Fall 2019 Course Syllabus
Course: LGLA-2303- Section: 50
Torts and Personal Injury Law 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Michelle McPherson
E-mailmcphersonml@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6381
Office
Location:UITC - Room: 201 B
Hours:N/A
Department
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Sheila Guillot
E-mail:guillsr@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6381

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description Fundamental concepts of tort and personal injury law including intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability with emphasis on the paralegal's role.
Prerequisites LGLA 1307 (may be taken concurrently)
Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, the student should be able to:
CSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content (legal) area reading material (PSLO ALPHA by reading textbooks, cases, documents)
CSLO 1. Understand legal terms and the paralegal's role in the legal environment (PSLO 1-by reading textbook, drafting documents, quizzes and tests)
CSLO 2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.(PSLO2 by preparing one-two documents)
CSLO 3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.(PSLP 3 by discussion board related to torts and paralegal ethics, textbook and one module devoted to Ethics, quiz and test)
CSLO 4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills.(PSLO 4 by having to conduct this course on-line, draft documents, scan and send documents)
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 PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content (legal) area reading material.
PSLO 1. Understand legal terms and the paralegal's role in the legal environment.
PSLO 2. Apply correct drafting procedures to transactional and court documents.
PSLO 3. Demonstrate appropriate ethics and professionalism in the legal environment.
PSLO 4. Exhibit the ability to use computer skills.
Textbooks Torts and Personal Injury Law, Okrent, Cathy, 5th edition.
Lecture Topics
Outline		 See Major Assignments Schedule
Read One chapter a week.
Major Assignments
Schedule		 1 Introduction to Torts
2 Negligence
3 Proving Breach of Duty: Medical and Legal Malpractice
4.Special Negligence Actions
TEST 1
5.Defense to Negligence Actions
6 Intentional Torts-Injuries to Persons
7 Intentional Torts-More Injuries to Persons
8 Intentional Torts-Injuries to Property
TEST 2
9.Defenses to Intentional Torts
10. Strict or Absolute Liability
11. Products Liability
12. Special Tort actions
TEST 3
13. Tort Immunities
14.Tort Investigations/Ethics
Other supplemental topics TBD
FINAL EXAM



Final Exam Date December 10, 2019 - 5:30 PM   Through  December 10, 2019 - 8:00 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 Tests: 60%
Quizzes/Projects/Homework/Special Assignments: 20%
Final Exam: 15%
Attendance/Participation: 5%.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies The student at the end of the semester should know how to:

1. Interview lay witnesses in tort cases.
2. Classify damages in tort causes of action.
3. Apply the concepts of negligence per se and res ipsa loquitur.
4. Distinguish between actual cause and proximate cause.
5. Differentiate between contributory negligence and assumption of the risk.
6. Explain strict liability.
7. Apply the elements of various types of intentional torts to client situations.
Attendance Policy A student that exceeds 9 absences will not pass this course. Attendance will be based on review of the dates logged into this course each week.
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
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. 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 the Office for Disability Services 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 not have an office on campus. Please e-mail me at McPhersonLaw@Outlook.com or call me (409-670-7499) if you would like to meet on campus and I will arrange a place for us to meet.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.