Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies Degree Program

Curriculum


General Education Requirements 60 crs
Common Core 12 crs
ENG110 College Writing

ENG110

College Writing - 3 Credits

This course is designed to develop and refine the analytical/critical reading skills and the substantive writing skills of freshmen.  This intensive writing class will focus on writing essays of varying length and expose students to the various rhetorical modes of writing that will contribute to their success in university courses and their chosen careers.

3 crs
ENG120 College Writing II

ENG120

College Writing II - 3 Credits

College Writing II looks to expand upon the writing skills attained in ENG110. As a student-centered course, students explore their own writing in peer, group, and self-review skill sessions. Students enhance self-editing skills and increase awareness of the revision skills needed in both college coursework and in careers. The course will further develop students' understanding of the writing process from pre-writing to final draft. This course encourages students to have their writing evaluated across the curriculum. The course culminates in a research essay and portfolio of original work.

Pre-requisite: ENG110.

3 crs
COM107 Intro to Communications

COM107

Intro to Communications - 3 credits

This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators.  This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking.  Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology.  Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings.

3 crs
CIS112 Introduction to Computing

CIS112

Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits

This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement. 

Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination.  No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.

3 crs
Liberal Arts
24 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Math 6 crs
MAT105 Quantitative Methods

MAT105

Quantitative Methods - 3 Credits

This course is a survey of elementary algebra, personal finance, probability, and statistics.  Topics include: solving algebraic equations and graphing, recognizing and solving ratio and inequality problems, applications involving percentage and interest, applying the definition of probability, and elementary data analysis of graphs, including finding mean, median and mode.  Topics will focus on real-life situations, decision making skills and problem solving. This course is intended to prepare the student with the skills necessary for a subsequent course in statistics.

3 crs
MAT220 Statistics

MAT220

Statistics I - 3 Credits

This course acquaints students with the fundamentals of modern statistics. It includes basic concepts of descriptive statistics and inferences about the mean, proportion, and variance of one population. The course also includes an introduction to probability and to linear correlation and regression.

Prerequisite: MAT120 or placement examination.

3 crs
Science
3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Unrestricted Electives 15 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
Elective 3 crs
   
Leadership Course 3 crs
LCS105 Elements of Organizations

LCS105

Elements of Organization - 3 Credits

Students need a basic understanding of how organizations work in order to manage their personal and professional lives. This course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the foundations underlying all organizations (businesses, non-profit and governmental organizations) specifically as they relate to the nature of: management and leadership, economics both domestically and internationally, ethics, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, human resource management, marketing/advertising, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, investments, money and personal finances.

3 crs
   
Major, Core and Concentrations 51 crs
Designated Writing Course 3 crs
LAW425 Legal Writing

LAW425

Legal Writing - 3 Credits

Students learn the techniques of legal writing as it pertains to the role of the legal assistant. Specific writing assignments include the case brief, motions, pleadings, discovery documents and written instruments. The course culminates in a Memorandum of Law and therefore attention is given to advanced legal research.

Prerequisites: LAW203, 205.

3 crs
Major Core 39 crs
LAW101 Introduction to Law

LAW101

Introduction to Law - 3 Credits

Students are introduced to the system of legal thought and practice. The course examines legal methods and terminology while providing an orientation to state and federal laws and court systems. Internet resources and instructional technology are part of all topics, including a survey of subject specific areas in the law.

3 crs
LAW105 Estate Admin. & Probate Practice

LAW105

Estate Administration and Probate Practice - 3 Credits

Students learn the role that wills, trusts and powers of attorney play in the management of personal assets.

Further, students become thoroughly familiar with the procedures employed to open, manage, and close Decedents' Estates, Conservatorship, Guardianships, Small Estates, and Refusal of Letters.

Prerequisite: LAW101; ACC111 strongly recommended.

3 crs
LAW201 Real Estate Law & Practice

LAW201

Real Estate Law and Practice - 3 Credits

Students learn how to handle a real estate transaction from the drafting of the sales contract to the closing. Subjects covered include Notes, Mortgages and Deeds of Trust, Titles and Title Insurance, Recording Liens, Encumbrances, Foreclosures, and Easements.

Prerequisite: LAW101.

3 crs
LAW203 Civil Litigation Practice

LAW203

Civil Litigation Practice - 3 Credits

Students are introduced to all aspects of a civil lawsuit, including Jurisdiction, Rules of Procedure, Pleadings, Motions, Discovery, Trial Procedures, and the Appellate Process.

Prerequisite: LAW101.

3 crs
LAW205 Legal Research

LAW205

Legal Research - 3 Credits

Students become familiar with legal resource materials and how they are researched. Publications discussed include those that report Constitutional Law, Statutory Law, Case Law, Administrative Regulations, and Municipal Law.

Further, students are introduced to the American Digest System, Shepard's and Computer-Assisted Legal Research.

Research assignments introduce students to the legal research process.

Prerequisite: LAW101.

