Syllabus BA 303 Legal Environment of Business

Read QA in action boxes / pages 119

Read Summary, Glossary & Key Equations / pages 137-138

Read through the Solved Problems / pages 139-140

Take the Self Test / page 141 (do not submit the self test answers for grading!)

Submit Exercises:

9 [0.5points], 13-14 [1 point], 17 [0.5points], 19-20 [1 point], 21 [1 point] (major = dummy variable!), 25 [1 point] / pages 142-146

Note: If you need more practice to successfully complete the HW, check the examples on the slides, the textbook ones, the solved problems on pages 139-140; AND CHECK THE REVIEW CHECK LIST (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.!

BA 303 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

The mission of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business is to educate its students to become successful, principled leaders with a global perspective.

LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS

BA-303 – FALL-2017

Course Description: A comprehensive review of the legal and regulatory environment in which American businesses operate. BA-303 is a survey course and includes basic American legal systems, business ethics, torts, contracts, business formation, employment law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and Litigation.

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY:

WEB-SURFING, TEXTING, etc. is FORBIDDEN IN THE CLASSROOM.

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING CLASS.

DEVICES TURNED OFF OR ON “SILENT/SLEEP” MODE.

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON YOUR DESK.

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING EXAMS

(Automatic “F” & Honor Code case initiation if appropriate)

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN YOUR HANDS OR LAPS.

CELL PHONES MUST REMAIN IN YOUR POCKETS, BOOK BAGS, OR PURSES. LAP-TOPS CLOSED AND ON FLOOR OR IN BOOK BAGS.

NO WARNINGS POLICY:

Students who use/conceal/defilade cell phones (or other devices) or are IM’ing, surfing the net etc., during class will be considered “absent” for that class under the course “ABSENCES” policy. A second violation results in an automatic 50 point (5%) COURSE GRADE reduction. A third violation (and all subsequent) result in ADDITIONAL 100 point (10%) course grade reductions (per incident). *NOTE: The Instructor is not required to interrupt the class (or to notify the student after class) that he or she was violating the policy. Points will be deducted on Canvas at the Instructor’s convenience.

PLEASE BRING PEN, PENCIL & PAPER FOR NOTE-TAKING.

Exceptions to this policy may be made for bona-fide/verified special needs or for legitimate emergencies/contingencies only.

Course Objectives:

Survey the many diverse areas of law governing the conduct of business.
Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating case-study

scenarios.

Develop basic familiarity with court systemsand civil litigation.
Understand and appreciate the problem solving functionof the law in

business disputes.

Recognize the ethical obligationsof business leaders.
Prepare you as a citizen and business leaderto recognize the critical

importance of rule of law in domestic and global business.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Demonstrate knowledge/understanding of civil litigation in federal/state courts.

Demonstrate confidence in the role played by American courts in the equitable resolution of business disputes.

Articulate how our legal system reflects democratic principles and values.

Distinguish among categories of civil law including torts, contracts, agency and employment, business choice, creditors’ rights, and property law.

Cooperate and/or role-play (as legal counsel and witnesses) in a three-hour mock civil trial involving a personal injury lawsuit against a small business; OR work effectively as a team to prepare a subject-matter specific 15-20 minute multi-media presentation.

Improve analytical skills when faced with complex problems (i.e. “critical thinking”) and enhance student abilities to express themselves clearly and persuasively in written and spoken communication. Towards these goals, students will: (1) participate meaningfully in class discussions; (2) prepare well-organized and thoughtful written work that formulates viable solutions to problems and case studies that require familiarity with applicable legal principles.

Current Text and Instructional Materials: The primary text is Miller & Jentz, Business Law Today – Standard Edition (11^th ed.). Previous editions are available at lower cost on Amazon, etc. but pagination and chapters may not be the same as the most current edition. In addition, there will be outside readings and materials provided in class or via your BlackBoard account. The course moves quickly so it is very important that you stay current in the reading assignments. Please arrive in class on-time and be prepared to participate.

