STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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1 Syllabus Business Law, Business 5: Section: 300, 30; Online Prerequisite(s): None Instructor: Catherine Halliday-Roberts Website: Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Office Location: Online via COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the student to the U.S legal system, including but not limited to the court structure, its hierarchy, and the procedural aspects of a lawsuit. Students are introduced to the various sources of law and taught why the court applies a particular legal principle to a particular fact pattern. The sources of law that are discussed include the common law, statutory law and administrative law and case law (stare decisis). In addition to the foregoing, the following topics are covered: contract law, tort law, criminal law and basic legal principles concerning various business entities. COURSE CONTENT: Introduction to law. Classifications (equity, common law, etc.). Sources of and reasons for law. Administrative agencies. State and federal court systems, jurisdiction, methods for alternate dispute resolution. Progress of a case through the court system, role of judge, jury, lawyers and the parties. The appellate process, types of motions, rulings, judgments, and enforcement of judgments. Law, ethics, and ethical decision making. Contracts under common law and the Uniform Commercial Code; classification, contract terms and elements and performance; enforcement, breach and remedies; third person beneficiary contracts; assignment of contracts. Basics of criminal law. Application of the U.S. Constitution to business activities. Writing (the Statute of Frauds) and The Parol Evidence Doctrine. Enforcement of contracts, what constitutes a breach of a contract, rights and remedies of the non-breaching party. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Given a set of facts, students will be able to identify and properly analyze the legal implications of words and actions in relation to standard contract principles. Given excerpts from a written contract, students will comprehend and evaluate its components according to standard contract principles. Demonstrate a level of engagement in the subject matter that reveals their understanding of the value of the course content beyond the task itself, specifically as it relates to linking the relevance of course content to careers in business and accounting and their personal lives. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: Explain the historical development of the law, operation of the court system and sources of commercial law. Explain the social, political and ethical implications of the law, and their application to actual and

2 hypothetical business transactions. Distinguish between crimes and torts and describe the purpose of criminal and tort law. Evaluate when a promise is enforceable, and describe the elements of a contract, contract performance, and the remedies available in the event of a breach. Distinguish between contracts that are governed by the Uniform Commercial Code and the common law of contracts, as well as the Restatement 2nd of contracts, and case law (stare decisis). Analyze cases. Understand why a particular legal principle was applied to the case fact pattern and how it contributed to the decision reached. Demonstrate the ability to utilize the internet to research legal issues and to identify and understand current issues relevant to business law. Perform legal research. Include evaluating and interpreting a court citation and locating a court case on an assigned topic. Differentiate the relationship between state and federal systems, determine when each has jurisdiction, and recognize the importance and application of alternate dispute resolution (ADR) options. Demonstrate how cases progress through the court system from problem, to filing, to trial, and appeal. Explain the relationship between law and ethics. Analyze third party claims involving contract disputes and know whether the particular third party has a valid contract claim. Determine whether certain evidence will be allowed in court in a case involving a contract dispute. TEXT: Mallor, Barnes, Bowers, Langvardt, Business Law: The Ethical, Global and E-Commerce Environment, 6 th Edition, McGraw-Hill Companies, 206, ISBN: Available online at: Santa Monica College Bookstore REQUIRED MATERIALS & SUPPLIES: Computer with reliable access to the internet. Title Edition Author Publisher Price Connect for Business Law 6th Mallor McGraw-Hill Education $80.00* * please note, this access is valid for 2 months. Information on bookstore offering course material: Title Edition Author Publisher Price Binder-Ready Edition of Business Law with Connect access code card discounted for 6th Mallor McGraw-Hill Education $02.75* *Connect access code bundled with the text is 2

3 SMC students valid for 2 months. 206 For more information on navigating Connect, go to the following website: RECOMMENDED COMPUTER SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS : A computer to access course content at Canvas tutorials are available at Ability to use Microsoft Word, Powerpoint METHODS OF PRESENTATION: Directed reading, lectures correlating to the assigned chapters (that are presented in each Module in Canvas), homework assignments via McGraw Hill LearnSmart Connect, threaded discussions, PowerPoint presentations within each unit, quizzes and exams. METHODS OF EVALUATION: Your grade will be based on your overall percentage at the end of the semester. I do not grade on a curve or offer extra credit because I believe that it is unfair to do so. The grading system that I do use makes it possible for the entire class to earn an A, B, etc. Grading Criteria 0% Threaded Discussions 25% LearnSmart Modules 25% Quizzes 40% Unit Examinations GRADING SCALE: A 90-00% Superior. Mastery beyond course requirements B % Above average. Consistent progress; meets all course requirements C % Average. Meets basic course requirements D % Below average; partial fulfillment of requirements; minimal effort and progress F Below 60% Fails to meet minimum course standards MISSED WORK: There will be no penalty for late work due to a documented religious holiday. 3

