2008 ~ Spring 

GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Greenville, SC

ONLINE

Business Law I- BUS 121 W01  

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS:  3.0       PREREQUISITES:  ENG 101

 

 

INSTRUCTOR'S FULL NAME AND TITLE:  Camille Chapman, Adjunct Instructor    

 

OFFICE LOCATION AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:                        FAX 250-8829   

 

OFFICE HOURS: By appointment only        

 

 

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course is a study of legal procedures, law and society, classifications and systems of law, the tribunals administering justice and their actions, contracts, sales, transfer of titles, rights and duties of the parties, conditions, and warranties.

 

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:  To expose the student to legal issues and liabilities that arise in a variety of business contexts, including but not limited to: torts within the workplace, employment discrimination, corporate liability, agency/principal relationships and contracts.  Emphasis will be placed on terminology.  The Uniform Commercial Code and the relationships of an agent and his/her principal will be studied in depth.

 

STUDENTS FOR WHOM THE COURSE IS INTENDED:  This course is offered primarily for students seeking an Associate Degree in Business Division programs. 

 

REQUIRED TEXT: 

 

Business Law Today:  With UCC Applications by Gordon W. Brown and Paul A. Sukys, 11ed., ISBN 007310499X.  When submitting assignments electronically, one of the following file extensions must be used:  .doc, .htm, .rft, .txt, or .xls.  Documents with file extensions of .wps or .wpd can not be opened by your instructor.

 

Lecture notes posted to the 'Lecture Notes' section of this website.

 

Required Outside Readings that will be posted throughout the semester.

 

 

SUPPORT SERVICES:

Counselor:  Tracie Raines, 250-8147, HE 247

 

MGT Curriculum Advisors:       Marty Flynn,           250-8066,     CJ 231

                                               Kathy Illing,            250-8027,     CJ 232

                                               Ron Hoffman          250-8805,     CJ 231

                                               Tim Smith,              250-8669,     CJ 231

                                               Vincent Weaver,      250-8840,     CJ 231

                                               Diane Youngblood,  250-8048,     CJ 231

                                               Karen White,           250-8043,    ARC Advising Center

 

Approved by:    Kathy Illing, Department Head         Date: January 7, 2008                             

                                                                                                                                                              

 

Approved by:    F. M. Rogers, Dean for Business       Date: January 7, 2008                       

 

 

I.  Course Objectives:

 

1. Explain how the state and federal government systems operate.

 

     a.  List six (6) sources of law.

 

     b.  Differentiate between civil law and criminal law.

 

     c.  Explain the organization of the federal and South Carolina court systems.

 

     d.  Discuss legal procedure in some detail.

 

2. Describe common torts and intellectual properties including their application in the cyber world.

   

3. Describe the essential elements of a contract; distinguishing among void, voidable, valid and unenforceable.

 

     a.  Know the requirements of an enforceable contract.

 

     b.  Be familiar with what constitutes a valid offer and a valid acceptance.

 

     c.  Discuss which mistakes do and do not affect the enforceability of a contract.

 

     d.  Explain fraud, duress and undue influence and how they can affect the enforceability of a contract.

 

     e.  Understand the principle of capacity to contract.

 

     f.  Discuss the requirements of consideration and exceptions to that requirement.

 

     g. Explain how illegality can affect the enforceability of a contact.

 

4. Identify which contracts must be in writing, under what circumstances, and why.

 

    a. Understand the types of contracts to which the Statute of Frauds applies and does not apply.

 

    b. Discuss the Parol Evidence Rule.

 

5. Describe the different kinds of contractual situations that involve three or more parties.

 

    a. Understand assignment and delegation, their differences, and their similarities.

 

    b. Discuss third-party beneficiary contracts.

 

6. Explain the difference between the different types of business formations.

 

    a. Know the different methods by which a corporation can incorporate.

 

    b. Discuss the differences between LLCs and LLPs.

 

7. Compare and contrast implied warranties with express warranties.

 

    a. Explain the legal difference between warranty and opinion.

