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Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
General Education Courses: 24 credits
- CSS 101 College Success Seminar
The cornerstone of the general education program is a three-credit course designed to provide students with the tools necessary for collegiate success. This course provides support to new students as they develop confidence in their academic endeavors, greatly helping you throughout your business administration courses. (2 credits)
- ECO 105 Principles of Economics I
A study of basic economic concepts emphasizing analysis of the aggregate economy. The fundamental concepts of national income and its determination, economic fluctuations, monetary and fiscal policies, and economic growth are covered. (3 credits)
- HIS 110
American History I
This is a survey course of American history from the colonial period, the Revolution to the establishment of the Republic, the first half of the nineteenth century, up through the period of the Civil War, ending in 1865. The impact of geography on the growth of the Republic is considered. The political, economic and cultural evolution of the American people is examined, providing the student with historical foundations for an informed political awareness of present-day issues. (3 credits)
- MAT 125 Finite Mathematics
Review of elementary algebra and selected topics in statistics and probability. Sets, real numbers, graphing, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, relations and functions, solving systems of linear equations, descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, graphical displays of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, introduction to probability. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Placement Exam, MAT 100 or 101, or equivalent
- MIS 101
Introduction to Computer Applications
This course provides an introduction to computers and management information systems. Topics include operating systems, networks and the Internet, productivity tools used in business including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation programs, management information systems and office automation. (3 credits)
- PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology
An introduction to selected concepts, methods, and vocabulary of psychology. Focus of study will be on the individual and the conditions that influence behavior. Topics that will be covered include: growth and development, learning and thinking, emotions and motivations, personality and assessment, maladjustment and mental health, groups and social interaction, and social influence and society. (3 credits)
- SOC 110
Introduction to Sociology
An analysis of the social and cultural forces that govern human behavior. The principal topics include: social interaction and organization, socialization processes, primary groups and the family (associations, bureaucracy and other social institutions), collective behavior, population and ecology. (3 credits)
- WRT 101 College Composition I
Instruction in and application of the principles and skills involved in effective expository writing, with most readings from nonfiction prose. Introduces students to the writing process with special attention to constructing arguments, working with sources, and crafting effective sentences and paragraphs. (3 credits)
Required Paralegal Courses: 27 credits
- PLG 110 Introduction to Paralegal: Cornerstone Course
This course is designed to introduce the student to the paralegal profession, its ethics, tasks and role in the legal system. Include will be discussions and reviews of the skills and concepts necessary to be competent in the paralegal profession. Those skills and concepts include, but are not limited to legal terminology, relationships between the paralegal, the attorney, law office staff, the client, and the legal system, ethics, regulation, etc. (3 credits)
- PLG 120 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
This course will introduce students to the types of ethical dilemmas that they will face in the work force; generally to the ethical rules developed by the American Bar Association, and specifically, to the rules adopted by this jurisdiction for the regulation of attorney and paralegal conduct and the model codes of paralegal associations; and to methods for researching the answers to ethical dilemmas. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 110
- PLG 130 Introduction to Law
Overview of the Constitution and the American legal system. This course covers such topics as torts, contracts, criminal law and procedure, business organizations and administrative law. In addition, students are introduced to case law interpretation and legal analysis. (3 credits)
- PLG 140 Law Office Technology
This course is designed to allow the student to apply knowledge of computer hardware and software applications commonly used in the law office to the development and maintenance of hypothetical case files. Areas examined include time and billing software, document storage device, network security, research programs and accounting software. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 110
- PLG 210 Legal Research and Writing I
The course will provide a comprehensive working knowledge of and an understanding of the research materials and research tools. Students will familiarize themselves with the researching cases, statutes, articles and constitutional issues. Students learn to develop research strategies and research software. In addition, students will apply the research they learn to write internal memoranda, legal memoranda and briefs. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 110
- PLG 220 Torts
This course will provide an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies as well as Tort Law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance and commonly employed defenses. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- PLG 230 Civil Litigation
This course will provide the principles of civil litigation in federal and state courts. Causes of action and defenses will be introduced as will the rules of procedure and discovery, along with ethical responsibilities. Pretrial practice, including discovery, pretrial motions, and trial preparations will be covered, together with the basics of a civil trial, post-trial motions, and appeals. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 130 - PLG 240 Contract Law
This course examines the formation, modification and termination of contracts, the various remedies for breach and enforcement mechanisms. Students explore the elements of contract including offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and legality. In addition, the students will learn how courts employ contractual analysis to matters which do not meet the definition of a contract. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 130 - PLG 250 Advanced Legal Research and Writing
This course is designed to teach students to use a law library, perform legal research, analyze legal problems, and write a legal memorandum. Students are taught to locate and use both primary, secondary and CARL legal research sources to solve legal problems, including federal and state cases, digests, statutes, regulations, treatises, encyclopedias, law reviews, citators and practice works. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 210