REVISED COURSE SYLLABUS #1 – Business Law - BUS& 201-01
Winter Quarter, 2014, North Seattle Community College
10 – 10:50 am Daily, Room IB 3417
Instructor: Peter Lukevich, J.D.
Instructor’s Office: I do not have an assigned office on campus. Please
check in with the reception staff of the Business, Engineering & Information
Technologies (BEIT) Division, and you can leave a message with them that
will be placed in my mailbox.
Phone: 206-934-3730. My phone number is the Department number. Please
plan to leave a message for me if you call this number. I do not have voice
mail.
Email: My email address is : peter.lukevich@seattlecolleges.edu
I prefer e-mail over phone messages, if you can. I will strive to answer
your emails within 24 hours of receipt. Also, NOTE that e-mail messages
through the college will NOT be private, as college network technicians
and administrators have access to e-mail!!
By the end of the first week of class, there will be an ANGEL website that
will be open for part of the class: turning in the short projects, some
discussion pages, posting personal introductions, etc. This site will be used
throughout the quarter. You can find the site at http://angel.northseattle.edu
You will logon using the following:
User Name: put in your SID, with no dashes
for example, 989855345
Password: put in the first five letters of your last name, in small letters
for example, johns (for last name Johnson)
OR luke (for last name Lukevich)
OR ug (for last name Ug)
Office Hours: If I am not able to answer your questions by e-mail, I will be
happy to meet with you in person on campus. Because I do not have an
assigned and private office space we will need to coordinate the day, time
and location of our meeting well in advance. Please send me an email to let
me know a specific day and time you would like to meet and I will confirm
if I will be available. I will let you know at that time where we can meet.
Text: We will be using a “Essentials of Business Law, by Beatty &
Samuelson, 5th Edition (2013). The book may not yet have arrived in the
bookstore. I will work with you by providing handouts or our materials as
necesary until the book arrives.
TRANSFER?? This class transfers to the University of Washington,
Central Washington University, Washington State University, and several
other four-year schools in Washington as part of the Direct Transfer
Agreement. If you are planning to transfer to Seattle U or SPU, or another
school, you should check in with them directly to confirm transferability.
You are responsible to be in the right class for your transfer needs!
INSTRUCTOR BIO: Hello, my name is Peter Lukevich. I will be your
Instructor for Business Law 201 during Winter Quarter 2014. I hope you are
excited to participate in this class. I look forward to getting to know you and
working with you during the time we will spend together.
In addition to my work as an Instructor at North Seattle Community College
I am also an Instructor for the University of Phoenix Online in the Criminal
Justice Administration Department. I have been an attorney for 25 years
and currently I am in private practice in north Seattle. I am also licensed as
a real estate managing broker and coach both high school varsity football
and high school speech and debate and spent 13years as a radio DJ in the
Seattle media market.
.
Washington State has been my home all my life. I was very lucky to be born
and raised in the Greater Seattle area. I have raised my family in Seattle and
I am the proud father of two adult boys and one grandchild. Our family
enjoys a full and active life style and I am definitely a sports fan! I have also
travelled the world while on active duty and the reserves in the U.S. Navy,
the WA Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.
As I mentioned, I am an attorney. Currently, I am working “of counsel” in a
small boutique law firm in north Seattle. Our primary work is centered on
intellectual property law. I am a generalist and handle the litigation needs of
the firm, small business matters for our clients and estate planning and
probates. In addition, I am also handling trademark filings in our office.
Our trademark clients are located throughout the United States and in
Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. When I was an owner/partner in a small
sized law firm my caseload focused on criminal defense and small business
litigation. I enjoyed my work as a litigator and had the opportunity to
represent clients in all of the trial courts in Washington State and I have
also worked in Federal District Court. Because of the nature of my work I
argued in the Court of Appeals and the Washington State Supreme Court.
My resume includes a look at my work life and I look forward learning
about your life and of course your academic goals and objectives.
READING REQUIREMENTS: All students are expected to keep up with
the reading for this class. We will have at least 75-100 pages of reading
each week, counting the text, current law cases and other materials. There
will be numerous articles and books to refer to. Therefore, a facility in
English speaking, listening, reading and writing will be essential to
successful completion of this class.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: The objective of this course is to acquaint the
student with fundamental legal concepts, structures and functions of the
American legal system, and specifically with Business Law topics –
including Contracts (common law & UCC sale of goods), Business Crimes,
Business Torts, Property Ownership and Leasing, Agency & Employment
Law, Business Entities, Litigation and Alternate Dispute Resolution,
Secured Transactions & Bankruptcy, etc.