3 crs
LAW209 Family Law & Practice

LAW209

Family Law and Practice - 3 Credits

Students become familiar with such family law matters as annulment, legal separation, marriage and dissolution of marriage. Further, students are introduced to the general litigation process that resolves disputes, including post-judgment matters. Other family matters such as adoption, guardianship, domestic violence, actions for custody, and rights to property and support are covered.

Prerequisite: LAW101.

3 crs
LAW301 Bankruptcy Law & Practice

LAW301

Bankruptcy Practice - 3 Credits

Students become familiar with the Bankruptcy Code, as amended; the general functions of the Bankruptcy Court; and the power of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut. Students are introduced to Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 proceedings and rules.

Prerequisite: LAW101; LAW203 is recommended.

6 crs
LAW306 E-Commerce: The Legal Context

LAW306

E-commerce: The Legal Context - 3 Credits

This is a trailblazing course on e-commerce and the legal issues this activity has created. Among the topics covered are an overview of e-commerce; jurisdiction; copyrights; trademarks; privacy; obscenity; defamation; online contracts; and Internet taxation.

3 crs
LAW307 Business Organizations & Practice

LAW307

Business Organizations and Practice - 3 Credits

Students are introduced to the substantive law of business entities including sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, and corporations. Subjects covered include the application of substantive law to incorporation procedure, partnership agreements, general corporation maintenance, corporate capitalization, financing and corporate changes such as mergers, amendments, dissolutions.

Prerequisite: BUS204 is strongly recommended.

3 crs
LAW310 Patent, Trademark & Copyright Law

LAW310

Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law - 3 Credits

This is an introductory course on the law of Intellectual Property. Among the topics covered are freedom of speech on the Web, ISP responsibilities, infringement, trademark issues on the Web, privacy and the Internet, copyright piracy and international trade issues, and new developments in trade secret law.

3 crs
LAW325 E-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business

LAW325

e-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business - 3 Credits

This is a web-supported course that examines the developing concept of e-government. Students become familiar with the methods used by state and federal government to regulate business by means of government websites. Assessment is based on a student generated portfolio.

Cross listed with BUS325.

3 crs
LAW405 Environmental Law & Practice

LAW405

Environmental Law and Practice - 3 Credits

Students learn the relevant federal and state environmental laws together with their practical application to corporate and real estate transactions. Specific areas of study include environmental due diligence. This course covers the specific area in which individuals and business entities encounter environmental law.

Cross listed with ENV405. Prerequisite: BUS204 or ENV121.

3 crs
LAW440 Legal Ethics

LAW440

Legal Ethics - 3 Credits

This course is a comprehensive in-depth, hands-on study of the specific and particular ethical issues faced by the legal professional as guided by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It is designed for both the business professional who may interact with legal professionals and for the prospective legal professional, with emphasis on the practice requirements which guide the latter. The objective is to provide a foundation and a guide for dealing with ethical dilemmas in the practice of law.

3 crs
Directed Electives 9 crs
300/400 Level Elective 3 crs
300/400 Level Elective 3 crs
Legal Studies Internship Recommended* 3 crs
   
Career and Self-Awareness
6 crs.
CSS101 Learning Across the Lifespan

CSS101

College Success Seminar: Learning Across the Lifespan - 3 credits

This course provides theoretical bases and practical strategies for lifelong learning.  Students will become aware of university resources, as well as the policies and procedures critical to success at Post. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, study skills, analytical reading, effective writing, reasoning, problem-solving, time management and strategies for college success necessary to support learning in a university environment.  Students will analyze their own learning abilities and styles and develop effective practices for learning throughout their lifetime.  Students will explore their motivations and the external determinants that affect their educational, personal, and career success. Students will learn the role of active learning in a successful life.

.

3 crs.
PSS301 Work Life and Career Development

PSS301

Professional Success Seminar: Work, Life and Career Development - 3 credits

This course provides practical approaches to managing one’s career, working with others in teams, understanding other’s perceptions of one’s performance, managing upwards and sideways for success, maneuvering through a changing work environment and global marketplace, and networking inside and outside of one’s organization.  Students will explore the changing global environment of business and the skills and knowledge that tomorrow’s workforce will demand.

3 crs.
Grand Total 120 crs
*Students are encouraged to complete an internship (LAW460).


Legal Studies Concentrations

 
Corporate Law 9 crs
LAW307 Business Organizations & Practice

LAW307

Business Organizations and Practice - 3 Credits

Students are introduced to the substantive law of business entities including sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, and corporations. Subjects covered include the application of substantive law to incorporation procedure, partnership agreements, general corporation maintenance, corporate capitalization, financing and corporate changes such as mergers, amendments, dissolutions.

Prerequisite: BUS204 is strongly recommended.

3 crs
LAW325 E-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business

LAW325

e-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business - 3 Credits

This is a web-supported course that examines the developing concept of e-government. Students become familiar with the methods used by state and federal government to regulate business by means of government websites. Assessment is based on a student generated portfolio.

Cross listed with BUS325.

3 crs
BUS205 Business Law II (Corporate Law)

BUS205

Business Law II - 3 Credits

This course continues the study of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code and proceeds to Agency Law, which governs employer-employee fiduciary and contractual relationships. The Workers Compensation Act, including advantages and disadvantages to both employer and employee, is examined. Also covered are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Law, both common and statutory provisions, Corporate Law and Bankruptcy Law.

