Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies Degree -
180 Credits Total
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies are required to take a total of 45 courses as follows:
- 20 foundation courses - 80 credits
- 25 major courses - 100 credits
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Area I - Core Curriculum - 80 Credits
Students are required to take 20 foundation courses all of which are available online:
Description unavailable at this time.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and database and Internet usage concepts will be covered.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
This course is designed to prepare students to organize and compose effective business correspondence and technical writing. The basic principles of writing and approaches for writing various types of communications are stressed.
Prerequisite(s): ENG1001
Credits: 4
This course provides students the opportunity to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using spreadsheet and database software. A broad range of software applications, concepts, and problems will be covered.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
Business Law I is a survey of the development of American law and procedure covering information, operation, completion of contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law and more. This course also includes a study of some Uniform Commercial Code concepts. Both the text and case study methods may be utilized. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
This course covers the law of basic business associations, including franchises, agencies, partnerships, and corporations. This course will include a discussion of real property and personal property concepts. It will also examine the law of negotiable instruments and secured transactions using the Uniform Commercial Code. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
Intermediate Algebra is a continuation of MAT0099 exploring the arithmetic of polynomials, factoring, systems of linear equations, solving quadratic equations, and applying algebra techniques to problem solving and applications. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): MAT0099 or exemption thereof.
Co- or Pre-requisite: ENG1001
Credits: 4
College Math is a survey course emphasizing inductive and deductive reasoning, concepts from set theory, applications of Venn diagrams, elements of formal logic, common formulas and relationships from geometry, and an introduction to probability and statistics. 4 quarter hourS
Prerequisite(s): MAT0099 or exemption thereof.
Co- or Pre-requisite: ENG1001
Credits: 4
Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces biology, scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, and biotechnology. The course also compares human and plant organization and function. The student will also complete writing assignments that will introduce the student to scientific literature.
Prerequisite(s): MAT0099, and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite
Credits: 4
Principles of Biology II is the second in a two-course sequence. This course continues the study of biology detailing the roles of the endocrine and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis. The course continues with the study of human development, chromosomal, inheritance, human evolution, and the environment. The student will also complete writing assignments that will advance the student's use of scientific literature.
Prerequisite(s): BIO1020 WITH "C" or better and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite
Credits: 4
Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.
Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption
Credits: 4
This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.
Prerequisite(s): ENG1001
Credits: 4
The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.
Prerequisite(s): ENG1001
Credits: 4
- Humanities Elective - Choose One: 4 Credits- ENG2002 World Literature
Prerequisite(s): ENG1002
OR
- PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy
Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001
This course is an introduction to American politics and government, focusing on political processes and institutions and on contemporary political issues.
Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001 Co/Pre-Requisite
Credits: 4
The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values - how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
This course is designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college. On the one hand, students will learn the importance of the relationship between individuals' beliefs and their performance, conditioning, self-image and comfort zones, motivations, affirmations, and goals. On the other, students will learn practical skills, such as time management, notetaking, test-taking, research, and study skills.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
Description unavailable at this time.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
Area II - MAJOR CURRICULUM - 100 Credits
Students are required to take 25 major courses of which twenty one are available in the online format. The four courses listed immediately below must be taken in the traditional classroom format:
LEGAL STUDIES FOUNDATION
This course examines the American legal system with emphasis on the methods and institutions of the law. The rights and responsibilities of paralegals, both professional and ethical, are described. Duties and opportunities for paralegals are discussed. Law office management procedures are introduced to the student.
