilege.  You are responsible for your own printing.

Extra Credit:  A maximum of 20 extra-credit points (weighted as “Assignments”) may be earned over the course of the semester through a variety of methods:

1.     As we go through each chapter, take the on-line quizzes found in the Online Learning Center (Student Edition) at the text’s web site and email the results to me (1 point per quiz);

2.  Bring a current (i.e., no more than 1 week old), relevant (i.e., contributes to the day’s topic) newspaper clipping or magazine article to class and give a brief (i.e., 2 minutes) oral summary for the class (2 points each).

3.  Present an idea to me for a project that you’d like to do for extra credit (point value to be negotiated depending on complexity and value of project);

4.  At the end of the semester, if you have not missed any assignments, you may submit your unused free pass (10 points).

Participation: “Knowing and learning are communal acts.  They require many eyes and ears, many observations and experiences.  They require a continual cycle of discussion, disagreement, and consensus over what has been seen and what it all means.” (Parker Palmer, 1987) 

The educational process is a collaborative activity that requires active involvement on the part of each student, and you are highly encouraged to ask questions and present discussion topics.  By the instructor's definition, mere physical presence in the room does not constitute participation; arriving on time and prepared for the day’s activities (including bringing your book), knowing what’s happening in the news and the business world in general and how that relates to a given day’s topics, sharing that knowledge with the class, etc., does constitute participation.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic dishonesty is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  You are expected, at all times, and most especially in this class, to fully and faithfully comply with the meaning and intent of Merced College’s academic honesty policy (as set forth in the college catalog and semester schedule).  While I highly encourage and support the use of study groups throughout this course, any and all work submitted must be the independent effort of the submitting individual.   No credit will be given for homework (including the research project) that fails to meet this standard.  If you're unsure as to whether or not a proposed action violates the Student Code of Conduct, please feel free to check with me; I'll be happy to advise you.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: The full benefit of class discussions can only be derived from regular attendance.  You are expected to be punctual, arrive (with your textbook) prepared to participate in class discussions of chapter topics, readings, and current events in business law.  More than three absences should be expected to have an adverse impact on your grade; if those absences are consecutive, I will drop you.   Three late arrivals count as one full absence.  If you decide to drop this class, it is your responsibility to formally withdraw at the Registrar’s Office.

PAGERS AND CELLULAR PHONES: Absent extenuating circumstances (i.e., sick child, pending family emergency, etc.), pagers/cell phones are to be turned off during class.   Should an extenuating circumstance exist that necessitates leaving your phone on, please (1) tell me before class starts, and (2) take a seat near the door so that you can exit unobtrusively to take your call.

 TAPE RECORDING OF LECTURES: You are permitted and are encouraged to tape record any and all lectures.

 GUEST POLICY:  Only enrolled students are permitted to attend classes at Merced College; therefore, do not bring your dependents (children) to class. My prior approval is required to bring an adult guest to class.

 SYLLABUS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: This syllabus has been developed based on multiple factors, not the least of which is input from prior students. Every class is unique and I strive to be responsive to the needs and concerns of each respective class (along with my own opinion of how this class should be approached).  This is your class and I welcome your input and will consider recommendations for changes; however, ultimately any changes are made solely at my discretion; you will be notified if and when changes occur.

The purpose of a syllabus is to inform you about course requirements, college policies, and my expectations for the course.  You are expected to be aware of the syllabus’s contents and should consult it frequently as the answer to most questions regarding the course, its requirements, due dates, or my policies will be found here.  If you cannot find the answer to your question(s) after reading the syllabus, feel free to ask me.   As the semester progresses you and I may collaboratively decide to make changes to the syllabus, or I may unilaterally elect to make changes, but the ultimate decision rests with me; you will be notified if and when changes occur.

Paula G. Freston, Instructor