We will examine the role of law, and the "evolving" nature of law as it
relates to our society, and especially how it affects each of our lives on a
daily basis. We will look at the legal system as a framework for the
avoidance of problems in the future; and for resolving problems that
inevitably arise in a complex society.
This course is not intended to make the student into a lawyer, and cannot be
an in-depth examination of all the topics to be introduced. It is intended to
provide an overview of the legal system as it relates to business, so students
know where to look to find basic info, and how to contact legal professionals
when they need help.
NSCC Essential Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge: Facts, theories, perspectives and methodologies within and
across disciplines
Intellectual & Practical Skills, including: Critical thinking and problem
solving
Integrative & Applied Learning: Synthesis and application of knowledge,
skills and responsibilities to new settings and problems
APPROACH: We will approach the law from several points. We will use
the text as an introduction to topics. We will then look at direct sources of
information, such as actual cases reported in the "case reporters," and state
and federal statutes, and look at sources of information available on the
Internet. We will complete a set of "outside class" assignments such as going
to see a trial in action, investigating a law library, interviewing an attorney,
etc.
STUDY SUGGESTIONS:
1. Terminology. Law has a language all its own. As you read through a
chapter, write down each word that is "new" to you. Write down in your
own words what you think it means. Check the glossary at the back of the
book to see if that matches your definition fairly well, or with a law
dictionary (like Black’s Law Dictionary, in the NSCC library). See if you
can write a sentence using the new word that makes sense. This will help
you develop a mastery of the terminology.
2. Questions and Problem Cases. At the end of each chapter there are a
series of sample cases or questions. See if you can answer them. Check with
other students in class to see if you are in agreement. Some of these cases
are based on real cases. Compare your analysis with how the court ruled.
3. Study Groups. Most students find it helpful to have a weekly group gettogether at the library or a home, to review the reading or class discussions
to gain a deeper understanding of the materials, or to watch law-related
movies and have some popcorn!
4. Internet Searching. We will look at a variety of internet sites for
information on legal topics. A couple of sites to start with are:
www.findlaw.com
www.law.cornell.edu/topics/index.html
GRADING POLICIES: You have a variety of ways to earn points
towards your final grade in this class. Please take a look at the grading
summary on the next pages. Note that every student needs to complete a
number of short projects in order to pass this class – if you just take the
exams you will probably not pass!
GRADING POLICTY FOR LATE PAPERS/PROJECTS: My late paper
grading policy is that for each day a project is late there will be a 15 percent
reduction in the overall grade. No papers/projects will be accepted for credit
more than three (3) days after the due date absent a natural disaster or some
other extraordinary occurrence.
EXAMS. I am planning on you having two or three exams following the
major topics covered in class. You can work on these together, and will have
several days to work on your answers. (100-300) total points will be
possible)
SHORT QUIZZES. I hope that we will have time each week for you to
complete a short (15-20 minute) in-class quiz one day a week covering
certain chapters. (10-20 points per quiz total).
IN-CLASS FINAL EXAM. The FINAL exam is a cumulative exam. In
order to master the material in this class, much study, completion of
homework, consistent attendance and participation are required. The final
exam is a good indicator that you have minimally performed these functions,
you have an understanding of the important concepts of this class, and that
your work has been your own. You should review each assigned chapter in
the book, all handouts from the instructor, and all of the student presentation
handouts.
The final exam will be in-class, with no opportunity for you to talk or
compare notes with other students, although it will be open-book and open
notes. You will need to have done all the research needed to answer all the
questions on the take-home exams, AND you will need to put in time
reviewing at the end of the class, to be fully prepared for the last exam. You
will need to score at least a minimum of 67% correct on the final exam, in
order to get credit for this class. (this exam has 300 points possible). The
Final Exam will be a combination of objective multiple choice/True and
False questions, fill in the blanks, short answer questions, and essay
questions.
Frequently asked questions:
 Q - “If my grade for all the other items is better than 67%, but my
final exam grade is less than 67%, can I still get credit for the class?”
Answer: No.