Instructor/Class Information:

Professor John Winn

RM 243 Harry F. Byrd School of Business

Phone (540) 678-4467

E-Mail Jwinn@su.edu

Office Hours: T/TH 0900-1100 (and OPEN DOOR POLICY)

Business Law can be a difficult subject for many students.

You are VERY welcome and strongly ENCOURAGED to see me during

office hours. I will/can always find time to meet with you if you need help.

Prerequisites: Sophomore/Junior status or instructor approval.

Coverage of Key Perspectives Forming the Context for Business (estimated number of class hours of coverage):

Ethical 10

Global 10

Social 5

Legal and Regulatory 75

Class Sequence: This course combines lecture and class discussion. Selected video tapes, guest speakers, and short student presentations will enrich the learning environment. Students are encouraged to submit articles, cases, and situations from newspapers, magazines, or the Internet – as well as from your own experiences for discussion.

Following is the general sequence of events for class sessions..

Current issues/news involving the law and business

Instructor’s overview of central topic

Questions/Discussion

Instructor’s review

Examinations and Evaluation: Grades are based on three (3) objective in-class quizzes, two written case-study-based practical exercises (approximately two or three pages each), and an in-class Mock Trial (individual presentation). In-class exams/quizzes are non-cumulative and are normally closed book.

Written assignments are non-collaborative, should be typed in MS-Word, and must comply with all applicable Shenandoah University documentation policies (plagiarism, Honor Code etc.). Written assignments/papers are due at the beginning of class. If you know you will be absent from class you remain responsible for turning in the assignment prior to your absence (email is acceptable if you will not be in the class). Late papers will normally be assessed a full letter grade reduction for each day they are late and will be awarded a Zero Points/F score after 72 hours.

CHECK YOUR PAPERS/PAGES CAREFULLY BEFORE TURN-IN.

MISSING PAGES, PRINTER ERRORS, WRONG PAGES, OR OTHER INCOMPLETE WORK IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. WHAT YOU TURN IN (OR SEND VIA EMAIL) WILL BE WHAT IS GRADED.

NO COVER SHEETS & NO COVER FOLDERS (SAVE THE TREES!).

DO NOT RE-STATE FACTS ALREADY PROVIDED IN CASE STUDIES.

MOCK TRIAL: Students will actively participate as Attorneys, Witnesses, and Jurors in a comprehensive “mock” civil trial (Peter Brady vs. Sam’s Sporting Goods) involving a slip-and-fall with medical injuries lawsuit. The mock trial(s) will take place over the final four class sessions. Attendance at the Mock Trial sessions is very important. Significant class preparation/participation points (including “zero” points for the semester) may also be deducted for non-attendance at the mock civil trial sessions.

HONOR CODE: Trust and mutual respect are essential to an environment in which learning is fostered. To encourage and support such an environment, the University adopted an Honor Code based on the recommendations of the Student Government Association and the Faculty Assembly. The Honor Code, printed in the Student Handbook, provides mechanisms for dealing with academic dishonesty.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING EXAMS: Any student who, during an examination or quiz, is found using or *in possession* of any cellphone, smartphone, IPAD, or any other wireless transmitting, receiving, recording, or playback device (e.g. MP3) shall be assumed to possess that device for the purpose of academic dishonesty and will be awarded a permanent grade of a zero on that exam or quiz. “In possession” includes ANY situation in which any electronic device is reasonably visible or readily accessible to the exam taker. Devices should be secured in a closed/zippered backpack, purse, etc. during the exam. Exceptions may be made for emergencies only.

Course Policies, Attendance, and Grading:

My responsibilities to you:

To be on time and to be prepared to teach
To inform you in advance of a class which will be missed
To encourage and facilitate the free interchange of ideas
To be honest with you at all times
To be respectful of you and encourage you to understand the subject

Your responsibilities to me (and to your classmates):

To be courteous at all times
To attend and be prepared for all scheduled class sessions
To demonstrate personal integrity and honesty
To arrive on time for each class and pay attention
To address faculty members and other students with respect. This includes in person, in writings, or in electronic communications
To read (and respond) to all course-related email messages
To inform me by email if you are ill or unable to attend class

With the foregoing considerations in mind, please note the following specific class policies:

#1 ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN THEIR SEATS READY TO PARTICIPATE WHEN CLASS BEGINS.

