Course Descriptions

Introduction to Paralegalism            
This course provides a general introduction to a paralegal career, the legal system and the opportunities available to paralegal graduates, including an analysis of paralegal skills such as interviewing, investigation, legal analysis, legal writing, basic ethical principles, and the impact of technology in paralegalism.

Contracts
This course provides an introduction to the law of contracts, including an analysis of the basic elements of contract law, including the principles of contract formation, enforceability, breach of contract and appropriate remedies.

Torts
This course provides an introduction to the law of torts, including an analysis of the basic elements of tort and personal injury law, including concepts of liability, legal analysis, negligence, special topics, defenses to negligence, damages and remedies.

Legal Research and Writing
This course provides an introduction to the basic principle of legal research and writing, including the skills needed to perform basis interpretation and analysis of legal authority found in case and statutory law as applied to factual situations. The course also covers an introduction to library and online sources, legal analysis, preparation of legal memos, proper citation methods and computer assisted legal research principles and methods.

Litigation
This course provides an introduction to basic litigation principles and methods, including an examination of litigation principles, federal and state rules of procedure, jurisdiction, venue, initiation and conduct of a lawsuit, document preparation, motions, evidence and trial and appellate preparation, as well as an introduction to litigation support technology.

Administrative Law
This course provides an introduction to administrative law and procedure, including an analysis of administrative law and procedure, administrative agencies, due process, delegation, rule making, investigation, adjudication and judicial review. The course also examines the Administrative Procedures Act and ethical principles of administrative law.

Introduction to Technology in the Law
This course provides an introduction to technology and computer functions in the contemporary law office, including an understanding of the use of legal specific software programs and the impact of court rules and procedures concerning electronic filings and discovery procedures. Students explore and understand issues of legal ethics and professional liability related to technology as well as concepts of computer network security and the interface of paralegals and other technology users. Students will understand computer use in researching factual and legal issues and also in locating and using specific software programs.