Fall 2018 Course Syllabus Course: LGLA-1307- Section: 71 Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions

Instructor Information
Instructor	Michelle McPherson
E-mail	mcphersonml@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6424
Office	Location: Ruby Fuller - Room: 211 Hours: N/A
Department	Business and Technology Chair: Sheila Guillot E-mail: guillsr@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6381
Course Information
Description	Overview of the law and the legal professions including legal concepts, systems, and terminology; substantive areas of law and the federal and state judicial systems; ethical obligations and regulations; professional trends and issues with emphasis on the paralegal's role.
Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	PSLO related 1. Understand legal terms by reviewing key terms in the textbook and other assigned readings/projects. 2. Write an effective legal resume, locate forms and draft appropriate documents. Write an effective cover letter. Use correct grammar in speech and written word. 3 Advise his/her attorney and other staff of unethical practices in the law firm or other workplace. Utilize appropriate job resume and interviewing techniques. Perform tasks authorized for paralegals, not attorneys. 4. Utilize blackboard through the internet. Draft documents using Word. Prepare charts using Excel. Review power points on the on-line class. Locate the type of law he/she wants to practice. 5. Study for classes in the most effective way possible. Perform on tests, quizzes and projects appropriately.
Core Objectives	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. * Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts. * Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	Alpha: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of legal area reading material. 1. Understand legal terms and the paralegal's role in the legal environment. 2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents. 3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment. 4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills. 5. Demonstrate comprehension of legal reading materials.
Textbooks	Introduction to Paralegal Studies, 6th edition, Currier, ISBN: 9781454873426
Lecture Topics Outline	We will generally cover one chapter a week beginning with chapter 1. If I assign two chapters it is because they are short, chapters are related and/or to finish the materials within the allotted weeks for the course.
Major Assignments Schedule	Generally a chapter a week Tests usually cover 4 chapters 1-2 Major projects
Final Exam Date	December 6, 2018 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 13, 2018 - 1:00 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Tests and Final Exam-75%, Assignments, Projects, Discussions -20%, Attendance and Participation -5%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
Attendance Policy	A student with 9 or more absences may be dropped from the course.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other	I do have an office on campus. Please e-mail me or call me at 409-670-7499 and I can arrange for a place to meet on campus.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.