#2. BASEBALL CAPS, HAT, SWEAT-SHIRT HOODS, AND SUNGLASSES MUST BE REMOVED IN THE CLASSROOM. STUDENTS MAY WEAR RELIGIOUS HEADGEAR OR APPAREL AS APPROPRIATE.

#3. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FOR EXAMS, PRESENTATIONS (OR MOCK TRIAL) WILL NORMALLY RECEIVE A SCORE OF ZERO (F).

#4. ATTENDANCE & LATENESS POLICY: With the goal of inculcating a professional work-ethic, students are expected to be present and on-time for ALL CLASS SESSIONS. Students are also obligated to notify me in advance if they will be absent from class except for emergencies.

EACH STUDENT IS ALLOWED THREE (3) PERSONAL/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (OR LATENESSES) WITHOUT COURSE GRADE PENALTY. ABSENCES IN EXCESS OF THREE (3) RESULTS IN A 5% (50/1000 POINTS) COURSE GRADE PENALTY FOR THE FIRST ABSENCE. LATENESS AFTER THE FOURTH ACCUMULATED “ABSENT” OR “LATE” RECEIVES A 5% COURSE PENALTY EACH. NOTE: ARRIVING IN CLASS ONE SECONDAFTER CLASS BEGINS IS LATE. STUDENTS ARRIVING MORE THAN THREE MINUTES (i.e. 180 seconds) LATE ARE CONSIDERED ABSENT. AFTER FOUR ABSENCES, EACH ABSENCE RESULTS IN A 10% COURSE GRADE PENALTY EACH.

Excused absences include official SU events, away games/sports, sickness, injuries, funerals of immediate family members, or serious family emergencies. Medical related absences require a note from a consulted health-care practitioner. Funerals normally require an obituary notice listing your name as family-member/survivor or a note from a funeral director (*they are happy to do this). If you are absent for an official SU activity or event, please bring me a HARD COPY of any notice or email from your coach or faculty instructor.

#5. ATTENDANCE: It is each student’s responsibility to obtain your cardboard name-placard at the beginning of each class. All students will return your name-placard PROMPTLY after class. If you don’t see your name-placard on the front-table, ASK FOR IT. NOTE: Obtaining the placard to “cover” for the absence of another student is a serious Honor-Code Violation and may result in COURSE FAILURE (as well as other Honor-Code sanctions).

A.D.A. Compliance: If you need accommodation because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building is evacuated, please discuss with me or the Academic Support Center.

Grading Scale: 94% – 96.9 A 74% – 76% C

90% – 93.9% A- 70% – 73.9% C-

87% – 90% B+ 67% – 69% D+

84% – 86% B 64% – 66% D

80% – 83.9% B- 60% – 63% D

77 – 79% C+ 0 – 59.9% F

********************************************************************

Material, Cases, Reading Assignments and Examinations/Assignments Schedule

TEXT

BUSINESS LAW TODAY (11^th EDITION)

ROGER L. MILLER

PLEASE NOTE: LESSONS ARE NUMBERED CONSECUTIVELY. NO DATES ARE PROVIDED. WE MOVE THROUGH THE SYLLABUS SEQUENTIALLY. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO “KEEP UP” ON YOUR OWN. IF YOU MISS A CLASS, YOU WILL NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU MISSED TO ENSURE YOU ARE PREPARED FOR THE NEXT CLASS SESSION. SEVERAL SUBJECT AREAS REQUIRE TWO (OR MORE) SESSIONS TO COVER..

Lesson 1

THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT. READ Chapter 1

Lesson 2

BUSINESS ETHICS. READ Chapter 7

Lesson 3

COURTS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION. READ Chapter 2

Lesson 4

U.S. CONSTITUTION & BILL OF RIGHTS. READ/REVIEW Chapter 1

Lesson 5

TORTS: Concepts and Intentional Torts (Part I) READ Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.

