MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT SYLLABUS

Paralegal Program

LEG 121 - Business Law 1

 

Instructor: Philip Mace                                

Phone: 822-3594 / 822-3310

Email 

Office Hours             

Instructional Method: Lecture

Performance: Written Examinations

Text:  WEST’S BUSINESS LAW, by Clarkson,9th Ed., 2003, ISBN# 0-324-15282-5; ITP Publisher.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of the basics of commercial law with emphasis on the formation and enforcement of contracts and the rules particular to Article 2 (Sales of Goods) of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).  A discussion on the principles of agency is also included.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

1.    Classify the different types of contracts and show the elements of each;

2.    Understand how a contract is formed through offer and acceptance;

3.    Identify the existence of consideration and demonstrate where consideration is sufficient;

4.    Explain legal capacity and identify situations and consequences where legal capacity is lacking;

5.    Understand fraud, duress, and mistake and their effects on contracts;

6.    Give examples of contracts that violate the public interest;

7.    Determine whether agreements in restraint of trade are binding;

8.    Discuss the doctrine of unconscionability;

9.    Understand the parole evidence rule and Statute of Frauds;

10.   Identify third-party rights in a contract;

11.   Analyze the performance and discharge of contracts;

12.   Identify UCC modifications of common law in the sale of goods;

13.   Understand express and implied warranties in the sale of goods;

14.   Recognize the various bases for product liability;

15.   Relate the principles governing the law of agency;

16.   Understand how agency relationships are created and terminated;

17.  Show the relationship between agency and contracts and torts;

18.   Explain employer-employee relationships.

 


GRADING SCALE:   A = 90-100  F = BELOW 70

      B = 80-89   W = WITHDRAWAL

      C = 70-79   WF = WITHDRAWAL; EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Students are expected to prepare for and attend classes as scheduled.  The maximum number of allowable absences for this course is twice the number of meeting times a week.  Students  are responsible for any class work or assignments missed, including absences resulting from late enrollment. The maximum number of absences for this course is two (2).

 

Business Department majors must earn a "C" or

above for this course to count toward graduation.

 

 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If special accommodations are needed for a student with disabilities the student must contact the Counseling Services office for assistance.  Documentation regarding the disability is required for accommodation arrangements.  Confidentiality of the information received will be maintained.

 

                                


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COURSE OUTLINE

             (Subject to change to meet the needs of the class.)

 

 

Introduction: Law and Legal Reasoning

 

Chapter 9 - Contracts: Nature and Terminology 

Chapter 10- Contracts: Agreement

Chapter 11- Contracts: Consideration

Chapter 12- Contracts: Capacity and Legality

Chapter 13- Contracts: Genuineness of Intent

Review - Contracts: Chapters 9 through 13

Exam I - Contracts: Chapters 9 through 13

 

Chapter 14 - Contracts: Statute of Frauds

Chapter 15 - Contracts: Third Party Rights

Chapter 16 - Contracts: Performance and Discharge

Chapter 17 - Contracts: Breach of Contract and Remedies

Review - Contracts: Chapters 14 through 17

Exam II - Contracts: Chapters 14 through 17

 

Chapter 19 - Sales: Introduction

Chapter 20 - Sales: Title, Risk, and Insurable Interest 

Chapter 21 - Sales: Performance and Obligation

Chapter 22 - Sales: Remedies for Breach

Chapter 23 - Sales: Sales Warranties

Chapter 6 - Product Liability 

Review - Sales: Chapters 6, 19-23

Exam III - Sales: Chapters 6, 19 through 24

 

Chapter 31 - Agency: Formation and Duties

Chapter 32 - Agency: Liability to 3rd Parties/Termination

Review - Agency: Chapters 33 and 34

Exam IV - Agency: Chapters 33 and 34

 

Chapters 29 & 30 - Overview of Creditor Remedies and Bankruptcy

Review

Final Exam