Instructor Information:

Instructor: Heather Perfetti, J.D.

COURSE: BADM 1 – Business Law I ONLINE

Office: Off campus; New York

Office Hours:

I can be reached via email at anytime for questions or concerns. My email address is hperfetti@bcconline.com. I prefer that you contact me by email, instead of by phone, as I check my email continuously throughout the week and weekend. If you need me to contact you by phone, include your phone number in the email that you send, and I will contact you as soon as I am available to do so.  Please identify the issue in your email, so that I can attempt to resolve it by email.

In the box below, please type, I understand how to contact my instructor.

NEW ONLINE STUDENTS: All NEW online students must complete the online orientation available at www.bcconline.com/orient. You may also want to visit the "Frequently Asked Questions" page at that site as it answers many questions that you may have about taking an online course. Distant students with limited computer and/or online course experience should complete all of the tutorials available at that orientation site.

In the box below please type, I understand if I am a new student I must complete the online orientation available at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/.

IMPORTANT DATES: All students should be aware of important dates relating to the semester (such as the last day to drop without a "W" or the last day to drop with a "W"). You can find important dates for this semester, along with other valuable information, at http://www.bcconline.com/schedule/admission.htm. Please take the time to visit this site and familiarize yourself with this information.

In the box below please type, I understand there are important dates relating to the semester and that I can find these dates by clicking on the link above.

USER NAME AND PASSWORD:

You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these, you will not be able to access the course materials beyond the first week. If you need assistance, please visit www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm to receive further assistance.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of user names and passwords as it pertains to this course: "I understand that I must use a user name and password to access materials beyond the first week of class. I also understand that I can visit the above-referenced website to obtain assistance."

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The legal and social environment of business. The regulatory environment in which business operates. Basic principles of law as applied to ordinary business transactions. Consumer protection, crimes, torts, computers, and the law. The essential elements of contracts. Emphasis on the Uniform Commercial Code and California law through representative cases. Reading Level A. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs):

1. Understand the elements of contractual obligations and how to recognize these requirements.

Assessment method(s): Essay examinations and case studies

GEO’s addressed by SLO: Communication; Critical and Creative Thinking

2. Recognize key regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing contracts and property rights.

Assessment method(s): Essay examinations, case studies, and current event reporting

GEO’s addressed by SLO: Communication; Critical and Creative Thinking, Communication, Global Awareness

3. Identify and have a general knowledge of domestic case law at the federal and state level supportive of rights pertaining to contracts, private and intellectual property.

Assessment method(s): Case studies

GEO’s addressed by SLO: Communication, Personal and Professional Development (through research)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Define the nature and sources of law (Chapter 1).
• Convey an understanding of the court system and familiarity with the names of the various courts. (Chapter 2)
• List and define the steps in court procedure (Chapter 2).
• Identify the alternatives to litigation for dispute resolution (Chapter 2).
• Discuss business ethics and the importance of business ethics (Chapter 3).
• Recognize categories of ethical behavior and appropriately resolve ethical dilemmas (Chapter 3).
• Discuss the definition and purpose of constitutions (Chapter 4).
• Explain the role of the branches of government (Chapter 4).
• Explain how the U.S. Constitution is interpreted, amended, and refined (Chapter 4).
• Provide an explanation of congressional constitutional authority in the regulation of business, through the commerce clause (Chapter 4).
• Convey an understanding of the rights and protections afforded to individuals under the Constitution (Chapter 4).
• Discuss how the power of government operates to regulate business (Chapter 5).
• Identify how the government regulates and protects markets and competition (Chapter 5).
• Define and discuss the importance of administrative agencies (Chapter 6).
• Identify the authority of administrative agencies (Chapter 6).
• Identify the general principles of international business law (Chapter 7).
• Identify the business regulations that apply in international business (Chapter 7).
• Describe the various types of crimes and the imposition of criminal liability (Chapter 8).
• Recognize different types of white-collar crimes (Chapter 8).
• List the steps of the criminal justice process and the rights of those accused of crimes (Chapter 8).
• Identify the general characteristics of torts and principles of tort law (Chapter 9).
• Define the elements of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability (Chapter 9).
• Understand the arguments surrounding tort reform (Chapter 9).
• Identify the legal rights associated with intellectual property and the issues surrounding intellectual property in light of the use of the Internet (Chapter 10).
• Outline the nature and classes of contracts (Chapter 12).
• Explain contractual requirements, including offer and acceptance (Chapter 13), capacity (Chapter 14), and consideration (Chapter 15).
• Understand the manner in which duties under a contract can be discharged (Chapter 19).
• Define a breach of contract (Chapter 20).

