EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW

COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

Instructor: Michael E. Chaplin

Office: Olympus 213
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:00AM – 9:30AM, and by appointment.
E-mail: mchaplin@everettcc.edu

Textbook: Two Options: With cooperation from McGraw Hill, we have

developed two textbook options for business law.

1. Business Law with UCC Applications, Brown, Gordon &

Sukys, Paul, 14th Edition. E-book ISBN: 9781307326765

PLEASE NOTE: The price for the e-book is $69 if purchased

directly from McGraw Hill. The direct link is below. You will
find the instructions on purchasing the text attached in the
related “Announcement” (Textbook - Purchasing Correction).

http://create.mheducation.com/adminweb/#/products/details/?is
bn=9781307326765

2. Business Law with UCC Applications, Brown, Gordon &

Sukys, Paul, 14th Edition. Softbound Textbook ISBN:
9781307326758

You can purchase or rent the textbook at the EvCC bookstore.

You will use the textbook extensively, so obtain a copy without
delay.

COURSE INFORMATION - BUS&201, Business Law, 5.0 credits, Fall

Quarter 2018

Course Description
Business Law provides an overview of American law and the American judicial system as they
relate to the operation of a business. The course will cover the origin, evolution, structure,
functions, and significant concepts of law and the judicial system. Topics covered will include
contracts, agency, torts, the Uniform Commercial Code, employment law, property and landlord
tenant law, trusts and estates, constitutional law, forms of business organization, consumer
legislation, and crimes. The course will emphasize the rights and obligations arising from
entering into contracts.

How to Contact the Instructor

You can contact me by leaving a message in the discussion forum labeled “Questions for
Michael.” This forum is located in the “Modules” section of the online classroom. I will check
 EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

that forum frequently. That is the best way to get a quick response from me, and other students
in the class who have the same question can also read my response. However, if your question is
confidential, or otherwise inappropriate for the classroom, send me an email message on Canvas.
The email function is located in the “Inbox” tab at the top of the classroom.

Course Learning Objectives

College-wide core learning outcomes. The college has seven core learning outcomes that each
graduate should achieve. This course will emphasize the following three core learning
outcomes:

• Engage and take responsibility as active learners: Students will be directly involved
in the learning process as they gain deeper levels of understanding of the subject
matter. They will take an active role in their learning experience.
• Think critically: Students will develop and practice analytical and problem-solving
skills. Using creativity and self-reflection, they will be able to engage in inquiry that
produces well-reasoned, meaningful conclusions.
• Communicate Effectively: Students will cogently express themselves in class discussion
and written assignments.

Course-specific learning outcomes. This course will prepare students to

1. Explain the importance of ethics and social responsibility in business.

2. Describe encounters leading to torts.
3. Explain the essentials of a rudimentary binding contract.
4. Describe the consequences of a contract breach.
5. Describe forms of business organization (proprietary, partnership, corporation).
6. Describe agency principles and interactions.
7. Describe product liability issues and their impact on business.
8. Describe the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
9. Describe basic laws that apply to the employment setting.
10. Describe property law concepts, including landlord tenant law.

Course Requirements
This course requires a significant amount of reading, analysis, writing, and discussion each
week. To fulfill the course requirements, you must complete all of the following.

1. Reading Assignments: You will read and study at least two chapters from the textbook
each week along with each chapter’s corresponding Power Point presentation. The
Power Points, along with recommended videos, are posted in Canvas.
2. Discussion Forums: You will complete nine discussion assignments related to the
textbook readings. These assignments will be worth 15 points each week for 135 points
for the course.
3. Legal Analysis Paper: You will write one legal analysis paper. This paper will give you
an opportunity to work in a group and apply the legal analysis principles you learn in the
class. Outside research is required. The legal analysis paper will be worth a maximum of
 EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

100 points. The paper must be completed as a group. Groups are limited in size: no less
than two students, no more than four students.
4. Quizzes: You will take three quizzes. Each quiz will be worth 50 points. Each quiz is
an individual assignment. All work must be your own. You may not work in groups,
and may not ask any person (other than your instructor) for assistance. Failure to
follow these requirements will result in a failing grade.

Extra Credit: You may do the following extra credit assignment for up to 20 points.

• As a group, we will visit the Tulalip Tribal Court (Date Not Yet Set). All who come with
me to visit the Tulalip Tribal Court will earn 10 extra credit points.
• For those who want to earn up to10 more points, you may write a two-page paper
concerning your observations and any comments about your visit to the Tulalip Tribal
Court. If you choose to write the paper, it must be done individually - no group papers are
allowed.

The extra credit is governed by the following: Grading will be based upon completeness,
conciseness, and clarity of expression. The memorandum/summary must be word-processed,
single-spaced, times new roman, 12-point font. Neatness and organization also count.
Deductions will be made for poor grammar, spelling and sentence structure, as well as for failure
to follow the designated format and posting instructions.

Late assignments will not be accepted, unless arrangements have been made with me, and are
subject to points deduction. Please let me know in advance of the due date if you foresee a
problem turning in an assignment in a timely fashion, or have any question about how to do so
that is not answered above or in the assignment.

COURSE POLICIES

Computer Issues: This course is taught using the CANVAS online course management system.
Consequently, you must have daily access to a reliable, working computer with CANVAS-
accessible Internet access. You must also have updated virus protection on-board at all times.
Lack of technical capability is not a justifiable excuse for missing an assignment deadline.
Computer or software malfunctions also cannot be used to excuse late work.

Your instructor is not responsible for and cannot support personal computers and other personal
electronic devices. The student is expected to know how to troubleshoot personal computer
problems and have a working computer with stable internet service and access to EvCC email
and CANVAS (used by EvCC to support online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses). It is also
recommended every student regularly back up computer files to either an external hard drive or
USB drive.

