LAWS100 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Department of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies: Paralegal/Legal Studies
- I. Course Number and Title
- LAWS100 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- None
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course provides students with basic coverage of the important role paralegals play in many employment contexts. Through completion of innovative exercises, which foster an entrepreneurial mindset, students learn how to identify legal issues; and understand various legal specialties, ethics, research and skills necessary to excel in this growing field.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
-
-
Course Learning Goals
Students will- Use and apply the elements of civil procedure and practice as they relate to those areas of litigation routinely encountered in the general practice of law;
- Identify the function and operation of courts and administrative agencies in particular areas within a law practice;
- Recognize the practical aspects of assisting a lawyer to serve clients in numerous areas of specialization likely to be encountered in a law office; and
- Use and apply legal research skills to conduct online legal research and to compose various written materials; and
- utilize understanding of basic legal concepts and an entrepreneurial mindset to identify potential client issues based on innovations in various respective disciplines.
-
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Career Opportunities
- Law Office Structure
- Ethics
- Sources of American Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Civil procedure
- Courts
- Administrative law
- Legal Research and Innovative Technologies
- Legal Writing
- Legal Investigations
- Legal challenges posed by multi-disciplinary innovations
-
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, classroom exercises, class or online participation, and/or projects as specified by the area faculty and described in the individual instructor's syllabus are utilized. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
-
Review/Approval Date - 3/99; New Core 8/2015; Revised 12/2015; Revised 12/2019