BUSINESS LAW/ INTRODUCTION TO LAW COURSE DESCRIPTION

Lynn Huggins

Institute for Global Commerce and Government

MerrillF.WestHigh School

(209) 830-3380

Office Hours 8:20 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

Welcome! Understanding Business and Personal Law introduces students to the essential legal topics, ranging from the U. S. Constitution to corporate expansion and regulation. Students will develop fundamental knowledge of legal regulations, which govern modern society, which includes thoughtful coverage of Internet privacy and security, ethics, domestic violence, drug use, and computer crime. In-depth exploration of contracts, agency, negotiable instruments, business associations, and bailments is provided. Personal Law topics include buying and insuring a car, renting an apartment, buying a home, marriage, divorce, and the use of personal credit. Some of the most common crimes and torts are discussed, including traffic violations, drunk driving, search and seizure laws, vandalism, and shoplifting. Students will acquire thorough knowledge of introductory law and be encouraged to demonstrate their knowledge by critically analyzing relevant case studies.

Computer application skills are infused into the course designed to give students basic knowledge about computers in the world through hands-on experience. In this course the student will refine and advance computer application skill proficiency. The student will increase information technology skills using a suite of software. The technology emphasis will be on increasing application of technology skills in written communications and multi-media presentations while studying Business and Personal Law concepts.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Understanding Business & Personal Law, 11th Edition, Glencoe/McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-826610-6

Students are required to come to class with a pen, pencil, and notebook paper. Student printouts of assignments and any materials distributed should be kept in an appropriate place, such as a binder, and brought to class daily. Students are to maintain technology equipment according to TUSD computer policies.

Textbook Management Policy: All students must bring their textbook and workbook to class on a daily basis. Students need to cover books and maintain control of textbooks and workbooks at all times. Any textbooks or workbooks left in the class are left at the student’s risk and will need to be replaced if missing or damaged. No class sets are available for business courses.

Understanding Business & Personal Law GOALS

I)Understanding the Law and Our Legal System

a)Define Ethics

b)Identify and Explain Sources of the Law

c)Define A Dual Court System

d)Define and Outline Basic Trial Procedures

e)Define What Constitutes a Crime

f)Examine and Analyze Crime Case Studies

g)Define Intentional Torts

h)Define Negligence and Strict Liability

II)Understanding and Entering Into Contracts

a)Explain Genuine Agreement and define fraud and misrepresentation

b)Identify and define Mistake, Duress, and Undue Influence

c)Explain Contractual Capacity and Capacity to Contract

d)Identify and Describe Agreements that Violate Statutes

e)Identify and Describe Agreements Contrary to Public Policy

f)Explain Performance and Agreement

g)Explain Impossibility of Performance and Operation of Law

h)Explain Transfer of Contracts and Remedies for Breach

III)Understanding Consumer Law

a)Understand the concept of the Sale or Lease of Goods

b)Explain Ownership and Risk of Loss in Sales or Goods

c)Identify Legal Fundamentals of E-Commerce and the Law

d)Describe Consumer Protection and Product Liability Regulations

e)Explain Legal Regulations involved in Owning a Vehicle

f)Explain Motor Vehicle Insurance Regulations

g)Define Personal Property and Bailments

IV)Understanding Creation of an Agency

a)Describe the Principle Agent Relationship

b)Explain Creation and Types of Agents

c)Explain Agency Relationships and Terminations

d)Describe Fundamental Employment Law concepts

e)Explain Employment Protection and Equal Opportunity Laws Regulating Discrimination

V)Understanding Legal Implications of Credit

a)Define Credit

b)Discuss Credit Protection Laws and Managing Your Debts

c)Identify Purpose and Types of Negotiable Instruments

d)Identify Requirements of Negotiability, Transferring, Collecting, and Liabilities of Parties

