INTRODUCTION TO LAW COURSE DESCRIPTION
“G” Elective Course articulated with Humphrey’s College, CSU & UC
Lynn Huggins, Business and Law Academy
Institute for Global Commerce and Government
Merrill F. West High School
(209) 830-3380
lhuggins@tusd.net
Office Hours 11:00-11:45 a.m. Mon.
11-12 Noon Tues. thru Fri.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
Welcome! Understanding Business and Personal Law introduces students to the essential legal topics, ranging
from the U. S. Constitution to corporate expansion and regulation. Students will develop fundamental knowledge of
legal regulations, which govern modern society, which includes thoughtful coverage of Internet privacy and
security, ethics, domestic violence, drug use, and computer crime. In-depth exploration of contracts, agency,
negotiable instruments, business associations, and bailments is provided. Personal Law topics include buying and
insuring a car, renting an apartment, buying a home, marriage, divorce, and the use of personal credit. Some of the
most common crimes and torts are discussed, including traffic violations, drunk driving, search and seizure laws,
vandalism, and shoplifting. Students will acquire thorough knowledge of introductory law and be encouraged to
demonstrate their knowledge by critically analyzing relevant case studies.
Computer application skills are infused into the course designed to give students basic knowledge about computers
in the world through hands-on experience. In this course the student will refine and advance computer application
skill proficiency. The student will increase information technology skills using a suite of software. The technology
emphasis will be on increasing application of technology skills in written communications and multi-media
presentations while studying Business and Personal Law concepts.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Understanding Business & Personal Law, 11th Edition, Glencoe/McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-826610-6
Students are required to come to class with a pen, pencil, and notebook paper. Student printouts of assignments and
any materials distributed should be kept in an appropriate place, such as a binder, and brought to class daily.
Students are to maintain technology equipment according to TUSD computer policies.
Textbook Management Policy: All students must bring their textbook and workbook to class on a daily basis.
Students need to cover books and maintain control of textbooks and workbooks at all times. Any textbooks or
workbooks left in the class are left at the student’s risk and will need to be replaced if missing or damaged. No class
sets are available for business courses.
Understanding Business & Personal Law GOALS
I)
Understanding the Law and Our Legal System
a) Define Ethics
b) Identify and Explain Sources of the Law
c) Define A Dual Court System
d) Define and Outline Basic Trial Procedures
e) Define What Constitutes a Crime
f) Examine and Analyze Crime Case Studies
g) Define Intentional Torts
h) Define Negligence and Strict Liability
II) Understanding and Entering Into Contracts
a) Explain Genuine Agreement and define fraud and misrepresentation
b) Identify and define Mistake, Duress, and Undue Influence
c) Explain Contractual Capacity and Capacity to Contract
d) Identify and Describe Agreements that Violate Statutes
e) Identify and Describe Agreements Contrary to Public Policy
f) Explain Performance and Agreement
g) Explain Impossibility of Performance and Operation of Law
h) Explain Transfer of Contracts and Remedies for Breach
III) Understanding Consumer Law
a) Understand the concept of the Sale or Lease of Goods
b) Explain Ownership and Risk of Loss in Sales or Goods
c) Identify Legal Fundamentals of E-Commerce and the Law
d) Describe Consumer Protection and Product Liability Regulations
e) Explain Legal Regulations involved in Owning a Vehicle
f) Explain Motor Vehicle Insurance Regulations
g) Define Personal Property and Bailments
IV) Understanding Creation of an Agency
a) Describe the Principle Agent Relationship
b) Explain Creation and Types of Agents
c) Explain Agency Relationships and Terminations
d) Describe Fundamental Employment Law concepts
e) Explain Employment Protection and Equal Opportunity Laws Regulating Discrimination
V) Understanding Legal Implications of Credit
a) Define Credit
b) Discuss Credit Protection Laws and Managing Your Debts
c) Identify Purpose and Types of Negotiable Instruments
d) Identify Requirements of Negotiability, Transferring, Collecting, and Liabilities of Parties
VI) Understanding Business Ownership
a) Define Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, and Corporation
b) Identify forms of Financing Corporations
c) Describe Corporate Expansion Regulations
VII) Understanding the legal aspects of Marriage and Divorce
a) Define Marriage
b) Explain Marriage Laws
c) Explain Divorce Settlements
d) Describe Rental Agreements Responsibilities of Landlord and Tenant
e) Identify Housing Alternatives and Explain the Home Purchasing Process and legalities
f) Identify and Describe Required Insurance Protection
g) Explain Options in Retirement Plans and Beneficiaries
h) Explain and Describe Wills and Estate Planning Options
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COMPUTER LITERACY PERFORMANCE GOALS
1.
The student will successfully demonstrate responsibility in proper use and care for equipment including:
computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, diskettes, and related equipment.
2.
The student will be able to keyboard by touch typing: words, sentences, paragraphs and reports containing
vocabulary found in the course of routine business operations.
3.
The student will demonstrate the ability to use a word processing program. The student will be given sample
letters, reports, and various other documents that then will be arranged in basic business format.
4.
The student will apply word processing skills to an assignment from another class.
5.
