Note: This "standard" course syllabus is only a guide. Actual requirements for a particular course and section of this course are described in the course section syllabus, which should be obtained from the course instructor at the beginning of the respective semester. Requirements listed herein are subject to change without notice.
Course: BLW 335 - Business Law
Catalog Description:
An examination of the legal relationships which are significant in business, including contracts, agency, torts, intellectual property, personal property, bailments, and related subjects.
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize the legal terms introduced in the course and apply or relate these terms to specific legal situations.
2. Integrate knowledge of the legal principles which are covered to solve problems which are unfamiliar.
3. Analyze information to recognize legal issues and legal problems in fact situations and to determine what legal principle(s) should be applied.
4. Apply problem-solving skills to legal issues, using logic and critical thinking.
5. Describe the impact of constant change and lack of certainty which are inherent aspects of the U.S. legal system.
6. Develop an awareness of the need for a continuing acquisition of new knowledge about changes in the law.
Topics/Components:
I. Introduction to the nature of law and the legal system 1, 2, 3
A. The nature of American law
B. Judicial resolution of disputes and alternative dispute resolution
C. The international legal environment;
their effects on decision-making
II. Torts 1, 2, 3, 4
A. Intentional torts
B. Negligence and strict liability
C. Business torts
III. Contracts 1, 2, 3, 5
A. Nature and classification of contracts; express, implied, quasi-contract
B. Agreement: offer and acceptance, termination of offers
C. Consideration
D. Contractual capacity: minority, mental incompetence, intoxication
E. Legality: Contracts contrary to statutes, contracts contrary to public policy, unconscionability
F. Genuineness of mutual assent
G. Statute of Frauds and the parol evidence rule
H. Interpretation of contracts
I. Third-party rights: Assignment of rights, delegation of duties, third party beneficiaries
J. Discharge of contracts: agreement, excuse, operation of law
K. Remedies for breach of contract: monetary damages, rescission and restitution, equitable remedies
IV. Agency law 1, 2, 5
A. Creation of the agency relationship
B. Authority of agents: express, implied, apparent
C. Termination of the agency relationship: by acts of the parties, by operation of law, wrongful termination, irrevocable agency
D. Rights and duties between principal and agent
E. Liability to third parties: contract liability, tort liability, liability for independent contractors
V. Other legal relationships1, 3
A. Partnerships: formation and dissolution of general partnerships, operation of general partnerships, liability to third parties
B. Ownership of personal property
C. Bailments: creation, types, duty of care, liability
D. Sureties and guarantors
E. Forms and ownership of intellectual property
Other legal topics may be covered at the discretion of individual faculty members.
Superscripts:
1. Ethical issues - discussed in relation to many topics, different ones for each faculty member
2. Global issues
3. The influence of political, social, legal and regulatory, environmental, and/or technological issues
4. The impact of demographic diversity on organizations
5. Written and/or oral communication - encouraged in all topics
Textbooks:
Clarkson. West's Business Law.
Evaluation:
There will be a minimum of three exams, which may include objective and/or essay questions. Written exercises are required in some sections, but there are no extensive research papers required at this time. Group problem solving is incorporated in several sections.
Additional factors may be required by individual faculty, including reading assigned material and preparing homework outside of class.