eTROY
LAW 2221—LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS
TERM 2, 2015-2016
For course syllabus posted prior to the beginning of the term, the instructor reserves the right to make
minor changes prior to or during the term. The instructor will notify students, via e-mail or Blackboard
announcement, when changes are made in the requirements and/or grading of the course.
Instructor Information
Robert L. Shoop
1922 Calle de Seville
Colorado Springs, CO 80904-4210
719-473-4923
rshoop@troy.edu; backup—BobShoop@aol.com
Instructor Education
Bachelor of Arts—The Colorado College, 1976
Juris Doctor—Santa Clara University School of Law, 1980
Master of Arts in Education—University of Phoenix, 2008
Associate Chair
Dr. Dennis Self—selfd@troy.edu
This information is provided in the event you cannot resolve a
situation with me. PLEASE do not contact Dr. Self
with a question, problem or concern unless you have
first contacted me and you have not received a
response from me within 48 hours, or you do not
agree with my response
Course Description: 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 lawLA2221
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making by legislative, judicial and administrative procedures. The course
may also include constitutional law, business ethics, contracts, products
liability, sales and commercial paper.
Course Objectives:
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize and understand the scope, extent and importance of law.
2.
Define and differentiate between the various classifications and
sources of law.
3.
Incorporate business ethics to business principles.
4.
Explain and apply basic constitutional rights conferred to U.S.
citizens.
5.
Know the functions of the federal and state court systems and their
procedures.
6.
Name, classify and describe the different types of contracts.
7.
Identify the elements to a valid contract, breach and remedies
afforded.
8.
Demonstrate analytical skills and reasoning power.
Purpose: To help relate the law to everyday life and to the business world,
by conveying the essentials of business law. This course takes the position
that students should more aware of their rights both as citizens and
businesspersons. They should be able to apply basic principles learned in
the course to situations faced in day-to-day business operations. This
course should also enable students to use their knowledge to function
either as part of a company or as an entrepreneur.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Course Prerequisites
None
Specific Course Requirements
Weekly Discussion Questions posted to Blackboard
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A term paper
A Midterm Exam
A Final Exam—DONE THROUGH TROY
Research Component
A term paper on business law topic of your choosing; the paper must be in
APA format; 8-10 pp. of text. You may consult the instructor for assistance
in choosing a topic.
Entrance Competencies
An open mind; willingness to learn & participate
Required Textbooks
Text: Sean P. Melvin, Michael A. Katz, The Legal Environment of Business:
A Managerial Approach: Theory to Practice, McGraw Hill, Second Edition,
ISBN: 978-0-07-802380-4.
The textbook provider for the eTROY of Troy University is MBS Direct. The
Web site for textbook purchases is http://www.mbsdirect.net/Index.htm
Students should have their textbook by the first week of class. Not having
your textbook is not an acceptable excuse for late work. Students who add
this course late should refer to the “Late Registration” section for further
guidance.
Supplementary Materials
Any materials needed will be distributed by the instructor
Attendance Policy
In addition to interaction via Blackboard and e-mail contact, students are
required to contact the instructor via e-mail or telephone by the first day of
the term for an initial briefing. Although physical class meetings are not
part of this course, participation in all interactive, learning activities is
required.
Submitting Assignments
Discussion board questions will be posted on Blackboard; the exams will
be done through Blackboard; the term paper must be sent to the instructor
at rshoop@troy.edu & backup to BobShoop@aol.com.
Make-Up Work Policy
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Missing any part of this schedule may prevent completion of the course. If
you foresee difficulty of any type (i.e., an illness, employment change,
etc.) which may prevent completion of this course, notify the instructor as
soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in failure for an assignment
and/or failure of the course. (See “Attendance” Policy.) If I have not heard
from you by the deadline dates for assignments, exams, or forums, no
make-up work will be allowed (unless extraordinary circumstances exist,
such as hospitalization). Requests for extensions must be made in advance
and accompanied by appropriate written documentation. “Computer
problems” is not an acceptable excuse.
Method of Evaluation
Midterm Exam—30%
Final Exam—30%
Term Paper—30%
Discussion—10%
Examination Schedule and Instructions
You will have two (2) exams & a term paper. The exams may be multiple
choice, short answer, true/false, short essay, or any other question type.
Midterm: Due to me NOT LATER THAN 11:59 PM Central Time, Saturday,
November 15, 2015. You will have a three (3) hour grace period until 3:00
AM Central Time Sunday, November 16, 2015. Any exam received after
3:00 AM Central Time on Sunday, November 16, 2015, will be penalized
5% for every hour that the exam is submitted past the end of the grace
period. CONDITIONS: open books & notes, anything you have prepared
yourself, NOT proctored.
Final Exam: THIS WILL BE DONE THROUGH TROY UNIVERSITY—IT WILL BE
PROCTORED. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY TROY REGARDING THIS EXAM.
Term Paper: Due to me NOT LATER THAN 11:59 PM Central Time, Saturday,
December 6, 2015. You will have a three (3) hour grace period until 3:00
AM Central Time Sunday, December 7, 2015. Any exam received after 3:00
AM on Sunday, December 7, 2015, will be penalized 5% for every hour that
the exam is submitted past the end of the grace period. INFORMATION—
paper must be 8-10 pp. of text in APA format. Topic: any business law topic
of your choosing. If you are having difficulty choosing a topic, contact me.
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Important Policies & Procedures
A number of important policy items that apply to all eTROY classes are included in
the Policies and Procedures folder under the Syllabus button in this course.
Students should read and be familiar with these and other policies:
Late Registration, Incomplete Grade Policy, TROY e-mail, Internet
Access, Student Expectations, Plagiarism
COURSE SCHEDULE
Dates
Assignments
Week 1
Post Biography in Discussion board
Review course requirements and APA Guidelines
October
12,2015
Read Chapters 1,2, 3 & 4 from text; OMIT CHAPTER 5.
Come up with a topic to research and submit to instructor
Post Introductions to self & post answers to discussion questions
Week 2
October 19,
2015
Week 3
October 26,
2015
Week 4
November
2, 2015
Week 5
November
9, 2015
Week 6
November
16, 2015
Week 7
November
23, 2015
Week 8
November
30, 2015
Week 9
December 7,
2015
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Read Chapters 6,7, 8 & 9
post answers to discussion questions
Read Chapters 10, 11, & 12
post answers to discussion questions
Read Chapters 13, 14, & 15
post answers to discussion questions
Read Chapters 16, 17, & 18
Midterm Exam
post answers to discussion questions
Read Chapters 19 & 20
post answers to discussion questions
Read Chapters 21 & 22
post answers to discussion questions
Read Chapters 23 & 24
post answers to discussion questions
TERM PAPER DUE
Read Chapters 25 & 26
Final Exam
post answers to discussion questions
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