From the course objectives and student learning outcomes listed above, list the one that interests you the most and tell me why it interests you.

Text/Author:

Business Law - Principles for Today's Commercial Environment by Twomey & Jennings (3rd edition). ISBN #: 0-324-78669-7

Because you will be responding to specific questions from the text, you must have the appropriate edition of the textbook, which is identified above. You also must have your book at the start of the semester to be successful in this course. Not having your book will not be an acceptable excuse for late work. Please do not ask for extensions because you do not have your book.

In the box below, please type which of the following applies to you: "I have my book already" or "I will have my book by the end of the first week of class."

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL:

Please realize that your textbook has a support site that offers a variety of helpful resources for students taking this course. Please visit the text support site at www.swlearning.com or www.westbuslaw.com. Locate your textbook at either website and then visit the "Student Book Companion Site." The interactive quizzes for each chapter will be especially helpful in this course.

Identification:

Students are required to identify themselves in the subject line of all email. This means that you must use your real name, first and last, and BADM1. With the number of viruses attached to emails and the large number of unsolicited email that I receive, I automatically delete all email without appropriate subject lines. Please remember to identify yourself and BADM1 in the subject line!

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of this requirement: "I understand that I have to identify myself by using my real name, first and last, and BADM1 on all correspondence with the instructor or my email will be deleted without being read."

Course requirements:

Online Weekly Discussions: This course will consist of weekly discussions, which are graded.  Your initial posting to my questions should contain a minimum of 150-200 words (a full paragraph) per question and responses to students should contain at least 100 words. Students must post in the classroom no later than Saturday of each week. I WILL NOT ACCEPT THESE THROUGH EMAIL. Each student posting must be in the correct thread in order to be scored. Postings placed in the wrong thread will not be graded and will not be scored. If you place any postings LATE, you will NOT receive any credit. The discussion thread will remain online for your review, but LATE postings will not be considered for grading. You will have until Saturday at midnight, California time, to place your postings. If you attempt to post after this time, please realize that you will not receive credit. The discussions are designed to prepare students for the quizzes and the examinations. Therefore, it is in your best interest to participate early in the week. In addition, each discussion is graded. Students are expected to answer the questions posted and respond to at least two other students. You should answer the questions that I post in ONE posting (if more than one question is posted for that chapter). You should respond to TWO other students in individual separate postings, and those postings should specifically state to whom you are responding. For example, "In response to (Student’s Name)", and then your response would follow. YOU WILL FIND THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS WITHIN EACH WEEK’S LESSON, FOLLOWING EACH CHAPTER. In addition, students may be required to participate in online activities and report back to students within the discussion forum. Failing to participate in weekly discussions affects your grade significantly. In addition, if your comments are unacceptable, insulting, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate for an educational setting, your grade will be compromised. While we will not agree in many regards, we must learn to communicate disagreements in a respectful manner. ANONYMOUS POSTINGS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

Attendance: Students are expected to "attend" class in that they are expected to participate weekly within our virtual classroom. Students who fail to do so will be deemed absent for that week, unless you have contacted the instructor and advised the instructor of your inability to access the course during that particular week. The instructor shall report all absences to the main campus. A student who has not participated for 14 consecutive days may be recommended for administrative withdrawal. Email sent to the instructor during a course week without actual classroom participation does not count as attendance or participation. PLEASE REALIZE THAT THIS IS NOT A SELF-PACED COURSE. You are expected to participate each and every week in accordance with the course schedule as make-up work is not permitted.