Q - “If my total score for all the other items is below a passing (67%),
but I score above a 67% on the final exam, will I get credit for the
class?”
Answer: Not unless the final exam score raises the total for the
whole course to at least 67%.
(Your overall score for the course must be at 67% or above, and your final
exam must be at 67% or above, to get credit for the class.)

CLASS PARTICIPATION – 50 points total. Each student is expected
to do the following:
1. 50 points. Students are expected to participate regularly in class sessions!
Your regular absence or lack of participation in class will be noticed. You
may also be asked to give short explanations to the class on legal topics
assigned by the instructor and if you are not present in class you will not
receive credit for the presentation or for participation.
SHORT PROJECTS – 200 Points possible. I will assign specific project
titles for you to complete during the quarter. For example, we may visit a
courthouse and observe a trial.
If there is something you are particularly interested in as a special project, let
me know and I will work with you to try to accomplish that during the
quarter. Instructions for each of these projects will be posted on the class
website.
POSSIBLE - POINTS
Take-Home Exams - Total
200- 300
Short Quizzes – Total
100
Final Exam
300
Class Participation
50
Projects - Total
200
GRADING SCALE:
At the end of the quarter, your total score will be compared to the following
table to determine the grade you have earned for the class. This scale may
require higher scores than other classes you have taken or are taking now. This
reflects the fact that many of the exams/projects in this class are "take-home,"
and "open-book" in nature.
NOTE: No course credit is given for total ending scores with less than
67%, or if the score on the final exam is less than 67%.
Percentage
Scale
96 – 100%
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
4.0 Grade
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
Percentage
Scale
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
4.0 Grade
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
Percentage
Scale
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
4.0 Grade
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
ABSENCES:
Consistent attendance and participation is important. Part of your grade is
dependent upon your participation in class, which will not be possible if you
do not attend! If you miss a class, it is your sole responsibility to obtain
class notes and other lecture materials that may have been handed out, from
other students. Get the phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses of at least
two other students in the class so that you may share information. In general
there will be no makeup exams, (I will allow quizzes to be made up the first
day you return to class). Any requests for changes on due dates must be
made prior to the due dates. The best way to reach me is to use my e-mail
address. Appropriate absences during the quarter include ill health, work or
family emergencies.
CLASSROOM RULES:
Please respect the opinions expressed in class by your classmates. If you
disagree with someone's opinion, state so respectfully, and not as a personal
attack.
Please turn off or silence all computers, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or other
electronic devices at the start of class. If you do have a device that goes off
during class, please turn it off right away, and wait to respond to it after the
class is over. (NOTE: Any student whose device goes off during class
will be expected to bring “treats” for the whole class during the next
class session.)
Please allow others to be able to hear what the instructor or class`
participants are saying, by not engaging in "side" conversations.
Students are expected to comply with NSCC student conduct policy and
procedures. Information on student responsibilities and rights is available via
the NSCC website.
POLICY ON COURSE WITHDRAWAL: The instructor may initiate
administrative withdrawals of students who do not come to class during the
first three days of the quarter, in order to accommodate other students
seeking entry into the class; or if the student is not participating in class or
turning in assignments or taking exams/quizzes. The student may withdraw
according to the deadlines established by the college. It is YOUR
responsibility to know the details of college deadlines!
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need course
adaptations or accommodation because of a disability; if you have
emergency medical information to share with your instructor; or if you need
special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated; please meet
with your instructor as soon as possible.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic honesty is highly valued at NSCC. A
student must always submit work that represents his/her original words or
ideas. Any academic dishonesty will result in the exam or work being given
zero credit, and the student may be dismissed from the class or the college!
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY COULD INVOLVE:
1. Having a tutor or friend complete a portion or all of your assignment.
2. Having a reviewer make extensive revisions to an assignment.
3. Copying work submitted by another student, or giving another student
your work to copy.
4. Using information from books, magazines, articles, online sources, or
other information services without giving proper citation as to its source.
5. Taking exam answers from another student’s paper, or allowing another
student to copy your exam answers. (this does not apply to the take-home
exams, where I encourage you to work together)
6. Using materials not allowed, to answer exam questions on the final.
EXAMINATION CONDUCT: Students are expected to complete quizzes
and examinations without the unauthorized use of reference materials, notes,
or classmates, unless with permission of the instructor.
