Career Development and Lifestyle Planning



Business Law2 CreditsBU. 132.601.XX[NOTE: Each section must have a separate syllabus.][Day & Time / ex: Monday, 6pm-9pm][Start & End Date / ex: 3/24/15-5/12/15][Semester / ex: Fall 2016][Location / ex: Washington, DC]Instructor[Full Name]Contact Information[Phone Number, (###) ###-####][Email Address]Office Hours[Day(s)/Times]Required Texts & Learning MaterialsCross, F. & Miller, R., (2012) West’s Legal Environment of Business Text and Cases: Ethical Regulatory, International and E-Commerce Issues (9th ed ISBN 978-1-285-42894-9). Ohio: Thomson/South-Western. (You can also purchase e-chapters at )Course DescriptionA thorough working knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment in which businesses operate is essential for well-prepared business executives. This course provides an overview of the legal and regulatory environment affecting business in the United States and abroad. Topics include forms of business organization, contracts, torts and products liability, international business transactions, antitrust law, environmental law, securities regulation, ethics, and discrimination and employment issues. The course also emphasizes the relationship of businesses and business executives with legal counsel. Students are expected to utilize electronic library and Internet resources to complete assignments.Prerequisite(s)NoneCourse OverviewIn a business world increasingly governed by federal, international, and state rules and regulations, business people must be conversant in the basic processes of the legal system. While business people hire lawyers to help them stay within the legal bounds of conduct, business people are responsible for understanding the system enough to question lawyers and to make the best business decisions. The course is designed to provide students with the ability to discern the links between the legal environment and the regulatory controls that define, promote and limit business. The goal of this course is to expand your capacity for critical thought and enable you to draw the lines with regard to both law and business ethics.Learning ObjectivesAll Carey graduates are expected to demonstrate competence on four Learning Goals, operationalized in eight Learning Objectives. These learning goals and objectives are supported by the courses Carey offers. To view the complete list of Carey Business School’s general learning goals and objectives, visit the Teaching & Learning@Carey website. Learning GoalsLearning ObjectivesUnderstand and master core concepts and methods in the business disciplines and their application in business practice1.1 Students will learn, integrate and apply core concepts and tools in the business disciplines to develop innovative strategies to address business problems.1.2 Students will learn, integrate and apply relevant qualitative and quantitative tools and techniques to analyze and solve business problems.Function effectively in diverse business contexts2.1 Students will learn to assess local and global business contexts and use this assessment as input to business decisions.2.2 Students will demonstrate an appreciation of multiple perspectives and experiences as well as the value of teamwork in business contexts.Anchor business activities in ethics and human values3.1 Students will develop an appreciation of the principles of ethical leadership and accountability as applicable to business decisions.3.2 ning Objectivest business. Student will learn to assess workplace behaviors and business decisions in terms of human values, ethical norms, and societal municate effectively in business settings4.1 Students will demonstrate the spoken and written communication skills essential in business settings4.2 Students will develop an understanding and awareness of the impact of non-verbal communication in business settings.Specific Student Learning Objectives for this course:The selected texts and our class discussions will enable you to achieve the following objectives:You will gain an informed understanding of the legal environment of business. This encompasses the ability to:explain how the American legal system works (including basic classifications and sources, constitutional framework and litigation);engage in critical analysis and legal reasoning;identify basic principles of private law (torts, products liability, business associations) and public law (administrative and securities law);recognize the relationship among law, social responsibility, and business ethics; andexplain why selected areas of law are relevant to managing an organization.You will develop intellectually by engaging in analytical thinking about legal issues. This encompasses the ability to:systematically evaluate a legal argument; and recognize legal issues in a situation and identify the relevant law and its application.Assignments and GradingIndividual in-class contributions5%Team Member Evaluation 3%Team Case Presentation and Team Exercises 7%Cumulative Final Exam35%In-class Mid Term Exam20%Industry Portfolio10%Industry Paper20%Class contributions must account for 15% of the student’s grade. Instructors have flexibility to select different criteria in terms of what is assessed to comprise that 15%. The grade of A is reserved for those who demonstrate extraordinarily excellent performance. The grade of A- is awarded only for excellent performance. The grade for good performance in this course is a B+/B. The grades of D+, D, and D- are not awarded at the graduate level. Please refer to the Carey Business School’s Student Handbook for grade