Mortuary Jurisprudence Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

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

MRTS-2335-001 Mortuary Jurisprudence

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: MRTS 1301, MRTS 1310 and MRTS 1211

Course Description

A survey of general principles of mortuary and business law. Emphasis is on ethical practice. Compliance with pre-need and at-need regulatory agencies included. A writing intensive course.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1. Mortuary Law - T Scott Gilligan & Thomas Stueve ISBN: 1883031028

2. Law for Business 19th Edition. Ashcroft and Ashcroft.  ISBN: 978-1-305-65492-1

3.  The Funeral Compend - Professional Train Schools (You may already have this book for another course.)

4.  The Conference State and National Board Exams Study Guide - The Conference (You  may already  have this book for another course.)

Additional Resources: 

https://quizlet.com/304053543/mortuary-law-terms-flash-cards/

https://quizlet.com/304257683/mortuary-law-federal-trade-commission-ftc-flash-cards/?new

https://quizlet.com/304277410/mortuary-science-ethics-flash-cards/?new

Supplies

TEXTBOOKS:  See textbooks on this syllabus (listed above).

COMPUTER or ACCESS TO A COMPUTER:  You MUST have access to a computer with active internet service, Mozilla Firefox (free download available & recommend), Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, RealPlayer and exhibit computer competency.

***LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.***

PRINTER:  You must have a printer or access to one.  It is recommended you print off your weekly materials and create a notebook for the class.  It will help you remain organized and better prepared for success in this course.

Student Performance

• Regular log-in and keeping current with all discussions, assignments, projects, quizzes and exams is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  There is no foreseeable excuse for not being able to log on and complete any activity.  There are several libraries and numerous computer labs on the AC campus.  If your computer is inoperable, you should be responsible and make plans to access a computer at another location to do the work.  Incomplete work will result in a poor grade and may put you in danger of failing the course. YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR ACTX EMAIL FREQUENTLY AS THIS IS HOW I WILL COMMUNICATE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OR CHANGES IN CURRICULUM
• Follow guidelines set forth by the Mortuary Science Program and Amarillo College.  www.actx.edu/mortuary
• Communicate with me immediately if you are having difficulty with course.

• COURSE 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 Mortuary Science Department at Amarillo College.

• Recognize the major components of American business law and jurisprudence as they pertain to torts, crimes, bailments, and contracts.
• Discuss the basic forms of business organization and explain the legal issues regarding agencies.
• Apply the Uniform Commercial Code regarding the sale of goods.
• Distinguish between real and personal property and method of acquiring and transferring by virtue of purchase, sale, and inheritance utilizing valid negotiable instruments.
• Discuss the various components of compliance with the FTC Practice Rule with regard to the funeral service industry including prohibited misrepresentations and price disclosures.
• Differentiate between legal and ethical practices and the terms utilized for each, including their foundation and relationship to personal and professional conduct.
• Distinguish between ethical and unethical funeral service practices.

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

STUDENTS SHOULD:

1. Log-in DAILY and check your email DAILY.
2. Read the assigned textbook material.
3. Read all other assigned material.
4. If in doubt, ask...
5. Actively participate in discussions (these are graded and are considered class participation).
6. Do not judge other students.
7. Respect each other’s opinions.
8. Respect deadlines and turn in assignments on time.
9. DO NOT procrastinate. (As the saying goes...a lack of planning on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on mine.)

*Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class and will result in a grade of on the exam or assignment involved that cannot be replaced or dropped. Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities for a specific description of academic dishonesty. Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students at Amarillo College.

“Plagiarism: Offering the work of another as one’s own, without proper acknowledgment, is plagiarism; therefore, any student who fails to give credit for quotations or an essentially identical expression of material taken from books, encyclopedias, magazines, and other reference works, or from themes, reports, or other writings of a fellow student, is guilty of plagiarism.” “Collusion” shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for the fulfillment of course requirements.  Taken from the "Students Rights and Responsibilities"

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale  **PLEASE NOTE NEW GRADING SCALE AS OF  1/21/2020**

• A= 100-96
• B= 95-88
• C= 87-80
• F=79 and below
• (To pass the State and National Board Exams, you must score a 75 or better.  Please note that we gear our grading policy towards that standard.  Be aware of this as you take this class and all other MRTS courses.)

