CHATTANOOGA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHATTANOOGA, TN BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION COURSE SYLLABUS LA 280 10N Property Law ONGROUND Instructor: Curtis L. Bowe, III Class Hours/Credit Hours: 3/3 Office/Phone: F-51 423-475-6070 Semester: Fall 2010 Email: curtisbowe@boweandassociates.com Time/Room: W 5:30 8:15 Omni B117 Catalog Course Description Property law fundamentals, paralegal responsibility; rules and guidelines affecting transfer of property, registration, recording of instruments, inheritance, relationship between economic setting, historical setting, and underwriting, and property law s relationship to the constitution and that bundle of rights protected by the constitution. Prerequisites: Prerequisites LA110, LA 130 Corequisites: None Entry Level Standards: Must be at college level in reading, and DSPW 0700 in writing. Textbook/Materials: : Real Estate Law for Paralegals. McGraw Hill. Additional readings may be assigned. Supplemental Website: A supplemental website within ChSCC elearn may generally be utilized for communication and other activities associated with classes. Students must be competent in uploading assignments to drop boxes located within the supplemental site, and taking an online quiz, if required. Note that your instructor prefers communication to his office web site. I. Program and Course Student Learning Outcomes Assessed: PSLO1: Locate Sources of Law, using both printed and online resources. CSLO2. The student will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of property law. CSLO 7. The student will be able to locate resources on property using the internet or LEXIS. PSLO2: Use and understand legal terminology. CSLO2. The student will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of property law. CSLO 3. The student will be able to examine a fact pattern and apply the fundamental rules of property law to draw a thorough analysis and conclusion to issues presented. CSLO 7. The student will be able to locate resources on property using the internet or LEXIS. PLSO3: Demonstrate knowledge of court system structures and policies. CSLO 3. The student will be able to examine a fact pattern and apply the fundamental rules of property law to draw a thorough analysis and conclusion to issues presented. PLSO4: Demonstrate proficiency in office software. CSLO 7. The student will be able to locate resources on property using the internet or LEXIS. PLSO5: Prepare legal documents and forms. PLSO6: Draft cover letters, briefs, and memos.
CSLO2. CSLO 5. The student will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of property law. The student will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of property related principles. CSLO 6. The student will demonstrate the ability to break down case law into components using the IRAC method so that the student can articulate how the case was resolved and differentiate dicta from binding portions of the opinion. PLSO7: Conduct client and witness interviews. PSLO8: Apply ethics in a legal environment. CSLO 4. The student will be able to explain the trends developing in the paralegal profession regarding ethical standards and professional responsibility. PSLO9: Apply communication skills in a legal setting. CSLO 4. The student will be able to explain the trends developing in the paralegal profession regarding ethical standards and professional responsibility. II. Assessments = 60% of Final Grade consist of primarily short answer, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and/or true/false questions covering the material discussed in class, textbook readings, exercises, assignments, information from projects, speakers, and extra readings as assigned. Four (4) tests will be given during this course. The last test will be the final and is comprehensive. The lowest of the four (4) tests will be dropped. There will be no makeup test for missing a test except for in extraordinary circumstances and with documented reasons. (CSLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 20% This general category will include traditional quizzes and online quizzes on reading material and also the ability to demonstrate knowledge gained through light research on assigned topics. Hand-written notes may be used for inclass quizzes, and the text and all notes may be used for online quizzes. (CSLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Assignments 20% will be given as a method to credit students for class attendance and also a way to help students keep up with reading assignments. The worksheets included in the text materials may be used for quizzes. Some quizzes may be online. We will not have a quiz during the first week or the last two (2) weeks. (CSLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). III. ALIGNMENT OF ASSESSMENTS WITH COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: CSLO1 CSLO2 CSLO3 CSLO4 CSLO5 CSLO6 CSLO7 3,4 Test ;,.;
IV. Topics WEEK TOPIC Ch. Assignment 1 Introductions, Housekeeping Details, 1 Syllabus H/O and Review, Questions/Comments; Property Law Bundle of Rights 2 Fees and Seisin 2, 3 3 Inheritance; Test (Chapters 1 3) 5 4 Riparian Rights and Rights of possession 6 5 Landlord Tenant 7 6 Deeds and Instruments of Conveyance 8 7 Class Exercise 9 8 Library Assignment and development of 10 Financial Statements 9 Test 2 (Chapters 6-10) 10 Field Exercise 8-9 11 Future Interests and freehold Estates 11 12 Review 12 13 Test 3 Chapters 11-12 10 14 Review for Final 14 Test 4 TBA Comp., Lowest test Dropped Approximately three hours will be devoted to legal ethics, including but not limited to the following topics: ABA Model Rule 1.3 Diligence, 1.6 Confidentiality of Information, 1.7 & 1.8 Conflicts of Interest, 5.3 Responsibilities to non-lawyer Assistant, 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law, 6.1 Pro Bono Service. VI. Assessment (three of four) 60% (six to ten, one will be dropped) 20% Assignments and Presentation 20% VII. Grading Scale A: 90% - 100% B: 80% - 89% C: 70% - 79% D: 65% - 69% F: Below 65% VIII. Course Delivery Format This class utilizes the Standard Format: This format is the traditional format and may use an online format to provide access to static materials which include the syllabus, course material, contact information, and presentations. Faculty will make available when requested a copy of syllabus and any other instructor provided course materials, including their contact information. Faculty may require on-line activities and assignments to include on-line tests and submission of all written and online communications. The extent
