Bachelor's in Legal Studies

ACES100 - This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.)

Open Elective - Any course at the 100 level or above that is not already required in program.

This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches.

The basics of data analytics are introduced including descriptive, predictive and prescriptive statistics, regression analysis, and data visualization. The instructional approach is an application-based introduction to data analytics practices such as data cleaning, data organization for analysis, and exploratory data analysis. A key component of instruction is an emphasis on hands-on practice with data analysis projects and presentation of results to multiple audiences. Techniques examined emphasize applicability in multiple organizational sectors including business, healthcare, and technology. There is a $100.00 SPSS software fee included in this course. Prerequisite(s): STAT220

This course introduces students to economics. Students learn the basics of supply and demand; the market economy; elasticity; the foundation of consumer demand; the theory of the business firm and costs of production; the market structures of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition; theories of labor unions and wages; antitrust policy; and the microeconomic view of international business. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125

This course introduces students to economics, the schools of economic thought, and international economics. Students learn the methodology, concepts, and terminology of macroeconomics, including principles, theories, and tools. They also study banking, money, the Federal Reserve System, and monetary theory. In addition, macroeconomic problems such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and globalization are discussed. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 and MATH120 or MATH125

This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Online sections of ENGL109 will have a $65.00 fee for books. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). There is a $300.00 lab fee included in ENGL109L. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.

This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Online sections will have an $55.00 ebook fee included with the course. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109

This course develops the written and presentation skills necessary for success in professional, supervisory, or managerial positions. Emphasis on communication in both on-paper and digital media is included. Students also learn to use a variety of formats, styles, and delivery systems to achieve the clear, concise, and professional communication required to communicate in global markets. To stress the importance of workplace communication, students create a major professional document as a team. Prerequisite(s): ENGL110 and COMM120

Any course at the 100 level or above from the following categories not required in the program may be taken for Social Science credit:

ECON   HIST   POLS   PROX191   PSYC   SABR   SOCY   SOSC

This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society.

This is the basic statistics course in which students learn to collect, analyze, present and interpret data. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods are applied in problem-solving and decision-making situations. Analysis of large, real-world data sets will be performed using statistical software. Online sections will have an $85.00 fee for eBook and MyMathLab. Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125

MATH120 College Mathematics
Students in this course will explore and apply college-level mathematical concepts so as to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills. Topics will include i) problem solving, ii) set theory and real numbers, iii) linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and iv) counting techniques and probability. Other topics of interest will be selected from graph theory, prime numbers, logic, number representation, and voting theory. This course aims to increase students’ appreciation of the utility, ubiquity, and beauty of mathematics. Note: In-seat and online sections will have an $85.00 eBook/MyMathLab fee included with the course.
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of MATH030. Students must also successfully complete an assessment exam on the first day of class

MATH125 Intermediate Algebra
This course is designed to prepare students for the traditional calculus sequence. Course coverage includes the definitions, properties, and arithmetic of algebraic expressions, solving equations and inequalities, an introduction to functions, graphing equations and functions (e.g., linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic). The course also includes a brief introduction to right triangle trigonometry. Techniques of problem solving and applications are integrated throughout the course. Note: In-seat and online sections will have an $85.00 eBook/MyMathLab fee included with the course. Note:  A final grade of C or better is required to take MATH135 or MATH150

This course is an introduction to accounting principles emphasizing the operation of a business as a sole proprietorship and covers the complete accounting cycle for merchandising and service entities. Partnership accounting is also covered. The application of computer technology to accounting processes is integrated into this course. Note: A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Co-requisite(s): BITS211 or CISP111 and MATH120 or MATH125

Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100 Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125

This course expands on prior word processing knowledge. Students study advanced commands and features of industry-standard word processing software for production of various business documents. Some areas of study include macros, mail merge, sharing data, compiling specialized tables, collaborative tools, and forms. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100

This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and tech-nology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. A $55.00 Peregrine assessment fee is charged in this course.

Students gain an essential understanding of the discipline and approach to the management of projects in a global environment. Topics explained include project definition, resource planning, project scheduling with Gantt charts, project control, as well as planning and scheduling with limited resources. Topics are explored from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Students learn and utilize project software throughout the course. Various techniques used in planning, scheduling, ROI, and controlling projects will be explored and applied through the use of simulations. A $65.00 simulation access fee is charged in this course. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211, MGMT211 or CISP111

This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109

Students are introduced to basic legal vocabulary, the federal and state court systems, and legal ethics. They also become familiar with a variety of law-related working environments. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109

