• LGLA-1307 Introduction to Law and the Legal Professions

• Use terminology relating to tort and personal injury law;
• Analyze sources relating to tort and personal injury law;
• Draft documents used in tort and personal injury law;
• And analyze the ethical considerations of the paralegal's role in tort and personal injury law

Weekly Expectations

1. Read the assigned chapter(s) for the week.

2. View the PowerPoints for the designated chapters.

3. Complete all weekly assignments in Blackboard Ultra by the posted deadlines.

Exams & Assignments

• All exams will open during their designated week.

• If a student fails to complete an exam before the closing date, a zero will be given unless an excused absence is provided (examples: illness, COVID, doctor’s appointment, etc.).

• Students with an excused absence must make arrangements with the instructor to complete a make-up exam.

• Exams may include:

  • Multiple-choice questions

  • True/False questions

  • Short answer questions

  • Essay questions

  • Fill-in-the-blank questions
     

    Textbooks

    • Students must have a copy of the required textbook or eBook no later than the second week of class (or as soon as it is available from the bookstore).

              Grading

• Grades will be posted in Blackboard.

• Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades and averages—instructors will not calculate averages for students.

• Grades will not be discussed over the phone. If you wish to discuss grades, you must meet in person during office hours or email the instructor.

       Make-Up & Late Work

• Acceptance of late or make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

   Conditional AI Policy

  The emergence of generative AI tools has sparked interest among students in our discipline. These tools can support brainstorming, exploring possible responses, and creatively engaging with course material. While AI can provide feedback, assistive technology, and language support, it cannot replace working directly with your instructor. Please contact me in advance if you plan to use AI tools for assignments so we can clarify what is acceptable.

  Guidelines for AI Use in this Course:

  1. Attribution Required:

     • Students must give credit for any AI-assisted work, even if it is used only to generate ideas rather than final text or illustrations.

     • When AI is used in assignments, include an appendix detailing:
       a. The AI interactions, highlighting the relevant sections.
       b. How AI was used (e.g., generating ideas, refining language, exploring concepts).
       c. Why AI was used (e.g., to save time, overcome writer’s block, stimulate thinking, clarify prose).

  2. Prohibited Use:

     • AI-generated content may not be submitted as your own work for assignments, exams, or projects unless explicitly approved.

     • Use of AI in in-class examinations or for graded assignments without permission is prohibited.

  3. Responsible Use:

     • Use AI tools wisely and reflectively, with the goal of deepening your understanding of the subject matter.

     • You are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-assisted content, ensuring it does not violate academic honesty standards, intellectual property laws, or privacy regulations.

     • AI may be used for research preparation, text editing, or idea generation, but all submitted work must be written and finalized by the student.

  4. Academic Integrity:

     • Misrepresenting AI-assisted work as entirely your own constitutes academic misconduct.

     • Violations of this policy will be handled according to Lamar State College Port Arthur academic integrity policies.

  Instructor Guidance:

  • Instructors may provide specific guidance on AI use in class exercises and projects.

  • Students are encouraged to ask for clarification if unsure whether a particular use of AI is acceptable.

        Academic Integrity

1. Any student caught cheating or lending their work to another student will receive a zero on the assignment. Note: There is a difference between helping someone understand the work and giving them your assignment to copy.

2. Any student caught cheating on an exam or final will receive an “F” for the course.
    

   Student Responsibilities

   • Students must regularly check their email and Blackboard Ultra for class updates, schedule changes, or announcements.

   • Failure to follow written or oral instructions may result in penalties.

   Technical Issues

   • Blackboard Issues: Login, password, or software problems must be resolved through the IT Department. Inform your instructor of any delays that cannot be resolved before deadlines.

   • Pearson Issues: Contact Pearson Technical Support directly. Notify your instructor if Pearson-related issues cause delays in completing coursework.

    

Attendance Policy

This is an online course with a required weekly webinar held Mondays at 6:45 p.m.

• Students are expected to attend the live webinar each week.

• Students who cannot attend live due to work, family, or other obligations will have the opportunity to watch the pre-recorded webinar.

• All students—whether attending live or watching the recording—must complete and submit a Weekly Webinar Journal & Summary by the posted deadline.

• Failure to submit the required journal and summary will result in being marked absent for that week.