of online activities/assignments may vary by course but will be specified on the syllabus. In this course, expect that some quizzes will be online and written assignments will be submitted online through elearn. IX. College Policies This class is governed by the policies and procedures stated in the current Chattanooga State Student Handbook. Additional or more specific guidelines may apply. ADA Statement Students who have educational, psychological, and/or physical disabilities may be eligible for accommodations that provide equal access to educational programs and activities at Chattanooga State. These students should notify the instructor immediately, and should contact Disabilities Support Services (S-113, phone 697-4452) within the first two weeks of the semester in order to discuss individual needs. The student must provide documentation of the disability so that reasonable accommodations can be requested in a timely manner. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements in order to receive a passing grade in a class, with or without reasonable Policy Regarding Disruptive Students The term classroom disruption means student behavior a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the conduct of a class. A student who persists in disrupting a class will be directed by the faculty member to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. The student will be told the reason(s) for such action and given an opportunity to discuss the matter with the faculty member as soon as practical. The faculty member will undertake prompt consultation with the Division Dean and the College Judicial Officer. If a disruption is serious, and other reasonable measures have failed, the class may be adjourned, and the campus police summoned. Also, if you are concerned about the conduct of another student please see your teacher, department head, or division dean. Affirmative Action Students who feel that he or she has not received equal access to educational programming should contact the college affirmative action officer. Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam, to submit as one s own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person, or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or zero for an activity or to assign an F for the course. Instructor Policies The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus in writing during the course of the semester. Computer Requirements This class requires use of word processing and access to the Internet, specifically Chattanooga State s elearn system. The college offers computer labs for student use and computers are also available in the CSTCC Library. assignments are required to be typed in a 12 font size and/or word processed in one of the following formats: doc format, docx format, or rich text format. Research is required for this class and often use of the Internet will be required for this research. The Chattanooga State Library requires use of computers to search their databases and other on-site reference materials. If you have any concerns or questions regarding these requirements, please see the instructor. If sending email, please utilize the elearn email system.
Attendance and participation Attendance and participation are critical to success in the legal world. You are expected to be in class and on time. You are expected to read the text and any additional materials ahead of time and be prepared for class discussions. If for any reason you cannot attend class, please be sure to obtain notes from a student who attended class and check elearn for any possible announcements regarding class assignments. You are responsible for assignments given in class, date changes regarding tests and assignment due dates, corrections presented regarding materials presented in class, and any other information presented in class. Students are encouraged to get the names and contact information Of at least two students5in order to get copies of class notes missed during the lecture. Submission of Coursework All written assignments, the course project and other asqigned work must be submitted via the appropriate course website drop box in elearn. ClaSs exercise preparation, instructions for written assignments and the project, as well as other relevant announcements regarding course work and/or related activities will be posted in elearn on the course website. Communication between Class Meetings You are encouraged to contact the instructor as needed between class meetings. This contact can be in person during regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment, or by email within elearn. Phones, Laptops, and Recording Devices: Please turn off cell phones during class time. If you need to be contacted in an emergency situation, your party may call the Division Office at 697-4441 or the campus operator at 697-4400. Laptops are allowed for note taking but may not be used for internet surfing or other activities during class time. Recording devices are not allowed unless approved through disabilities support services. Any violation of these policies will be considered disruptive behavior Etiquette and the Legal Profession: The legal profession is the most rigid in terms of having good manners. This is something that all of us (instructor and students) need to work on daily. Use