University of South Carolina
Moore School of Business
ACCT 324
Survey of Commercial Law
Spring 2010
LECTURER:
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
OFFICE FAX:
HOME TELEPHONE:
OFFICE E-MAIL:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
TEXT:
Thomas M. Hughes, J.D.
777-6035
777-0712
747-0886
thughes@moore.sc.edu
Room 307 –Moore School of Business
Monday
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Or by appointment or chance.
Business Law Today, Standard, Miller and Jentz.
Any edition from the 7th on will do. I will be using the 9th edition.
There is almost no difference in the editions and no password for the 9th
edition web-site. www.cengage/com/blaw/blt
Syllabus
This survey course is designed to provide an overview of the American Judicial system and
developments in that system as they pertain to American business and to prepare the student to
function in an increasingly legalistic business environment.
I.
Specific purposes include the following:
A.
Studying the basic concept and classification of the law, and its relevance to
business and the individual.
B.
Understanding the organization and functions of the Federal Court and the courts
of South Carolina.
C.
Exposure to and comprehension of legal terminology as it applies to Business
Law.
D.
Learning how disputes are resolved by law suits and other methods.
Student Learning Outcomes
Classes are taught using the Socratic method with its goal of participatory learning and the
development of reasoning skills.
After completing the course, students should be able to think critically in analyzing a fact setting
and engage in problem solving, with the ability to articulate, develop and defend positions.
Further the student learns to effectively analyze a legal fact setting by identifying legal issues,
distinguishing objective from subjective argument, and using facts and law to support argument.
Specifically the student will be able to:
 Find sources of law, using Lexis/Nexis, google search, and other research tools.
 Determine the parties to a contract, the validity of a contract, and the terms of a
contract.
 Identify and define the nature of a fiduciary relationship and how it applies to
Agency law and Business Organizations and Business Ethics.
 Analyze the nature and management of the workplace, including Employment law,
employer responsibilities and employee rights.
 Understand and apply rules pertaining to the acquisition and regulation of personal,
real and Intellectual Property.
The student will study the ethical issues in a business context, using case examples.
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.
Class Schedule, Topics and Dates
January
11 Introduction to Business Law and Ethics, Chapters 1-3 and 8
13 Introduction to Business Law and Ethics, Chapters 1-3 and 8
18 Contracts Chapters 9-13
20 Contracts Chapters 9-13
25 Contracts Chapters 9-13
27 Contracts Chapters 9-13
February
1 Contracts Chapters 9-13
3 Contracts Chapters 9-13
8 First Exam. Contracts and Ethics. One third of grade
10 Review first exam begin Agency Chapter 23
15 Agency and the Fiduciary Relationship Chapter 23
17 Agency and the Fiduciary Relationship Chapter 23
22 Agency Chapter 23
March
1 Agency Chapter 23
3 Employment Chapters 24 and 25
8 Spring Break
10
15
17
22
24
29
31
5
7
12
14
19
April
21
Spring Break
Employment Chapters 24 and 25
Business Organizations. Chapters 26-31
Second Exam. Agency, Employment and Business Organizations. One
third of Grade.
Review second exam and begin Property
Property Chapters 35-37 Personal
Property Chapters 35-37 Wills and Intestate Succession
Property Chapters 35-37 Wills and Intestate Succession
Property Chapters 35-37 Insurance and Trusts
Property Chapters 35-37 Real Property
Property Chapters 35-37 Real Property
Intellectual Property, Chapter 5 and
Torts and Criminal Law, Chapters 4 & 6
Intellectual Property, Chapter 5 and
Torts and Criminal Law, Chapters 4 & 6
Final Exam – As scheduled in Master Schedule
II.
Attendance: In order to obtain credit in a 300-level course, students must attend 90
percent of the classes.
III.
Exams are to be taken when scheduled. There will be NO after-the-fact excuses.
Anyone missing an exam without contacting me beforehand will receive a zero.
IV.
Students are advised to review the Student Academic Responsibility statement and the
Student Code of Conduct contained in the Carolina Community and are further bound by
all written rules and regulations of the Darla Moore School of Business and the
University of South Carolina.
V.
Syllabus subject to change at decision and discretion of instructor.
Grade calculations:
There will be three exams in the class. The exam grades will be averaged.
Please see blackboard for terms of any extra credit.
90-100
87-89
80-86
77-79
70-76
60-69
Below 60
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F