VI)Understanding Business Ownership

a)Define Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, and Corporation

b)Identify forms of Financing Corporations

c)Describe Corporate Expansion Regulations

VII)Understanding the legal aspects of Marriage and Divorce

a)Define Marriage

b)Explain Marriage Laws

c)Explain Divorce Settlements

d)Describe Rental Agreements Responsibilities of Landlord and Tenant

e)Identify Housing Alternatives and Explain the Home Purchasing Process and legalities

f)Identify and Describe Required Insurance Protection

g)Explain Options in Retirement Plans and Beneficiaries

h)Explain and Describe Wills and Estate Planning Options

COMPUTER LITERACY PERFORMANCE GOALS

  1. The student will successfully demonstrate responsibility in proper use and care for equipment including: computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, diskettes, and related equipment.
  1. The student will be able to keyboard by touch typing: words, sentences, paragraphs and reports containing vocabulary found in the course of routine business operations.
  1. The student will demonstrate the ability to use a word processing program. The student will be given sample letters, reports, and various other documents that then will be arranged in basic business format.
  1. The student will apply word processing skills to an assignment from another class.
  1. The student will gain a basic knowledge of computers and their application in the modern world.
  1. The student will use internet sites appropriately and complete tutorials provided by ThinkQuest/StockQuest, Computer Application Skills, Micro Type Pro, Key Champ, or SAM & TOM during any free time at an independent level as monitored by the business lab instructor.

COMPUTER POLICIES

All computer classes at WestHigh School are held in computer laboratories (labs). The computers in the labs are interconnected through a Computer Network. This is a very sophisticated system and simulates the business-like environment that students will find in the business community. Because of the complexity of the computer network, it is mandatory that all students strictly follow the instructions of the teacher at all times.

Violation of the WHS Technology Agreement can result in restriction from TUSD computer use and may result in removal from a computer based course.

Students are expected to:

  1. Exhibit behavior that is conducive to a learning environment at all times while in the computer lab.
  1. Obey all rules and guidelines as stated in the District’s Computer Use Agreement.
  1. Remain in the Microsoft Windows Program areas that are set aside for student access.
  1. Never disconnect or remove any computer devices (mouse) or cables from the computer network.
  1. Any mishandling or destruction of equipment or class set textbook in the computer lab will be dealt with immediately and severely. Students will be assigned a computer seat by number and corresponding textbook for that computer station. Students may only use their computer station and accompanying texts. Any damage must be reported immediately or it will be assumed that it occurred during your use.

CLASS PROCEDURES

Students are expected to:

  1. Come to class prepared to learn.
  1. Follow the teacher’s directions, pay attention, and stay on task.
  1. Begin work as soon as the class period begins.
  1. Get your daily assignment from the board.
  1. Be responsible for saving work frequently during class period.
  1. Restroom passes will be issued only in case of emergencies. Students are to plan to use restrooms during passing, break, or lunch recesses. If you know that you are ill, notify the teacher immediately and sign out of class on the Class Log listing where you are going and document your time leaving, returning, and reason for trip. Students always need a pass to leave class for any reason. Any passes requested by a student for personal reasons requiring a student to leave class will be counted as a tardy.
  1. Do not ask to go to the office or to see a counselor during the class period. You are to conduct this type of business during breaks, lunch, and before and after school.

CLASS RULES

  1. Respect your fellow students’ right to learn.
  1. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated
  1. KEEP ALL FOOD, DRINKS, GUM AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS OUT OF THE COMPUTER LAB! THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
  1. Do not talk while the teacher is talking. You must raise your hand and then be given permission to speak.
  1. Remain in your seat at all times. You must be given permission to leave your assigned seat for any reason.

In addition, students are expected to comply with all the rules found in the WestHigh School Student Handbook and the TracyPublic Schools Computer Agreement.

CONSEQUENCES

If a student chooses not to follow the established class or school rules, appropriate actions will be taken. The sequence of actions is listed below. Severe disruptions will result in an immediate referral to office.

  1. Verbal Warning
  2. Discussion of the offense and expected change in behavior.
  3. A call to the student’s parents or guardian.
  4. Detention*
  5. Referral to the Office*

*Parents or guardian will be notified.

ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES

Attendance: A student’s academic success is directly related to their attendance. Because this is a skills based class, student success is directly dependent on the time they spend practicing their computer skills. Therefore, regular attendance is a vital part of the curriculum.

Tardies: A student’s future success as an employee is heavily based on their ability to get to work on time. This also applies to academic success. Students are expected to be in their seats, quiet, and ready to work when class begins or they are considered tardy. The school’s attendance and tardy policies will be strictly enforced. These are vital work habits for students to learn.

ASSIGNMENTS AND HOMEWORK POLICY

  1. All class assignments and homework due dates will be posted on the board.
  2. Ample time will be given to complete each assignment.
  3. Assignments must be completed in class, observable by instructor to receive credit stamp.
  4. Students must bring their own textbook to class each day to receive credit stamp.
  5. Keep all work for the entire semester. Your assignments are a vital resource to study for tests and quizzes.
  6. In the event of an error, you will need your assignment as proof of the error before the grade will be changed.
  7. All computer assignments must be done in the lab while under the supervision of the instructor.
  8. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is in keeping with the policies of the business world to get your work done on time.

MAKE-UP WORK

Excused Absences: All students with an excused absence will be allowed to turn in make-up work. The amount of time allowed to make up this work will be equal to the time absent.

School Approved Activities: All students attending school-approved activities will be allowed to make-up work based on the same criteria described in “Excused Absences.” Students must notify the instructor before attending school activities.

Unexcused Absences: Students who miss class because they are on out of school suspension will not be given any time extension to complete their assignments and may not make-up quizzes or tests. Students who miss class because of tardiness, in-school suspension, or other disciplinary reasons will be allowed to turn in make-up work. The amount of time allowed to make up this work will be equal to the time absent.

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be based on total points earned divided by total points possible.

The points received will then be applied to the following point scale:

94-100% / A / 78-79% / C+ / 60-62% / D-
90-93% / A- / 73-77% / C / 0-59% / F
88-89% / B+ / 70-72% / C-
83-87% / B / 68-69% / D+
80-82% / B- / 63-67% / D

The quarter grades will count 80% toward the semester grade, and the class final will count 20% toward the semester grade. Grade printouts will be issued throughout the semester.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Cheating will not be tolerated. Any student who cheats on an assignment, quiz, or test will receive a zero, and the administration will be notified for action in accordance with the Student Handbook

Homework Policy IN COMPLIANCE WITH TUSD BOARD POLICY 6145:

Per night, 9-12 students will typically average two hours of homework per night. 9-12 students may be given limited homework on holidays and weekends to meet course objectives and acquisition of skills.

Students in advanced classes may receive more homework, including summer reading.

Unfinished classroom work may be sent home to be completed but should not be required in addition to homework. Unfinished classroom work can be done at recess and after school.

Regular reading at home on a nightly basis is encouraged but not required in addition to the assigned homework.

FIILM, MEDIA CLIP, & WEB SITE TECHNOLOGY & COURSE SYLLABUS AGREEMENT & PERMISSION FORM

I have read and understand the rules, procedures, and policies required in International Business, Business Law/Intro to Law, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurship and Economics, and/or Criminal Justice/Law Order and Public Policy/ Merrill F. West High School’s Institute for Global Commerce and Government and agree to comply with all the computer policies of the Tracy Unified School District as well as policies contained in the West High School Student Handbook. My Student has permission to view business related web sites, films, and media clips that include Court TV as assigned by and supervised by the instructor only.

STUDENT INFORMATION

XX______/______

***Student Signature Date

Home Address:______

Print Student Name Period:______

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Home Number: ______Cell:______

PARENT GUARDIAN INFORMATION

XX______/______

***Parent Signature Date

Home Address:______

Print Parent/Guardian Name

______

Home Number: ______Cell:______Work______

PARENT GUARDIAN INFORMATION

XX______/______

***Parent Signature Date

Home Address:______

Print Parent/Guardian Name

______

Home Number: ______Cell:______Work______

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