Business Law Syllabus

Syllabus-Business Law

Business Law (5044) Syllabus

2024-2025

Instructor:                   Mrs. Catherine M Brehmer

Email:                           cbrehmer@greenville.k12.sc.us         

Room:                        Business 102

Planning Period:     4th Block

Class Period:               Hillcrest Class Schedule  24-25

1.   Entrepreneurship 1.   Business Law

2.     Business Law      2.  Entrepreneurship Honors

3.     Business Law                              3.  Entrepreneurship     

4.     Planning     4.     Planning 

Phone:                          864-355-3459

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the legal environment in which a consumer operates, to provide the student with knowledge of the legal environment in which a business operates, and to provide the student with knowledge of legal principles.:

LAW FOR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL USE 16E, 2004, John Adamson, South Western Publishing Company, Mason, Ohio

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE  BUSINESS LAW  Course # 5044

Weeks/Dates

Unit

Topic

Week 1

https://www.bls.gov/k12/students/careers/career-exploration.htm

Safety, Student Organizations

 Classroom Rules/ Study Skills/Notes

Pre-test, Introduction to class (Rules, Procedures, Expectations, Seating, Etc.

Career Exploration:     Attitude on the job, office accidents, emergency plan, threat of computer virus ethical use of computer

Computer Law:  Brief mention of DECA and FBLA, Career Technology Programs,

Basic of Law

Chapter 1- Our Laws  

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/legal_systems

Our Legal System  Review/TEST

Types of Laws  Review/TEST

Ethics

Chapter 2 – Ethics and Our Law  What is Ethics?

Reasoning About Right and Wrong
https://www.quora.com/Who-gets-to-decide-whats-morally-right-and-wrong
Review/TEST

Basic of Law  

 Chapter 4 – The Court System

 Dispute Resolution and the Courts  Review/TEST

https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts

Federal Court System

State Court System  Review/TEST

Basic of Law/Civil vs. Criminal

Chapter 5 – Our Criminal Laws
https://www.justice.gov/usao/justice-101/steps-federal-criminal-process

Criminal Law

Criminal Procedure  Review/TEST

 Civil vs. Criminal

Chapter 6 – Personal Injury Law/offenses against Individuals

Review/TEST 

https://www.msbar.org/for-the-public/consumer-information/the-difference-between-a-civil-and-criminal-case/

Intentional torts, Negligence, and Strict Liability 

Contract Law

Chapter 11 – Legality of Contracts 

Which Agreements Are Legal  Review/Test
https://ironcladapp.com/journal/contracts/elements-of-a-contract/

                        Winter Break

Enforce-ability of Illegal Agreements

REVIEW/  EXAM

2nd Semester 2023

Contract Law

Chapter 12 – Written Contracts    

What is the Statute of Frauds?

https://www.lawshelf.com/coursewarecontentview/the-statute-of-frauds

Exceptions to the Statue of Frauds  Review/TEST

How Are Contracts Interpreted?

Contract Law

Chapter 13 – Contractual Duties  

Transfer of Contractual Obligations

Performance of Duties

Contract Law

Chapter 14 – How Courts Enforce Contracts  

Remedies for Breach of Contract  Review/Test

Denial of Remedies for Breach of Contract  

Consumer Law

Chapter 17 – Consumer Protection 

Federal Protection  Review/ TEST

State/Local Protection and Product Liability

Warranties 

Domestic/Personal Law

Chapter 18 – Legal Considerations in Marriage and Divorce

Legal Aspects of Marriage 

Legal Aspects of Divorce

Real and Personal Property

Chapter 19 – Property    

Classes of Property  Review/TEST       

Acquiring property

Chapter 21 – Real Property

What is Real Property?   

Nature and transfer of Ownership

Other’s Rights in Your Land 

Employment Law

Chapter 27 – Employment Contracts

Creation of Employment Contracts   

Employer’s Basic Duties  Review/TEST

Termination of Employment Contracts 

Chapter 29 – Employment Discrimination

Illegal Employment Discrimination  

Proving Illegal Discrimination

Specific Laws Making Unjustified Discrimination Illegal

Project/Review

Law Project, Review, Post-Test, Final Exam

*Note: The above schedule is tentative pending time needed and use of other programs such as Junior Achievement.  Some chapters may be combined or even deleted as long as course standards are sufficiently covered. Some weeks may overlap due to assemblies, Spirit Week

  OBJECTIVE:

Given the necessary equipment, supplies, and facilities, the student will be able to successfully complete all of the core standards.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: 

 Lecture

 Handouts

 Hands on Activities

 Guest Speakers

 Projects 

   Student classroom presentations, Public Speaking requirements for Students.  

** VIDEOS, YOUTUBE and SECTIONS OF MOVIES

 ITEMS TO BRING TO CLASS DAILY

 Students are expected to come to class with a pen.

 Students will be required to keep notes on their school laptop.

 Students will be required to bring textbook and workbook to class everyday

 All other materials will be provided.

