Syllabus
Law 10 - Into to Legal Assisting I (Intro to Law) (CSU) – 3:00 Units
Fall 2012 - # 3198 - Hybrid
Instructor: David Jordan, Esq.
Office: Faculty Office #20
Office hours: Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM, or by appointment.
Phone: 818/364-7720 - cell phone 818-415-2015
Email: abogado@pacbell.net
Moodle Page: http://moodle.lamission.edu
Textbook: Business Law 11th ed.
Kenneth W. Clarkson, Roger LeRoy Miller, Gaylord A. Jentz, Frank B. Cross
ISBN: ISBN-10: 0324655223 - ISBN-13: 9780324655223
Course Description: Law 10 is an introductory course which formalizes the career of the legal assistant. It is an introduction to law, social forces and the law, a comparison of the role of the lawyer and the legal assistant, and an introduction to legal terminology and bibliography, preparing a litigation project. Course Organization: Law I0 is organized into assignments, quizzes, a final project (Motion to Suppress), and forum discussions. Read "Where to Start"
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
1. Brief law cases in the areas and subject matter relating to the courts and alternative dispute resolution, court procedures, Constitutional Authority to Regulate Business, Intentional Torts, Negligence and Strict Liability, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law and Cyber Crimes, Administrative Law, International Law, and Legal Ethics
2. Critically analyze and argue issues in the areas and subject matter of law, including the courts and alternative dispute resolution, court procedures, Constitutional Authority to Regulate Business, Intentional Torts, Negligence and Strict Liability, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law and Cyber Crimes, Administrative Law, International Law, and Legal Ethics
3. Prepare legal documents including a motion to suppress.
Skill Level: College level reading and writing; ability to access the internet. Necessary skills include proficiency using a word processing program, including spell checker, using a web browser, sending and receiving email, saving documents as RTFs (rich text format), uploading and attaching documents.
Estimated Time per Week: 10 hours (see Carnegie Rule)
Class format: The class is hybrid. Our class meetings are each Weds. evening 8:30 - 10:00 pm in CSB 207. We use the Moodle Course Management System. Carefully read our policies.
The class follows a weekly format. If you click on "Section Links" in upper left corner of your moodle class, you will see the weekly assignments, quizzes, forums and activities. There are many opportunities for you to participate and earn points to attain a good grade.
Online classes require your attention and effort. If you fail to log into the class during the first two weeksyou will be excluded from the class. There are activities and assignments each week; you will need to log into the class several times a week.
To be a successful online/hybrid student, you need to do schedule a regular time for studying, read and complete on line activities, and more.
Technical Requirements: The minimum computer requirements are: Computer, either a Macintosh or IBM compatible; modem, minimum 28.8, broadband or high speed internet access is preferred and is required to view the videos. Software: Web browser software, preferably Firefox 3.5 or Internet Explorer 8, an e-mail address and a word processing program.
Get Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
Get Internet Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Internet-explorer/default.apx
Get a free email account at: www.mail.google.com
Students who do not have regular computer access may use computers in the campus Learning Resource Center. Be sure to save all your papers and assignments on a flash drive.
Course Login: http://moodle.lamission.edu
First Assignment: Introduce yourself to the class under the forum discussions for the first week. This is where you will get to know your classmates. Post your introduction by Sunday evening, 11:55 pm, (/16/12. You will be withdrawn from class if you do not post your introductions by the end of the 2nd week of class.
Contacting Your Instructor: I check my email several times a day and respond to emails within 24 hours. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions; email me at: abogado@pacbell.net, in the subject line put: Law 10 #3198. I am also available in-person or by telephone on Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 PM.
Discussion Forums: The discussion forums are the main area for class participation. The weekly discussions open on Mondays and close the following Sunday at 11:55 PM. Initial posts are due by Wednesdays at 11:55 pm. Initial posts should be at least two paragraphs in length (approximately 120-150 words), respond directly to the topic in a reflective manner, referencing the topic link and content provided, and applying the law or case materials. Respond to at least two students to each forum by Sunday evening at 11:55 pm.
