TROY UNIVERSITY *****
LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
SUMMER 2013
SUMMER SYLLABUS
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TROY UNIVERSITY SCOB MISSION STATEMENT
The Sorrell College of Business supports the Troy University mission
by preparing our diverse student body to become ethical
professionals equipped to compete in the global business
environment. To achieve this, our faculty, staff, and administration
will:
1) provide quality education in global business through our
undergraduate and graduate programs, delivered around the
world through face-to-face and online environments, to
traditional, non-traditional, military, and international students;
2) contribute to the development and application of knowledge
focused on applied business, learning, and pedagogical
research;
3) Provide service to the University, business and professional
organizations, and our communities through individual
involvement, business outreach, and our centers for research.
TROY UNIVERSITY SCOB VISION STATEMENT
The Sorrell College of Business will be a recognized and respected
leader for quality and flexibility in the delivery of business education
that prepares graduates to succeed in the global business
environment.
Revised July 2012
LAW 2221
Legal Environment of Business (3)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles, and
rules of law and equity that apply to business activities. This course provides
an overview of law in general, the American legal system, federal and state
court procedures, effects on law-making by legislative, judicial, and
administrative procedures. The course may also include constitutional law,
business ethics, contracts, products liability, sales and commercial paper.
UNDERGRADUATE CATALOGUE 2012 - 2013
COURSE TITLE: LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
BUS LAW
MTWTh 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
BIBB GRAVES ROOM- 241
PRE-REQSITE: Successful completion of English 1102 or 1104
INSTUCTOR: James M. Orendorff, J.D.
OFFICE HOURS – 08:30 AM – 10:30 AM, except when teaching, or by
appointment.008
OFFICE LOCATION –238D BIBB GRAVES
OFFICE TELEPHONE - 334.670.3290
E-MAIL - jmorendorff@troy.edu
TEXT – Beatty and Samulson, ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS LAW 4th edition
Estimated Cost at TROY UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE:
$162.00
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ISBN -13:798- 0-538-47380-4
ISBN -10: 0-538-4738-0
RELATED MATERIALS
The university library, in addition to the Internet, has substantial additional
Informative and instructive materials applicable to the subject matter of this course.
Group study rooms, on an “as available” or reserved basis, are available at the library. Do
not hesitate to make use of the available resources and research facilities, and if in doubt
make inquiry of the instructor.
SUPPORT MATERIAL
There are available to those with appropriate needs, support classes at Computer
Works, Writing Center, Tutorial Lab, ESL and the American Idiom etc. See the instructor
if you are interested in learning more of this assistance.
PROCEDURES
Please note that the student will be provided access to the information
necessary for the student’s development of knowledge and skills of the course.
Development of the knowledge and skills is done by the student not others.
1.
Classes:
Scheduled classes are a combination of the instructor’s
leadership and supervision of class discussion on the applicable chapter material and
presentations.
Extensive use of the Socratic Teaching Method will be made. The method is highly
acclaimed (in the Troy University Blackboard Manual) for teaching non-routine material
and effective development of cognitive skills.
Classes start PROMPTLY AND IS REQUIRED as a professional courtesy to the other
members of the class, and to avoid interruption of the class. A student’s professionalism
not only is evidenced by attending timely but also by being prepared to discuss the
day’s assignment. This includes having read the assigned materials and discussed
them in a study group prior to class.
The Socratic Method requires full class participation; therefore each student is
expected to be prompt, prepared and present.
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Chronic tardiness (more than three times in continuous two week period) or
unexcused absences (more than three times) will result in a negative adjustment of
the student’s grade for the course. Roll is taken at the beginning of class, late
arrival (tardiness) is counted as an absence.
It is the student’s obligation to make himself known to the instructor as part of the
objectives of this course (experience dealing with not only subordinates and peers but
also authority figures).
The instructor’s presentations will not necessarily cover all material of the course
for which the student is held responsible.
3.
Grades:
Due to the nature of the course, grades tend to be
subjectively determined. To overcome this, each student is provided a number of
quizzes, tests, homework assignments and class participation for assessment of the
student’s progress and performance. Receipt of the student’s grade for all except for the
courses final grade is by the student’s meeting with the instructor. In non-graded
presentations the student’s quality of performance and effective use of the principles of
business communication are discussed and personal guidance provided.
It is strongly recommended that a student periodically review his earned grade with the
instructor. In addition to disclosure of graded and non-graded effort, each student should
meet with the instructor to for guidance in use of the principles of business
communication. The final grade for the course will follow a review of the student’s
efforts throughout the semester . Grades are based on the essay examinations and unit
memoranda. The test papers and those of the “practice memoranda” are available for two
weeks following receipt for review and discussion purposes. At the end of such period
(other than records of the earned grade, if applicable, attendance and class participation)
if timely requested they will be returned to the student if requested or destroyed.
Homework assignment participation is noted and provide a convenient basis for
discussion between the student and instructor. While grade evaluation is not part of such
homework, participation is expected and is reflected in the student’s grade for course
participation.
