Law 315 - Foundations of American Business Law

LAW 315: Foundations of American Business Law

SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR COLLEGE OF LAW, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Spring 2016

Twitter handle: @Annemaria60

Professor Anne Herbert, Computer Commons 482

Email: Anne.Herbert@asu.edu

Phone: 480.965-8072

Office Hours:  Wednesdays11:30am – 1:30 and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores a key concept in the field of American Business Law: the topic of private law and risk management in the US economy.   We will consider why it is that law sometimes rewards risk-taking behavior and at other times appears to penalize risk-taking behavior by individuals in the economy. Our focus will be on the three foundational areas of private law: Contracts, Torts and Property law.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES                                                                                

• To develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• To develop a basic understanding of the Contract, Tort and Property law
• To develop a basic understanding of the ideas of risk management in the operation of law
• To develop a basic understanding of the historical development of US business law

LEARNING OUTCOMES _                                                                                

By the conclusion of this course, students will be able to

• Identify and describe the elements of contract, tort, and property law.
• Articulate the ideas in law and economics related to risk management.
• Critically analyze basic ideas regarding law and risk management in Contracts, Torts, and Property law.

REQUIRED TEXT                                                                                        

There is a lot of reading; however, there are no required texts to purchase.  All the course reading is available online.  The individual weekly content folders on Blackboard post your reading assignments for the week.  The reading material itself is collected under the main Blackboard tab “Course Readings.”

COURSE REQUIREMENTS, GRADING AND ATTENDANCE: 200 point system

The course final grade will be based on a 200 point system: assignments, participation, and a Final Exam. Your assignments MUST be submitted to Blackboard by Noon on the Monday before we will discuss the material in class.  The point of the assignments is so that we can talk about the issues presented in the cases and the readings. You will receive points based on your class attendance, participation in class discussion and assignment completion and a comprehensive in-class Final Exam.

120 points/6 assignments: Each assignment is worth 20 points. Case briefings will be worth 10 points (5 points per case) and the reading synopsis assignment will be worth 10 points total.

30 points/Participation Credit: Each class session attendance is worth 5 points.

50 points: Final exam (scantron)

Read the important information regarding Participation:

Attendance will be taken. Only the GRAVEST of personal circumstances will be excused (a conflicting work schedule or head colds are examples of things that will NOT be excused). Class meets once a week for 2 3/4 hours – if you cannot make Wednesdays at noon a priority for this academic commitment then you should not be taking this course. Showing up late or leaving class early will lower your participation grade.

In addition, every week certain individuals will be assigned as “on call” to discuss the readings and cases listed for the discussion session. I WILL call on you and your degree of preparation will be part of your participation assessment.

COURSE BEHAVIOR & EXPECTATIONS

• Blackboard will be used to distribute course materials and communicate with students. Students are responsible for regularly checking the Blackboard site for assignments and announcements.
• Cell phones are not to be used in the classroom. The instructor may retain any item that causes a disturbance during class until the end of the class session.
• According to the law, class lectures are protected by copyright regulations. Recording a lecture is prohibited unless approved by the instructor.
• Plagiarism, cheating, or violation of other prescribed conduct described in the Student Handbook may result in withdrawal from this course or other disciplinary action as set forth by the Arizona State University policies.
• Punctuality is important. Arriving late is disruptive to the course.
• If you must leave early, sit near the door.  You must let me know at the beginning of class is you need to leave early.
• No disruptive behavior or use of profanity will be permitted in the classroom. Be courteous to the instructor and your classmates during discussions. Courtesy includes refraining from conversations with your neighbors, studying for another class, or napping. Disrespect toward the instructor or classmates will not be tolerated. Students who fail to adhere to this policy will be instructed to leave the classroom for the day and must schedule a conference with the instructor before returning to class.
• Some of the course content may be considered sensitive. Use caution when discussing these issues in class because some students may be offended. Use professional language at all times.

MEETING WITH the PROFESSOR

If you would like to meet with me, please email my assistant Zelda Graham, Roselda.Graham@asu.edu , to schedule an appointment during my office hours, Wednesdays 11:30am to 1pm.  If you have an unavoidable conflict and are unable to meet during my office hours, let Zelda know some alternative days/times.