Torts and Personal Injury Law Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

LGLA-2303-001 Torts and Personal Injury Law

Prerequisites

LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent
\ Corequisite: LGLA 1345

Course Description

This course presents fundamental concepts of tort law with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Topics include intentional torts, negligence and strict liability.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Torts & Personal Injury Law, 4th Edition
\ Author:  Okrent

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\ ISBN-13:  978-1-4283-2076-5

Supplies

None

Student Performance

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will define and properly use terminology related to tort and personal injury law; locate, describe, and analyze sources of law relating to tort and personal injury law; describe the role and ethical obligations of the paralegal in tort and personal injury law; and research basic legal questions related to tort and personal injury law.
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(minimum competencies) After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

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1. Describe and explain the duties, responsibilities, and relationships of the paralegal. (SCANS* Information, Systems)
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2. Understand, discuss, and identify the basic and in depth composition of various types of tort actions. (SCANS* Information, Basic Skills)
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3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical guidelines for legal assistants. (SCANS* Resources, Information)
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4. Demonstrate basic analytical skills in interviewing and investigation. (SCANS* Basic Skills, Systems, Interpersonal)
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5. Complete project requiring basic knowledge in legal research, legal writing, and computer literacy. (SCANS* Information, Technology)
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6. Gain experience in and understand of litigation support. (SCANS*Technology)
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   \ *Meets Secretary Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
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   \ Technology: Works with a variety of technologies, including performing weekly research assignments. (Selects technology, maintains, and troubleshoots equipment)
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   \ Systems: Understands complex interrelationships. (Evaluates, monitors, improves social, organizations, and technological systems)
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   \ Information: Acquires and uses information.
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   \ Interpersonal: Works with others, serves clients, exercises leadership.
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   \ Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources (time, money, material and facilities, human resources)
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Plagiarism, Cheating and Individual Work Ethic: The Amarillo College policies and Code of Student Conduct is strictly adhered to when dealing with plagiarism, cheating, and duplication of work product. Any evidence of plagiarism, cheating, or duplication of work product will result in a zero on the project or test in question.
\ A complete statement regarding scholastic dishonesty can be found in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at
\ http://www.actx.edu/student/responsibilities/

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Use of Electronic Devices: Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent/vibrate ring during class meeting times. Remove and turn off any blue tooth device. No text messaging will be allowed during class. Put away your iPods, MP3’s, any other device with recorded music, and the earphones to listen to the music. You will be asked to leave class if you are in violation of this request. You will be counted absent and you will not receive credit for that day’s lab projects, quizzes, or tests.
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Grading Criteria

\ Grading Criteria:

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\ Class grade will be based upon successful completion of the following:

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\ Major Examins:                   60%
\ Assignments:                      40%

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\ Grading Scale:

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\ A = 90-100
\ B = 80-89
\ C = 70-79 (Minimum grade required of Paralegal Studies majors)
\ D = 60-69
\ F  = <60

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\ BE SURE TO SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU CHANGE TO NON-CREDIT, DROP, OR WITHDRAW.  THERE MAY BE OPTIONS OF WHICH YOU ARE NOT AWARE.

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\ You are responsible for all materials covered and assigned in class. From time to time, supplemental readings and assignments may be made during class, and you are responsible for such readings and assignments even if you are absent.

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\ Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for exams regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed inlecture.

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\ Project and Testing Policy: Specific dates for project due dates are provided. These dates are adhered to unless changes are announced in class. If a project is turned in after the due date, but within one week, you will be eligible for maximum grade of 50. If it is turned in after one week, you will not receive credit for the project.

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\ The first 2 tests will be taken at the AC Testing Center (371-5445). The dates you can take the tests are listed on the attached Class Schedule. A picture ID, a Scantron form, and #2 pencils are required. No test will be issued one hour before the Testing Center closes. If any changes are made, they will be announced in class.

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\ If you are not going to be present on the evening of the Final Exam, you are required to contact me (at the above e-mail address) prior to the test or you will not be allowed to make up the test. If you contact me, you will be allowed to make up the test prior to the scheduled exam .

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\ Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture. From time to time, supplemental readings and assignments may be made during class, and you are responsible for such readings and assignments even if you are absent.
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\ Assignments:  Every week, you will be responsible for turning in:

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1. \ A case brief for each Problem at the end of the chapter; and
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2. \ Answers to all “Caser Questions” from the chapter.
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\ You will also be responsible for drafting 2 Original Petitions, 2 Answers and 4 sets of discovery requests.

Attendance

Attendance Policy: Employees in the legal world are expected to be at work each day; therefore, students in paralegal studies classes are expected to be in class promptly and routinely.  If you have perfect attendance, I will round your final grade up a point or two.
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\ You are responsible for all materials covered and assigned in class. From time to time, supplemental readings and assignments may be made during class, and you are responsible for such readings and assignments even if you are absent.

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Finally, you are responsible for material in your reading assignments for exams regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.
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Calendar

Additional Information

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