Even if you are computer literate but are new to CANVAS, recognize that you may still have a
learning curve. If you have problems, please make sure that you ask questions proactively
(especially to other students who may have already experienced and solved the problem you’re
dealing with), be patient with yourself as you learn, and utilize the multitude of resources that the
 EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

EvCC Distance Learning Department offers. You can access help by contacting eLearning at
http://www.everettcc.edu/elearning/ or by calling the EvCC helpdesk at (425) 388-9367.

Late Work: You must complete all assignments and tests during the week and on the day they
are due. If you miss a deadline you lose those points. However, an accommodation will be
made for sickness or emergencies. If you become ill or the victim of an emergency, please let
me know within 48 hours.

Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is highly valued at EvCC. You must always submit work
that represents your original words or ideas. You must cite all relevant sources and make clear
the extent to which outside sources were used. Words or ideas that require citation include, but
are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications. Full blown citations aren’t necessary.
If you’re using the text as a source it is okay to cite a page number. Taking credit for the work of
others may result in being failed for the course.

Accommodation for Disabled Students: EvCC will make reasonable accommodations for a
person with documented disabilities. Students should notify the Center for Disability Services
about any special needs. I should be notified as soon as possible after documentation and an
accommodation have been approved by the Center.

ASSESSMENT

Course requirements and the specific point values used to assign final grades are detailed below.

Point Values for Coursework:

COURSEWORK Points
Possible
Discussion Forums (9) @ 15 points each 135
Quizzes (3) @ 50 points each 150
Legal Analysis Paper @ 100 points 100
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 385
Extra Credit 20

Your final grade will be calculated by dividing the number of points you receive during the
quarter by the maximum number of points possible (this results in your percentage score). Your
percentage score will then be converted to a letter grade based on the letter grading system
below.

Grading Scale:
 EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

A 93 – 100%
A- 90 – 92%
B+ 88 – 89%
B 83 – 87%
B- 80 – 82%
C+ 78 – 79%
C 73 – 77%
C- 70 – 72%
D+ 68 – 69%
D 60 – 67%
F 0-59

The following resources may prove helpful:

 The Purdue University Writing Lab. Available: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/.

 American Psychological Association. Electronic reference formats recommended by the

American Psychological Association (online). Available: http://www.apastyle.org/apa-style-
help.aspx

 University of Wisconsin. Academic writing: Quoting and paraphrasing (online). Available:

http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/QuotingSources.html.

 Strunk, W. (1999). The elements of style (online). Available:

http://www.bartleby.com/141/index.html.

COURSE CALENDAR/SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

This is a tentative schedule. The course will follow this schedule fairly closely, but we may
cover the material more rapidly or more slowly than indicated. I may modify the schedule to
meet the needs and interests of the class. The dates for the various assignments (tests, papers,
etc.) will be posted in Canvas. Generally, you will have at least three days to complete an
assignment. It is your responsibility to complete all assignments and be familiar with all
material. Chapter readings should be completed before the start of class. The Power Points,
along with recommended videos, are posted in Canvas.

Week 1

Read Chapter 1 and corresponding Power Points: Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Law
Read Chapter 2 and corresponding Power Points: Sources of the Law

Week 1 Discussion Forum

Week 2
 EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

Read Chapter 3 and corresponding Power Points: The Judicial Process and Cyber-procedure
Read Chapter 4 and corresponding Power Points: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Week 2 Discussion Forum

Week 3

Read Chapter 5 and corresponding Power Points: Criminal Law & Cybercrimes
Read Chapter 6 and corresponding PowerPoints: Tort Law & Cybertorts

Week 3 Discussion Forum

Complete Quiz #1 on Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Week 4

Read Chapter 7 and corresponding Power Points: The Essentials of Contract Law
Read Chapter 8 and corresponding Power Points: Offer, Acceptance, and Mutual Assent

Week 4 Discussion Forum

Week 5

Read Chapter 9 and corresponding Power Points: Consideration and Cyber-Payments

Read Chapter 10 and corresponding Power Points: Capacity and Legality: The Final Elements

Week 5 Discussion Forum

Week 6

Read Chapter 11 and corresponding Power Points: Written Contracts and Cyber-Commerce
Read Chapter 12 and corresponding Power Points: Third Parties, Discharge, and Remedies

Week 6 Discussion Forum

Week 7

Read Chapter 13 and corresponding Power Points: Sales Contracts: Formation, Title, & Risk of
Loss
Read Chapter 14 and corresponding Power Points: Sales Contracts: Rights, Duties, Breach, and
Warranties
Read Chapter 15 and corresponding Power Points: Product Liability and Consumer Protection

Legal Analysis Paper

Week 8

Read Chapter 22 and corresponding Power Points: Agency Law

 EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS 201 (BUS& 201), BUSINESS LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS, FALL QUARTER 2018

Read Chapter 23 and corresponding Power Points: Employment Law

Week 8 Discussion Forum

Complete Quiz #1 on Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15

Week 9

Read Chapter 25 and corresponding Power Points: Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Read Chapter 26 and corresponding Power Points: The Corporate Entity

Week 9 Discussion Forum

Extra Credit Assignment is Due (NOTE: This is based on the prior visit to the Tulalip
Tribal Court and any paper submissions).

Week 10

Read Chapter 30 and corresponding Power Points: Real Property and Landlord Tenant Law
Read Chapter 31 and corresponding Power Points: Wills, Trusts, and Advanced Directives

Week 10 Discussion Forum

Week 11

Quiz #3 on Chapters 22, 23, 25, 26, 30 and 31