Students are introduced to areas of legal liability commonly encountered by individuals and business as well as to the methods of liability avoidance. Topics covered include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, malpractice, premises liability, dramshop, consumer protection, and other areas of tort liability. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic requirements of the Michigan Rules of Court and the litigation process. The purpose is to enable them to assist the attorney in preparation of legal papers and documents in a timely and comprehensive manner. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

Students are introduced to the published sources of law and research strategies utilized to efficiently analyze legal issues and determine the current state of the law. Students learn to use print resources, as well as computer assisted research tools to access primary and secondary sources of law. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

Students apply their legal research skills to draft pleadings, discovery documents, memoranda, briefs, correspondence and other documents commonly utilized in legal settings. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL216

This course provides an opportunity for students to use computer technology and its application within law firms and other entities engaged in the practice of law. It covers the use of technology in, e-discovery, office management, case management, litigation presentation and billing. Co-requisite(s): LEGL101 for students seeking the Post-Baccalaureate only Prerequisite(s): BITS211 (required for associate?s and bachelor?s degree seeking students) and LEGL101.

Students are introduced to legal problems encountered in business formation, operation, and acquisition, including the law concerning sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. They are also introduced to related business law concepts. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

Students are introduced to the process of estate planning, from initial client contact to asset identification and appraisal through drafting of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and medical advanced directives. Students also learn about estate administration, guardianships and conservatorship through the drafting of petitions and other court documents. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

This is an advanced course in trial practice. Particular emphasis will be given to discovery and trial preparation. There is a $55.00 fee for the Peregrine assessment In this course. Prerequisite(s): LEGL215 and LEGL218 are the required prerequisites for bachelor?s degree seeking students. LEGL215 and LEGL216 are the required prerequisites for the students in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.

Contact Regional Internship Manager at least two semesters prior to enrolling. This course will provide an on-the-job experience in the day-to-day routine and operation of a law office or other legal setting. To receive 3 credits, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students will be required to complete 150 hours of work at an approved internship site. To receive 4 credits, the Bachelor degree student will be required to complete 200 hours of work at an approved internship site. A $30.00 internship management fee is charged in this course. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship will result in a grade of F. A criminal background check and drug screen may be required by the Internship site. A grade of C or better is required to pass this course successfully. Prerequisite(s): All required law classes in the major completed or taken concurrently; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and minimum major GPA of 2.3.

Students are introduced to the practical skills required in divorce, paternity, child protection, guardianship, and other proceedings. Special emphasis is placed on interviewing, investigation, file organization, and drafting documents in preparation for litigation in each of these subject areas. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

This course examines Criminal Law in the United States, with an emphasis upon its basic functions and principal components. The substantive elements of crimes and defenses are explored along with an examination of the impact of crime on society. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 or LEGL210

This application-based course examines procedural and evidentiary rules and cases relating to admissibility of criminal evidence. Students are introduced to preparing and filing documents involved in criminal litigation from initial client contact through sentencing and appeal. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 or IAAS256

This course is a study of bankruptcy concepts relating to consumer bankruptcy filings under Chapters 7 and Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. The course focuses on practical aspects of bankruptcy practice, including drafting of forms and other documents. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

Students are introduced to various forms of property ownership. Students will draft legal documents used in real estate transactions as well as documents used in litigation reflecting various types of property ownership. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

In this class students will conduct a comparative legal analysis between the United States system of jurisprudence and the judicial system of the country the student is visiting during a study abroad experience. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

This seminar course gives students an opportunity to explore, in greater depth, legal topics introduced in prior classes. The emphasis of the class will be on the application of skills and knowledge previously acquired and the promotion of access to justice. Note: Course may be repeated twice for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): LEGL215 and junior status or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate student with the approval of the Department Chair for Legal Studies

In this class the Legal Studies study abroad participant, in cooperation with the study abroad program director and the course instructor, will select a legal topic and compare, analyze and apply the substantive and procedural law in the United States to the substantive and procedural law in the host country. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101

This case study course focuses on the managing of employer/employee employment related issues through an examination of the major federal laws governing the employment relationship such as: National Labor Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Age Dis-crimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Emphasis is placed on the critical thinking and problem solving skills required of business managers responsible for the hiring, directing and terminating of workers in both non-union and union environments. Prerequisite(s): BUSN210, ENGL311, LEGL210, and MGMT211

This class provides an extensive review of all previous course work in order to prepare the student for the National Association of Legal Professionals or NALS, ALS examination, the basic certification for legal professionals. At the completion of the course work, the ALS examination will be administered. In addition to standard tuition fees for this course, there is an additional $105.00 examination fee and NALS membership fee that must be paid to NALS prior to taking the examination. These additional fees are set by NALS and may be subject to change by NALS. Prerequisite(s): All required law classes completed or taken concurrently.