COURSE SYLLABUS

BUSINESS LAW I

BUSI 2301, SECTION 65217-002

SPRING SESSION 2023

INSTRUCTOR:        MARIO AGUILAR, JD      TELEPHONE:          512-363-8649

E-MAIL:                    maguilar@austincc.edu        WEBSITE:    www.austincc.edu/maguilar

CLASS TIMES:        ONLINE

OFFICE:                    RGC   3116                            MAIL:                        1212 RIO GRANDE                                                                                                                         AUSTIN, TEXAS                                                                                                                             78701

OFFICE HOURS:    MONDAYS, 4:00-5:00 P.M.

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Business Law I provides an overview of the legal and social environment of business, contracts, personal property, bailments and sales.

II. REQUIRED TEXT

Anderson's Business Law and the Legal Environment, Comprehensive Volume, 23st Ed., Twomey & Jennings, ISBN 978-1-305-57508-0

III. SCAN COMPETENCIES

The SCAN Competencies that will be developed in this Course are listed on Attachment A.

IV. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The course will be taught using the following methods of instruction: lecture, Socratic Method, class discussion and participation, class presentations, internet exercises, Travis County Courthouse Visit, Judge Presentations and guest practitioners.  Students will be expected to have absorbed the assigned material prior to class and to be able to respond to questions. 

V. COURSE RATIONALE

The course is designed to provide the student with in-depth information concerning our system of law and its impact upon the day-to-day operations of businesses and business related transactions. The student should become thoroughly familiar with the legal system as well as with business law and the Uniform Commercial Code.

VI. COURSE OUTCOMES

The Student will display a comprehensive understanding of:  the origins and structure of the American legal system; the court system; business ethics, social forces and the law: the requirements and structure of an enforceable contract; available defenses to the enforcement of a contract; discharge of contracts and remedies for breach of contract; third party rights in contracts; the differences between common law contracts and contracts for the sale of goods; the impact of law upon international trade; personal property and bailments; title and risk of loss; the elements of crimes; and, the impact and structure of administrative agencies.

VII. COURSE EVALUATION SYSTEM

A.      EVALUATION

1.         There will be two EXAMS and A FINAL EXAMINATION which will be weighted as follows:

                        A.        Two Exams (2 X 100 points)                          200 Points

                        B.        Final Exam                                                      100

            2.         Text Chapter Questions (10 X 5 Points each)             50

            3.         Board Discussions (10 X 5 Points each)                       50

                        TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS                            400 Points

               CHAPTER ASSIGNMENTS

               Your must complete the following 10 chapter assignments.  Each chapter assignment has a value of 5 Points each for a total of 50 Points.  Assignments must be submitted in Blackboard under “Assignments”.

B.        The final letter grade in the course will be based upon the percentage of total available points received, as follows:

            A - 90-100%

B - 80-89%

C - 70-79%

D - 60-69%

F - 0-59%

C.        Make-up exams will be allowed only with permission from the instructor.

VIII.    MANDATORY ORIENTATION DUE FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023

Business Law by open campus (also called self-paced, open campus or distance learning) is now being offered because of the corona virus.  This is an innovative and independent method to complete a course because students cannot attend class on a regular basis because of the corona virus.  Thus, the non-traditional instruction version of Business Law is a viable alternative to the traditional classroom method.  Some students may be concerned about the transferability of distance learning courses. The course content, college credit and transferability of this course are equivalent to those offered in the classroom.

Business Law is an interactive training system that combines electronic learning materials with online instructor guidance and expertise.  It is accessed via the Internet from the student's home or work computer or from any ACC lab at any time. Principles and concepts are presented through the textbook, instructor’s and publisher’s web sites, and Blackboard.

You must have access to the Internet and an email account. The primary framework for instruction is the Internet. The Interactive capabilities such as email and listserv, access to library on-line, office hours and discussion forums enhance and facilitate student to instructor communication 24/7. 

The platform ACC uses for its Web-based courses is called Blackboard.  You need to familiarize yourself with ACC's Blackboard page. This is the place you will go to view Syllabus, grades, online discussion boards, announcements and assignments and other course requirements.   You will view web pages, send and receive email, download files, and upload files you have created using ACC’s Blackboard system. If you do not have an ACCeID you will need to activate it by going to the “First-time login” link at http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/step1.htm.  Go to http://acconline.austincc.edu/ for student entry into Blackboard.  You will need your student ID and password to log into Blackboard.  We have a wonderful Blackboard staff always available to assist you with any problems or concerns.

We will communicate using Blackboard, e-mail and phone conversations.  You must be able to communicate with the instructor by email.  Because there is a significant amount of email traffic, please make sure that EVERY EMAIL you send me includes your first and last name and the term “Business Law” on the subject line.