Prerequisite(s): None
Credits: 4
This course is designed to familiarize the student with primary and secondary sources of law, judicial reports, statutes, citators, digests, annotated law reports, and legal treatises and periodicals. It enables the student to undertake, under the supervision of a lawyer, legal research and preparation of memoranda and briefs.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
LGS1006 continues the study of legal research and writing, giving special emphasis to computer research in online legal research databases. Students will be required to present conclusions from their research in well reasoned memoranda and briefs.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1005
Credits: 4
This course examines civil procedures and the court system, including the role of judges, attorneys, and juries. Venue, jurisdiction, and ethical considerations are studied. The course enables students, under the supervision and control of an attorney, to assist in pre-trial practice including drafting complaints, answers, and pre-trial motions; preparing pre-trial witnesses, conducting preliminary investigations; and assisting the attorney in the preparation of the case for trial.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
The legal studies courses below may be taken in our partially on line delivery format available only through our Savannah program:
The course familiarizes the student with the substantive law of torts. A tort is a civil wrong, other than a breach of contract that causes injury for which our legal system provides a remedy. Concentration will be in three main areas - intentional torts, strict liability torts, and negligence law. The student will study torts related to property, personal injury, and economic relations. The course will also examine various equitable remedies. Finally, students will analyze the specific elements required to establish defenses, damages, and immunities.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
An examination of the subjects and preparation of documents for adoption, legal separation, divorce, marriage, annulment, and child visitation and custody will be made in this course. The student will be prepared to assist in the interviewing of clients and the drafting of petitions and agreements. In addition, this course is a study of the general principles of family law. The legal definition of the family is examined, as are the rights and responsibilities of each family member. The course gives a practical overview of the creation and dissolution of the family by examination of the laws relating to divorce, child custody and support, and alimony. This course also describes how technology, like the introduction of DNA testing, is changing the legal landscape of domestic law. The elements of the marital relationship are explored as well as non-ceremonial types of marriages. Also examined is the relationship of family law to other areas of the law.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
This course examines the transferring of assets, trusts, wills, gifts, administration of decedents' estates, federal and state taxes and administrator's responsibilities. Students will be exposed to the practical application of estate planning through the hands-on review of considerations, problems, and documents related to this area. They will also use and become familiar with software designed to expedite the process of drafting legal documents.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
This course familiarizes the student with substantive criminal law and criminal procedures. It enables the student, under the supervision of a lawyer, to prepare pre-trial pleadings, interview witnesses, and conduct trial and post-trial proceedings.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
This course develops the student's understanding of ownership, deeds, mortgages, easements, landlord/tenant relations, liens, and eviction procedures. An examination is made of the mechanics of transferring interest in real property.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
This course introduces paralegal students to the uses of computer software in the law office including drafting legal documents, legal timekeeping and billing, docket control and litigation support. Other specialized legal software is introduced as appropriate. During hands-on training with macros, merges and tables, the student will use the advanced features of software document assembly and office procedure programs to complete complex operations and save time in the law office. Students will learn how to design, maintain and complete forms processing. Organizing the computer directories and files for easy retrieval and use in the law office will be covered. The course will, additionally cover PowerPoint presentations for trial.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1001
Credits: 4
In this course, students are given the opportunity to validate their skills through a 120-hour supervised, unpaid externship experience. Students are assigned to private legal offices, government legal departments, or corporate legal departments where they perform the various responsibilities of the paralegal. Students must contact the paralegal department chairperson the quarter before enrolling in this course regarding approval of site selection and schedule. The student will be placed in an attorney's office, corporate or governmental legal department where he or she will perform legal and administrative duties appropriate to the paralegal field. Students are expected to perform their work and duties in a professional manner. Each student is required to meet with the extern coordinator at a regularly scheduled class meeting for purposes of providing an opportunity for interaction with other students and the coordinator. This creates an environment where the students will receive guidance and answers to pertinent questions. During the course, the students are required to complete certain assignments and a final written report.
Prerequisite(s): All required paralegal courses or co-completion thereof.
Credits: 4
Foundation Electives (Choose two of three)
This course is a detailed study of worker's compensation law covering the procedures used to initiate and process worker's compensation claims. Students will have the opportunity to draft relevant forms as well as to study employer responsibility, risk management, and litigation. Worker's compensation laws are designed to ensure that employees who are injured or disabled on the job are provided with fixed monetary awards, eliminating the need for litigation. These laws also provide benefits for dependents of those workers who are killed because of work-related accidents or illnesses. Some laws also protect employers and fellow workers by limiting the amount an injured employee can recover from an employer and by eliminating the liability of co-workers in most accidents. State worker's compensation statutes establish this framework for most employment. Federal statutes are limited to federal employees or those workers employed in some significant aspect of interstate commerce.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This course provides an overview of the federal bankruptcy law and rights of creditors and debtors. Emphasis is placed upon bankruptcy procedures in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Upon completion, students under the supervision of an attorney should be able to prepare and file bankruptcy forms, collection letters, and UCC search and post-judgment collection such as garnishment.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This course presents basic concepts of administrative law and procedure in federal and state agencies. Topics include representing clients before administrative bodies, agency operation, adjudication, constitutional questions, statutory issues, and appeals. Students will learn both formal and informal advocacy techniques. This course will offer a practical approach to administrative law with hands on learning of documents, forms, and the legal theories behind them.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
