Torts and Personal Injury Law Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

LGLA-2303-001 Torts and Personal Injury Law

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent

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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Torts & Personal Injury Law Fifth Edition

                         Author: Okrent

                         ISBN: 978-1-4283-2076-5

Supplies

Student Performance

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

 

(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:

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

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/

Project and Testing Policy:  Specific dates for project due dates are provided.  These dates are adhered to unless changes are announced in class. If you miss a pop quiz or test, you will be allowed to make-it up with one week after the original test date of the test.  10 points will be deducted as a late penalty.

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

Assignments:  

 

1. An IFRAC for Problem at the end of the chapter as assigned:
    
2. Answers to all the Review questions at the end of the chapter.
   • The Review questions will need to be submitted  at the beginning of class on the due date.. You do not have to type the questions, but your answers will have to be in complete sentences.

3. You will also be responsible for drafting an Original Petition, an Answer and a set of discovery requests based on Tort Movie you and your partner/group choose. Starting week 8, each group will have an group presentation based on the movie they have chosen.  More details will be given on project Week 2.

4. Discussion Boards, In class assignments and projects
5. Drafting assignments

Late Assignment Policy:  You are expected to turn in assignments on time.  If your assignment is late the following points will be deducted from you grade on that assignment:

         1-5 days late:  5 points                      6-10 days late:  10 points            >10 days:  the highest grade                                                                                                                                          possible is a 70

Last day to turn in any assignment without receiving a “0” is May 2, 2017

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.

 

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. 

 

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

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria:

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

Final Exam:                                                                                  25%

DraftingAssignments/Review Assignments:                          15%

Quizzes and Tests:                                                                    25%

Tort Movie Assignment and Presentation:                            25%

Class Participation/Attendance                                               10%

 

Grading Scale:           90-100 = A

                                    80- 89 = B

                                    70- 79 = C (Minimum grade required for all Legal Studies majors.)

                                    60- 69 = D

                                         <60 = F

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. 

 

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. 

 

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

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (L101, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Calendar

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES

 

• January 17      Classes Begin
• March 13-19    Spring Break (Campus Closed: 3/11-3/19)
• April 14-16      Easter Holiday (Campus Closed)
• April 21           Last Day to Drop or Withdraw
• May 2              Last Regular Class Meeting
• May 9            Final Examination Date