This course introduces the student to law and ethics as they apply in a business environment. The intent of this course is to develop in the student a general understanding of basic legal principles and how they affect the conduct of business on a practical level. While common law legal systems and that of the United States in particular are used to demonstrate the interaction of law and business, the principles introduced here assist in developing a general approach to business law and ethics. Topics include an introduction to law in general, litigation and alternatives to litigation, criminal law, torts and contracts, property law, employment law and business ethics. The interaction of law and business disciplines, such as management, finance, human resources, accounting, and sale and marketing is emphasized.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply the basic concepts and principles of the law as they apply to a business environment.
2. Describe how basic legal relationships with their associated duties and rights are formed and the potential consequences of those relationships.
3. Evaluate the legal significance of various situations that arise in business relationships and transactions.
4. Evaluate common ethical problems that arise in a business environment.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to the Law

Week 2: Unit 2 – Litigation, ADR, and Criminal Law

Week 3: Unit 3 -Tort Law

Week 4: Unit 4 – Contracts

Week 5: Unit 5 -Property Law

Week 6: Unit 6 -Employment Law

Week 7: Unit 7 -Business Organizations

Week 8: Unit 8 -Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Week 9: Unit 9 –Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to the Law

● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Litigation, ADR, and Criminal Law

● Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Tort Law

● Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Contracts

● Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Property Law

● Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Employment Law

● Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Business Organizations

● Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

● Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
● Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Make entries to the Learning Journal
● Take the Self-Quiz
● Take the Review Quiz
● Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
● Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

● Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
● Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
● The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor