BUSINESS LAW (BUS365)
Syllabus for Fall 2015
Introduction
The class
Business Law is an introduction to the legal issues in business. The class considers selected
business law issues in a variety of formats. The student will be asked to participate in live chat
room discussions on particular cases or problems. The student will review current news articles
discussing the legal environment of business. The student will submit case briefs and analysis of
problems as assigned. The student will participate in testing in different forms, including
multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. The student will author a paper on a business
law topic of his or her own choosing.
The prerequisites for this course are English 101 and preferably junior standing. Because this is
an online course you will need to have access to basic word processing software and be able to
copy and paste text and save files as PDFs
Essentials of Business Law, and the Legal Environment; Mann & Roberts, ISBN#978-1-13318863-6 will be purchased by the student. Specific chapters will be assigned from the
textbook. In each chapter the student will perform various assignments to determine if the
material is being understood. The class will move from the introductory chapters (1-8) into the
specific topics. The class will be presented in sections, which will be open for a particular period
of time, and all of the assignments will be completed within that time frame. The individual
chapter assignments will include a review of vocabulary (quizzes) and answering discussion
questions.
The introductory unit is a very general but a critical survey of the legal process and system.
After the introductory Legal Environment of Business Unit is completed, the class will move on
Unit 2, Contracts, The study of contracts is very broad, generalized and calculated to expose the
student to the formation, interpretation and enforceability of contract issues. Unit 3 will consist
of a study of the various forms of conducting business, sole proprietorships, partnerships,
corporations, limited liability companies and decision making issues. Unit four will cover basic
employment law, and property issues.
Grading will be based on the following:
1. A unit test available after each of the four units. The tests are open book and
will be proctored. They will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and will
cover the information covered in the chapters. Each unit test will be worth
200 points; (I will drop the lowest score and three scores will be counted for
final grading), total points 600. The test will be made available for five days
and require the student to find a proctor site that is approved of through
distance learning. They require one week notice for approval of these
proctors (SEE PROCTOR GUIDELINES FOLDER). For more information
contact Distance Learning at 208-792-2323.
2. There will be a quiz after every chapter; the quizzes are meant as a self study
and will not count toward your final grade.
3. A paper discussing a current legal issue affecting American business. The
paper may be turned in any time after the completion of Unit three and no
later than November 22, 2014. The paper is worth 200 points.
4. I will assign questions for discussion based on each chapters reading; these
discussions will take place in the discussion module and each student is expected to
make at least 2 postings (one answering the question posed and one replying to
another student’s response) for each chapter. The postings will help generate a better
understanding of the legal issues presented in the question. The discussion posting
are worth 20 points per week; for maximum points postings should be at least 50
words in length. Remember that all students need to be respectful of other’s
statements. Use proper grammar and punctuation. I strongly suggest drafting your
postings in Word and saving a copy to the computer and then copy/paste into
Blackboard.
As you know this course is an online course and you will be expected to use
Blackboard’s technology to complete this course. You will find all the
information for assignments discussion postings etc through the “Course
Homepage.”. For more information on using these Blackboard tools go to “Read
This First” located on the Course Homepage.
Instructor expectations
This class is a survey of various legal issues in the business environment. The class is not
intended to answer specific legal question that you may have, but is instead intended to help you
spot legal issues, understand legal analysis and gain an appreciation of the unique American
legal system. The formal objectives of the class are:
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To be exposed to the various areas of the law that affect business.
To be able to recognize legal problems.
To understand how the American legal system works.
To improve the ability to think and to analyze problems.
To learn general concepts about the law that every citizen should know.
To understand legal reasoning.
You should analyze each problem for purposes of coming to a conclusion. For
discussion postings is not so important that you get to what I might think is the right answer, it is
more important that you apply the law to the facts of the problem and in doing so come to a
conclusion. I am interested in your analysis, which is the process of thinking aloud, expressed
by your written answer to the problem assigned to you. This analytical procedure is called
IRAC. Spot the Issue, list the Rule of law (and the elements) that applies to that issue, give a
brief Analysis of the law based upon the facts of the case (using the elements as support) , and
give a Conclusion based upon the specific facts. Anytime there is binding authority (case law by
a higher court that is on point) make sure that you utilize this to argue your conclusion in the
analysis stage. If there is persuasive authority (case law from same court level and/or from other
districts) you can use it to argue your points as well remembering that the courts do not have to
follow that case law. Arguing both sides is always the best way to gain full points.