 

    b. Know the types of warranties that might arise in a contract for the sale of goods and the circumstances giving rise to each such warranty.

 

    c. Discuss how and when a seller can avoid liability under a warranty.

 

8.  Identify employment discrimination, agency and employment relationships.

 

    a. Describe the ways by which an employer can avoid liability for employment discrimination.

 

    b. Identify issues of liability between an agent and his/her employer.

 

II. Plan of Instruction:

Unit 1 

            Chapter 1:  Ethics

                                The Opening Case - throughout

                                Social Responsibility in the Business Sector p. 13 - 18

                                The Relationship Between Law and Ethics p. 19 - 20

            Chapter 2:  Sources of the Law 

 

                                The Opening Case - throughout                   

                                Constitutional Law  p. 31 - 41                 

 

            Chapter 3:  The Judicial Process 

 

                                Whole Chapter   

 

            Chapter 5:   Tort Law

 

                                Whole Chapter

 

 

TEST #1 which includes assigned writings based upon outside readings

 

 

Unit 2

 

    

            Chapter 6:   Nature, Characteristics and Status of Contracts

 

                                Contractual Characteristics p. 126 - 131

 

            Chapter 7:   Offer and Acceptance

 

                                Whole Chapter

            

            Chapter 8:   Mutual Assent and Defective Agreement

 

                                Whole Chapter

          

            Chapter 9:   Contractual Capacity

 

                                Whole Chapter

 

            Chapter 10: Consideration

 

                                Whole Chapter

 

            Chapter 11: Legality

 

                                Whole Chapter

 

 

TEST #2 which includes assigned writings based upon outside readings

 

 

 

Unit 3

       

             Chapter 12:  Written Contracts

 

                                Whole Chapter

                                       

             Chapter 13:  Third Parties in Contract Law

 

                                Whole Chapter

 

             Chapter 14:  Discharge in Remedies

 

                                Whole Chapter

 

             Chapter 18: Warranties and Product Liability

 

                                Whole Chapter

            

 

TEST #3 which includes assigned writings based upon outside readings

 

 

 

Unit 4

 

             Chapter 32:  The Principal and Agent Relationship

 

                                The Law of Agency p. 601 - 608

                                Principles of Agency p. 610 - 612

 

             Chapter 33:  Agency Operations

 

                                Pages 620 - 631 (until Agency Coupled with an Interest)

 

             Chapter 34:  Employment Law

 

                                The Employment Relationship p. 637 - Promissory Estoppel on p. 643

                                Laws Regarding Employment Conditions p.645 - 657

 

             Lecture Notes:  Worker's Compensation

 

            

PROJECT FOR UNIT #4

 

 

FINAL EXAM which includes assigned writings based upon outside readings

 

III. Course Requirements:

  1. Students should read the text and the lecture notes posted to the website in addition to all required outside readings

  2. Students should read the course calendar on a regular basis.

  3. Students should maintain good email contact with the instructor.

  4. Students are responsible for participating fully in class.  Since it is an online, distance-learning class, participation must include the following minimum requirements:

Emphasis should be placed on:

 

 

 

IV. Grading and Evaluation:

 

                  Test #1......................................................................    15%

 

                  Test #2......................................................................    15%

 

                  Test #3......................................................................    15%

 

                  Unit #4 Project...........................................................    20%

 

                  Final Exam.................................................................    15%

            

                  Class Participation/Professionalism...............................    20%

 

                                                                                TOTAL           100%

 

 

Your project will be assigned by your instructor. Some instructors may wish to use position, informative, pro/con, or literature review papers. Students should always consult their instructors for topic approval and any questions relating to the successful completion of their paper/project.

 


 

COLLEGE-WIDE COMPETENCIES

 

Greenville Technical College endorses and promotes the following college-wide competencies for all associate degree students:

 

¨       Comprehend and generate effective written and oral communication.

¨       Demonstrate research skills necessary for personal and professional purposes.

¨       Apply mathematical skills appropriate to solve day to day as well as work related problems.

¨       Demonstrate knowledge of computer applications compatible with job demands.