Lesson 6

TORTS: Negligence (Part II) REVIEW–READ Chapters 3 & 4)

EXAMINATION REVIEW

Lesson 7

TORTS: Intellectual Property & Business Torts REVIEW Chapter 4

PRODUCTS LIABILITY READ/REVIEW Pages 93-100.

DISTRIBUTE PE #1

EXAM SESSION #1:

IN CLASS EXAMINATION #1 (DATE: TBD)

—————————————————————————————————

Lesson 8

CONTRACTS (Part I) READ Chapters 8-12

Lesson 9

Contracts (Part II) REVIEW Chapters 8-12

PE #1 DUE IN CLASS (DATE: TBD)

Lesson 10

UCC SALES CONTRACTS. REVIEW Chapter 11.

Lesson 11

NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS. READ Chapter 14

(EXTRA-CREDIT HOMEWORK HANDOUT)

Lesson 13

BUSINESS FORMATION/TYPES/CORPORATIONS (PART I). READ Chapter 19

HELPFUL REVIEW WEBSITE/SKIM: http://www.quizlaw.com/what-is-business-law/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Lesson 12

BUSINESS FORMATION/TYPES/CORPORATIONS READ/REVIEW Chapters 19 – 20

REVIEW/SKIM: http://www.quizlaw.com/what-is-business-law/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

DISTRIBUTE PE #2

EXAMINATION REVIEW

Lesson 13 (IF TIME IS AVAILABLE)

MUTUAL FUNDS & BASIC INVESTMENTS

(EXTRA-CREDIT HOMEWORK HANDOUT)

Lesson 14

AGENCY & PRINCIPALS. READ Chapters 23-25 (*THIS SUBJECT IS NOT TESTED IN EXAM II BUT MAY BE PART OF PRACTICAL EXERCISE #2 AND WILL BE TESTED IN EXAM #3*)

EXAM SESSION #2:

IN CLASS EXAMINATION #2 (DATE: TBD) (PROBABLY AFTER FALL BREAK)

Lesson 15

PERSONAL PROPERTY & BAILMENTS READ Chapter 23

PE #2 DUE IN CLASS (DATE: TBD)

Lesson 16

REAL PROPERTY Read Chapter 24

Lesson 17

INSURANCE. Pages 646-651 & TBD Handout

Lesson 18

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW. READ Chapter 18

EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION. REVIEW Chapter 18

Lesson 19

CREDITOR’S RIGHTS & BANKRUPTCY. READ Chapter 16

SECURITY INTERESTS IN PERSONAL PROPERTY. REVIEW Chapter 16

(+ EXTRA CREDIT HANDOUT)

Lesson 20

CRIMINAL LAW: CRIMES & DEFENSES READ: Chapter 6

Lesson 21

REVIEW EVIDENCE LAW & BASIC COURTROOM PROCEDURE

READ/REVIEW: http://www.gjel.com/mocktrial/objections.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

WATCH:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BGn2OR5LMg (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Lesson 22

STREET LAW 101 + EXAM REVIEW

EXAM SESSION:

IN CLASS EXAMINATION #3 (DATE: TBD)

Lesson 23

MOCK TRIAL PREPARATION: ASSIGNMENT ROLES & WITNESSES

MOCK TRIAL: ROLE ASSIGNMENTS (HANDOUTS)

Lesson 24 (multiple class sessions)

MOCK TRIAL (DATES: TBD)

TYPICALLY MOCK TRIALS REQUIRE 2-3 CLASS SESSIONS.

LARGER CLASSES MAY BE SEPARATED INTO TWO GROUPS.

(*EXAM WEEK MAY BE USED FOR MOCK TRIALS IF NECESSARY*)

Course Point Break Down

QUIZZES/EXAMS 3 @ 20% ea. = 60% (600 points)

CASE STUDY PE #1 1 @ 10% ea. = 10% (100 points)

CASE STUDY PE#2 1 @ 20% ea. = 20% (200 points)

MOCK TRIAL 1 @ 10% ea. = 10% (100 points)

EXTRA CREDIT HOMEWORK 2 @ 01% ea. = 02% (20 points)

Syllabus BA 303 Legal Environment of Business

Syllabus BA 303 Legal Environment of Business

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