Online Quizzes: Online quizzes are to be completed the week that they are assigned. The links to the quizzes are posted in the discussion area of the course under their corresponding assigned week. Access to the quiz is granted only once. You will have 10 minutes to complete each quiz. If you extend beyond the 10 minute time limitation, your grade will be reduced four points for every minute beyond the 10 minutes. There are a total of six quizzes for this course, each worth 20 points. Quizzes can consist of true/false and multiple-choice questions. You should not use any notes or the book while completing these quizzes online. All quizzes must be completed by Saturday, at midnight, during the week that they are assigned. No exceptions.

Online Mid-Term Examination: Each student will complete an online mid-term examination covering all of the material up to and including Week 4. This examination will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and/or essay questions. Even though the mid-term examination is online, you should not use any notes or the book while completing the mid-term examination. The online mid-term examination shall be completed by Saturday, at midnight, during the week that it is assigned. No exceptions. If you extend beyond the 60 minute time limitation, your grade will be reduced five points for every minute beyond the 60 minutes.

Proctored Final Examination: The final examination will cover all of the material after Week 4 and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and/or essay questions. The final examination will be taken in person at the main campus computer lab in accordance with the final examination schedule. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the main campus to obtain directions to the correct building and/or room to take the online final examination. You will be required to present a valid ID at the examination site. If an alternate proctor is required, the student must complete the PROCTOR FORM by the end of the second week of class. Approved alternate proctors include the education center, librarians, professors from other institutions, and other school officials. Friends, family, and immediate supervisors will NOT be approved to proctor an examination for you. You must ensure that your proctor has the ability and time to administer an online examination, which will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of the course requirements: "I understand that I must participate in weekly discussions and assignments, take six online quizzes, and complete both an online mid-term and a proctored final examination as part of this course."

GRADING POLICY:

The grading scale is as follows:

A=450-500

B=400-449

C=350-399

D=300-349

F=299-0

Students have the ability to earn points through the following assignments:

Online Quizzes:	120 points (6 Quizzes / 20 Points Each)
Weekly Discussions:	80 points (10 Points Per Week)
Online Midterm Examination:	100 points
Proctored Final Examination:	200 points
Total Number of Points:	500 points

 In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of the grading policy for this course: "I understand the grading scale, the possible number of points available in this class, and that I have the ability to track my grade throughout the course."

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Each student is responsible for the following:

• Reading the Instructor’s Bulletin Board every time the course is accessed. Some assignments may be posted through this link; therefore it is the student’s responsibility to check it regularly.
• Participating in weekly discussions. Merely logging on or signing in weekly WITHOUT participating in meaningful discussion will NOT earn a student any credit for classroom participation. Full participation occurs if the student logs on / signs in and contributes to the class discussion with meaningful, valid discussion with classmates concerning the material and the assigned topic for each week. Simply responding, "I agree with you," to a student is NOT meaningful participation and will not receive any credit. Students are expected to use grammatically correct and proper English within the Discussion forum. If your sentences are full of grammatical errors, your grade will be reduced significantly, regardless of what you "meant" to say or "thought" that you said. Please refrain from using abbreviations, such as those used in "chat" rooms online. The online discussion forum for this class should be treated the same as a traditional classroom setting.
• Ensuring that all assignments are completed on time and received by the Instructor on time.
• Completing all quizzes and exams in a timely fashion.
• Contacting the Instructor with any questions or concerns. In addition, students should follow-up with a subsequent email contact if more than 48 hours have passed and no response has been received from the Instructor. Please realize that I try to respond to all email as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. If you do not hear from me within 48 hours, it is safe to assume that I did not receive your email.
• Completing weekly reading assignments.
• Completing other assignments as required.
• Ensuring that arrangements have been made for an approved proctor to administer the final examination, if necessary.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate that you understand what your responsibilities are as a student in this course: "I have read the number of student responsibilities associated with this course, I understand my responsibilities as a student in this course, and if I need clarification regarding any of the student responsibilities, I will contact the instructor immediately."