¨       Exhibit professionalism appropriate to the values and ethics of their chosen career.

¨       Demonstrate the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to fulfill work and personal responsibilities.

¨       Practice interpersonal skills and team work in their professional lives.

¨       Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of various cultures.

 

MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

 

 

¨       Exhibit basic business skills in the areas of strategic planning, organizing, time

         management, financial analysis, budgeting, human resources, and supply chain

         management.

 

¨       Recognize the importance of continually assessing the competition, industry trends,

         legal regulations, global trends, political and social issues, and economic trends.

 

¨       Develop leadership skills in the areas of negotiation, problem-solving, leading by

        example, empowering employees, and exhibiting ethical behavior.

 

¨       Demonstrate interpersonal skills to include active listening, verbal and written

         communication skills, oral presentations, and interviewing.

 

¨        Recognize the importance of valuing and understanding diversity in dealings with

         both employees and customers of various cultures.

 

¨       Comprehend the need to provide customers with value by having product and

         service knowledge, anticipating and defining customer needs, and effectively

         handling customer complaints.

 

¨       Demonstrate computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet research, and the use  

        of technology for professional communications and presentations.

                                                                                                                           8/4/03

 

 

 

 

 

GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Semester Information – ONLINE

2008 Spring

A.  Class Conduct:

 

In an online class setting, the freedom to question and discuss a given topic is limited to that which will not invade or disrupt the learning process of the students.  When, in the judgment of the instructor, a student is engaged in communications that are disruptive or detrimental to the learning process of other students, a private e-mail warning will be given to the student.  Continuation of disruptive conduct following warnings will result in dismissal from class.  A written explanation will be sent to the Dean of Students.  Readmission to class may be possible after consultation involving the Dean of Students, the student, and the instructor.  Our interest is to maintain the best possible atmosphere in which the student can succeed in the course of study.

Cheating or plagiarizing is unacceptable in this class If cheating or plagiarizing occurs, a zero (0) will be assigned to the assignment/test in which cheating occurs.

 

B.  Attendance Policy:

 

Attendance in an online course is defined by correspondence as required by the instructor.  One contact per week is the minimum requirement.  Students not meeting the minimum attendance/correspondence requirement will be awarded a grade of “W” or “WF” based upon the student’s academic standing at the last date of attendance/correspondence.  Email through WebCT will be the primary means of communication.  It is the student’s responsibility to check his/her email regularly.  The instructor strongly encourages communication via e-mail, especially when the student is having difficulty answering a question or solving an exercise or a problem.  For your instructor to help you effectively, please provide as much information as possible concerning the difficulty you are having with the assignment.

 

If the student decides to discontinue attending class, the student should formally withdraw from the class.  Failure to do so will result in a failing grade on the transcript.  It is the student's responsibility to initiate the withdrawal. 

 

C.  Important Dates & School Policies for Spring Term (2008 SP):

 

January 7, 2008            Classes Begin For Full and First Session (M)

January 7 – 10              Add/Drop for First Session

January 7 – 11              Add/Drop for Full Session

*January 21                  Martin Luther King’s Birthday (M)

February 12                 Classes Begin for 10-Week Session (T)

February 12-14            Add/Drop for 10-Week Session

February 13                 Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from First Session (W)

February 28-29            Exams for First Session (R-F)

March 3                       Classes Begin for 2nd Session (M)

            March 3-5                    Add/Drop for 2nd Session (M-W)

            March 17                     Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from Full Term (M)

           *March 24 – 28            Spring Break ( M-F)

            April 4                          Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from 10 week session (F0

            April 15                        Students’ Last Day to Withdraw from 2nd Session (T)

            April 28                        Last Class Day Full term, 2nd session and 10 week (M)

            April 29 – May 2          Exams ( T-F)

            May 6, 2008                Graduation (T) 

 

          * Holidays

 

REMINDER:  Any non-participating student who does not withdraw from the course will receive an F for the course. 

 

D.  Tests/Projects:

 

Please refer to the course outline for information on tests, papers/projects, and final exam.

 In general, there will be NO make-up tests.  Under extreme circumstances and at the discretion of your instructor:

 ·        a student may make up one test, or

 ·        if a student misses one test, he/she will achieve the same grade as on the final exam.

 In either case, it is the responsibility of the STUDENT to make arrangements with the instructor.

 Anyone missing two or more tests or major projects will receive a failing grade in the course.  Without exception, all students are required to take the comprehensive final exam.  Quizzes (announced or unannounced) can be taken only Online and none can be made up.

Projects/Assignments:  All projects and homework assignments will be expected to be submitted on the assigned due date. 

 

E.   Grading:

 

The ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely is a key to success in the world of business and management.  Writing assignments will be assigned in order to ensure that writing skills are developed throughout the student’s academic experience.  Be advised that while projects will be graded primarily on content, organization, and conceptual understanding, GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION, AND SPELLING WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED IN THE OVERALL GRADEStudents who need to improve their writing skills should see their instructor for assistance or referral to the campus Writing Center, UT 249.

 

 

     Grading Scale:

             90-100 = A

             80 - 89 = B                                        

             70 - 79 = C

             60 - 69 = D

      59 or below = F

 “I” – Incomplete indicates some work is incomplete in a course taught in the traditional manner.  The student is responsible for making up all unfinished work within the next semester.  The student cannot re-enroll in the class until the “I” has been replaced with a letter grade.  The “I” will be changed to an “F” if all work is not completed satisfactorily by one week before the beginning of exams in the next semester.  “I” does not affect grade calculations; earns no credit hours.  Only under unusual and extenuating circumstances will an instructor consider granting an “I”. 7/03

Greenville Technical College Policy For Repeating A Course:

 

Effective January, 1994, a student may register for a class a maximum of three times.  (Grades of W, F, WA, WF, and D count toward the maximum of three registrations.)  If extenuating circumstances have occurred such as prolonged illness, an appeal may be made to a subcommittee appointed by the chairperson of the Academic Council.  7/03

 

Refer to the Student Handbook section in the current college catalog for more information on this policy.

 

F.   Student Information:

 

Student Code:  The student is required to be knowledgeable of the Greenville Technical College Student Code.  The Code can be found on the GTC web site at http://www.gvltec.edu. Click on Admissions Assistance, click on Student Policy.  This Code is also in the current Greenville Tech catalog.

 

Student With Disabilities:

·         Refer to the College Catalog/Student Handbook, page 48, for additional information

 

All students who have a disability and need accommodations should visit, call, or e-mail Student Disability Services at the beginning of each semester.  Students are strongly encouraged to obtain their accommodations forms within the first 2 weeks of class to ensure appropriate services.  The office is located at the Barton Campus in the Student Center (Building 105), Room 124, and can be reached by phone at 250-8202 or 250-8408 or by email at Sharon.bellwood@gvltec.edu.  The Disability Service Counselor is available to meet with students on satellite campuses by appointment.

 

Intervention Counseling Office:  The Intervention Counseling Office services include confidential professional counseling as well as resources and referrals to agencies.  The Intervention Counseling Office is located on the Barton Campus, building 105, room 140.  Jackie Bradham can be reached at Jackie.Bradham@gvltec.edu or by phone at 250-8176 or 250-8318.  The operating hours of the Intervention Counseling Office are 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday –Thursday and 7:30 am – 1:00 pm on Fridays.  Appointments can be scheduled around a student’s schedule if necessary.

 

Business Division Curriculum Policy Pertaining To Academic Matters:  If at any time during the semester a problem should arise pertaining to this course or any other academic matter, you should consult your instructor first.  If further assistance is needed after this consultation, your instructor will make an appointment for you with the department head.  If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, the department head will make an appointment for you with the Academic Dean for General Business.

 

Career Central:  Students and Graduates may receive help with their employment needs at the Career Center located in McAlister Square, Room 25. Information on resume writing and interviewing skills can be found in a library of books and videotapes. Resume critiques and mock interviews are scheduled by appointment. Resumes can be posted on Career Central found on www.gvltec.edu or in Campus Cruiser located under Important Links. This is also an excellent source of job postings. The Career Center provides a lifetime service for graduates. Betty Vaughn is the director and may be reached at 250-8222 or betty.vaughn@gvltec.edu.

