San Diego State University
School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
HTM 250 - Hospitality Law & Policy
T/Th 8:00-9:15 a.m., PSFA-310
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William J. Hoffman, Esq.
(858) 242-1234 office
(858) 945-4670 cell
Bill.Hoffman@Trigild.com
General Information:
a.
Course description and objectives: This course is designed to provide the
student with knowledge and principles of the law and policies as generally
applicable to the hospitality industry.
b.
Course materials: Understanding Hospitality Law (Fifth Edition) by Jack P.
Jeffries and Banks Brown. Additional materials will be provided on Blackboard.
c.
Disclaimer: Mr. Hoffman is not your attorney nor an attorney for your business.
Examples discussed in class may be generally applicable, but are not meant to be
seen as legal advice for you or your business. You should obtain legal
representation and consult with your own counsel for legal advice.
Examinations/Grading:
a.
Components of grade: Your overall course grade will be based on class
participation, one case assignment consisting of a written brief and an oral
argument, one outside project, two mid-term examinations, and Mock Trial
presentations. All of these items are explained further in the sections below.
b.
Grade component weighting:
25%
Class Participation (attendance, preparation & participation)
15%
Case Assignment (written brief and oral argument)
10%
Outside Project
30%
Mid-Term Examinations (15% each)
20%
Final Examination/Mock Trial
Class Participation = Attendance, Preparation and Participation:
Reading assignments are shown on the calendar (note that the calendar may be
updated/amended during the semester). Students are to be prepared by reading the
required materials before each session. Class participation is judged on your (1)
attendance, (2) preparation prior to class, (3) participation in classroom discussion, and
(4) participation in group exercises and review assignments.
Unexcused absences will be considered in determining your class participation grade,
with points deducted for absences during the semester. Excuses are in the sole discretion
of the instructor (please, good excuses only; school conflicts and work scheduling
conflicts are not acceptable).
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4.
Case Assignment:
Each student will be assigned to study and present one of the cases at the end of most
chapters in the text. One student will be assigned to represent each side of the case.
Assignments will be made the second week of class and presentations will be throughout
the semester (on days noted as “Case Assignments” on the syllabus). You must submit a
written brief of your case in advance of your presentation using the form on Blackboard.
Note that each student must prepare an individual brief – joint briefs will not be accepted.
You must meet with your partners in advance of class and prepare a closing argument
that you will deliver to the “jury” of your classmates. The presentation must include a
(1) summary of the facts of the case and the action of any lower courts, then (2) a closing
argument from each party, including (a) the facts of the case stated as favorably to your
position as possible, (b) the law that applies to those facts, and (c) the policy reasons the
case should be decided in your favor. If you are assigned the role of Judge, then you
must deliver the judgment given in the actual case along with a discussion of the
rationale for the decision. Your grade will be based on your comprehension of the case,
the quality of your written brief, the persuasive strength of your oral argument, and your
personal presentation
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5.
Outside Project:
Each student is required to attend a civil matter hearing at the 4th District Court of
Appeals (4th DCA) in downtown San Diego outside of normal class hours, and then
prepare a written report in the form provided on Blackboard and submitted by hard copy
in class. Note that the 4th DCA typically only hears oral arguments the second week of
each month, so plan accordingly (a link to the Court’s calendar is on Blackboard).
Written reports are due any time prior to the conclusion of class on April 17, 2014.
Grading will be pass/fail for the project. It is recommended that students submit their
projects as early as possible so that any problems can be cured before the final deadline.
Alternatively, other special projects (City Council, Coastal Commission, or other
hearings that involve hospitality issues or other matters) may arise during the semester
that may fulfill this requirement. If the option for attending such matters in lieu of a 4th
DCA hearing is given, it will be announced in class and posted on Blackboard (along
with the appropriate forms necessary to complete the project).
6.
Mid-Term Examinations:
Two closed-book mid-term examinations will be given during the semester, on the dates
shown on the course calendar, during the regular class time. The examinations will
include the content of the texts assigned through that date and the contents of lectures.
The first mid-term examination will cover the material presented prior to that date. The
second mid-term examination is not cumulative; it will cover only the material presented
after the first mid-term examination through the date of the second mid-term
examination.
7.
Mock Trial:
In lieu of a final examination, students will participate in a mock trial group
assignment. Students will be divided into groups by the instructor and each group will
be assigned to argue one side of one of two cases and serve as a jury for the other case.
The groups will be presented information concerning their case and then must meet
outside of class to prepare their case for trial. The trials will be presented during the
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final two weeks of class and attendance is mandatory for all trial dates. Additional
particulars concerning the assignment (including groups, presentation dated, grading,
etc.) will be distributed later in the semester. Mr. Hoffman does not currently plan on
giving a final examination, but reserves the right to do so.
8.
Kaleidoscope Competencies:
The course covers a number of the components of the HTM Competency Model:
9.
a.
Planning: The various assignments will help you plan, research, and argue a
position (case assignment), clearly describe an action that occurred (outside
project), or explain the material you are trying to convey (mock trial).
b.
Time Management/Priorities: The various assignments and examinations for
the course, some with conflicting deadlines, will assist in improving your timemanagement skills.
c.
Creative Decision-Making: The case assignment and mock trial will assist you
in developing your ability to draw conclusions and argue creatively in favor of
your position.
d.
Interpersonal Communication: The group assignments will allow you the
opportunity to further develop your ability to work effectively with others.
e.
Superior Technical Service: The bulk of the information learned in this course
is focused on this competency, which will be substantially enhanced.
f.
Networked: This area will be improved through exposure to working
professionals who will attend the class as guest lecturers and panelists and may be
further developed depending on the option selected for your outside project.
g.
Professionalism: This competency will be developed through your oral
presentations in class, your written reports, your attendance at court or a public
hearing, and your interaction with professional guest lecturers and panelists.
Other Information:
a.
Blackboard has this syllabus posted as well as information on the outside projects
and other assignments you will need throughout the semester. Any last-minute
changes to the schedule and all other communications will be via e-mail.
Announcements will also be posted on Blackboard, so please check it frequently.
b.
Additional reading and may be assigned during the semester. Your class
participation grade will be influenced by your overall preparation, including nontext material.
c.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Hoffman at any time via e-mail. Mr. Hoffman will
be available outside of class on an individual basis as needed and as scheduled.
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