3 crs
   
Trial: Civil & Criminal 9 crs
CRJ209 Criminal Law

CRJ209

Criminal Law - 3 Credits

The course examines substantive and procedural criminal law including the common law and statutory offenses. Law of evidence, burden of proof, the jury system, and pre-trial dispositions are also studied.

Prerequisite: CRJ101 or LAW101.

3 crs
CRJ302 Criminal Procedure

CRJ302

Criminal Procedure - 3 Credits

This course is a survey and analysis of the due process rights of individuals in the criminal process. Emphasis is on the impact of the Bill of Rights on the practices of police, prosecutors and judges and the remedies available for the violation of those rights.

Prerequisite: CRJ209.

3 crs
LAW Elective 3 crs
   
Law Office Administration 9 crs
BUS205 Business Law II (Corporate Law)

BUS205

Business Law II - 3 Credits

This course continues the study of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code and proceeds to Agency Law, which governs employer-employee fiduciary and contractual relationships. The Workers Compensation Act, including advantages and disadvantages to both employer and employee, is examined. Also covered are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Law, both common and statutory provisions, Corporate Law and Bankruptcy Law.

3 crs
ACC211 Managerial Accounting

ACC211

Managerial Accounting - 3 Credits

This course provides a practical understanding of the use of accounting by management in planning and controlling operations in all functions of the enterprise and in choosing among alternative courses of action.

Prerequisite: ACC111

3 crs
MGT306 Small Business Mgt.

MGT306

Small Business Management - 3 Credits

This course presents the concepts and the skills needed to set up, operate, and control a small business. The development of a business plan is integral to the course.

Prerequisite: MGT 221 or permission of the instructor.

3 crs
   
Law & Technology 9 crs
LAW306 E-Commerce: The Legal Context

LAW306

E-commerce: The Legal Context - 3 Credits

This is a trailblazing course on e-commerce and the legal issues this activity has created. Among the topics covered are an overview of e-commerce; jurisdiction; copyrights; trademarks; privacy; obscenity; defamation; online contracts; and Internet taxation.

3 crs
LAW310 Patent, Trademark & Copyright Law

LAW310

Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law - 3 Credits

This is an introductory course on the law of Intellectual Property. Among the topics covered are freedom of speech on the Web, ISP responsibilities, infringement, trademark issues on the Web, privacy and the Internet, copyright piracy and international trade issues, and new developments in trade secret law.

3 crs
LAW325 E-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business

LAW325

e-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business - 3 Credits

This is a web-supported course that examines the developing concept of e-government. Students become familiar with the methods used by state and federal government to regulate business by means of government websites. Assessment is based on a student generated portfolio.

Cross listed with BUS325.

3 crs
   
Electives/ No Concentration  
LAW306 E-Commerce: The Legal Context

LAW306

E-commerce: The Legal Context - 3 Credits

This is a trailblazing course on e-commerce and the legal issues this activity has created. Among the topics covered are an overview of e-commerce; jurisdiction; copyrights; trademarks; privacy; obscenity; defamation; online contracts; and Internet taxation.

3 crs
LAW307 Business Organizations & Practice

LAW307

Business Organizations and Practice - 3 Credits

Students are introduced to the substantive law of business entities including sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, and corporations. Subjects covered include the application of substantive law to incorporation procedure, partnership agreements, general corporation maintenance, corporate capitalization, financing and corporate changes such as mergers, amendments, dissolutions.

Prerequisite: BUS204 is strongly recommended.

3 crs
LAW310 Patent, Trademark & Copyright Law

LAW310

Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law - 3 Credits

This is an introductory course on the law of Intellectual Property. Among the topics covered are freedom of speech on the Web, ISP responsibilities, infringement, trademark issues on the Web, privacy and the Internet, copyright piracy and international trade issues, and new developments in trade secret law.

3 crs
LAW325 E-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business

LAW325

e-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business - 3 Credits

This is a web-supported course that examines the developing concept of e-government. Students become familiar with the methods used by state and federal government to regulate business by means of government websites. Assessment is based on a student generated portfolio.

Cross listed with BUS325.

3 crs
BUS205 Business Law II (Corporate Law)

BUS205

Business Law II - 3 Credits

This course continues the study of Contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code and proceeds to Agency Law, which governs employer-employee fiduciary and contractual relationships. The Workers Compensation Act, including advantages and disadvantages to both employer and employee, is examined. Also covered are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Law, both common and statutory provisions, Corporate Law and Bankruptcy Law.

3 crs
LAW315 Fraud Prevention and Examination

LAW315

Fraud Prevention and Examination3 credits

This course covers the principles and methodology of fraud prevention, detection, deterrence and investigation. The course includes such topics as skimming, cash larceny, check tampering, register disbursement schemes, billing schemes, payroll and expense reimbursement schemes, non-cash misappropriations, corruption, financial management fraud, and interviewing witnesses.

Prerequisite: ACC111

3 crs

The university reserves the right to change or update the curriculum at any time. The university will notify students of any changes officially through the university website.