Tests will be taken here in Blackboar.  Additional information will be provided later.

As your online instructor, I will monitor your progress and advise you as appropriate via email, telephone, or chat room discussions. You will continue to be evaluated by means of tests and assignments as noted on the Syllabus.   Grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Distance Learning Student Information is available at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#Resources.  If you need computer services go to http://irt.austincc.edu/ict/computing for more information.  Library services are available online for Distance Learning students at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#Library. The Office for Students with Disabilities is located at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/.

 Distance Learning Help Line, 1-512-223-8026, Toll free 1-888-223-8026 or dl@austincc.edu. Distance Learning Help Line is open 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.

Please make it a habit to check Blackboard throughout the course for all course information.  I want you to feel comfortable and confident when completing your readings, preparing your assignments and taking your tests.  Finally, I want you to really keep enjoying the course.  Remember, I am always available to talk to you at your convenience to discuss anything related to the course.

REQUIRED MANDATORY ORIENTATION DUE MIDNIGHT FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023.

This is your first assignment due this week.  This assignment is informational and will not take you more than a few minutes.  Familiarize yourself with the Blackboard course homepage and learn to navigate and use information available.  Please make sure you enter and continuously update your personal contact information using the TOOLS BUTTON UNDER BLACKBOARD.   You are required to post here some contact information, confirming your orientation, and including the affirmative statements given below. Posting this requested information confirms that you have "attended" the online orientation, you understand the course requirements and policies and you are committed to completing the course. I will not consider you fully enrolled in the course until you have posted this orientation information.  To post your Mandatory Orientation information please click the title above or "Mandatory Orientaiton due Midnight Wednesday, January 19, 2022--Welcome".  A page will open where you can then directly type your information including the statements below or you can attach a word document and submit it.  

You are required to post your name, street address, home and work phone numbers, a relative or friend’s phone number and your current e-mail address.  All your personal information is confidential.

Additionally, please include in your orientation posting the following statements:

 1) I have read the syllabus thoroughly.

2) I have located ACC's Blackboard site, successfully logged in, and updated my email address in Blackboard.  I promise to update and correct my email address at all times.

3) I understand the course requirements, policies and procedures, including ACC's Testing Centers' procedures and operating hours.

4) I have noted the due dates for exams, chapter questions, assignments and discussion boards, and I understand that late tests or assignments will not be allowed.

5) I have located the Announcements, Orientation, Exams, Discussion Boards, PowerPoint Presentations,  Staff Information and Technical Support.  I have also found the Student Tools section and I know how to check my grades using Blackboard.

 Please note that I will not consider you fully enrolled in the course until I have received this orientation information. THIS ORIENTATION INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023.

 IX. COURSE POLICIES

A.        Class Preparation and Board Discussions

Students are expected to complete all reading assignments and be ready to participate in class and board discussions.  Proper classroom behavior is expected at all times.  Student participation creates a positive and effective thinking and learning environment. 

B.        Attendance.

Attendance is required in this class.  “Attendance” includes participating in Board Discussions, communications with instructor, submission of assignments and completion of exams.

C.        Withdrawal.

If the Instructor asks you to withdraw or if you decide on your own to drop the course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the withdrawal process.  If you do not complete a withdrawal from the course, the Instructor will have no choice but to assign you a final grade of an “F”.  Please consult college course schedule to verify last day to withdraw this course.  Reinstatement will not be granted once student has withdrawn from the course.

D.        Incomplete

Incompletes are not granted in this course.

E.         Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group, classroom presentation, and homework.

F.         Academic Freedom

Each student is expected to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there will be differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other on occasion, but the students and instructor may also find that they have different views. These differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Rest assured that no student’s grade will not be adversely affected by the free expression of ideas and beliefs in class.

G.        Student Discipline

In the event, a student acts in such a way as to significantly interfere with or disrupt the learning atmosphere of the classroom, the instructor may direct the student to leave the class and may take other measures as appropriate.   See the ACC Student Handbook either in hardcopy or on the web: http://www3.austin.cc.tx.us/evpcss/handbk/toc.htm

H.        Office of Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Student with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to request these accommodations three weeks before the start of the semester.

I.          Course Calendar

The Course Calendar is a separate document that you will have received along with this syllabus.

J.          Student Services

A Student Services Handout is attached for your review.

K.        Instructional Services

            A Student Services Handout is attached for your review.

