COURSE SYLLABUS

                                                                                           BUSINESS LAW I

                                                                                BUSI 2301, SECTION 11212-003

                                                                                                                             FALL SESSION 2024

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 3:00-4:00 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: online 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.         Class 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. COURSE POLICIES

A.        Preparation for Class

Students are expected to come to class having read the assigned readings and prepared to participate in class discussions.  Proper classroom behavior is expected at all times.   The student is expected to have read each question at the end of the assigned chapter and made notes as to the answers to the questions.

B.        Attendance/Class Participation

            Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If          attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may         withdraw students from the class.

C.        Withdrawal Policy

            It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor, however,       reserves the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides     to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final       Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the            withdrawal form for their records.   Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in      a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course.

            State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire             undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all             course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit.  Details regarding this policy   can be found in the ACC college catalog.

D.        Incomplete

            An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all        of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be          carried beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in           the subsequent semester.

E.         Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

            A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission             of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit     coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students            must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when   taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions      constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating,   fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will      depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one        assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student             Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at      http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

F.         Student Rights and Responsibilities

            Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of     speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the        responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to    interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and       question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of       scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied   by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing             partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

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.        Statement on Students with Disabilities

            Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities.         Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must     request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three    weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be        delayed.  

            Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must             provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before             accommodations will be provided.   Arrangements for academic accommodations can only          be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the     student.  

            Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved             Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a        reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the           accommodations.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at http://www.austincc.edu/sas.

I.          Course Calendar

The Course Calendar is attached to this Syllabus.

J.          Safety Statement

            Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for             study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health             and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on     these    can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety          circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the            Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional    information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to         be notified in the         event of a serious emergency can be found at             http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.  Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself             professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally             jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s       activity, may be withdrawn from the            class,   and/or barred from attending future activities.

            You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all.         Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another     individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

K.        Use of ACC email

            All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail             account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related         emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email            communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use            their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about       ACCmail, including instructions on setting up an account, can be found at             http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/

L.         Testing Center Policy

            Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a      testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves        according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire   guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

            ACC Photo ID

            Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)

            Course Number (e.g.,1301)

            Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)

            Course Section (e.g., 005)

            Instructor's Name

            Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing    room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the    remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at            http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

M.        Student and Instructional Services

            ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of             opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is   available          at:   http://www.austincc.edu/support/

            Links to many student services and other information can be found at:        http://www.austincc.edu/

            ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in         the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:              http://www.austincc.edu/tutor

            For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab   Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

N.        Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223- 7999.

O.        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.

OUTLINE/CALENDAR FOR FALL 2024

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!!!

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.

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 FALL 2023

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.

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.