4 Otherwise, I do NOT accept late submissions of homework, quizzes or exams. The only circumstances where a late submission will be permitted is () in the event of a family or personal medical emergency; (2) with appropriate documentation. Also note that inability to access the internet is not an excuse for failure to timely submit work. The only circumstance where you will be given an extension for lack of internet access is if Canvas is responsible for your internet difficulties and you have submitted a helpdesk ticket, documenting your inability to access the course site. I will then verify with Canvas whether they are at fault for your difficulties. The fact that your own internet service provider is down is not a valid excuse. In such an event, you will need to seek internet access elsewhere, such as a library, coffee shop, or SMC computer lab. EXTRA CREDIT POLICY: There is no extra credit available for this class. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: I encourage students requesting disability-related accommodations to contact Disabled Student Services as soon as possible. I will work with you and the Center for Students with Disabilities to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations. An early notification of your request for test-taking and/or other accommodations is necessary to ensure that your disability related needs are addressed appropriately; testing accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. The DSPS office is located in the Admissions/Student Services Complex, Room 0, and the phone numbers are (30) and (30) (TDD). EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: The safety of students at SMC is a priority. Please note that emergency procedures are posted in every classroom. Also, procedures for various emergencies are delineated on the SMC website: Please take the time to familiarize yourself with these procedures today, when knowledge of what to do can be the most effective. ATTENDANCE, DROP AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY: You are responsible for notifying me, the instructor, in advance of any inability to timely complete an assignment, quiz or exam via . You may be dropped from the class if you miss more than two consecutive submissions without notifying me (includes assignments, quizzes and exams). Students who fail to submit work for 2 weeks in a row due to illness need to provide a doctor s note to be reinstated back into the class. Although I retain the right to drop you given the above circumstances, it is nevertheless your responsibility as a student to withdraw from class if you do not intend to complete it. Students must NOT expect faculty to initiate withdrawal procedures for them. If you wish to drop this class, you may do so through Corsair Connect. Students may process a drop for themselves through 75% of the class, which is through the 2 th week in a regular semester. Data regarding the withdrawal parameters for each class are provided within each student s individual Corsair Connect account. General information regarding drop dates, withdrawals, and other enrollment matters may be found at the Admissions section of the SMC website: INCOMPLETES: A grade of Incomplete may only be granted at the very end of the term, when 90% of the course work has been satisfactorily completed by the student, but an unforeseen event or illness prevents the student from completing the coursework. Incomplete grade situations are extremely rare, and are entirely at the discretion of the instructor, within the parameters set above. CLASS POLICIES: Academic Honesty: 4

5 SMC has a clearly defined Honor Code, to which each student agrees during the enrollment process each semester. The Honor Code may be found at: If the instructor determines that a student has violated the SMC Honor Code and/or the Code of Academic Integrity, the student may be assigned no credit. Future occurrences could result in academic disciplinary action. Classroom conduct: Here is a link to the Student Code of Conduct (.pdf file, AR 440): Since this class is online, all quizzes and exams are necessarily open-book. However, you are not permitted to work with other students during quizzes or exams, or to communicate with another student about the content of quizzes and exams prior to their due date. Please conduct yourself as you would in a business environment: ontime completion of work, respect for others, respectful language and personal integrity. Fairness and Respect: No matter who you are, what you do, or where you come from outside our class, you have entered an environment (our classroom) that is fair, where everyone begins and works on the same level playing field. I will show no favoritism for any reason. If you ever feel that I have treated you unfairly or have disrespected you in ANY way, please let me know so we can quickly fix the problem. My job is to work with you so that you will learn as much as possible in our class. Your success and future is solely your responsibility. DATES & DEADLINES: Homework Assignments: A. Reading Assignments: Week (Pages) (2-23, 28-54) 2 (58-93, 97-27) 3 (32-74, 8-29) 4 ( ) 5 ( , ) 6 ( , ) 7 (402-48, ) 8 ( , ) 9 ( , ) 0 ( ) ( , ) 2 ( ) Date February 9 February 23 February 26 March 2 March 5 March 9 March 2 March 6 March 9 March 23 March 26 March 30 April 2 April 6 April 6 April 20 April 23 April 27 April 30 May 4 May 7 May May 4 May 8 5

6 B. McGraw-Hill LearnSmart Modules: Information available at beginning February 9, 208. All LearnSmart modules must be completed by the following due dates (Pacific Standard Time): Week Due Date February 22 March 2 March 9 March 6 March 23 March 30 April 6 April 20 April 27 May 4 May May 8 I will not accept homework assignments that are turned in late except as stated above! Your overall percentage in the course will drop FOR EVERY ASSIGNMENT that is not turned in on or before the due date. Moreover, your homework assignments will amount to 25% of your overall grade and, if the assignment is not fully completed, it will receive only partial credit, corresponding to the percentage of the module completed. Homework assignments are submitted via the McGraw Hill Connect LearnSmart module. Below are the instructions for registering for Connect. You should receive a registration code when your purchase the required text. 6

7 C. Threaded Discussions: For each Threaded Discussion, students must submit a response and then comment on one classmate s response in order to receive full credit. All Threaded Discussions must be completed by the following due dates (Pacific Standard Time): Week Due Date February 22 March 2 March 9 March 6 March 23 March 30 May 4 May 7

8 2 May 8 I will not accept late submissions except as stated above! Your overall percentage in the course will drop FOR EVERY SUBMISSION that is not turned in on or before the due date. D. Quizzes You must sign on to the Canvas website and into this section in order to take your quizzes and exams. You will have twenty-one (2) quizzes. All quizzes must be completed by the following due dates (Pacific Standard Time): Week Due Date February 22 March 2 March 9 March 6 March 23 March 30 April 6 April 20 April 27 May 4 May May 8 Each quiz will consist of true-false and multiple choice questions and there will be 20 questions per quiz. You will be given two (2) or three (3) quizzes per week. Your quizzes will be valued at 25% of your final grade in this course. Your two lowest quiz scores will be automatically discarded. If you do not complete one given quiz you will receive a zero (0) on that quiz. If you miss just two quizzes, the 0s received will be dropped since they will constitute your lowest quiz scores. If you miss more than two quizzes, the subsequently missed quiz(zes) will be scored with a 0 and will lower your quiz average. You will not be allowed to make up a quiz except as stated above. Please make sure you consult the announcements and corresponding weeks of this semester as listed in the Canvas course so that you can plan to complete the quizzes on time. 8

9 Examinations: You will be given three (3) examinations. All exams are due on the following dates (Pacific Standard Time): Exam 2 Final Due Date March 8 May 6 May 20 If you do not take an exam within the dates allowed, you will receive a zero (0). You will not be allowed to make up a missed exam except as stated above. You should note that if you do miss any of the exams, it will be very difficult for you to earn higher than a D in this course. The exams will consist of 75 true/false and multiple choice questions. Your first examination will be on Chapters -7. This exam will be given in the fourth week (see Week 4 Module). Your second examination will be on Chapters 9-9. This exam will be given in the tenth week (see Week 0 Module). Your third, and final, examination will be on Chapters This exam will be given in the twelfth week (Week 2 Module). Course Expectations: Everyone comes to the class with different expectations. This online course DOES duplicate the content of the traditional course, but NOT the delivery. An online course relies on self-directed students to complete the assignments, readings, and threaded discussions on their own time schedule while meeting the posted deadlines. Students who perform at their potential, welcome change and are willing to assume responsibility, make decisions, and express opinions, are successful in this online course. It is very easy to fall behind in an online class. There are no scheduled on-campus or on-line class periods. The entire course is asynchronous and can be accessed at your convenience. Your only requirement is to complete assignments and exams as scheduled on the syllabus. You must be a self-directed student who can plan your schedule to accommodate the deadlines outlined in the syllabus. Cyber students are often in multiple life roles and time is a valuable commodity. You are expected to visit the course website several times a week--ideally, once a day. Once there, you will find announcements, lecture material, assignments, and exams. You are also expected to check your SMC account at least once a day as that is how I will communicate with you about any course-related issues or concerns. Learning Environment: Santa Monica College and the Business Department welcome students from all over the world with various backgrounds and life experiences. SMC is committed to fostering a safe and productive learning environment. SMC has zero tolerance for discrimination, and/or sexual harassment, which includes sexual misconduct such as, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and stalking. Any sexual violence or physical abuse, as defined by California law, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on college-owned or controlled property, at college-sponsored or supervised functions, or related to or arising from college attendance or activity is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal and/or civil prosecution and employee or student discipline procedures. SMC Students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the college s function as an educational institution, which respects the rights of others to learn, and to acknowledge the academic freedom to teach and communicate in an environment that fosters learning and creativity. With that in mind, it is important to keep a respectful tone and attitude when communicating and interacting with your colleagues. You are the only you. No one else 9

10 will have your sensibilities of what is funny or interesting. Part of being respectful is also realizing that someone else may be offended by something you think is every day normal. Students who have experienced some form of sexual misconduct or discrimination are encouraged to talk to someone about their experience, so they can get the support they need. To learn more about support available for students, please see You can also call Lisa Winter, Compliance Administrator Title IX Coordinator, at