CLASS BIOGRAPHIES/INTRODUCTIONS: You will find your instructor's autobiography posted in the "Discussion Board" of the class website. Please post your bio/introduction in the discussion board by Friday of week one. In your bio, please be sure to include:
Your name (firstname only),
Academic/Career GoalsExpectations of the class
How you found out about the class/program
Other items of interest, and
Include any preliminary questions or concerns you have at this point.
DISCUSSION FORUMS: Every week a discussion questions posted to the website "FORUMS." You are required to post a answer to each discussion question by Wednesday of the forum week. Further, you are required to post, at least, one response to two or more of your classmates' initial responses. You are not required to respond to every classmate. You may, although this is a decision each student will make.
Minimum THREE different days per forum week. As we begin our online work together I want to discuss an important aspect of online learning, namely participation. Participation is an important part of this collaborative online learning environment. It is well documented that participation and collaboration does enhance learning & whether it be in-class or at a distance. You are encouraged to initiate and respond regularly and make sure your ideas are presented clearly and are substantive. Postings that lack substance will receive little or no credit. For example, “I agree,” “Good posting,” or similar messages that add little or nothing to the discussion will receive few, if any credits. Discussions posted to the website are an important part of the learning that takes place in this class. In essence, we learn from each other. Share ideas or questions with your colleagues. Ask them questions. Share your own experiences.
SOME SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS ABOUT PARTICIPATION:
Class Meeting Discussions:
- Please read, review, and reflect on each message PRIOR to posting to the forums. Remember: Others cannot get visual clues as to meaning, therefore, be careful in what and how you communicate. Once posted, messages cannot be deleted!
- All postings to any meeting in this class are to be considered CONFIDENTIAL and for consideration and discussion only by members of this class.
- Ask questions about areas of the subject that you wish to better understand or for clarification and/or amplification.
- Read your classmates comments and presentations, and respond constructively.
- Offer personal/professional experiences/observations relevant to the items being discussed.
Participation Rubric:
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Unsatisfactory
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Satisfactory
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Exemplary
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A minimum of 3 postings per forum on at least 3 separate days.
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Less than 3 substantial postings.
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Three requiredsubstantial postings.
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More than the 3substantial required posting.
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Answers by Wednesday
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Respond to classmates by Sunday
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Posting answers after Wednesday
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Posting answers on Wednesday
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Posting answers before Wednesday
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Well reasoned with appropriate analysis.
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No response or lacks applicability.
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Response is applicable, but may not be thorough or lacks depth.
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Thorough response with appropriate depth.
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Appropriate dialog with classmates
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Responses do not clearly relate to topic.
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Responses relate to topic.
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Responses clearly relate to topic.
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Appropriate grammar, spelling, and APA references.
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Spelling and/or grammar errors.
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No spelling or grammar errors..
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No spelling, grammar errors, or punctuation errors.
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Student deliverables should be submitted on the specified date by midnight of the student’s time zone. For purposes of scheduling, each week or module begins on Monday 12:01 AM and concludes the following Sunday at Midnight.
EXPECTATIONS FOR WRITTEN WORK:
VOCABULARY - You are expected to read and understand the material presented in the assigned text and articles you locate.
FORMAT - Papers submitted should be written in accordance with the APA, Bluebook, or other recognized formatting style.
GRAMMAR - Use active voice in your writing. Also use the spelling and grammar check feature of your Word Processor before submitting your papers.
Homework Assignments: Assignments require you to read and brief law cases. Read the information on"briefing law cases". Below is the grading rubric for your case "briefs"
CASE BRIEF GRADING RUBRIC
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Outstanding
A
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Proficient
B
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Adequate
C
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Inadequate
D/F
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Case Name and Citation
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Complete case name and properly formatted citation appear at the top of the case brief
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Complete case name is provided but citation is incomplete
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Complete case name is provided but no citation is give
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Neither the case name nor the citation appears at the top of the case brief OR both case name and citation are incorrect.
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Operative Facts
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Operative facts are relevant to the issue being examined by the court and are logically organized.
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Facts are relevant to the question being answered but lack coherence or organization.
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Irrelevant facts are included. Lack of logical organization.
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Relevant facts are omitted or lost in discussion of unrelated information.
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Procedural Facts
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Procedural history of the case is clearly and logically presented in proper chronology.
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Procedural history of the case is presented but chronology is confusing.
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Some procedural history is presented.