COURSE EVALUATION

This is a performance-based class; so all students will be expected to demonstrate the learning  which includes public speaking and presentations to receive credit for the class.

 Daily Grades -This will include assignments from the textbook, workbook, article assignments, and group assignments. Including, presentations and public speaking.

 Quizzes - Quizzes will be given throughout the semester

 Articles – Article reviews will be done most Fridays.

  Tests - These will be problems covering the skills emphasized by each unit as well as short answer questions , fill in the blank, multiple choice, etc.  Including, presentations and public speaking.

Each grading period your grade will be based on the following:

60% - Projects, Tests - These will not always take the traditional form – they may include required presentations or writing assignments.

            40% - Daily work, short assignment, daily projects.

Assignments: 

 If assignments are turned in after class or later, they will consider late. 

 Late assignments will be graded, and then reduced 10 points per class they are late  (if paper is turned in AFTER the CLASS it is another day late!

 If you have questions on the assignment, please ask questions right away to prevent delays. 

Behavioral Expectations & Consequences

Please be aware that a student’s computer may be monitored at any time by the teacher or another GCSD employee without notice to the student.  A record of where the student has been on the computer or on the Internet may be given to the appropriate grade-level administrator if deemed necessary.  The student should not attempt to prevent the monitoring of his/her computer at any time.

Behavioral Expectations 

 Be ready to work as soon as you walk in the classroom.

 Be attentive at all times.

 Be on task throughout the class period.

 Be respectful of others and school property.

 Be POSITIVE and Be PATIENT throughout the learning process! 

 The above rules are in addition to the business lab rules and school rules as outlined in student handbooks.

Consequences: following protocol when dealing with classroom discipline concerns.  All steps should be followed prior to issuing a discipline referral.  (Exception of incidents regarding fighting, threats to others, drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, weapons, etc.)

        Confer with student &  Change seating assignment

·         Contact Parent (Email, Phone, or parent conference) (This may occur when seat is changed)

·         Teacher Detention 

·         Office Referral

The severity of the student’s behavior and consideration of any prior consequences given to the student will determine the appropriate consequence to be given by the teacher.

Policies

Homework

 Generally, there is no homework in the course.  However, students will need to study for unit tests.   

Make-Up Work

 Students who miss class time or have difficulty keeping up with the pace of the class should attend scheduled make-up sessions.  Make-up sessions will be held on designated afternoon after school.  Students who miss class time are responsible for checking to see if they have any work that needs to be made up upon their return to class.  Students cannot make up work during class time without teacher consent.  Students have five days upon their return to class to make up work.

Attendance/Tardy

 Students are allowed five absences per semester-long course.  Students will be allowed tardies during the course.  On the fourth, fifth, and sixth tardy, students will be assigned Saturday detention for two hours.  Failure to show for or arriving late to Saturday detention will result in the student being suspended out of school.  A referral will be written on the seventh and each subsequent tardy.

Restroom/Water Passes

 Students should use the restroom and get water before coming into the classroom.  However, in case of emergencies, students may be allowed to leave the classroom to use the restroom or to get water.  You have five restroom passes per semester.  Should more than two per week,  you will be assigned 10 minute after school detention and 5 minutes added each time. A medical note on file with the nurse is necessary to excuse a student from this policy. WATER is the only drink allowed in the room.  FOOD OR DRINKS  other than water are not allowed in the classroom.

Communication with Parents

 Open House!   Please come with students  

 A daily grades are available to the resource teacher of a student with an IEP.  Progress reports are sent home at the midpoint of each nine weeks.  Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine weeks.

 Parents/Guardians are contacted on an as needed basis by phone or e-mail to discuss student behavior and/or student progress.  Please update your contact information.

 Parents/Guardians can contact the teacher at any time to discuss their child’s behavior and/or progress in the course.

    Parents/Guardians are invited to join the PORTAL so they have access to their students grades on a minimum of a daily inquiry. 