The student will gain a basic knowledge of computers and their application in the modern world.
6.
The student will use internet sites appropriately and complete tutorials provided by ThinkQuest/StockQuest,
Computer Application Skills, Micro Type Pro, Key Champ, or SAM & TOM during any free time at an
independent level as monitored by the business lab instructor.
COMPUTER POLICIES & NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES BEYOND TUSD’S ACCEPTABLE USE
AGREEMENT –AUA. NO USE OF ANY PRIVATE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AT ANY TIME
ARE PERMITTED.
All computer classes at West High School are held in computer laboratories (labs). The computers in the labs are
interconnected through a Computer Network. This is a very sophisticated system and simulates the business-like
environment that students will find in the business community. Because of the complexity of the computer network,
it is mandatory that all students strictly follow the instructions of the teacher at all times.
Violation of the WHS Technology Agreement can result in restriction from TUSD computer use and may result in
removal from a computer based course.
Students are expected to:
1.
Exhibit behavior that is conducive to a learning environment at all times while in the computer lab.
2.
Obey all rules and guidelines as stated in the District’s Computer Use Agreement.
3.
Remain in the Microsoft Windows Program areas that are set aside for student access.
4.
Never disconnect or remove any computer devices (mouse) or cables from the computer network.
5.
Any mishandling or destruction of equipment or class set textbook in the computer lab will be dealt with
immediately and severely. Students will be assigned a computer seat by number and corresponding
textbook for that computer station. Students may only use their computer station and accompanying
texts. Any damage must be reported immediately or it will be assumed that it occurred during your use.
CLASS PROCEDURES
Students are expected to:
1.
Come to class prepared to learn.
2.
Follow the teacher’s directions, pay attention, and stay on task.
3.
Begin work as soon as the class period begins.
4.
Get your daily assignment from the board.
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5.
Be responsible for saving work frequently during class period.
6.
Restroom passes will be issued only in case of emergencies. Students are to plan to use restrooms during
passing, break, or lunch recesses. If you know that you are ill, notify the teacher immediately and sign out of
class on the Class Log listing where you are going and document your time leaving, returning, and reason for
trip. Students always need a pass to leave class for any reason. Any passes requested by a student for personal
reasons requiring a student to leave class will be counted as a tardy.
7.
Do not ask to go to the office or to see a counselor during the class period. You are to conduct this type of
business during breaks, lunch, and before and after school.
CLASS RULES
1. Respect your fellow students’ right to learn.
2.
Treat everyone the way you want to be treated
3.
KEEP ALL FOOD, DRINKS, GUM AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS OUT OF THE COMPUTER LAB!
THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
4.
Do not talk while the teacher is talking. You must raise your hand and then be given permission to speak.
5.
Remain in your seat at all times. You must be given permission to leave your assigned seat for any reason.
In addition, students are expected to comply with all the rules found in the West High School Student
Handbook and the Tracy Public Schools Computer Agreement.
CONSEQUENCES
If a student chooses not to follow the established class or school rules, appropriate actions will be taken. The
sequence of actions is listed below. Severe disruptions will result in an immediate referral to office.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Verbal Warning
Discussion of the offense and expected change in behavior.
A call to the student’s parents or guardian.
Detention*
Referral to the Office*
*Parents or guardian will be notified.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES
Attendance: A student’s academic success is directly related to their attendance. Because this is a skills based class,
student success is directly dependent on the time they spend practicing their computer skills. Therefore, regular
attendance is a vital part of the curriculum.
Tardies: A student’s future success as an employee is heavily based on their ability to get to work on time. This
also applies to academic success. Students are expected to be in their seats, quiet, and ready to work when class
begins or they are considered tardy. The school’s attendance and tardy policies will be strictly enforced. These
are vital work habits for students to learn. 1-4 consequences are to tidy up and push in chairs before leaving
lab.
TARDY POLICY AND CONSEQUENCES AT WEST HIGH SCHOOL
A little late is too late! Every instructional minute counts and student tardiness interferes with the learning
process. Please be respectful of your teacher and fellow classmates and be on time to class. Specific tardy
policies and procedures are as follows:
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1.
A tardy is defined as arrival to class within the first ten (10) minutes after the tardy bell rings. Students
must be in their seats when the tardy bell rings. Arrival to class 10 to 29 minutes after the tardy bell
will constitute a late. Arrival to class 30 minutes or later will constitute an unexcused absence.
# TARDY
CONSEQUENCE(S)
1 -4
Teacher Discretion ….teacher records the tardy in the roll book and AERIES ; notify the
student ; include the tardy #.
Teacher discretion can include verbal warning; teacher detention; Natural
Consequences/Grade Impact; seat change; extra assignment/packets; conference; &
others (as approved by site administration). Teachers are expected to specify any 4
options when writing their syllabus
A Good faith attempt to contact parent (date and time) is required prior to 5th tardy
referral to the office
5
6
7
8+
Referral to Assistant Principal’s office for administrative/lunch detention or Assign a day of
Saturday School ( Site Choice). Parents notified by the teacher. Student returns back to class
after detention/Saturday School day is assigned.
