SYLLABUS BUA 250 – P02 Business Law I
Instructor: Ms. Ragland
Semester Term: January 19, 2018 through May 4, 2018
Location: MDOC Cooper Street
Room: JCS
Class Times: Friday Afternoon 12:30pm - 3:37pm
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to sessions of learning andvery participativediscussions aboutBusiness Law from a business manager and consumer perspective. As your course instructor, my goal is to move the study of‘Business Law’from a textbook observation of how things should be to an everyday real-worlduse of business law practices and applications, and clear paralegal communication processes.
Our individual learning experiences are much more powerful when we participate fully. We each gain from the observations, perceptions, and experiences of others. I look forward to expanding my understanding through your sharing and active participation.
More than anything our ability to succeed and grow depends upon our abilities to work with other individuals and groups toward common clearly understood goals.
In this course we will study the field of Business Law to include:
q Recognizing and correctly using legal terms related to legal systems, courts, torts and contracts
q Describing the US legal system, its structure and constitutional authority as well as the sources and types of law
q Explaining the role structure, jurisdiction, and procedures of state and federal courts
q Identifying and describing the legal elements and defenses of intentional and unintentional torts
q Identifying and stating legal requirements for creation, performance and breach of general and sales contracts
q Recognizing legal issues involving business contracts and the applicable legal rules
q Identifying and using reliable sources of legal information related to course topics
TEXTBOOK:
Miller, Roger L (2014) Tenth Edition, Business Law Today, Mason Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning Chapters 1 – 12
TEACHING METHODS:
In class lectures will be used to introduce, explain and summarize subject matter that is closely aligned with the assigned Text readings. Class room meetings will include very participative discussion of current business activity and legal issues.
Your multiple week learning experience will be based upon your active participation as a member of the Rookie Law Team of BUA 250 …aka The Law Rookies.
Your basic knowledge of the assigned readings and lectures will be measured by four tests. You will prepare one Individual Research Paper and present it to the Law Rookies to help us better understand one area of Business Law. You will prepare and submit two Case Briefings. You will prepare, discuss with the class and submit eight Chapter Scenarios. You will be expected to attend all the Law Rookies Team class room meetings.
ASSIGNMENT, READING & TEST SCHEDULE – Attached to this Syllabus
GRADING CRITERIA
Graded Activity Points Possible Considerations Max. Points
Tests 4 at 100 points each 400
Individual Research Presentation 100
Case Briefings 2 at 60 points each 120
Chapter Scenarios 8 at 30 points each 240
Participation 7 classes at 20 points each 140
______
Total Total Grading Points 1000
GRADING SCALE:
Point Range / Percentage / Grade950 - 1000 / 95% or more / 4.0
900 - 949 / 90%- 94.9% / 3.5
860 - 899 / 86%- 89.9% / 3.0
800 - 859 / 80%- 85.9% / 2.5
760 - 799 / 76%- 79.9% / 2.0
720 - 759 / 72%- 75.9% / 1.5
680 - 719 / 68%- 71.9% / 1.0
640 - 679 / 64%- 67.9% / 0.5
639 or less / 63.9% - 0 % / 0.0
Bonus-Extra Credit: Perfect attendance earns 10 extra credit points. Participation sessions earns 5 extra credit points. No other extra credit is available.
FINAL GRADE FOR THE COURSE: Your Final Course grade will be based upon a maximum of 1000 points.
GRADED ASSIGNMENTS:
Submit all assignments on time. All assignments are due on the date specified at the start of each class. Unless arrangements are made and approved in advance I do not accept late assignments nor permit makeup tests. If there is an emergency or other important situation that you wish to discuss, please let me know one week ahead of time.
Tests: (40% of your grade) There will be four tests covering the Lectures and the reading assignments in the Text. Tests will be composed of multiple choice and short essay questions.
Individual Research Presentation: (10% of your grade) Each student will complete an Individual Research Paper and present it to the Law Rookies to help us better understand one area of Business Law. This research presentation will be assigned during Week 5 in class and will be presented during one of the scheduled Individual Presentation Days.
Case Briefings: (12% of your grade). You will research, prepare and submit Case Briefings to the Law Rookies that explain a specific law case, business law situation or a current legal scenario to the members of the group. These case briefings usually will not be presented to the Law Rookies—but will often be the subject of class discussions.
Chapter Scenarios: (24% of your grade) There will be eight written Chapter Scenarios assigned by the instructor which are to be completed and submitted at the beginning of the class session shown in the assignment schedule. Each Chapter Scenario is to be a minimum of 350 words (unless stated otherwise in the specific Chapter Scenario) and is to include at least two well formatted references – this could be the Text plus one outside research source.
Attendance and Participation: are graded activities (14% of your grade). For each of seven class sessions you can earn up to 20 points for actively participating with the ‘Law Rookie Team’ discussions and submitting a brief Participation summary of what you learned that day. You will also self grade your participation.
Extra credit of 10 points will be awarded for perfect classroom attendance. No other extra credit will be available.
Format and writing standards: All written assignments are to be prepared on either a computer printer or a typewriter. Handwritten assignments will have thirty percent subtracted from the assignment grade. The guidelines for formatting papers are those generally accepted at JCC. Please submit papers which are thoughtful, substantive, well formatted, grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. Points will be deducted for such mechanical errors.