                                           PLEASE MAKE USE OF PARENT PORTAL 

          GRADING SCALE

             100  -  90  A

              89  -  80  B

              79 -  70   C

              69  - 60  D

59 and below is Failing

BUSINESS LAW ACTIVITY COURSE CODE: 5044 COURSE DESCRIPTION:
SC State Standards

This course develops an understanding of legal rights and responsibilities in personal and business law with applications applied to everyday roles as consumers, citizens, and workers. The student will have an understanding of the American legal system, courts/court procedures, criminal justice systems, torts, the civil justice system, oral and written contracts, sales contracts and warranties, consumer protection, social responsibility, and ethics. OBJECTIVE: Given the necessary equipment, supplies, and facilities, the student will be able to successfully complete all of the following core standards for a course which grants one unit of credit. RECOMMENDED GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12 grade COMPUTER ACCESS REQUIRED: 1 computer per student PREREQUISITE: None CREDIT: 1 unit RESOURCES: MySCTextbooks A. SAFETY Effective professionals know the academic subject matter, including safety as required for proficiency within their area. They will use this knowledge as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in any program of study. 1. Review school safety policies and procedures. 2. Review classroom safety rules and procedures. 3. Review safety procedures for using equipment in the classroom. 4. Identify major causes of work-related accidents in office environments. 5. Demonstrate safety skills in an office/work environment. B. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Effective professionals know the academic subject matter, including professional development, required for proficiency within their area. They will use this knowledge as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in any program of study. 2 February, 2017 1. Identify the purpose and goals of a Career and Technology Student Organization (CTSO). 2. Explain how CTSOs are integral parts of specific clusters, majors, and/or courses. 3. Explain the benefits and responsibilities of being a member of a CTSO. 4. List leadership opportunities that are available to students through participation in CTSO conferences, competitions, community service, philanthropy, and other activities. 5. Explain how participation in CTSOs can promote lifelong benefits in other professional and civic organizations. C. TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE Effective professionals know the academic subject matter, including the ethical use of technology as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in any program of study. 1. Demonstrate proficiency and skills associated with the use of technologies that are common to a specific occupation. 2. Identify proper netiquette when using e-mail, social media, and other technologies for communication purposes. 3. Identify potential abuse and unethical uses of laptops, tablets, computers, and/or networks. 4. Explain the consequences of social, illegal, and unethical uses of technology (e.g., piracy; illegal downloading; licensing infringement; inappropriate uses of software, hardware, and mobile devices in the work environment). 5. Discuss legal issues and the terms of use related to copyright laws, fair use laws, and ethics pertaining to downloading of images, photographs, documents, video, sounds, music, trademarks, and other elements for personal use. 6. Describe ethical and legal practices of safeguarding the confidentiality of business related information. 7. Describe possible threats to a laptop, tablet, computer, and/or network and methods of avoiding attacks. D. PERSONAL QUALITIES AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS Effective professionals know the academic subject matter, including positive work practices and interpersonal skills, as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in any program of study. 1. Demonstrate punctuality. 2. Demonstrate self-representation. 3 February, 2017 3. Demonstrate work ethic. 4. Demonstrate respect. 5. Demonstrate time management. 6. Demonstrate integrity. 7. Demonstrate leadership. 8. Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration. 9. Demonstrate conflict resolution. 10. Demonstrate perseverance. 11. Demonstrate commitment. 12. Demonstrate a healthy view of competition. 13. Demonstrate a global perspective. 14. Demonstrate health and fitness. 15. Demonstrate self-direction. 16. Demonstrate lifelong learning. E. PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE Effective professionals know the academic subject matter, including positive work practices and interpersonal skills, as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in any program of study. 1. Demonstrate effective speaking and listening skills. 2. Demonstrate effective reading and writing skills. 3. Demonstrate mathematical reasoning. 4. Demonstrate job-specific mathematics skills. 5. Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. 6. Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness. 7. Demonstrate an understanding of business ethics. 8. Demonstrate confidentiality. 9. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace structures, organizations, systems, and climates. 10. Demonstrate diversity awareness. 11. Demonstrate job acquisition and advancement skills. 12. Demonstrate task management skills. 13. Demonstrate customer-service skills. F. PRINCIPLES OF LAW Effective business law professionals demonstrate a basic understanding of principles of law. They will use this knowledge as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in the business program of study. 1. Discuss the historical background of the United States legalsystem. 2. Identify sources of today’s law: constitution (state and federal), common 4 February, 2017 law, statutory law, court decisions, administrative law (regulations), and case law. 3. Analyze the basic principles upon which the Constitution of the United States is based. 4. Classify types of laws and explain why laws are needed (i.e. civil, criminal, procedural, and substantive). 5. Distinguish between different types of courts. 6. Examine how courts interpret law and explain the role of precedent in the legal system. 7. Identify the types of cases heard in each of the federal and state courts and the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction. 8. Explain the relationship between law and ethics and why they sometimes conflict. 9. Research cases dealing with laws using appropriate technology. G. LEGAL SYSTEM Effective business law professionals demonstrate a basic understanding of the legal system. They will use this knowledge as needed in their role. The following accountability criteria are considered essential for students in the business program of study. 1. Identify ethical character traits: honesty, integrity, compassion, respect, responsibility, citizenship, and justice. 2. Explain the relationship between law and ethics and why they sometimes conflict. 3. Explain the differences between local, state, and federal government and the powers and limitations of each. 4. Define statutory law, identify the purpose of statutory law, and describe how a bill becomes a statue under federal law. 5. Identify ways laws affect individuals, sources of law, constitutional rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, and the responsibilities of government. 6. Distinguish between the roles of legal professionals (e.g., judges, lawyers, and paralegals.) 7. Define “negligence per se” and give examples of circumstances under which it applies. 8. Analyze the significance of “full disclosure” as it applies to law. 9. Possess a working vocabulary of most frequently used legal terms, such as litigation, arbitration, mediation, conciliation, etc. 10. Complete legal documents with notarization as required. 11. Define environmental law, energy regulation and conservation, and explain the purpose and need.