BUS 3003: Commercial Law
Meeting Time
Semester 200X
CRN: ##### Classroom: Schneider XXXX
Faculty Name
Office Number
Office Hours
E-mail
Telephone
Fax
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Course Description
An introduction to the American legal system as it relates to the conduct of business and
business relationships, as well as the legal environment in which businesses must operate. The
Department of Finance and Commercial Law in the Haworth College of Business offers and staffs this
course. This course is not equivalent to LAW 3800, Legal Environment of Business and does not count
toward satisfaction of LAW 38000 as a BBA core class.
Prerequisites
Junior standing.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, a student will:
Understand the impact that the legal system has on business activities (the power of
governments to regulate business, the role of law in preventing and resolving).
Recognize and understand legal issues critical to the successful conduct of business (validity of
contract, risk of tort and product liability, employment law, trademark infringement).
Demonstrate the ability to apply legal analysis principles to business problems and make
effective business decisions (determination of relevant facts, identification of issues, use of inductive
reasoning).
Understand the legal and ethical standards of conduct as they relate to business activities, as
well as the personal and professional consequences that can flow from violations of these standards
and the duties they impose (fiduciary duty, criminal responsibility).
Measurable Learning Outcomes
Definition of key legal terms used in business law
Identification of the major sources of business law
Distinguish between enforceable contracts and other forms of business agreements
Text and Supplementary Materials
Required: Liuzzo and Bonnice, Essentials of Business Law (2007)
Recommended: Browne and Kubasek, Roundtable Viewpoints: Business Law (2009)
Course Work
Course Methodology: This course includes lectures, class discussion, test material and research
using library and electronic media. Students are encouraged to make use of their Professor’s office
hours for individual review of course performance, discussion of legal concepts and problems, and
discussion regarding tests and quizzes.
Exams and Graded Activities:
First Midterm
Second Midterm
Class Participation
(including pop quizzes)
Final Exam
Total Possible
100 points
100 points
100 points
200 points
500 points
Grading Scale
100-90% = A
70-74% = C
85-89% = BA
65-69% = DC
80-84% = B
60-64% = D
75-79% = CB
0-59% = E
Incompletes and Final Grade Policies
Classroom Policies (May be determined by individual instructor)
Attendance & Late Arrival
Participation
Absences
Acceptance of Late Assignments
Academic Honesty (Recommend following statement sent by Faculty Senate in August 2008)
You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include
cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and
computer misuse. [The policies can be found at http://catalog.wmich.edu under Academic Policies,
Student Rights and Responsibilities.] If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic
dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to
review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a
hearing. You should consult with your instructor if you are uncertain about an issue of academic
honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.
Topics (to be covered in course)
The Nature and Study of Law
Sources of Law
The American Court System
Dispute Resolution and ADR
Constitutional Law and the Regulation of Business
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Contract Law
Torts, Product and Service Liability and Strict Liability
Schedule (May vary by instructor)