appeal information. A Few Words on Classroom Etiquette . . . .I expect all students to read the assigned readings and be prepared to participate in class. While there is lead team assigned to start the discussion, I expect all students to participate in case discussions. In addition, the PowerPoint slides will be available after class. As a general policy, laptops should NOT be open during class. Notes can be taken by hand and notes taken in preparation for class can be printed out in advance of class. Contributions to Class Discussion/Level of PreparationObviously, class attendance is a pre-requisite for class participation, therefore, students will score a 0 on the day they do not attend class. I do not distinguish excused from unexcused absences. In other words, every absence counts as an absence no matter why you are not in attendance/prepared. I assume that every time a student misses class and/or is not prepared the student has a good reason, such as a family emergency, job-related commitment, or unexpected plans. Students are expected to have read the material before attending class in order to participate. Students are expected to take a proactive stance with respect to class contributions. While I will sometimes use cold calling, students should not expect this to be sufficient for opportunities to make substantive contributions. Also please note that a minimal grade will be assigned for attendance without active participation – seating warming is discouraged. Finally, I reserve the right to give “pop” quizzes on the assigned reading if participation or preparation appears to be waning.I will evaluate students immediately after each class on their contribution to class discussions. Contributions are defined as: observations that advance the discussion or change the direction of the class discussion, insightful commentaries that raise learning points, probing questions that challenge the extant discussion and yield new directions, and analyses that clarify and amplify case facts. Class contribution will be graded 0-5 according to the following criteria: 5 = able to answer or ask questions with good examples from the readings and makes several excellent points that reveals deep thought about the issue(s), and understanding of the readings and cases. Comes to class with additional examples and in effect raises the level of class understanding. 4 = raises a number of good points from the cases and readings, less inspired than a 5, but reveals a clear understanding of the material. 3 = makes one or two good points, and shows a rudimentary grasp of the readings and cases. Essentially, attempts to draw some linkage with the concepts used in the class. 2 = makes one or two points in discussion but does not attempt to apply any concepts learned from the readings or lectures, i.e., superficial common sense-type answers to questions that could have been approached with more insight. 1 = shows up for class but does not participate 0 = does not show up for classSpecific Reading AssignmentsI have attached an outline of the topics I hope we will study this semester. The study questions provide specific information about which parts of each assignment are the most important.Industry Portfolio and Final PaperDifferent industries experience “the legal environment” differently. Issues that are of utmost importance in the medical insurance industry are much different than issues of utmost importance in the herbal supplements or aroma therapy industry. The pharmaceutical, medical devise, vaccines, and biotechnology industries are all examples of industries that help shape, and respond to, legislation and administrative rules. This semester, you will submerse yourself in a particular industry. Your team will select one from the list, if however, you would like a research an industry not on the list, please let me know – I am always open to expanding the list of choice to study. There is also the possibility to do the complete industry assignment individually. If you are interested in this option, please see me. Next, you will find and gather information about legal issues that are important in the industry you chose. Then, you will prioritize the issues, organize your research, and engage in preliminary writing. This writing will provide an overview of the legal and regulatory environment in your industry. Additionally, it will outline two to three significant legal issues from the perspectives of at least two different stakeholders (e.g., shareholders, employees, customers, managers, communities, and future generations). This part of the assignment is the “portfolio” component, and it is worth 10% of your course grade. Twenty percent of your course grade will be a final paper you turn in toward the end of the semester. The portfolio you will have worked on over the course of the semester will set the stage for you to write the final paper. The final paper will be a minimum of twelve, double-spaced pages in length. The paper will give you an opportunity to summarize what you have learned about legal issues that affect the industry you selected. CASE PRESENTATIONSEach week a team is assigned to present a case in the form of a bench trial. Members of each team will take on the roles of defendant, plaintiff, and judge. Each side, defendant, and plaintiff will present their arguments to the class. The judge will provide the ruling along with the legal reasoning behind it. Teams need not dress in business attire. No power point slides are required. The aim of this exercise is to encourage students to engage in in-depth critical thinking and analysis from a particular point of view. When a team member is called on to answer questions, s/he will answer from the view point of his or her assigned role.The research paper must represent 30% of the student’s grade. If instructors choose not to use the Industry Portfolio and Paper assignment, the alternative assignment must be a team based research paper that is at least 15 pages and include a substantive examination of one of the legal topics covered in class. In addition, the research assignment should also include a team presentation. Tentative Course CalendarThe instructors reserve the right to alter course content and/or adjust the pace to accommodate class progress. Students are responsible for keeping up with all adjustments to the course calendar.