Interviewing and Investigating Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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

LGLA-2305-001 Interviewing and Investigating

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: LGLA 1307 or Department Chair consent

Course Description

This course is a study of principles, methods and investigative techniques utilized to locate, gather, document and manage information. Emphasis on developing interviewing and investigative skills to prepare the paralegal to communicate effectively while recognizing ethical problems.

Student Resources Student 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

1. To understand the ethical considerations and responsibilities of the lawyer and the paralegal in interviewing and investigating.
2. To identify the objectives of investigation, and concentrate on the evidence reflecting those objectives, including affirmative and rebuttal evidence.
3. To demonstrate the ability to analyze a set of facts relating to a legal dispute to determine what further information is required to prepare for resolution of the dispute and where this information can be obtained.
4. To demonstrate an understanding of how to prepare for and conduct an interview with a client and/or witness in preparation for the dispute resolution process.
5. To learn how to become an efficient paralegal through the drafting of interview checklists, forms, and other materials relevant to the interview and investigating process.
6. To succinctly summarize the information discovered during the interviewing and investigating process.

Students 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

1. Everyone is expected to be prepared for class and participate in class discussions.
2. Although students should arrive on time and stay for the entire class period, special circumstances arise. If you arrive late or leave early, please do so as quietly as possible.
3. Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be permitted.
4. Please keep cell phones and pagers turned off during class. If an exception to this policy is necessary, please talk to the instructor before class.
5. Students are responsible for material in your reading assignments for tests regardless of whether or not it is specifically discussed in lecture.

Grading Criteria

Assignment and Testing Policy:  Specific due dates for assignments and tests are shown on the Course Schedule.  An extension of time to complete an assignment may be granted in special circumstances, but such extensions must be obtained from the instructor on or before the due date in order to receive full credit.  Failure to obtain an extension will result in a 10 point deduction from the grade for that assignment.  If any changes are made in the due date of an assignment or a test date, they will be announced in class. 

Testing:  The Midterm and Final will both be given on-line.  The test will be available at our class’s page at AC Online on the date indicated, and you will have 7 days to take the test.  The tests are between 50 and 75 questions, objective type (True/False, Multiple Choice, etc.). 

Course Grade:           90-100 = A
                                    80- 89 = B
                                    70- 79 = C (Minimum grade required for all Paralegal Studies majors.)
                                    60- 69 = D
                                         <60 = F

Attendance

Cone to class. Showing up is often half the battle, in school and life. That having been said, if you have an emergency or family obligation, please let me know. You are adults. I will not deduct point because of absences. You are paying for this class and part of that payment pays for me to teach you. If you forgo the opportunity, then you will be wasting your tuition.

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available