of laptops or cell phones during class to surf the net or text family members and friends is not allowed. If you text in class or search the web, or play a game on the computer in class, you will be asked to leave the class and not return until a meeting can be scheduled with the instructor. If you believe that an emergency call will come to you due to special circumstances, notify the instructor before class and also the front desk in the dean s Office of the B-Wing to make arrangements to be notified in class if that call comes. The front desk is 697-4441. Seek the telephone number for security for night classes so that a family member can reach you in case of an emergency. Electronic Mail or E-Mail Electronic mail or "e-mail" is considered an official method of communication to and from Chattanooga State students, staff and faculty members. The College sends official communications via e-mail with the full expectation that these groups of individuals will receive and read these e-mails in a timely fashion. For Students: This procedure ensures that all students enrolled have access to this form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by Chattanooga State faculty and staff as needed. Communications sent via the College-provided e-mail system (TigerMail) may include notification of Chattanooga State information including, but not limited to, admissions, enrollment services, advising, financial aid, etc. Official College e-mail accounts (TigerMail) will be created automatically by the College within two (2) college business days of receipt of an admission application along with $15 application fee. A student must remain enrolled in an appropriate class (i.e., if the student fails to pay tuition or is otherwise legitimately dropped from the class, the e-mail account may be removed). A letter will be mailed to the home address listed on the application with the user name and password, as well as, an email sent to the email address listed on the application. E-mail accounts will be discontinued if a student is not enrolled for two consecutive full terms. Students are expected to read and respond as appropriate to their Chattanooga State official e-mail
(TigerMail) on a frequent and consistent basis. The College recommends checking e-mail daily since certain communication may be time-sensitive. A link to access TigerMail is located on the Chattanooga State webpage at HYPERLINK "http://www.chattanoogastate.edu" www.chattanoogastate.edu Chattanooga State offices cannot validate that a communication sent by e-mail is from a student unless it comes from a valid College e-mail (TigerMail) address. If students make queries to Chattanooga State administrative offices or faculty from "nickname" e-mail accounts (e.g., hotmail.com, cfl.rr.com, etc.), such queries may not be received and/or students may be asked to resubmit such queries using an official Chattanooga State e-mail address. Inquiries from students requesting information regarding their official student account/records/financial aid/fees, etc., must be submitted via the official college email account (TigerMail). All replies to inquiries will be sent to official Chattanooga State e-mail accounts, regardless of how it was submitted. If you are having difficulty accessing your TigerMail account, you may contact the Chattanooga State Computer Operations Help Desk at 423-697-3375. Curriculum Issues: Advising Notes: (If any of this information conflicts with requirements listed within the catalogue, the catalogue controls) 1. A student is sometimes required to take transitional or developmental courses in Math or English, for example, to bring that student up to college level in that subject. While a student may be allowed to enroll in some college level courses without completing these transitional/developmental courses, many courses in this major, as well as many general education courses, do require that such transitional/developmental courses be satisfactorily completed before a student may be enrolled. Students are advised to complete any such transitional/developmental courses as soon as possible in order to progress through the curriculum without undue delay. You must be college-level (no transitional course requirements) in all LA courses, with the following exceptions: There is no math requirement and only a DSPW 0700 transitional studies prerequisite for LA 110, 130, 210, 220, 230, and 290. See your advisor if you have questions. 2. Students are advised to consult the college catalogue regarding graduation residency requirements. Students must earn their final twenty college level credit hours at Chattanooga State. Credit hours accumulated while enrolled as a Special Student are not applicable to the final twenty-four semester hours required for an associate degree. Be sure your official record reflects the correct major. 3. Students who have declared paralegal studies as their major are automatically assigned an advisor. It is advantageous to the student to seek advising from paralegal faculty members since they are most familiar with relevant course offerings and matters which could impact the student s progress toward graduation. 4. All students taking LA 135 will have to pass a typing test (35 WPM) in order to be in the legal writing class. It would be a good idea to get a software program and start working on your touch-typing speed before spring semester. Some keys will be covered for the test. Incompletion of Course Requirements: The instructor will not generally give an incomplete at the end of the semester. If a verified medical reason, for example, merits an extension, and the student has a passing grade at that point in the semester, the instructor reserves the right to give an incomplete, but all work must be in before the tenth class day of the very next semester. Any incomplete becomes an F if the grade is not changed, and the student has the responsibility to get the work in on time without prompting by the instructor.