Grades for the semester are:
A – for outstanding performance,
B – for excellent performance,
C – for adequate performance,
D – for barely passing performance, and
F – for failure to perform at an acceptable level.
A timely student inquiry on a course matter is welcomed, during office hours or by
appointment. However, review of documents requires an appointment. Grade
challenge will be considered solely after receipt of the student’s delivery of an
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explanatory memorandum. Dr. Henry M. Findley is Associate Dean, Sorrell College
of Business, and may be contacted in the event resolution is not reached.
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Examinations. Tests may be essay, true/false, quiz, multiple-choice
Questions, oral or a combination of these. Information for the scheduled tests is derived
from the text. Combined grades of quizzes and tests are the greater portion of the
student’s grade. Participation including attendance, contribution to class discussion,
homework assignment preparation and display of a professional attitude maintained by
the student over the semester governs the balance.
There will be the final and four tests, one at the end of each Unit. If there is a conflict,
arrangements may be made for taking the test prior to the test, but not afterwards. There
is no make up for missed examinations or late submissions of course documents.
Once during the semester, if an examination, other than the final, is missed with a
reasonable excuse, it may be substituted with a “take home” test, if well answered it will
be recorded as a “pass,” there is neither a grade nor a missed test. Resolution of
recognition of the status of the missed quiz, test or paper must be resolved within
three days of the missed graded event or it is deemed an “F”.
Some, such as athletes, may have schedule conflicts. The absence may
be excused; however if the date is known in advance the student is required to address
and make arrangements regarding the absence at the first time of such knowledge. In this
way there may be better accommodation. Otherwise the earlier discussion controls.
Excused non-attendance does not excuse knowledge of the content of the missed
class. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this information
5.
Nature of examinations. Written presentations and classroom discussion
participation, whether oral or written are to show use of the text’s principles, independent
analysis and reasoning not merely a review or restatement of another’s work.
Non-graded presentations are to be reviewed by the student and instructor. It is
the student’s responsibility to arrange for the review and performance that will be
reflected in the classroom participation evaluation. There will be evaluated in the
student as follow:
A. Chapter Outline – due on the first date of each chapter’s consideration is
an outline of professional caliber, of not less than 3 pages for each chapter.
B. In addition to lectures there may be case studies. Students must be
prepared to discuss matters raised in each chapter under consideration;
each chapter has several problems stated or case studies.. At least one will
be discussed in class and it will be made know no later than the preceding
class. If a student is not prepared to discuss an assigned problem it will be
treated as an unexcused absence.
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C. A graded memorandum or legal brief, of each subject from the unit being
studied – as assigned by the instructor, is due at the time of the unit test.
D. A graded essay test covering the subject unit
Failure to deliver presentations on time will result in an adjustment of the grade for
the message.
Policies, etc.:
DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DATE DUE.
Plagiarism: All work is expected to be that of the named student(s). Plagiarism and other
forms of fraudulent behavior are not acceptable and such unacceptable behavior will be
appropriately reflected in the student’s grade. For discussion of the school’s anticheating policy and use of its options in the event of a violation, see the Troy University
Student Handbook, “The Oracle.” If warranted, there is an option dismissing the student
from school!
ADA: Any student, whose disabilities fall within ADA, must inform the instructor at the
beginning of the term of any special needs of equipment necessary to accomplish the
requirements of this course. Troy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that
postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic programs,
physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on
the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will be
provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the
provision of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information,
including appropriate contact information, can be found at the link for Troy University’s
Office of Human Resources at ttp://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy2
Other Disabilities:
Students who have or may be dealing with a disability or learning
difficulty should speak with the instructor, contact the Adaptive Needs Office or call 6703220. Various accommodations are available through the Adaptive Needs Program.
The faculty in the School of Business makes every effort to accommodate unique
And special needs of students with respect to language, speech, hearing, vision
seating or other possible disabling conditions. Please notify the instructor the first
class day of any special needs.
Cell Phones and other electronic Devices:
During class TURN THE CELL PHONE
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OFF. Use of any electronic devise by students in the instructional environment is
Prohibited unless explicitly approved on a case-by-case basis by the instructor of record
or by the Office of Disability Services in collaboration with the instructor. Cellular
phones, pagers, and other communication devices may be used for emergencies,
however, but sending or receiving non-emergency messages is forbidden by the
University. Use of a communication device in violation of the Troy University
“Standards of Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action (See the Oracle.)
In order to receive emergency messages from the University or family members,
The call receipt indicator on devices must be in the vibration mode or other
unobtrusive mode of indication. Students receiving calls that they believe to be
emergency calls must answer quietly without disturbing the teaching environment. If the
call is an emergency, they must move unobtrusively and quietly from the instructional
area and notify the instructor as soon as reasonably possible. Students who are expecting
an emergency call should inform the instructor before the start of the instructional period.