* All materials followed by an asterisk are posted on Blackboard.FOUNDATIONS OF THE LAWDate Class Session 1What is the Law? and The Nuts and Bolts of Our Judicial SystemDefinition of the Legal EnvironmentSources and Classification of LawCourt System - Following A Case Through the Judicial ProcessHow to Read a CaseReading Assignment: Skim Chapter 1: Business and the Legal Environment and Chapter 2: The Court SystemPortfolio Assignment One - Industry topics are due by the end of the day on Friday. Please email to xxxxx)In-class activity to introduce students to the legal environment of business.Date Class Session 2The Origins of Government Powers and RestrictionsThe ConstitutionSeparation of PowersEminent DomainCommerce ClauseJury System Read and prepare Chapter 5: Constitution Law – with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:J.E.B. v. Ala., 511 U.S. 127 (1994)*Family Winemakers of California v. Jenkins, 592 F.3d 1 (2010)Central Hudson v. Public Service Co. of N.Y., 447 U.S. 557 (1980)*Skim Eminent Domain (found in Chapter 26: Real Property and Land–Use Control and) and Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut material beginning on page 635.(These are the cases on which I have selected to focus – instructors are free to use these or substitute other cases that reinforce law and concepts included in the mandatory chapter. Similarly, instructors are welcome to use the in class assignments identified here (the materials are posted on the Business Law resource site) or design their own exercises that reinforce chapter concepts). In-class activity – Freddy’s Bar - Constitutional law exerciseTHE COMMERICAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESSDate Class Session 3The Basis of all Business Dealings and When is a Contract Fully Performed?Definition, Sources and Classifications of ContractsElements of A ContractMethods of DischargeRemedies of BreachRead and prepare the supplemental contract material on Blackboard. In addition, read and prepare Chapter 9: Contract Formation – with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:Case 9.1 – Lucy v. ZehmerCase 9.3 - Comedy Club, Inc., v. Improv West AssociatesLeonard v. Pepsico, Inc., 210 F.3d 88 (2000)* In-class activity – Contract drafting exercise(These are the cases on which I have selected to focus – instructors are free to use these or substitute other cases that reinforce law and concepts included in the mandatory chapter. Similarly, instructors are welcome to use the in class assignments identified here (the materials are posted on the Business Law resource site) or design their own exercises that reinforce chapter concepts).Date Class Session 4Negligence and TortsGoals of Tort LawClassifications of TortsDamages Available in Tort CasesTheories of Recovery in Product Liability Cases Read and prepare Chapter 12: Torts and Cyber Torts – with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:Liebeck v. McDonalds*Palsgraff v. Long Is. R.R. Co., 248 N.Y. 339, 162 N.E. 99 (N.Y. 1928)*Coleman v. Soccer Assoc. of Columbia - Amicus Brief of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and Maryland Tort Reform Commission* In-class activity – Watch excerpt from HBO documentary “Hot Coffee”Read and prepare Chapter 13: Strict Liability and Products Liability – with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:Osorio v. One World, 659 F.3d 81 (1st Cir. 2011)Wyeth v. Levine., 129 S.Ct. 1187 (2009)(These are the cases on which I have selected to focus – instructors are free to use these or substitute other cases that reinforce law and concepts included in the mandatory chapter. Similarly, instructors are welcome to use the in class assignments identified here (the materials are posted on the Business Law resource site) or design their own exercises that reinforce chapter concepts).Portfolio Assignment Two – Organizing and Outlining Assignment Due (Please submit through Blackboard – indicate your class meeting your name, industry and assignment – e.g. “thurs-lee-automobiles outlining).PUBLIC LAW AND THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTDate Class Session 5Business Entities Sole ProprietorshipsPartnerships LLCsCorporations Read and prepare Chapter 17: Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships pages 380-381; 388-398; Chapter 18: LLCs and LLPs pages 402-414; Chapter 19: Corporations pages 417-422; the material on “Piercing the Corporate Veil” on page 427 and the assigned cases: Case 17.3 - Meinhard v. SalmonCase 18.2 - ORX Resources, Inc.Case 19.2 - Schultz v. General Electric Healthcare Financial Services(These are the cases on which I have selected to focus – instructors are free to use these or substitute other cases that reinforce law and concepts included in the mandatory chapter. Similarly, instructors are welcome to