Disclaimer
Changes may be made to this syllabus in order to meet the needs of the class. I'll notify you in advance of any changes in course requirements or policies.
Text
 |
Required: CengageNOW, West's Digital Video Library Instant Access Code for Cross/Miller's West's Legal Environment of Business, 6th Edition ISBN:0-324-64505-8 (Includes electronic copy of the text.) Purchase from the CGCC bookstore or www.ichapters.com $50-$70. Class key (for use on CengageNOW) is: E-247QGC4CTK2SZ Optional: You may download the first electronic chapter for free from www.ichapters.com So, even if you haven't purchased a book yet, you can still get the chapter read before our next class! |
Supplies
You'll need a computer with Internet access, either at home or you can use ours in the lab. You'll complete assignments, quizzes and exams online at CengageNOW. Up-to-the-minute grade information will also be on CengageNOW. Your computer must have Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox 2, with current versions of Java Runtime Environment, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. (Most computers have these programs installed and, if not, it's free to install them.) You are the one responsible for computer problems, so definitely make sure your computer is ready to go and that you have a plan B in case your computer stops working. Links for the software, if you need to download and install it: | Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox 2 |
| Java Runtime Environment |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader |
| Adobe Flash Player |
| Adobe Shockwave Player |
| Quicktime |
| Realplayer Basic |
| CengageNOW manual (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) |
Missed classes
I expect you to arrange your schedule so that you can attend every class meeting. Per college policy, once you accumulate more than two official absences, I may withdraw you from the course. In particular, if you have a long term challenge that will affect your attendance in my class, such as chronic health problems or work schedule issues, please let me know as soon as possible. Then, we can brainstorm options and find one that will work for both of us. Since all assignments are handled electronically and not turned in during class, you should be able to submit them on time.
If you must miss a class, you may determine what you missed and retrieve many missed handouts from the course schedule on CengageNOW http://west.ilrn.com/ I don't maintain an inventory of old handouts.
Usually, you may make-up your regular exams, if you send me an email explaining why you missed the exam and request a make it up. If I agree to the make-up, you must complete it prior to our next class meeting unless we agree otherwise. Make-ups will be computer-based and must be taken in the Pecos campus Testing Center. The Testing Center requires that you make an advance reservation for computer-based exams and they won't make a reservation until you've contacted me via email first.
Some students have told me they find it useful to exchange phone numbers and email addresses with fellow students. That way, if you miss class, you have someone to contact for notes and missed handouts.
Assessment
Grades will be assigned based on points earned. The guidelines for earning points are subject to change. If I must make a change, I'll provide prior notice:
Points
I expect to assign points as follows:
| Assessment | Points |
| Quizzes and Homework | 20% |
| Exams | 80% |
Exams
The CengageNOW software will allow me to break the material into approximately 5 exams. Exams should thus cover 5 or 6 chapters. Exams normally test over terminology and concepts using true/false questions and over application of legal concepts using multiple choice questions. I may choose to include short answer and essay questions. If I include short answer or essays, I'll announce it in advance.
Quizzes and Homework
To encourage you to study on an ongoing basis, there will be an online quiz over the reading for each chapter and the quiz must be completed at the class meeting after we covered the material. ThomsonNOW will immediately grade the quiz and you'll get instant feedback. Chapter-related homework will be assigned as appropriate.
Final Exam
Our last exam of the semester will be scheduled during final exam week. Days and times are already set and in most circumstances can't be changed. Final exams are 1 hour and 50 minutes and will be held May 5 - 8.
Grades
Grades will be assigned based on points earned as follows:
| Letter Grade | Percentage of points |
| A | 90-100 |
| B | 80-89 |
| C | 70-79 |
| D | 60-69 |
| F | below 60 |
Classroom expectations
I like a relaxed, fun class that stays focused on learning. You can help me keep that focus by preparing for class, showing up on time, staying for the entire class, turning off audible pagers and cell phones and refraining from aggressive or disruptive behavior, including yelling, assault or battery. Taping/recording lectures or class activities requires my prior approval and -- unless otherwise arranged -- recordings may be used for study purposes only by the student making the recordings. Food and drink are allowed in the classroom. If you do not meet classroom expectations, I will discuss the issue with you and may choose to remove you from the classroom.
Instructional Methods
I employ a wide variety of instructional methods including: cooperative learning, lecture, discussion, Socratic method, simulation and role-playing. If you are uncomfortable with these instructional techniques, you may wish to choose another section.
Withdrawal
| You are responsible for completing your own withdrawal paperwork. I may do it for you, but it really is your responsibility. If you fail to complete and file your withdrawal paperwork, I may assign you whatever letter grade you earn. | ||||
| In terms of attendance, college policy states that I may unilaterally withdraw you in these circumstances:
|
Student responsibility
You are responsible for the information in this syllabus and must complete the syllabus quiz online at CengageNOW with 100% accuracy in order to remain in the class. I also expect you to obtain a student handbook and to follow the policies and procedures of MCCCD and CGCC.
Academic integrity
I encourage you to work together and to study together, but your work must be your own. If any form of plagiarism (see Administrative Statements, below) does occur, I will take disciplinary action within CGCC policy guidelines as stated in the student handbook.
Disclaimer
You may raise legal issues and I may use them as an aid to help you and your fellow classmates learn more about the law. When I discuss law with you, I am not providing legal advice. Students in need of legal advice should seek out the assistance of a practicing attorney who is competent in the area of law in question.
Time commitment required for success in the course
CGCC standards require at least two hours of effort outside class for every hour inside class. So, plan on approximately six hours of homework per week. However, people differ and you may require more or fewer hours. Your success in the course is also dependent on effort, so less effort may result in a lower grade and more effort may result in a higher grade.
Administrative messages
Statement Regarding Outcomes and Assessment
The faculty and programs at CGCC are dedicated to effective teaching and successful learning with emphasis in the following areas: reading, speaking, listening, writing, mathematics, science, computer application skills, humanities, problem-solving, information literacy, critical thinking, and personal development.
Periodically, students will participate in formal and informal assessment activities that will help faculty improve programs and teaching strategies. These activities are designed to facilitate student growth in whatever combination of the above outcomes applies to a course.
Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are required to register for services in the Disability Resources and Services (DRS) office in the Student Center at the beginning of the semester. Do not wait to visit the DRS office if you want support with any CGCC classes. The DRS office will meet with you to determine accommodations based on appropriate documentation. Therefore, faculty members are not authorized to provide or approve any accommodations for students in this class without written instructions from the DRS office. This must be on file before any accommodation will be provided. You can contact the DRS office at (480)857-5188.
Information on Learning Center
For Pecos Campus:
The CGCC Learning Center's mission is to support students' academic learning by providing free tutoring and resources to reinforce and supplement classroom instruction and to assist CGCC students to achieve academic success. Free tutoring services are available for many CGCC courses. The Learning Center is located on the second floor of the Library, rooms L227, L228, and L229. The Center also provides instructional support resources in the form of videotapes, software, and print materials. For a schedule of tutoring hours, additional information or assistance contact the Learning Center at (480) 732-7231, or visit our website at: http://www.cgc.maricopa.edu/lc
Statement Concerning Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as presenting the work of another as one’s own. More than four consecutive words from a source other than the writer constitute plagiarism when the source is not clearly identified in appropriate documentation format.
From the CGCC Student Handbook:
“Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.”
STATEMENT CONCERNING DISCRIMINATION
Students are welcome to seek support from the Vice President of Student Affairs office (480-857-5188) if they feel they have been discriminated against at CGCC.