Course Schedule
UNIT 1 -- CONTRACTS chapters 9 through 17
UNIT 2 -- COMMERCE
chapters 18 through 26, excluding chapters 23 and 24
UNIT 3 -- GOVERNMENT REGULATION chapters 27 through 34,
excluding chapters 28, 31 and 33
UNIT 4 - LEGAL ENVIRONMENT, chapters 1 through 8 excluding chapters 6, 7, and
8
SUMMER SESSION 2221 MTWTh 4 DAYS PER WEEK 4 WEEKS
June 26 – classes start; July 24 – classes end
DAY 1
June 26
Tuesday
INTRODUCTION TO COURSE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT,
Study in preparation:
REVIEW SYLLABUS & ARTICLES FROM INTERNET
HOW TO STUDY
HOW TO WRITE A MEMORANDUM
HOW TO OUTLINE
HOW TO RESEARCH
CONTRACTS
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LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 9, 10, AND 11
ASSIGNMENT OF UNIT TOPIC FOR BRIEF
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 9, 10, AND 11 READ ARTICLES
DAY 2
June 27
Wednesday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTERS
9, 10 AND 11
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 12, 13, AND 14
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 12, 13, AND 14
DAY 3
June 28
Thursday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTERS
12, 13 AND 14
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 15, 16 AND 17
Study in preparation
Study in preparation:
READ CHAPTERS 15, 16 AND 17
DAY 4
July 1
Monday LEGAL BRIEF DUE – 3 PAGES
TEST 1 – CONTRACTS
COMMERCE
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 18, 19 AND 20
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 18, 19 AND 20
DAY 5
July 2
Tuesday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTERS
18, 19 AND 20
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 21 AND 22
Study in preparation:
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READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 21 AND 22
DAY 6
July 3
Wednesday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTERS
21 AND 22
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 25 AND 26
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 25 AND 26
July 8
DAY 7
Monday LEGAL BRIEF DUE – 3 PAGES
TEST 2 – COMMERCE
GOVERNMENT REGULATION, ENTITIES & PROPERTY
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 27 AND 29
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 27 AND 29
July 9
DAY 8
Tuesday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTERS
27 AND 29
LECTURE 0N CHAPTER 30
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTER 30
July 10
DAY 9
Wednesday
DISCUS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTE 30
LECTURE ON CHAPTERS 32 AND 34
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 32 AND 34
July 11
DAY 10
Thursday LEGAL BRIEF DUE
TEST 3 – GOVT CONTROL
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LECTURE LAW, ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CHAPTERS 1 AND 2
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTERS 1 AND 2
July 15
DAY 11
Monday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTERS
1 AND 2
LECTURE ON CHAPTER 3
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTER 3
July 16
DAY 12
Tuesday
DISCUSS READING AND OUITLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTER 3
LECTURE ON CHAPTER 4
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTER 4
July 17
DAY 13
Wednesday
DISCUSS READING AND OUTLINE, QUIZ ON CHAPTER 4
LECTURE ON CHAPTER 5
Study in preparation:
READ AND OUTLINE CHAPTER 5
July 18
DAY 14
Thursday
DISCUSS AND OUTLINE CHAPTER 5
PREPARE FOR TEST 4
July 22
DAY 15
Monday LEGAL BRIEF DUE
TEST 4- UNIT 4
July 23
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
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DAY 16
July 24
Final
Classes end
Dates of significance SESSION B (also see SUMMER SEMESTER 2013 SCHEDULE
OF CLASSES”):
June 26
June 28
July 4
July 24
Classes Begin
last day to add or drop class
Holliday
Classes End
NOTE:
All documents, on a separate sheet must state in print the (1) name of the
author, (2) the time of the class and (3) the nature of what is being submitted placed in
the upper right hand corner fastened on top to the f the first page of the presentation in
addition to the placement of similar information elsewhere. Failure will result in the
return of the paper unread and unaccepted.
Evaluation of Business Communication
Compose message to impress, persuade and inform through use of form and substance
with clear statement of:
Purpose
Subject
Topic
Audience:
Analyze its needs, interests and abilities
Seize and maintain interest of audience
Phases of presentation:
Introduction and its purpose to provide:
Background
Explanation
Significance
Credibility
Forecast
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Transition to body
Body and its purpose to the present and
Organize information for powerful impact
Keep related points together
Present information logically
Summarize points for benefit of audience
Use techniques generating attention
Transition to conclusion
Conclusion and its purpose to kindle acceptance and action to
Review points of presentation
Summarize importance
Explain benefits to audience
Set time and action to be done
Use this format for all communication not otherwise instructed:
===============================================================
Name & Class Time
LEGAL BRIEF
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Order matters discussed –
1.
2.
3.
4.
RELEVANT FACTS ETC.
ISSUE DISCUSSED
ISSUE RESOLUTION
RATIONALE
Basic Outline
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BODY
3. CONCLUSION
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Use will depend on the purpose of the message.
Reading the listed articles is part of the assignment for Unit 1.
READ THESE ARTICLES -- AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
1. How to Study – Not a bad skill to have – Dr. Robert A.
Hatch
2. How to Write an Outline Marion Cushman
3.
Memoranda Writing J. Patrick Dobel, Richard F.
Elmore and Laurie Werner
4.
How to Research a Paper, 10 Steps
Syllabus RECEIPT
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