Per our Amarillo College Course Guide for the Mortuary Science Program:

To continue in the program, a student may repeat a MRTS course only one time and may repeat no more than two MRTS courses while enrolled in the program. The term “repeat” shall be interpreted to mean re-enrollment following withdrawal, drop, or unsatisfactory grade. A grade of C or higher is required for satisfactory completion of all major course requirements, PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301. Students who receive an F in two or more major course requirements, PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301 will be removed from the program. A student will have 36 months to complete all major requirements.

 

Each student is responsible for ensuring the integrity of his/her own work.  Cases of academic dishonesty will result in either zero points or administrative withdrawal from the Mortuary Science Program.  There will be no tolerance for missed due dates, assignments, projects, quizzes or tests.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS TURNED IN ON TIME.  If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late.  ALWAYS KEEP COPIES OF YOUR WORK (projects, assignments, clinical paperwork, etc.).  Students should have a backup plan for computer problems.  Most public libraries have internet access for students' use.

ALL course work is expected to be typed with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.  PROOFREAD your work before submitting it.  Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.

Grading Criteria

Your grades for this class will be broken down into the following categories.  Each category will count a percentage towards your final grade. 

• Discussions/Online Collaborations  (Class Participation) - 20% of final grade
• Research Paper: 20% of your final grade
• Quizzes/Written Assignments - 20% of your final grade
• Exam - (1) 15% of your final grade   ***Students are required to obtain a score of 75% or higher on EACH EXAM in order to progress to the next Exam.  Students who achieve a score of less than 75% on an exam will be required to participate in a mandatory tutoring session.  It is the student’s responsibility to schedule this with the instructor and or tutor.  Failure to complete mandatory tutoring prior to the next Exam will result in that test grade being recorded as a zero for failure to follow through on a course assignment.  Upon COMPLETION of mandatory tutoring, the test will be re-opened for a retake with the highest score accepted. (This does NOT apply to the Mid-Term or Final Exam.)
• Final Exam (Comprehensive) - 25% of your final grade

Grade Calculation:

• Class Discussions Count as 20% of your final grade. Participation Grading Scale:
• In addition to a 200-word minimum on your original post and a 50-100-word minimum for your replies to two other students’ posts; correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling will be considered:
• Outstanding Contributor: Contributions in class reflect exceptional preparation. Ideas offered are always substantive, provide one or more major insights as well as direction for the class. Challenges are well substantiated and persuasively presented.
• Good Contributor: Contributions in class reflect thorough preparation. Ideas offered are usually substantive, provide good insights, and sometimes direction for the class. Challenges are well substantiated and often persuasive.
• Adequate Contributor: Contributions in class reflect satisfactory preparation. Ideas offered are sometimes substantive, provide generally useful insights but seldom offer a new direction for the discussion. Challenges are sometimes presented, fairly well-substantiated, and are sometimes persuasive.
• Non-Participant: This person says little or nothing in class. Hence, there is not an adequate basis for evaluation.
• Unsatisfactory Contributor: Contributions in class discussions reflect inadequate preparation. Ideas offered are seldom substantive, provide few if any insights, and never a constructive direction for the class. Integrative comments and effective challenges are absent.

*Online Collaborations 

I will be online in the collaboration room every Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Everyone should attend the first collaboration on Tuesday, October 25.  I will take attendance every Tuesday, even just to "check in" and let me see your face.  You don't have to stay on with me for the entire hour but it is important that you at least check in.  It is a time for you to ask questions, see you classmates and most importantly, feel like you belong to a group of people who care about you. These collaborations are for YOUR benefit and are specifically scheduled to help you when you need it.  

20% Research Paper - Due dates will be listed in Blackboard.

20% Quizzes/Written Assignments- Required quizzes for each chapter have between 10 and 20 questions and must be completed before 11:30 p.m. on the due date listed in Blackboard. 

15% Exams - You will have 1 major exam, a mid-term, and a comprehensive final exam.  

25% Final Exam- The Final Exam will cover all material from the course.  Be sure and review all material related to the subject matter in this course.