use the in class assignments identified here (the materials are posted on the Business Law resource site) or design their own exercises that reinforce chapter concepts).In-class Midterm Exam. You will be given 60 minutes at the beginning of class for this closed book exam. Late arrivals will not be afforded extra time. The exam will consist of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. The exam will cover material from the first four class sessions.Date Class Session 6Intellectual PropertyTrademarksPatentsCopyrightRead and prepare Chapter 14: Intellectual Property and Internet Law – with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., 510 U.S. 569 (1994)*In-class Activity - Mattel Intellectual Property Exercise (Background and instructions for this exercise are under the “Assignment” tab. An identical set of instructions is also in the class session 5 tab under course documents).(This is the case on which I have selected to focus – instructors are free to use these or substitute other cases that reinforce law and concepts included in the mandatory chapter. Similarly, instructors are welcome to use the in class assignments identified here (the materials are posted on the Business Law resource site) or design their own exercises that reinforce chapter concepts).Date Class Session 7Employment Relationships and Employment DiscriminationHow to Leave your EmployerAgency Employment-at-WillDiscriminationThings Employers should to Reduce Workplace Liability Read and prepare Chapter 20: Agency Relationships – with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:Penthouse International v. Barnes, 792 F.2d 943 (9th Cir. 1986)*Read and prepare Chapter 21: Employment Relationships and Chapter 22: Employment Discrimination with particular emphasis on the study questions addressing:Merritt v. Old Dominion, 601 F.3d 289 (4th Cir. 2010)*(These are the cases on which I have selected to focus – instructors are free to use these or substitute other cases that reinforce law and concepts included in the mandatory chapter. Similarly, instructors are welcome to use the in class assignments identified here (the materials are posted on the Business Law resource site) or design their own exercises that reinforce chapter concepts).INDUSTRY PAPER DUE BY 6:00 P.M. - submit through assignment tab on blackboardThe final exam will be made available after class through Blackboard**Submit questions or topics that you would like to learn about by the end of class.PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHERDate Class Session 8What Matters to YouI reserve the first 45 minutes of class for addressing any substantive areas of the law that you would like to learn about but we did not have an opportunity to cover in class. Email all topics or questions to me by the end of class session seven.In-class activity related to the Industry Assignment TAKE HOME FINAL EXAM DUE BY 6:00 P.M. (Submit electronically and bring a hardcopy to class)Carey Business School Policies and General InformationBlackboard SiteA Blackboard course site is set up for this course. Each student is expected to check the site throughout the semester as Blackboard will be the primary venue for outside classroom communications between the instructors and the students. Students can access the course site at . Support for Blackboard is available at 1-866-669-6138.Course EvaluationAs a research and learning community, the Carey Business School is committed to continuous improvement. The faculty strongly encourages students to provide complete and honest feedback for this course. Please take this activity seriously; we depend on your feedback to help us improve. Information on how to complete the evaluation will be provided toward the end of the course.Disability ServicesJohns Hopkins University and the Carey Business School are committed to making all academic programs, support services, and facilities accessible. To determine eligibility for accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at time of admission and allow at least four weeks prior to the beginning of the first class meeting. Students should contact Priscilla Mint in the Disability Services Office by phone at 410-234-9243, by fax at 443-529-1552, or by email. Honor Code/Code of ConductAll students are expected to view the Carey Business School Honor Code/Code of Conduct tutorial and submit their pledge online.?Students who fail to complete and submit the pledge will have a registrar’s hold on their account. Please contact the student services office via email if you have any questions.Students are not allowed to use any electronic devices during in-class tests. Calculators will be provided if the instructor requires them for test taking. Students must seek permission from the instructor to leave the classroom during an in-class test. Test scripts must not be removed from the classroom during the test.Other Important Academic Policies and ServicesStudents are strongly encouraged to consult the Carey Business School’s Student Handbook and Academic Catalog and Student Resources for information regarding the following items:Statement of Diversity and InclusionStudent Success CenterInclement Weather PolicyCopyright StatementUnless explicitly allowed by the instructor, course materials, class discussions, and examinations are created for and expected to be used by class participants only.?The recording and rebroadcasting of such material, by any means, is forbidden. Violations are subject to sanctions under the Honor Code. ................
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