Academic Integrity/ Professionalism:
Academic dishonesty of any type will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to
plagiarism and copying others responses during exams.
It is anticipated that each chapter assigned will be read in a timely fashion and the student
will have wrestled with whatever issues may be presented by the assigned readings. Ordinarily
in the classroom, you all would participate in discussions of the cases or problems assigned in
the text. In this context you will discuss the problems or cases by posting your presentation of
the problem assigned for each chapter on a weekly basis. Remember that all students need to be
respectful of other’s statements. Use proper grammar and punctuation. I strongly suggest
drafting your postings in Word and saving a copy to the computer and then copy/paste into
Blackboard.
About Instructor
The Instructor
My name is Randy Eriksen, I am an professor at LCSC and I currently teach business law live
and online, and Tax Law. I am a graduate of the U of Idaho College of Law and have a BS in
Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis from LCSC. I have worked for local accounting
firms, and for local law firms. I am very good at getting back to students within a small period
of time. Additionally you can come by my office at LC in the Thomas Jefferson Hall (Room
203) or call me at 208-792-2426. My e-mail address is rweriksen@lcsc.edu. The best way to
reach me is to e-mail me via the Blackboard program.
This course is still in development. There may be changes as we go along. Your comments,
suggestions, and positive criticisms will be appreciated.
Business Law (BUS365)
Paper
Due:
November 22
Subject:
The discussion of an issue relating to Business and the Law.
Suggestions:
The paper is intended to give you an opportunity to explore or develop a topic or area in the legal
environment of business that you find interesting. No particular topic will be assigned to you nor
does the topic have to be one that we cover in class. You can review newspapers or magazines
for potential topics if nothing in your own experience or that we discuss in class appeals to
you. For example, you can write about your own work environment or your family’s business
experiences BUT make sure you cover the “LEGAL” issues and not only the social or personal.
Instructor's Approval:
No advance approval of paper topics is necessary or required. You can discuss proposed topics
after class or by e-mail if you would like some feedback prior to beginning.
Formal Requirements:
Your paper must be without exception typewritten and at least six pages in length (Space and a
Half). A bibliography is helpful but is not absolutely necessary. However if the ideas that you
express in the paper are not yours, you should give credit where credit is due. Plagiarism has no
place in the study of business law.
Grading Expectations:
Your grade will be awarded based on the following considerations:
1. How well is your topic developed?
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Is the discussion focused on a manageable subject?
Does the paper demonstrate your focus?
2. Did you wrestle with your topic?
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Was there some analytical thought expressed?
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Was there an analysis of an issue or a set of facts?
