The Art Institute of Philadelphia
Version 2
Course: Business Law LS 20620
Session/Year: Fall 2008
Prerequisite:
English Composition I/GE 10110 and English Composition II/GE 10210
Course Length: 11 weeks
Contact Hours: 44
Credit Value: 3
Instructor:
Sharmil McKee
Attorney
McKee Law Office
245 W. Allens Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Office: 215-242-5260
Toll-Free: 1-800-224-1985
Fax: 215-701-7533
Cell: 215-439-5279 (text messages are welcome)
Email: sm@mckeeoffice.com
Student Website: www.mckeeoffice.com/students
Instant Message: sharmilmckee@yahoo.com
Online chat: www.mckeeoffice.com/students (Monday through Friday from 8 am
to 8 pm)
Course Description: This course gives an overview of basic legal principles
related to starting and conducting a business. Topics include legal systems,
litigation, dispute resolution and contracts. The protection of intellectual property,
including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks is also emphasized.
Course Competencies:
1. Articulate the purposes and principles of legal theory governing business.
2. Explain the legal systems as they pertain to starting and running a
business.
3. Identify legal ramifications of various decisions made in a business
context.
4. Identify various avenues for dispute resolution.
5. Describe the steps and processes of litigation
6. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of business documents, such as
contracts and partnership agreement
7. Explain the law and rationale supporting the development of intellectual
property
Textbook: Henry R. Cheeseman, Essentials of Business Law and On-Line
Commerce Law, Pearson/Prentice Hall, Inc. (ISBN 0-13-144047-0) (2005).
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Materials and Supplies: Paper, and pens
Technology Required: Internet Access. www.prenhall.com/cheeseman
Teaching Strategies: Lecture and discussion of assigned reading, homework,
and in-class assignments.
Requirements for Successful Completion: Read assigned text chapters prior
to class, participate in class discussions; complete assignments; and achieve a
passing grade on examinations. Complete the online quizzes prior to class. For
example, Week 3’s reading assignment is Chapter 3. Read Chapter 3 and
complete the quiz for Chapter 3 BEFORE our class meeting during Week 3.
Quizzes are due by Wednesday 8:00 pm.
Attendance Policy: The Art Institute of Philadelphia expects students to attend
all scheduled meetings of each course. At the second absence, I will drop the
student’s grade by one letter grade. Upon the third full absence, I will drop the
student’s grade by another letter grade. On the fourth full absence, the student
will fail the class. Additionally, lateness will be calculated in fifteen (15) minute
increments. As a faculty member, I may use discretion in cases with serious
extenuating circumstances.
Accommodations: If you are a student who has a need for a reasonable
accommodation on a documented disability, please contact me privately either
before or after class to discuss the accommodation. This request ideally should
be made prior to the seating of the second class of the quarter. In order to
receive a reasonable accommodation, you must have the appropriate
documentation on file with the Director of the Academic Achievement Center,
Rena Daniels. Rena may be reached at 215-405-6344 or by email at
radaniels@aii.edu
Homework Requirements: Approximately three to four hours per week.
Grading:
Midterm Exam:
Final Exam:
Classroom Participation (Including Pop Quizzes):
Quizzes from http://www.prenhall.com/cheeseman/
40%
40%
10%
10%
Make-up Exams: None unless you have an official excuse from the Art
Institute. Contact Anita Rudman, Academic Director of General Studies at
arudmen@aii.edu or (215) 567-7080 to request an official excuse.
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Weekly Schedule:
1: Introductions
Reading: None
2. Understanding the Law
Reading: Chapter 1
Business Decision: pg 2 and 23
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 1
3. Dispute Resolution and Business Lawsuits
Reading: Chapter 2
Field Trip: Small Claims Court – 34 S. 11th Street, 4th Floor
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 2
4. Business Crimes and Business Ethics
Reading: Chapter 4, and pages 115 - 116
Business Decision: pg 107 and 132
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 4
5. Business Ethics and Contracts
Reading: Chapter 7 and 8
Business Decision: pg 132 and 154
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 7 and 8
Review for Mid-Term Exam
6. Mid-Term Exams (Open Book and Study Guide)
7. Breach of Contracts
Reading: Chapter 9 and 13
Handout : How to Negotiate Like a Lawyer
Business Decision: pg 176 and 202
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 9 and 13
8. Business Entities
Reading: Chapter 16
Handout: How to Choose the Best Entity for Your Business
Business Decision: pg 369 and 399
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 16
Field Trip: City Hall, Broad and Market, First Floor Visitor’s Center
9. Thanksgiving Break – Take a moment to think about your blessings.
10. Intellectual Property and Copyrights
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Reading: Chapter 22
Handout: Artists: How to Protect Your Work
Business Decision: pg 455 and 531
Multi-Choice Quiz for Chapter 22
Review for Final Exam
11. Final Exam (Open Book and Study Guide)
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