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No procedural history is presented.
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Issue/Short Answer
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Includes all elements (applicable law, issue being examined and relevant facts) in a well crafted, grammatically correct question.
Answer responds to question being posed.
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Issue is separately articulated, but does not include all elements; applicable law, issue being examined and relevant facts.
Answer responds to question being posed.
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Issue is not separately articulated, but implied through description of facts or discussion of law.
Answer does not respond to question being posed.
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Issue is not articulated
No answer is given.
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Law
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Law is correct and is relevant to the question being answered. Rule(s) of law succinctly paraphrased rather than quoted.
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Law is correct and is relevant to the question being answered, but is not paraphrased
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Rules of law are used in providing answer, but it is unclear if writer understands the law and is properly applying it.
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Rules of law are omitted from answer or incorrect law is used.
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Rationale
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The court’s reasoning is presented in a clear and logical fashion, leading the reader to an understanding of the rationale behind the law.
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Law is applied to the facts, but the underlying rationale is not clear.
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Analysis is unclear, causing the reader to question whether the law is correct.
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No analysis of the law is given.
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Writing Mechanics
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Sentence structure, grammar, punctuation are substantially correct.
Each component‘s material is logically organized and presented in a clear, concise manner.
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Sentence structure, grammar, punctuation are substantially correct.
Organization is logical but needs better consistency and clarity.
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Adherence to rules of writing is poor.
Material lacks organization and/or is unclear, making it difficult to understand.
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Rules of writing are ignored or misunderstood.
No apparent logic to the organization of the material. Writing lacks clarity.
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**above adopted from case grading rubric - AAFPE.org website
Students who plagiarize will receive zero credit on the assignment.
Quizzes: The class is divided into weekly quizzes (20 multiple choice questions each). This is 35% of your grade.
Late Assignments Our "Late Work" Policy is firm.
Dropping your class/Exclusion: November 18, 2012 is the last day to drop the class with a "W"
College regulations state that a student may be excluded from a course following accumulation of absences equal to a week of course work. The 12th week of class is the last date a student may drop a class with a "W". (or the 8th week in a "Late Start" class). Thereafter, the student must receive a grade in the class.
If a student has a accumulated score of 50 or below in the 12th week (or the 8th weeek in a "Late Start" class) , it is deemed that the student has accumulated absences in excess of a week of course work, and the instructor MAY, but is NOT required to DROP the student from class, with or without notice. It is the sole responsibility of the student, and not the instructor, to drop the class.
In addition, students who fail to login and post their introduction to class within the first (ten) days of class may be dropped from their online class.
Grading Policy: Letter grades will be determined based upon the following:
Grade Distribution
Quizzes - 35 % of your grade
Assignments- 35 % of your grade
Motion to Suppress - 15 % of your grade
Forum Discussions- 15 % of your grade
Grade Scale: A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F ≤ 60
Please note that a grade of C or higher is required for each of the 12 paralegal certificate classes.
Points will be posted on the class website after each activity closes.