FEEDBACK: Each week I will return graded work to you. It is your responsibility to keep track of your grade points earned to date. If you have questions about any feedback comments please let me know and we will discuss after class.
ACADEMIC HONESTY is expected of all students. Academic Honesty is the ethical behavior that includes producing your own work and not representing the work of others as your own either by plagiarism, by cheating or by helping others to do so. Plagiarism is the failure to give credit for the use of material from outside sources that is submitted as part of your own work.
The penalty for plagiarism or academic dishonesty could include a failing grade on the paper, project, report, exam or for the course itself.
CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS: Students requiring special assistance, including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring supportive accommodations to help you with your courses.
FINAL NOTES:
1. Please arrive at class on time. Class will start promptly as scheduled. If you should have a problem causing you to be late; it is better to attend part of the class than to miss it entirely. If coming late is necessary please do not disrupt others already in class.
2. If you are absent from class you are still responsible for all information presented and for turning in, on time, any assignments that are due. It is a good idea to set up one or two “support” class mates to contact for questions and missed information.
3. Withdrawals from the class must be made prior to the date posted in the current schedule of classes book. Students who stop attending class without completing and filing a withdrawal form will receive a grade of 0.0.
4. To change from Credit to Audit or Audit to Credit, your request must be completed before the end of the ADD/DROP period for the class.
5. Incomplete grades will generally not be issued. Unscheduled surgery, or similar circumstances, are really the only reasons for requesting an incomplete course grade.
6. If Jackson College is to be closed due to weather conditions, assignments will be due the next class period.
ATTACHMENTS:
q Assignment, Reading & Test Schedule – Winter 2018
q Suggestions for Formatting and Writing Reports and Formal Papers
q BUA 250 Business Law I - Assignment Schedule – Jan. 19 – May 4, 2018
Date Reading Tests- Assignments -Comments
1. Jan19 Intro Session & Ch 1
2. Jan 26 Ch 1 & Appendix A Chapter Scenario #1
The US Constitution & Amendments
3. Feb 2 Ch 2 & 3 & the Constitution Chapter Scenario #2
4. Feb 9 Individual Assignments Test #1 Ch 1, 2 & 3
5. Feb 16 Ch 4 & 5 Case Briefing # 1
6. Feb 23 Ch 5 & 6 Chapter Scenario #3
7. Mar 2 Ch 6 Individual Presentations # 1 Chapter Scenario #4
8. Mar 9 Ch 7 Chapter Scenario #5 Test # 2 Ch 4, 5 & 6
Mar 12 – 19 NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
9. Mar 23 Ch 8 Individual Presentations # 2 Chapter Scenario #6
10. Mar 30 Ch 9 Chapter Scenario #7
11. Apr 6 Ch 7-9 Individual Presentations # 3 Case Briefing # 2
12. Apr 13 Ch 10 Test # 3 Ch 7, 8 & 9
13. Apr 20 Ch 11 & 12 Chapter Scenario #8
14. Apr 27 Ch 10-12 Test# 4 Ch 10, 11 &12
15. May 4 Reflection & Final Grades
Suggestions for Formatting and Writing Reports and Formal Papers
1. Content/Development
a. All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way.
b. Content is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive.
c. Major points are stated clearly, are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis, and are organized logically.
d. Where appropriate, the paper supports major points with theory relevant to development of the ideas, and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly.
e. There is integration of theory and practice whereby the writer is able to link theories to practical experience (i.e., application to the real-world).
f. Research is adequate and timely for the topic.
g. The context and purpose of the writing is clear.
2. Organization
a. The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
b. The paper's organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose and is directed toward the appropriate audience.
c. Ideas flow in a logical sequence.
d. The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
e. Paragraph transitions are present and logical, and maintain the flow of thought throughout the paper.
f. The conclusion is logical and flows from the body of the paper.
g. The conclusion reviews the major points.
3. Format
a. The paper, including citations and the reference page, follows JC guidelines for format.
b. The paper is laid out effectively and uses reader-friendly aids (e.g., sections, summaries, tables of contents, indices, appendices, etc.) when appropriate.
c. The paper utilizes references appropriately.
d. Headings, the use of Italics, etc., aid in the readability of the paper and are not overdone.
e. The paper is neat, with attention given to format requirements.
4. Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling
a. Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.
b. Spelling is correct.
5. Readability/Style
a. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
b. Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong and varied structure.
c. Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought.
d. Words used are precise and unambiguous.
e. The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
6. References All articles and formal papers are to include well formatted and complete references to support the material discussed; and are usually required for college assignments. You shoulduse references forat leastsixreasons:
1. To give credit to the source of your thoughts and ideas.
2. To add credibility to what you are saying. References show that you have researched the subject and the thoughts expressed are not just your opinions.
3. You, or the reader,may in the future want to re-visit some information and it would be good to have a specific reference to go to for more information.
4. References are expected as part ofcollege assignments.
5. Using references requires that you become familiar with research methods and resources.
6. Listing and citing references causes you to become familiar with APA formatting guidelines.
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