BA in Legal Studies

This course examines the art and science of interviewing and negotiation with additional emphasis on alternative conflict resolution. Through the use of case studies and associated readings, students will explore the basic models of communication through interviewing, bargaining and alternative dispute resolution.

This class examines the underlying theories, changing definitions and diverse nature of white-collar crime. These crimes may include offenses perpetrated by “the rich,” corporations and businesses, and/or individuals. Topics may include embezzlement, political corruption, employee theft, fraud, “con games,” and emergent areas such as computer crime and environmental crime.

This course addresses general principles of contract law including formation, breach, defenses, and remedies. Students will examine principles of contract review and drafting with special attention given to issues that commonly lead to litigation. Additionally, students will explore the Uniform Commercial Code and its effect on contract rights.

This course will provide a complete overview of a civil trial from the filing of a complaint through the appeals process. Students will explore, in depth, each of the trial stages. Topics include initiating and defending lawsuits, gathering information from clients and from the opposing sides, trial preparation, and post-trial procedures. Students will analyze legal situations and develop their own trial strategies.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of legal research and writing, including the ethical implications involved in performing legal research and writing. Students will analyze the role that clear communication plays in the legal environment. Additionally, students will explore the various databases legal professionals utilize.

This course focuses on the roles of the state government, the different branches of the Federal government, and the balance of power among them. Students will examine individual Constitutional rights such as free speech, freedom of religion, and search and seizure. They will then compare and contrast select individual rights on a global scale. Students will also explore the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution, in regard to governmental powers and individual rights.

This course examines common legal issues that can arise in an employment setting. It explores sources of employment law and regulation, including the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It discusses common legal pitfalls such as discrimination in the workplace and wrongful termination. Finally, it leaves students with a better understanding of how to best protect the legal interests of both employers and employees on the job.

Prerequisite: LEST 300.

This course explores how the law assigns ownership interests to persons or entities in their artistic, academic, technological, or other creations. This course surveys the major categories of intellectual property to include copyright, trademark, and patent. Attention will also be given to the concepts of reverse engineering and independent discovery. Students will examine the history of intellectual property as well as the underlying public policy decisions, statutes, and court cases that form the basis of intellectual property law.

This course provides an in-depth examination of the legal side of business transactions. Students explore the sales of goods and services and consider such issues as warranties, contracts, and payments. Legal topics such as consumer protection, product liability, and the Uniform Commercial Code are discussed. Emerging legal considerations in e-commerce are also explored.

This course explores the communications process from a variety of interfacing cultures and subcultures. Special emphasis is given to each culture's worldview and its impact on intercultural communications, through utilizations of traditional and new media. Students will apply communication theory through case studies and consider the value-added aspects of expanding diversity, equity and inclusion.

This course will survey issues surrounding electronic discovery, including electronic discovery rules and case management systems in both civil and criminal litigation. Students will also assess confidentiality and ethical issues arising in the context of data management and other software-based technologies. Finally, students will analyze the use of technology and telecommunications in the courtroom.

This course provides the skill set needed to be a successful paralegal in a law office setting. Students will gain an understanding of business processes in a law office, including file management, legal fees, timekeeping, and client funds. Students will also focus on soft skills such as client relations, professionalism, and communication skills.

This course provides the skill set needed to be a successful paralegal in a law office setting. Students will gain an understanding of business processes in a law office, including file management, legal fees, timekeeping, and client funds. Students will also focus on soft skills such as client relations, professionalism, and communication skills.

Prerequisite or Corequisite LEST 300.

This course surveys a variety of timely legal issues that have significant legal, social, ethical, and political impact on the lives of everyday citizens. Students will examine the role of the courts in addressing unfolding social, cultural and political issues. In addition, students will confront and assess significant systemic issues facing the legal system.

This course will survey issues surrounding electronic discovery, including electronic discovery rules and case management systems in both civil and criminal litigation. Students will also assess confidentiality and ethical issues arising in the context of data management and other software-based technologies. Finally, students will analyze the use of technology and telecommunications in the courtroom.

This course provides an overview of the Victim Advocacy system from a criminal justice perspective. Student will address the history of advocacy, specifically substance abuse, homelessness, mental health patients and diseases, physically impaired people, and victims of crime. They will have the opportunity to explore intervention techniques and determine local, state, and federal resources available to practitioners and clients.

Prerequisite: LEST 300.

This course explores how the law assigns ownership interests to persons or entities in their artistic, academic, technological, or other creations. This course surveys the major categories of intellectual property to include copyright, trademark, and patent. Attention will also be given to the concepts of reverse engineering and independent discovery. Students will examine the history of intellectual property as well as the underlying public policy decisions, statutes, and court cases that form the basis of intellectual property law.

This course examines common legal issues that can arise in an employment setting. It explores sources of employment law and regulation, including the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It discusses common legal pitfalls such as discrimination in the workplace and wrongful termination. Finally, it leaves students with a better understanding of how to best protect the legal interests of both employers and employees on the job.