L.         Testing Center

All exams will be taken at ACC Testing Centers.  You will need an ACC ID to take any examination.  Please review the Testing Center Guidelines available either in the testing center or on the web under “Students” at:  http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/testctr/

M.        Student Support Services

            Resources to support you are available at every campus.  Food pantries are available at all campus Student Life offices (https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/).  Assistance          paying for childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support       Center (http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center).  For sudden, unexpected       expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more of your courses, go      to http://www.austincc.edu/SEF to request emergency assistance through the Student             Emergency Fund.  Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the             Student Money Management Office (http://sites.austincc.edu/money/).  Counselors are      available at any campus if you experience a personal or mental health concern             (http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling).  All services are free and confidential.

EXHIBIT A

BUSINESS LAW 2301, SECTION 43827-002

SCANS Competencies

Students in this Course will be expected to use or achieve the following Competencies

Resources

1.l.   Allocates Time: Allocates time between coursework/work/family/friends.

Interpersonal

2.1.   Participates as a Member of a Team: Works cooperatively with others on joint assignments.

2.2.   Teaches Others: Explains concepts in class.

1. 1. Negotiates: Works toward an agreement on the validity of exam questions.

2.6. Works with Cultural Diversity: Works well with men and women and with a variety of ethnic, social, or educational backgrounds in the context of the class.

Information

3.1. Acquires and Evaluates Information: Extracts crucial legal issues from court cases.

3.2. Organizes and Maintains Information: Takes notes on assigned material for use in class.

3.3. Interprets and Communicates Information: Evaluates assigned material and explains it to the class.

3.4. Uses Computers to Process Information: Employs computers to process course notes and to obtain, analyze and brief court cases.

Technology

5.2. Applies Technology to Task: Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for setting up and using computers and their programs.

Basic Skills

6.1.    Reading: Locates, understands, and interprets written information in the text and assigned court cases.

1. 1. Writing: Communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages effectively in writing.

1. 1. Listening: Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages during class lectures and discussions.

6.6.   Speaking: Organizes ideas and effectively communicates thoughts when being questioned in class and during class discussions.

Thinking Skills

7.1.   Creative Thinking: Uses imagination freely, combines ideas in new ways, when discussing hypothetical problems.

1. 1. Decision Making: Chooses the best alternative in multiple choice questions.

7.3.   Problem Solving: Recognizes that problems in hypothetical situations and identifies possible solutions.

1. 1. Knowing How to Learn: Finds the important information in class discussions and texts and consolidates the information into a useable format.

7.6.   Reasoning: Identifies the crucial issue in a court case and recognizes the potential application of the rule in the case to other cases with similar facts and circumstances.

Personal Qualities

1. 1. Responsibility. Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance in effectively preparing for class and class discussions.

8.4.  Self-Management: Motivates self through goal achievement; exhibits self-control and responds to feedback unemotionally and non-defensively, is a "self-starter."

8.5.  Integrity/Honesty: Can be trusted to accomplish her/his own work without excessive involvement of other students.

OUTLINE/CALENDAR FOR SPRING 2022

This outline will help you stay on schedule.

NOTE:  Please check Academic Calendar for last day to withdraw from this class.  If you need to withdraw, you are responsible for completing the whole withdrawal process.  Please inform the instructor of your completed withdrawal.

Please note that the Course Calendar is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.  Internet assignments, case briefs and/or special assignments may be added to Course Calendar.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONCTACT ME 24/7 AT (512) 363-8649.

BUSINESS LAW IS BEAUTIFUL AND FUN!!!

LET’S MAKE THIS CLASS OUR GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!!

LET’S HAVE A GREAT SEMESTER TOGETHER!!!

II. REQUIRED TEXT

Anderson's Business Law and the Legal Environment, Comprehensive Volume, 23st Ed., Twomey & Jennings, ISBN 978-1-305-57508-0

OUTLINE/CALENDAR FOR SPRING 2022

This outline will help you stay on schedule.

NOTE:  Please check Academic Calendar for last day to withdraw from this class.  If you need to withdraw, you are responsible for completing the whole withdrawal process.  Please inform the instructor of your completed withdrawal.

Please note that the Course Calendar is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.  Internet assignments, case briefs and/or special assignments may be added to Course Calendar.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONCTACT ME 24/7 AT (512) 363-8649.

BUSINESS LAW IS BEAUTIFUL AND FUN!!!

LET’S MAKE THIS CLASS OUR GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!!

LET’S HAVE A GREAT SEMESTER TOGETHER!!!

VI. COURSE OUTCOMES

The Student will display a comprehensive understanding of:  the origins and structure of the American legal system; the court system; business ethics, social forces and the law: the requirements and structure of an enforceable contract; available defenses to the enforcement of a contract; discharge of contracts and remedies for breach of contract; third party rights in contracts; the differences between common law contracts and contracts for the sale of goods; the impact of law upon international trade; personal property and bailments; title and risk of loss; the elements of crimes; and, the impact and structure of administrative agencies.