Legal Studies Major
This course is a comprehensive examination of legal resources and references. It allows the student to apply analytical and logical skills when drafting legal documents such as memoranda of law and an appellate court brief. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
LGS4008 is an intensive drafting course where students have the opportunity to concentrate on preparing complex pleadings and motions related to the pre-trial, trial, and appeal processes. The focus is on developing practical skills in the legal analysis necessary to identify and pursue an appropriate cause of action in a civil case. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006, LGS2001
Credits: 4
This course is designed to provide a thorough study of the rules of evidence. Emphasis will be placed on application of the rules in preparing and presenting evidence for trial. The role evidence plays in the legal system and the paralegal’s responsibility in finding, collecting, handling, labeling, and preparing evidence for litigation will be examined. Since evidence is one of the most critical parts of civil and criminal legal actions, this course will present the essential skills necessary for students using evidence law, and allow for students to apply and practice what they learn. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006, LGS2001
Credits: 4
Employment Law is designed to provide students with an overview of the legal relationship between employer and employee. Areas covered include federal and state laws governing discrimination, wrongful termination, and privacy. Students will get practical experience in drafting an employment policy manual that addresses sexual harassment, Americans with Disabilities Act, and other employment issues. Other topics studied include pre-employment concerns, employee benefits, and other ethical issues in employment law. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This capstone course will be conducted in a seminar format where students can apply their broad knowledge of the paralegal profession through specific projects integrating work related competencies with academic information. Students will review the various skills learned in the legal studies curriculum and take a comprehensive outcome assessment exam. The major objective of this course is successful completion of the capstone project. 4 quarter hours
Prerequisite(s): All legal courses or concurrent
Credits: 4
Major Electives (Choose seven of ten)
This course acquaints the student with the principles, laws, and organizations that impact on the management of an international business transaction. Topics include basic principles governing relations between nations, such as human rights, treaties, sovereign immunity, and dispute resolution. At the end of this course, students should be able to analyze the risks involved in international trade and create an import/export business.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
Principles of risk and insurance are studied in this course. Basic types of insurance, including automobile, homeowners, commercial, and medical, are introduced. Students will learn practices and techniques of insurance defense attorneys and work on case files involving insurance claims. Insurance law will be examined by studying contract law and public policy and how each affects the other.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of constitutional law. The course will provide an overview of the Constitution itself, coupled with the beliefs and purpose of its framers. The ongoing controversies over jurisprudence of original intent versus the evolutionary interpretation of the Constitution will also be examined. Topics covered will include separation of powers in the national government, regulation of commerce, taxing and spending powers, war and national defense, conduct of foreign relations, state and local powers, limitation on the exercise of government powers, and the Bill of Rights.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This is a practical course on immigration law and procedures and includes the history and administration of U.S. immigration law. Topics include citizenship, admission to the United States, refugees, and political asylum. Students will gain experience in completing numerous immigration forms, including applications for naturalization and applications for employment authorization.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This course is an advanced study of real property law relating to title examination, foreclosures, and preparation of commercial closing documents. Emphasis will be placed on practical work, including examination of titles by obtaining information from the public records and drafting title insurance forms.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006, LGS2005
Credits: 4
This course introduces paralegal students to the legal environment of cyberlaw in law firms, businesses and governmental agencies. Cyberlaw transcends many areas of legal practice. Responsibility for managing digital data is increasingly being delegated to paralegals working under the supervision of licensed attorneys. In the Twenty First Century attorneys, businesses and governmental agencies frequently utilize electronic communications to transmit documents. On-line aspects of business include contract formation and signing, intellectual property protections, tort law and invasions of privacy, security and encryption and the proper creation, protection and use of software. This course covers topics that paralegals employed in such firms would benefit from in the digital age.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006, BUS1038, BUS2038
Credits: 4
The purpose of this course is to explore electronically stored information (ESI) with an emphasis on managing ESI. Students will analyze the leading cases, existing and pending rules, and prepare several drafting assignments, including motions and supporting memoranda. Student will learn about emerging technologies of electronic filing of court documents with an understanding of the architecture and usability of popular litigation support and trial presentation software used currently in law offices. Students will be given different client scenarios and generate associated legal content.
Prerequisite(s): LGS2007
Credits: 4
LGS4050 provides a thorough overview of the government systems that form environmental policy. This course covers the federal statutes on environmental law, including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Toxic Substances Control Act, as well as administrative procedures used to enforce the various laws. International environmental law will be explored, also.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
This course explores the areas of patent, trademark, and copyright and how they are bound up with antitrust law and government regulations. Topics include competition among businesses and protection of intellectual property in the global market place. Students will apply substantive legal concepts to protection of intellectual property including poetry, lyrics, advertising, inventions, and product names.
Prerequisite(s): LGS1006
Credits: 4
Description unavailable at this time.
Prerequisite(s): All legal courses or concurrent
Credits: 4
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