SYLLABUS
Survey of Commercial Law
ACCT - Fall 2013
BA 401
MW 5:30 - 6:45
Instructor: Thomas G. Eppink, Juris Doctor
Office: School of Accounting Adjunct Office
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: teppink@eppinklaw.com
I.
Course Description
Survey of Commercial Law is a three credit course that focuses on the legal
environment that graduates can be expected to encounter as they enter the business
world. It is a required course for most students enrolled in the course.
II.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
The overall goal of ACCT 324 is to provide students with the knowledge and basic skills
necessary to enable them to be effective junior professionals in the business
environment as regards the myriad legal issues and challenges that they will encounter.
The measurable learning outcomes used to determine the degree to which this goal is
being met are:
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III.
Students will understand the legal and regulatory regime governing businesses in
the United States with an emphasis on South Carolina law.
Students will understand legal terminology and theory and its application.
Students will be presented with a described factual scenario and select/explain
an appropriate legal outcome.
Students will become acquainted with the complexity of the legal system and
know when it may be appropriate to consult a legal professional.
Students will learn to make legal, ethical, and profitable business decisions.
Required Readings
Dynamic Business Law (Customized) (2nd Ed.)(All assignments are for entire chapters
unless otherwise indicated.)
IV.
Overall Course Structure
ATTENDANCE AND HONOR CODE - I will comply with the university policy regarding
attendance and enforce the university Honor Code (see below). The class will meet 28
times. Because much of the material that will be tested is covered in lectures, it
behooves you to attend class. Having said that, in the event of illness or emergency,
please let me know as soon as possible and I will do my best to work with you.
I reserve the right, in my sole discretion, to lower your final grade by as much as
one half letter grade based on unexcused absences in excess of university
attendance policy. Excused absences are those due to medical reasons, student
organization activities, USC athletics, job interviews, etc.
University of South Carolina Honor Code
"It is the responsibility of every student at the University of South Carolina
Columbia to adhere steadfastly to truthfulness and to avoid dishonesty, fraud, or
deceit of any type in connection with any academic program. Any student who
violates this Honor Code or who knowingly assists another to violate this Honor
Code shall be subject to discipline."
WORKLOAD AND PREPARATION - I expect you to come to class prepared.
"Prepared" means that you have read the assigned materials and are ready to discuss
them in class if called upon to do so.
V.
Course Requirements
EXAMINATIONS, ASSESSMENT, AND GRADING - You will get the grade that you
earn, subject to the School of Accounting class grade average policy. Your final grade
will be determined by your performance on three non-cumulative tests that will be
administered during the semester. Each test will be 50 points each and will constitute
one third of your grade. Your final grade will be determined by the cumulative points
you have earned as follows:
VIII.
135+
A
128-134
B+
120-127
B
113-119
C+
105-112
C
90-104
D
Course Outline
Topics for each class meeting are detailed below. Circumstances may call for an
occasional departure from this schedule. Barring any unforeseen circumstances,
any changes to the schedule will be made in advance.
Mon
Aug 26:
Introduction
Wed
Aug 28:
C.1
C.2
Mon
Sep 02:
LABOR DAY – NO CLASS
Wed
Sep 04:
C.3
The U.S. Legal System
Mon
Sep 09:
C.5
Constitutional Principles
Wed
Sep 11:
C.8
Tort Law
Mon
Sep 16:
C.8
C.9
Tort Law
Negligence and Strict Liability
Wed
Sep 18:
C.9
Negligence and Strict Liability
Mon
Sep 23:
C.10 Product Liability
Wed
Sep 25:
C.12 Intellectual Property
Mon
Sep 30:
TEST No. 1
Wed
Oct 02:
C.13 Introduction to Contracts
C.14 Agreement
Mon
Oct 07:
C.14 Agreement
C.15 Consideration
Wed
Oct 09:
C.15 Consideration
C.16 Capacity and Legality
Mon
Oct 14:
C.16 Capacity and Legality
C.17 Legal Assent
Wed
Oct 16:
C.17 Legal Assent
C.19 Third Party Rights to Contracts
Mon
Oct 21:
C.20 Discharge and Remedies
Introduction to Business Law
Business Ethics
Wed
Oct 23:
C.21 Introduction to Sales and Lease Contracts
C.23 Performance and Obligations under Sales and
Leases
Mon
Oct 28 :
C.18 Remedies for Breach of Sales and Lease Contracts
Wed
Oct 30:
C.19 Warranties
Mon
Nov 04:
TEST No. 2
Wed
Nov 06:
C.33 Agency Formation and Duties
C.34 Liability to Third Parties and Termination
Mon
Nov 11:
C.35 Forms of Business Organization
C.36 Partnerships: Nature, Formation, and Operation
Wed
Nov 13:
C.37 Partnerships: Termination and Limited Partnerships
C.39 Corporations: Directors, Officers and Shareholders
Mon
Nov 18:
C.40 Corporations: Mergers, Consolidations, Terminations
C.41 Corporations: Securities and Investor Protection1
Wed
Nov 20:
C.42 Employment and Labor Law
Mon
Nov 25:
C.43 Employment Discrimination
Wed
Nov 27:
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
Mon
Dec 02:
C.48 The Nature of Property, Personal Property,
and Bailments
C.49 Real Property
Wed
Dec 04:
C.44 Administrative Law
C.45 Environmental Law
Mon
Dec 09:
4:00 Test No. 3