Referral to Assistant Principal’s office. Student assigned to In-House Suspension/ a day of
Saturday School ( Site Choice) and placed on a DART. Parents notified by the AP. Student sent
back to class after HIS/Saturday School day has been assigned.
Referral to Assistant Principal. Off-campus suspension. Parents contacted by AP.
Off-campus suspension. Parents contacted by AP.
A student late to class by 10 minutes or more will be termed “late” and will receive appropriate tardy
consequence. Tardy consequences will be assigned on per period basis.
The tardy count starts at zero at the beginning of each quarter.
Discipline & Tardy Policy as outlined in the WHS Student handbook:
DISCIPLINE POLICY AND CONSEQUENCES AT WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Offense #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7+
Teacher Consequences
Teacher consequence – may include verbal warning, seat change, conference, packet work, teacher
detention. Teacher makes contact with parent.
Teacher consequence – may include verbal warning, seat change, conference, packet work, teacher
detention. Teacher makes contact with parent.
Referral to counselor; teacher and counselor make contact with parent. Discipline & Attendance
Review Team (DART) held.
Referral to administration for assignment of detention. Student may be returned to classroom once
detention has been assigned. OR Teacher suspension from class (Documented in accordance with
Ed. Code 48910: as soon as possible the teacher shall ask the parent or guardian to attend a parent/
teacher conference regarding the suspension.)
Administrative Consequences
Assignment of Saturday School (2 - 4 hr. assignment; 8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Full day placement in-house suspension (held on Friday during normal school hours)
Home suspension with parent conference.
ASSIGNMENTS AND HOMEWORK POLICY
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
All class assignments and homework due dates will be posted on the board.
Ample time will be given to complete each assignment.
Assignments must be completed in class, observable by instructor to receive credit stamp.
Students must bring their own textbook to class each day to receive credit stamp.
Keep all work for the entire semester. Your assignments are a vital resource to study for tests and quizzes.
In the event of an error, you will need your assignment as proof of the error before the grade will be changed.
All computer assignments must be done in the lab while under the supervision of the instructor.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is in keeping with the policies of the business
world to get your work done on time.
MAKE-UP WORK
Excused Absences: All students with an excused absence will be allowed to turn in make-up work. The amount of
time allowed to make up this work will be equal to the time absent.
School Approved Activities: All students attending school-approved activities will be allowed to make-up work
based on the same criteria described in “Excused Absences.” Students must notify the instructor before attending
school activities.
Unexcused Absences: Students who miss class because they are on out of school suspension will not be given any
time extension to complete their assignments and may not make-up quizzes or tests. Students who miss class
because of tardiness, in-school suspension, or other disciplinary reasons will be allowed to turn in make-up work.
The amount of time allowed to make up this work will be equal to the time absent.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be based on total points earned divided by total points possible.
The points received will then be applied to the following point scale:
94-100%
90-93%
88-89%
83-87%
80-82%
A
AB+
B
B-
78-79%
73-77%
70-72%
68-69%
63-67%
C+
C
CD+
D
60-62%
0-59%
DF
The quarter grades will count 80% toward the semester grade, and the class final will count 20% toward the
semester grade. Grade printouts will be issued throughout the semester.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Cheating will not be tolerated. Any student who cheats on an assignment, quiz, or test will receive a zero, and the
administration will be notified for action in accordance with the Student Handbook
Homework Policy IN COMPLIANCE WITH TUSD BOARD POLICY 6154:
Per night, 9-12 students will typically average two hours of homework per night. 9-12 students
may be given limited homework on holidays and weekends to meet course objectives and
acquisition of skills.
 Students in advanced classes may receive more homework, including summer reading.
 Unfinished classroom work may be sent home to be completed but should not be required
in addition to homework. Unfinished classroom work can be done at recess and after
school.
 Regular reading at home on a nightly basis is encouraged but not required in addition to
the assigned homework.
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FIILM, MEDIA CLIP, & WEB SITE TECHNOLOGY & COURSE SYLLABUS AGREEMENT &
PERMISSION FORM & NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES BEYOND TUSD’S ACCEPTABLE USE
AGREEMENT –AUA. NO USE OF ANY PRIVATE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AT ANY TIME
ARE PERMITTED.
I have read and understand the rules, procedures, and policies required in International Business, Business
Law/Intro to Law, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurship and Economics, and/or Criminal Justice/Law Order
and Public Policy, Computer Literacy/ Merrill F. West High School’s Academy for Business and Law and
agree to comply with all the computer policies of the Tracy Unified School District as well as policies
contained in the West High School Student Handbook. My Student has permission to view business related
web sites, films, and media clips that include Court TV as assigned by and supervised by the instructor only.
I give permission to be contacted by e-mail regarding school affairs at the e-mail provided below.
STUDENT INFORMATION
XX________________________________/________
***Student Signature
Date
Home Address:___________________________________________________
Print Student Name
Period:_______________
__________________________________________
Home Number: _____________________________Cell:__________________
PARENT GUARDIAN INFORMATION
XX________________________________/________
***Parent Signature
Date
Home Address:___________________________________________________
Print Parent/Guardian Name(s)
_____________________________________
e-mail for contact:________________________________________________
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