POLS& 200 - Introduction to Law: United States

Credits: 5
Introduction and overview of the legal system and processes in the United States through an examination of several substantive areas of law. Includes an introduction to legal procedure, business ethics, jurisdiction, Constitutional law, criminal and civil law, torts and negligence, product liability, and property. Provides an overview of the Courts and looks at law as a framework in which claims are resolved. Uses a case method approach which utilizes a critical thinking perspective.

Enrollment Requirement: Eligible for ENGL 99.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science
Course Fee: $5.00

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Display a working knowledge of the functions of law in society, and the factors that affect the evolution of laws over time.
Demonstrate an awareness of the fundamental concepts of criminal and civil law, torts, civil procedure, agency, and property, and how they fit under the umbrella of historical common law and Constitutional principles
Distinguish the differences between civil and criminal law.
Demonstrate an ability to concisely articulate the specific holdings and reasoning in given assigned cases.
Apply legal reasoning to evaluate the merit of particular legal arguments, legal disputes, and court decisions.

Program Outcomes
Recognize and use critical thinking elements and standards as they apply to the study of legal content.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.