 

Business Division Student Lab Rules

 

The following lab rules are in addition to those mandated by the college as outlined in the Computing Facilities Use Policy (College Catalog/Student Handbook, pages 62).  By signing the Syllabus Acknowledgement Form for this course, you agree to follow all of the guidelines specified by both the college and the division.  Failure to comply with all computer policies will result in the loss of privileges involving campus computer facilities.

 

·         Children are not allowed in labs and classrooms nor left in hallways (College Catalog/Student Handbook, page 62)

 

·         Food and drinks are not allowed in computer labs.

 

·         Labs are to be used only for students enrolled in Computer/Business Program courses and for educational purposes only and may not be used for commercial or personal purposes. 

 

·         A Student ID is required.  You may be asked to show your student ID and also a copy of your current class schedule.

 

·         You must log into the computer when you arrive.  You will enter your first and last names and your CampusCruiser ID.  You will then receive a listing of courses for the current semester, and you will need to select the course for which you are completing work.  Remember to log out of the computer before you leave the computer and the lab.

 

·         Inappropriate or unethical use of the Internet is strictly prohibited (i.e., chat rooms, pornographic web site access, etc.)  On the first offense, a written warning will be issued.  Lab privileges will be revoked upon the second offense.

 

·         Printing in the Business Division Student Lab is now available.  Students will need to purchase a pay-to-print card (one is located in the lab), and the student will be charged per page for printing.  Printing from the Internet is allowed; however, all regulations regarding the use of the Internet also apply to printing from the Internet. 

 

·         Printing in the lab classrooms may only be done at the request of the instructor during class time.  Then only one copy of the final assignment may be printed for submission.  No other printing is permitted in these labs.

 

·         Lab assistants are on duty to handle hardware/software problems; they do not providing tutoring.

 

·         The Lab Assistant’s office and telephone are not to be used by students; a pay phone is located in the canteen.

 

·         All equipment malfunctions are to be reported to the lab assistant; do not attempt repairs.

 

·         Labs are closed to all students during exam days (except for scheduled exam use), holiday breaks, and between semesters.

 

·         Copying of any software programs and applications which are licensed or protected by copyright is theft.

 

·         Copying of computer programs, documents, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, computer codes, etc. is not tolerated.

 

·         You must keep the labs neat and clean by picking up after yourself.

 

·         Labs are occasionally reserved for classes; adhere to posted signs.

 

·         You must leave the lab and/or classroom to answer or return cell phone calls.  Please put your cell phone on manner-mode or vibrant when in the lab and/or classroom; disruptive and loud ring tones are not acceptable.  Students may be asked to change inappropriate ring tones that are disruptive to the learning environment in the lab and/or classroom.

 

·         The lab assistant may be asked to perform corrective activity for a disk, but it is done so at your own risk with no guarantees that data will not be lost.

 

·         Loading of ANY software onto campus computers is prohibited.

 

·         Internet downloading is prohibited!

 

·         Use of personal laptops is not permitted in the lab.  Only computers owned by the College may be plugged into any College network.

 

·         Instant messaging is prohibited.

 

·         All students must use the Business Division Student Lab to complete work outside of the scheduled course times.  Students will not be allowed to remain in the classroom to complete work after the class is over.  Instructors will ask all students to leave the classroom and report to the Student Lab if they desire to continue working on a computer.

 

 

 

 

The Business Division Student Lab is located on the Barton Campus in the Engineering Building (103), Room 115.

 

You will be required to sign in and out when using this lab.   Be sure to keep your student ID and class schedule with you; you may be asked to show your current student ID and/or your current class schedule.

 

*Lab Hours:   Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 9:30 pm   ▪   Saturday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm   ▪   Sunday Closed

 

 

Revised 8/1/2007                                                                                                                                                                                                             *Subject to change