PROCTORING OF EXAMINATIONS:

For students who will require a proctor for the final examination, please complete the PROCTOR FORM by the end of the second week of class. Remember, approved alternate proctors include the education center, librarians, professors from other institutions, and other school officials. Friends, family, and immediate supervisors will NOT be approved to proctor an examination for you. You must ensure that your proctor has the ability and time to administer an online examination, which will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate that you understand your responsibility relating to a proctored examination: "I understand that I must arrange for a proctor by the end of the second week of class, if I am not going to take the examination at Ft. Irwin or the Barstow College Campus."

COURSE SCHEDULE

WEEK 1 / LESSON 1:

Read Chapters 1 & 2

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

WEEK 2 / LESSON 2:

Read Chapters 3 & 4

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take QUIZ (#1) Over Chapters 3 & 4

WEEK 3 / LESSON 3:

Read Chapters 5 & 6

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take QUIZ (#2) Over Chapters 5 & 6

WEEK 4 / LESSON 4:

Read Chapter 7

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take ONLINE MIDTERM over Chapters 1-7

WEEK 5 / LESSON 5:

Read Chapters 8 & 9

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take QUIZ (#3) over Chapters 8 & 9

WEEK 6 / LESSON 6:

Read Chapters 10 & 12

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take QUIZ (#4) over Chapters 10 & 12

WEEK 7 / LESSON 7:

Read Chapters 13, 14 (capacity) & 15

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take QUIZ (#5) over Chapters 13, 14 (capacity) & 15

WEEK 8 / LESSON 8:

Read Chapters 19 & 20

Review the Lecture Notes

Engage in Discussion

Take QUIZ (#6) over Chapters 19 & 20

WEEK 9 / LESSON 9:

OBTAIN THE STUDY GUIDE

STUDY FOR FINAL EXAMINATION

TAKE PROCTORED FINAL EXAM as scheduled over Chapters 8-10, 12-15, 19-20

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of the course schedule: "I understand the course schedule and weekly assignments that are required as part of this course."

SYLLABUS DISCLAIMER:

A syllabus is not a contract between an instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when circumstances dictate. Students will receive appropriate notification if circumstances arise to justify amending the syllabus.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of the syllabus for this course: "I understand a syllabus is a general guidelines for students to use in planning their time in a particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to adjust to the changes."

LATE ASSIGNMENTS / MISSED QUIZZES AND EXAMINATIONS

Late assignments will not be accepted. Any examination or quiz not taken as scheduled will result in a zero for that particular examination or quiz. In the event that you will not have online access at any point in the semester, you are expected to contact me immediately.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate that you understand the policy regarding late assignments or missed quizzes and examinations: "I understand that assignments must be submitted on time, and that the Instructor will not accept late assignments. Also, if I fail to take an examination or a quiz during the time provided, I have earned a zero for that examination or quiz."

Computer-Related Issues:

Students may get assistance with computer-related problems through the webmaster@bcconline.com. For technical questions and computer-related concerns, you can also call the Barstow College Online Office at 760.252.2411 extension 7319. You should notify the instructor of any computer-related problems that you are experiencing and attempting to correct.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of handling computer-related issues that may arise: "I understand that I should notify the instructor of any computer-related problems and attempt to resolve them by contacting webmaster@bcconline.com."

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Barstow Community College policies are in effect regarding Academic Honesty. All work must be your own, unless the instructor authorizes collaboration, in which case you must, in writing, acknowledge the help you have received. Presenting as one’s own the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form is cheating through plagiarism and will NOT be tolerated.

In the box below, please type the following to indicate your understanding of the issues involving academic honesty: "I understand that all work must be my own unless collaboration is granted by the instructor. I also understand that any form of cheating will NOT be tolerated."

Disability Statement: