BUS 20300 - Business Law

This course provides an overview of the primary legal topics, doctrines and rules applicable in a business environment. Following an summary of the American legal system, civil litigation and constitutional law and a discussion of business ethics frameworks, substantive legal subjects that concern commercial activities will be discussed, including the following: alternative dispute resolution; criminal law; contract law, including breach of contract and e-contracts; torts and product liability; intellectual property; agency and employment law; discrimination and harassment law; and business entities, including partnerships, corporations, and the limited liability company. Emphasis on critical thinking and application skills is emphasized throughout the course.

Preparation for Course
P: Sophomore or higher class standing.

Cr. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Gain a sufficient understanding of the American legal system, including the Constitution, the civil litigation system, and the basics of criminal law.
2. Consider the role ethics and personal responsibility play in the legal system and business law, and to apply key ethics frameworks to lifelike scenarios.
3. Apply one’s critical thinking and legal analysis skills.
4. Develop practical competence in key alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation and arbitration, and their relation to the legal system.
5. Develop applied understanding of contract law, including e-contracts, and remedies for breach.
6. Acquire foundational proficiency in tort law and product liability, including identifying key business torts.
7. Develop practical competence in trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets.
8. Develop foundational understanding of insider trading.
9. Develop practical competence in employment and anti-discrimination law, including sexual harassment, and learning when employers are liable for their employees’ misconduct.
10. Acquire foundational proficiency in common business organizations, including proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.