3. Did you demonstrate an understanding of the legal issue or the business issue?
4. Did you explain what it was you were going to discuss and why?
5. Do you offer a conclusion?
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Does your paper end with a point? (For example, I learned this or I have
this point to make.) Sample of grade sheet:
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Student:
Assignment: Paper for B-Law
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Meeting Requirements
(number of pages, Spacing,
Citing sources, Etc):
30
Grammar (readable):
40
Legal Topic Fully Covered:
50
Quality of paper
(interesting, and well written):
80
Total Points:
200
Points Possible
Comments:
Earned
BUSINESS LAW (BUS365-60-On-line) CALENDAR
Fall 2013
Section One:
Week One
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning
Take Quiz for chapter 1
Discussion Question Introduce yourself give some things looking to get out of
class DUE Sept 06
Chapter 2 – Business Ethics
Discussion Question 7, page 23 DUE August 30
Take Quiz for chapter 2
Week Two
Chapter 3- Civil Dispute Resolution
Discussion Question 7 page 66 DUE Sept 06
Take Quiz for chapter 3
Chapters 4 – Constitutional Authority to Regulate Business
Discussion Question 2, page 83 DUE Sept 06
Take Quiz for chapter 4
Week Three
Chapter 5 – Administrative Law
Discussion Question 7, page 98 DUE Sept 13
Take Quiz for chapter 5
Chapter 6 – Criminal Law
Discussion Question 4, page 113 DUE Sept 13
Take Quiz for chapter 6
Week Four
Chapter 7- Intentional Torts
Discussion Question 11, page 131 DUE Sept 20
Take Quiz for chapter 7
Chapter 8 – Negligence and Strict Liability
Discussion Question 16, page 153 DUE Sept 20
Take Quiz for chapter 8
1st Exam Available September 16th through 22nd
Section Two
CONTRACTS:
Week Five
Week Six:
Chapter 9- Contracts
Discussion Question 11, page 167 DUE Sept 27
Take Quiz for chapter 9
Chapter 10 - Mutual Assent
Discussion Question 1, page 184 DUE Sept 27
Take Quiz for chapter 10
Chapter 11 - Conduct Invalidating Assent
Discussion Question 16, page 201 DUE Oct 04
Take Quiz for chapter 11
Chapter 12 - Consideration
Discussion Question 4, page 217 DUE Oct 04
Take Quiz for chapter 12
Week Seven:
Chapter 13 – Illegal Bargains
Discussion Question 5, page 231 DUE Oct 11
Take Quiz for chapter 13
Chapter 14 – Contractual Capacity
Discussion Question 5, page 243 DUE Oct 11
Take Quiz for chapter 14
Week Eight:
Chapter 17 – Performance, Breach, and Discharge
Discussion Question 1, page 295 DUE Oct 18
Take Quiz for chapter 17
Chapter 18 – Contract Remedies
Discussion Question 3, page 313 DUE Oct 18
Take Quiz for chapter 18
2nd Exam Available October 14th through 20th
Section Three
SALES:
Week Nine:
Week Ten:
Chapter 19 – Introduction to Sales
Discussion Question 3, page 334 DUE Oct 25
Take Quiz for chapter 19
Chapter 20 Performance
Discussion Question 19, page 354 DUE Oct 25
Take Quiz for chapter 20
Chapter 21 – Transfer of Title Risk of Loss
Discussion Question 11, page 369 DUE Nov 01
Take Quiz for chapter 21
Chapter 22 – Product Liability
Discussion Question 5, page 390 DUE Nov 01
Take Quiz for chapter 22
NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS:
Week Eleven:
Chapter 24 – Form and Content
Discussion Question 12, page 430 DUE Nov 08
Take Quiz for chapter 24
Chapter 25 – Transfer and Holder in Due Course
Discussion Question 21, page 457 DUE Nov 08
Take Quiz for chapter 25
3rd Exam Available November 04 – 10th
Section Four
REGULATION OF BUSINESS:
Week Twelve:
Chapter 41 – Employment Law
Discussion Question 21, page 833 DUE Nov 15
Take Quiz for chapter 41
Chapter 44 – Consumer Protection
Discussion Question 19, page 884 DUE Nov 15
Take Quiz for chapter 44
Week Thirteen :
PROPERTY
Chapter 45 – Environment Law
Discussion Question 8, page 904 DUE Nov 22
Take Quiz for chapter 45
Paper Due November 22
Chapter 47 – Introduction to Property
Discussion Question 29, page 948 DUE Nov 22
Take Quiz for chapter 48
Week Fourteen:
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Week Fifteen:
Chapter 48 – Interests in Real Property
Discussion Question 15, page 967 DUE Dec 06
Take Quiz for chapter 48
Chapter 49 – Transfer and Control of Real Property
Discussion Question 15, page 982 DUE Dec 06
Take Quiz for chapter 49
FINAL Dec 9 – 15th
Accommodation Notice:
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or if you have
emergency medical information to share with me, please make an appointment to talk
with me. I can be reached at rweriksen@lcsc.edu or by telephone 208-792-2426. The
best time to contact me by phone is morning or early afternoon.
LCSC Disability Services for Students: http://www.lcsc.edu/osl/ada.htm
Technical Support:
For help with Blackboard:
o Blackboard helpdesk phone: 208-792-2635
o Blackboard helpdesk email: blackboard@lcsc.edu
o Helpdesk hours: M-F from 8am-5pm, PST
o Distance Learning website: http://www.lcsc.edu/dl/
For help with LCMail and WarriorWeb:
o IT Helpdesk phone: 208-792-2231
o IT Helpdesk email: helpdesk@lcsc.edu
o IT Helpdesk hours: M-F from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm
o IT Helpdesk website: http://www.lcsc.edu/it/helpdesk.asp
Academic Support Services:
 TRIO Academic Services: http://www.lcsc.edu/sss/
 LCSC Library: http://www.lcsc.edu/library/
 Purdue Online Writing Lab (citations and referencing): http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
LCSC Student Support Services: http://www.lcsc.edu/studentservices/
LCSC Student Code of Conduct: http://www.lcsc.edu/Catalog/ss/code-of-conduct.htm
Syllabus Addendum
Consumer Information
In 2008, the federal government required all post-secondary institutions offering federal financial aid programs to
provide key data to both prospective and current students. To comply with this requirement, Lewis-Clark State
College has developed a consumer information page, which may be accessed at http://www.lcsc.edu/studentconsumer-information/
Disability Accommodations
Students requiring special accommodations or course adaptations due to a disability and/or a health-related issue
should consult their course instructors and the LCSC Student Counseling Center immediately (RCH 111, 792-2211).
Official documentation may be required in order to provide an accommodation and/or adaptation.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students have the responsibility for knowing their program requirements, course requirements, and other
information associated with their enrollment at LCSC. Students should review the LCSC General Catalog
(http://webdev.lcsc.edu/catalog and the LCSC Student Handbook (http://www.lcsc.edu/media/1152314/13-14Student-Handbook-Revised.pdf) for more information.
Accidents/Student Insurance
Students participating in LCSC classes normally must look to their personal health insurance policy (Student Health
Insurance Plan or comparable private coverage) should an accident occur. In the event of an accident, please seek
medical help, if necessary, and report the incident to LCSC Security (792-2226). Fieldtrips or other special student
activities may also require students to submit a signed participation waiver (forms can be obtained from the
supporting Division Office).
Enrollment Verification/Attendance
Students who are not actively pursuing their classes may have to repay part or all of their financial aid awards
depending upon the circumstances.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating and plagiarism, is not tolerated at LCSC. Individual faculty members
will impose their own policies and sanctions regarding academic dishonesty. Students who are accused of being
academically dishonest may be referred to the VP for Student Affairs for official disciplinary action.
Illegal File Sharing
Students using LCSC’s computers and/or computer network must comply with the college’s appropriate use policies
and are prohibited from illegally downloading or sharing data files of any kind. Specific information about the
college’s technology policies and its protocols for combating illegal file sharing may be found on the VP for Student
Affairs’ web page (http://www.lcsc.edu/student-affairs/student-code-of-conduct/ ).
Diversity Vision Statement
Regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation, you will
be treated and respected as a human being.
Disclosures
During this course, if you elect to discuss information with me which you consider to be sensitive or personal in
nature and not to be shared with others, please state this clearly. Your confidentiality in these circumstances will be
respected unless upholding that confidentiality could reasonably put you, other students, other members of the
campus community, or me in danger. In those cases or when I am bound by law to report what you have told me,
such as incidents involving sexual assault or other violent acts, I will submit a report to appropriate campus
authorities.
Updated January 2014
Component
Hours
A.
Accounting (ACT)
1
B.
Marketing (MKT)
1
C.
Finance (FIN)
3
D.
Management
1.
Management Principles (MGT)
4
2.
Organizational Behavior (OB)
2
3.
Human Resource Management (HRM)
4
4.
Operations Management (OM)
1
Total Management
E.
Economic/Social/Legal Environment
1.
Legal Environment of Business (LAW)
2.
Economics (ECN)
0
3.
Business Ethics (ETH)
2
Total Economic/Social/Legal Environment
F.
11
26
28
Decision-Support Tools
1.
Information Systems (IS)
0
2.
Quantitative Methods/Statistics (QM)
0
Total Decision-Support Tools
0
G.
Global Dimensions of Business (GLOB)
1
H.
Integrative Experience (INT)
0
Total Contact Hours
45