LATE WORK, ASSIGNMENTS, AND PROJECTS

·If an assignment/project is not completed and turned in by 11:30 PM of the due date, you will receive a ZERO (0) for the assignment. No exceptions unless prior arrangements have been made with me IN ADVANCE OF THE DUE DATE.

QUIZZES/EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY:
No quiz or exam make-ups will be given. You are given at least 2 days to take a quiz or exam. There is ample time given to plan ahead to take your quiz or exam. Remember to have a back-up plan in case of computer problems. Every assignment, quiz, exam, or project has a due date clearly stated in the weekly checklist. Pay close attention to those due dates.
Expect exam questions to be from lecture material, assigned textbook readings, handouts, etc. Expect multiple-choice, True/False, and essay questions. PRINT OFF ALL YOUR QUIZZES AND EXAMS AS MANY OF THE QUESTIONS FOR THE MIDTERM AND FINAL COME FROM EARLIER EXAMS.
*****NOTE:  In this class, your Mid-Term, and Final Exam are taken via Lock-Down Browser and use of a Web-Cam. *****

LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.

Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.

https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml

Download Instructions
Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=481934155

Once Installed

• Start LockDown Browser
• Log into Blackboard Learn
• Navigate to the test

Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.

Guidelines
When taking an online test, follow these guidelines:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, other devices
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window)
• Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

• The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
• Please run the "System & Network Check" and the "Webcam Check" before you contact our help desk.
• 806-371-5992
• Ware Student Commons, Basement (Underground)
• Monday-Thursday:          8am-9pm
• Friday:                                 8am-4pm
• PLEASE NOTE:  You cannot install it on Chromebooks and some tablets because they don’t have an app in the Google Play store or iTunes app store.
• Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product
• If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.

 

Class Writing Assignments:

Format for all assignments.                     Title page

IF YOUR assignment calls for THREE typed, double-spaced pages PLUS a Bibliography and you turn in TWO and ONE-HALF pages plus a Bibliography, you will receive a grade of ZERO on that assignment. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! APA style Format: Use 8.5” x 11” paper Type double-spaced with 1” margins on all edges. Page number should be in the top right corner. Indent each new paragraph Use Times Roman 12 pt. font.  Every assignment you turn in must have the following cover page attached. If the cover page is missing 10 points will be deducted from your grade.  Title of paper Your name MRTS 2335 Fall 2020 Instructor Garcia

Attendance

ONLINE ATTENDANCE:  This is an online course and is intended to give you flexibility.  However, it is still the same time frame of a full 16-week semester.  You are expected to log-in DAILY.  You are expected to CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY.  Often, changes have to be made and are announced through course e-mail and announcements.  If you fail to log-in regularly, you may miss vital information concerning changes within the course.  Online learning requires the student to be disciplined to keep up with online participation, assignments, scheduled quizzes, and exams.   IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCH TURNED IN AND IN ON TIME.  If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late.

COURSE COMMUNICATION:  The instructor will make announcements through course email and course announcements.  It is IMPORTANT that you log-in at daily not only for course material but for emails and announcements as well.

DEADLINE TO DROP THE COURSE*:  November 24, 2020
*You must contact the instructor to approve your withdrawal request and sign your form PRIOR to this deadline.  The withdrawal form is posted in the class in Blackboard.https://acconnect.actx.edu/Student_Services/Student_Forms/Pages/default.aspx

Calendar

Additional Information

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

If a student has a grievance with the course instructor, the following "due process" protocol will apply.  The student must follow the protocol steps in the order shown.

1. Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor.  The instructor should be contacted by the student before the conclusion of the course.
2. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the course instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the immediate supervisor of the instructor within one week of the student-instructor meeting.
3. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Allied Health division chairperson, the student should seek satisfaction from Dean of Health Sciences within one week of the student-division chairperson meeting.
4. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the dean, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) within one week of the Student-Dean meeting.
5. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Vice-President of Academic Affairs, the student should seek satisfaction from the college President within one week of the student-VPAA meeting.  The decision of the President will be final.

I have read the above information and I hereby am in accordance with the obligations set before me by signature________________________________________________.