Reasonable Accommodation: For students requiring accommodation the DSPS office provides special assistance in areas like: registering for courses, specialized tutoring, note-taking, mobility assistance, special instruction, testing assistance, special equipment, special materials, instructor liaisons, community referrals, and job placement. The phone number for the Office of Students with Disabled Student Programs and Services is: (818) 364-7732. There website is http://lamission.edu/dsps
Important Dates
Website opens Sunday 8/26/12 at 6 pm
Fall 2012
August 26, 2012
Residency Determination Date. |
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August 27, 2012
DAY AND EVENING CLASSES BEGIN. |
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September 01, 2012
Saturday Classes Begin |
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September 07, 2012
LAST DAY TO ADD FULL TERM CLASS. |
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September 07, 2012
LAST DAY FOR REFUND. |
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September 07, 2012
LAST DAY TO RECEIVE A "W" (IN PERSON) |
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September 09, 2012
LAST DAY TO DROP ON LINE |
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October 05, 2012
Last day to Petition for Credit/No-Credit. |
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October 19, 2012
Deadline to Petition for Fall 2012 GRADUATION. |
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November 02, 2012
Last Day for Section Transfer. |
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November 16, 2012
LAST DAY TO WITH "W" (IN PERSON) |
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November 18, 2012
LAST DAY TO DROP ON LINE WITH A "W". |
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December 08, 2012
Classes End. |
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December 10, 2012 - December 15, 2012
FINAL EXAMS |
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December 16, 2012
SEMESTER ENDS |
Calendar of Activities
Chapter Quizzes
Test #A - Chp. 1 - Intro to Law Quiz
Test #B - Chp. 2 - Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution Quiz
Test #C Chp. 3 Court Procedures
Test #D - Chp. 4 - Constitutional Authority to Regulate Business
Test #E - Chp. 6 - Intentional Torts
Test #F - Chp. 7 - Negligence and Strict Liability
Test #G - Chp. 8 - Intellectual Property
Test #H - Chp. 9 Criminal Law and Cyber Crimes
Test #I - Chp. 43 Administrative Law
Test #J - Chp 52 International Law
Test #K - Chp 5 Ethics & Business Decision Making
Test #L - Chp 49 Insurance
Test #M - Chp. 34 Employment Discrimination
Test #N - Chp. 45 Environmental Law
- Week 1 - Due 9/2/12
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Week 2 - Due 9/9/12
- Read Chapter 1 - Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning
- #1 Briefing law cases
- #2 Chapter 1 Case Problem
- no test
- forum discussion
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Week 3 - Due 9/16/12
- Read Chapter 2 - Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- #3 Historical Perspective on the Judiciary
- #4 Chapter 2 Case problem
- Test #A - Chp. 1 - Intro to Law Quiz
- forum discussion
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Week 4 - Due 9/23/12
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Week 5 - Due 9/30/12
- Read Chapter 4 - Constitutional Authority to Regulate Business
- #7 Chapter 4 Case Problem
- Test #C Chp. 3 Court Procedures
- forum discussion
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Week 6 - Due 10/7/12
- Read Chapter 6 - Intentional Torts
- #8 Chapter 6 Case problem
- #9 Develop Legal Argument in the Titanic Case
- Test #D - Chp. 4 - Constitutional Authority to Regulate Business
- forum discussion
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Week 7 - Due 10/14/12
- Read Chapter 7 - Negligence and Strict Liability
- #10 Chapter 7 Case problem
- #11 Brief the Katz case
- Test #E - Chp. 6 - Intentional Torts
- forum discussion
- Week 8 - Due 10/21/12
- Read Chapter 8 - Intellectual Property
- #12 Chapter 8 Case problem
- #13 Chambers Brief
- Test #F - Chp. 7 - Negligence and Strict Liability
- forum discussion
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Week 9 - Due 10/28/12
- Read Chapter 9 - Criminal Law and Cyber Crimes
- #14 Chapter 9 Case problem
- Test #G - Chp. 8 - Intellectual Property
- forum discussion
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Week 10 - Due 11/4/12
- Read Chapter 43 - Administrative Law
- #15 Chapter 43 Case probelm
- #16 Bruno case questions
- Test #H - Chp. 9 Criminal Law and Cyber Crimes
- forum discussion
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Week 11 - Due 11/11/12
- Read Chapter 52 International Law
- #17 Chapter 52 Case problem
- Test #I - Chp. 43 Administrative Law
- forum discussion
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Week 12 - Due 11/18/12
- Read Chapter 5 - Ethics & Business Decision Making
- #18 Chapter 5 case problem
- Test #J - Chp 52 International Law
- forum discussion
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Week 13 - Due 11/25/12
- #19 Motion to Suppress - People v. Bruno
- Test #K - Chp 5 Ethics & Business Decision Making
- forum discussion
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Week 14 - Due 12/2/12
- Read Chp. 49 Insurance
- #20 - Chp. 49 Insurance Case problem
- Test #L - Chp 49 Insurance
- forum discussion
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Week 15 - Due 12/9/12
- Read Chp. 34 Employment Discrimination
- #21 - Chp. 34 - Employment Discrimination Case problem
- Test #M - Chp. 34 Employment Discrimination
- forum discussion
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Week 16 - Due 12/16/12
- Read Chp. 45 Environmental Law
- #22 - Environmental Law Case problem
- Test #N - Chp. 45 Environmental Law
- forum discussion
updated: 6/30/12
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