CLASSROOM DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Respect for diversity is a
core value of NSCC. Our college community fosters an optimal learning
climate and an environment of mutual respect. We, the college community,
recognize individual differences. Therefore, we are responsible for the
content and tone of our statements and are empathetic speakers and listeners.
RESPECTFUL AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT: The instructor and
student share the responsibility to foster a learning environment that is
welcoming, supportive, and respectful of cultural and individual differences.
Open and respectful communication that allows for the expression of varied
opinions and multicultural perspectives encourages us to learn freely from
each other.
FRAGRANCE POLICY: Students are encouraged to refrain from
wearing heavily scented products during class sessions, since some
individuals experience chemical sensitivities to “fragrances” that interfere
with their breathing – and that interferes with learning!
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: Students are encouraged to seek
campus support services when necessary to support their learning and
academic progress. Refer to student handbook, brochures/flyers, or college
website for information about:
Disability Services (for ADA accommodations)
Tutoring Services
Library
LOFT Writing Center Plus
Counseling
Projected Schedule – Note this is the tentative schedule for Class Topics,
and it may have to be adjusted due to availability of guest speakers,
instructor absence for illness or CLE seminars, etc.
Chapters of text to Read/Prepare:
WEEK 1 1/6 – 1/10
Chapter 1, Introduction to Law
Chapter 2, Business Ethics & Social Responsibility
Chapter 3, Dispute Resolution (ADR, Court Systems & Civil Procedure)
WEEK 2 1/13 – 1/17
Chapter 4, Common Law, Statutory Law and Administrative Law
Chapter 5, Constitutional Law
January 18 - due date to turn in your first project
WEEK 3 1/21 – 1/24 NOTE: No class on Monday, 1/20 – Martin
Luther King Day
Chapter 6, Torts (Negligence, Strict Liability, Product Liability, Intentional)
Chapter 7, Crime (including Business Crimes)
February 10 - due date to turn in your second project
WEEK 4 1/27 – 1/31
Chapter 9, Introduction to Common Law of Contracts
Chapter 10, Agreement
Chapter 11, Consideration
Chapter 12, Legality
Chapter 13, Capacity and Consent
February 20- due date to turn in your third project
WEEK 5 2/3 – 2/7
Chapter 14, Written Contracts
Chapter 15, Third Parties
Chapter 16, Performance and Discharge
Chapter 17, Remedies
Chapter 18, Introduction to Sales, UCC Article 2
Chapter 19, Ownership and Risk
March 7 - due date to turn in your fourth project
WEEK 6 2/10 – 2/14 NOTE: Class structure for 2/14 will be
announced one week prior.
Chapter 20, Warranties and Product Liability
Chapter 22, Creating a Negotiable Instrument
Chapter 23, Liability for a Negotiable Instrument
Chapter 24, Liability for a Negotiable Instrument – Banks
WEEK 7 2/18 – /21 NOTE: No Class on Monday, 2/17 – President’s
Day
Chapter 25, Secured Transactions
Chapter 26, Bankruptcy
WEEK 8 2/24 – 2/28
Chapter 27, Agency
Chapter 28, Employment Law
WEEK 9 3/3 – 3/7
Chapter 29, Starting a Business
Handouts on Business Entities
Chapter 30, Corporations, Employment Injuries
WEEK 10 3/10 – 3/14
Chapter 32, Property – Ownership Types
Handouts on Wills & Trusts
Chapter 33, Cyber law issues
WEEK 11 3/17 – 3/21
Chapter 34, Intellectual Property
No “class” sessions 3/20 & 3/21 – personal review for final
March 17 – due date to turn in any extra-credit projects
WEEK 12
Comprehensive FINAL EXAM:
BUS&201-01 Currently scheduled for Tuesday 3/25 - 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Open textbook, open notes, printed dictionaries, and handouts from class.
NO Electronics – computers, phones, pdas, mp3s, electronic dictionaries,
etc
If you need a foreign-language dictionary – bring a printed one!
(Disclaimer regarding legal information in this course: Although the instructor is an attorney, any legal
information provided in this introductory college course should not be taken as personal legal advice for an
individual student, nor is the instructor to be considered as the student’s attorney. Students are advised to
seek individualized legal advice regarding their specific situation, from an attorney of their choosing.)