Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies Degree Program

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.

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.

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.

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.

MAT105

Quantitative Methods (course intended for non-business majors) - 3 Credits

This course surveys topics in elementary algebra, personal finance, probability, and statistics and is integrated with an online homework and tutorial program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Topics include solving algebraic equations, solving ratio and proportion problems, applications involving percentage and interest, applying the definition of probability, measures of central tendency, descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, graphical representation of data, and applications of the normal distribution. Topics focus on real-life situations, decision making skills, and problem solving. Some working knowledge of elementary algebra is expected. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Scientific or graphing calculator strongly recommended.

MAT220

Statistics - 3 Credits

This course offers students an opportunity to experience statistics as it would occur in various settings. This course is integrated with a state of the art online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Topics are presented through real life case studies and include an overview of the fundamentals of statistics, collective and descriptive statistic techniques, data collection and sampling, the normal distribution and probability, hypothesis testing, population inferences, simple linear regression, and correlation. An understanding of basic algebra is required. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Scientific or graphing calculator and access to a spreadsheet program is recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LAW301

Bankruptcy Law & 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CSA101

Exploring Self: Inside Out - 3 credits

This course will focus on self-discovery and interaction with others to provide learners with the foundation for examining and further developing their own personal effectiveness. An environment of trust will be built within the class to enable individual and collective openness, discovery, and engagement in personal learning. The course will use experiential learning, personal reflection, and group interaction as primary approaches. This is a hybrid course, with classroom interaction time blended with online learning and interaction through the Blackboard learning management system.

CSA260

Professional Success Seminar - 1 credits

This course will enable students to develop their own individualized plans for personal, academic, and career success. Students will engage in self-evaluation exercises and highly interactive classroom activities to evaluate their own “fit” for certain careers. Students will also participate in resume and cover letter writing activities to prepare for the experiential learning of the next course. Students will establish short-term career goals and begin a career portfolio to be refined during successive semesters.

CSA400

Career Capstone - 2 credits

This course is the culmination of the career and self-awareness series, a comprehensive program for career and life planning. The course prepares students for a transition from university life to independent work life. Students will learn valuable financial and money management skills. Students will explore life balance issues, life roles, and self-concept as they relate to their future plans. Students will explore employment issues, such as the changing nature of work, diversity, trends, and job outlook. The course will require students to engage in networking and a job search with the goal of employment upon graduation. In addition, students who are seeking to enter graduate school will engage in the application process, including interviewing practice, and admissions essay writing.

Prerequisite: CSA260

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.

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.

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.

ACC211

Managerial Accounting - 3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: ACC111

MGT306

Small Business Management - 3 Credits

This course examines the skills required to set up, operate, and manage a small business. The development of a business plan is integral and introduces the entrepreneurial concepts of business management, planning, capital, managing employees, marketing products and services.

Prerequisite: MGT 221 or permission of the instructor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LAW315

Fraud Prevention and Examination – 3 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

LAW334

Alternate Dispute Resolution - 3 credits

Students will be introduced to types of dispute resolution processes that do not involve adjudication. These processes are referred collectively as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR is used in public and private sectors as well as court sponsored programs. Students will gain an understanding of ADR, through an overview of conflict and dispute resolution. The theories, methods, and terminology of ADR will be introduced with emphasis on negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

LAW415

Personal Injury Law - 3 Credits

Students become familiar with Personal Injury Law, which is based on tort law concepts.  Among the topics to be discussed are tort law, legal analysis, negligence, intentional torts, strict liability, and product liability.

LAW430

Medical Malpractice Law - 3 Credits

Students become familiar with Medical Malpractice Law, which is based on tort law concepts.  The topics to be discussed include tort law, risk management, investigation of claims, litigation and the medical malpractice trial.