CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMIMSTRATION

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMIMSTRATION Course: Introduction to Business Law BUS 202 02 (Fall 2006) CRN 42541, Units: 3 Meeting: Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Room: Markstein Hall MH 304 Instructor: Don S. Kovacic, BA, JD, MBA, CPA, CMI Office: Markstein Hall Office 331 Office Phone: 760-750-8270 E-mail: dkovacic@csusm.edu ERes Password: Review Support Staff: 760-750-4264 (CSUSM COBA Support Group, Markstein Hall Room 435) Sharon Bowen sbowen@csusm.edu, cobasupport@csusm.edu Office Hours: Monday, 09:30-10:30, 11:45-13:00, 14:15-17:00, 18:50-19:50 Wednesday, 09:30-10:30, 11:45-13:00, 14:15-15:00, 16:50-17:50 By appointment Text Business Law - Legal Environment, Online Commerce, Business Ethics and International Issues, Sixth Edition, Henry R. Cheeseman, Prentice Hall (2007). ISBN: 0-13-198493-4 Course Objectives and Description This course allows students to understand the fundamental legal principles of business transactions. Topics covered include torts, crimes, contracts, aspects of the Uniform Commercial Code, bankruptcy, agency, employment law, partnerships, corporations, Limited Liability entities, consumer law, environmental protection, antitrust principles, property, landlord-tenant, insurance concepts, estate planning, family law and international trade. The course addresses the major business law issues that individuals and businesses encounter, and presents the key concepts of business law. The objective of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of business law, and involves both formal legal principles and practical application of the laws in a business context. The course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business law. The objective of this course is to also prepare students for the Business Law portion of the Certified Public Accountant examination, and to provide the fundamentals of business law needed for a professional accounting or business career. Grading Policy Course grades will be based on the following weights:, Quizzes, Class Participation and Attendance 10% Exam No. 1 20% Exam No. 2 20% Exam No. 3 20% Final Exam 30% Total 100%

of 9 Any disagreement concerning grading must be submitted to the instructor, in writing, within one week of the date of release of the original grade for any assignment or examination. Final Course grades will be based upon the following grading system: Overall Scores of: 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D <60% = F Students may be assigned pluses or minuses to grades if the score is within three points of the next closest grade. Grades are assigned (subject to a curve ) in an attempt to establish, for each graded item and the overall course grade, a mean class GPA of 2.8 GPA plus or minus 0.2. The only extra credit provided is through perfect attendance, and may result in a doubling of the percentage for, Quizzes, Class Participation and Attendance. Time Commitment and General Expectations Students are expected to keep current with all reading and homework assignments provided in this syllabus and for this course. It is important to keep current as the course progresses, in order for each student to succeed in this course. Students should be competent in the use of computer programs for: (1) producing written documents using word processing, (2) designing and using spreadsheets to analyze and present numerical information, (3) researching information through the Internet and (4) obtaining and distributing information and attachments through the use of email. Each student is required to signup for a university email account and password, in order to facilitate the educational process and the transmission of information. Each student should expect to spend an average of two (2) to three (3) hours preparation time for every hour spent in class. Therefore, this three-hour class should require an average of six (6) to nine (9) hours per week, excluding class time. Class Participation Policy Class participation grading is based on a number of factors focusing on an individual's contribution to the learning of all members of the class, including: (a) attendance, (b) substantive contribution to matters, (c) presentation of matters before the class, (d) addressing new issues, by asking intelligent questions that provoked learning for each person in the class, and (e) leadership. Any student missing three (3) or more classes may receive no credit for participation and attendance, and any student missing five (5) or more classes may be dropped from the class, except for serious and compelling reasons supported by proper evidence presented in writing by the student.

of 9 University Guidelines for Writing Proficiency It is university policy that each course has a writing requirement with a minimum of 2,500 words. In this course, each student will fulfill the writing requirement through completion of the formal homework assignments, as outlined in this syllabus and as developed during class sessions. Policy 1. Each student is to complete, in typed format, the assigned Questions, Exercises and Problems at the end of each chapter. assignments should be completed for the day on which the chapter is assigned. is to be available to be turned in, at the beginning of class, on the day specified. A student must attend class to submit homework. The instructor will collect and grade selected homework assignments, and each collected assignment will be a proportional part of the homework grade. No late homework will be accepted or graded by the instructor. Solutions to selective homework assignments will be presented and discussed in class. Students may earn class participation points by making oral presentations demonstrating correct homework solutions to the class. 2. must be typed, to be graded. 3. Complete sentences must be used in answers to obtain credit. 4. Both questions and answers must be provided in order to obtain credit. Determination of the correct answer should be able to be made without reference to external documents. 5. Spell check should be used. Spelling and grammar will be considered in grading. 6. All questions, exercises, problems and cases assigned should be listed even if the item is not completed. 7. Use logical page breaks. Attempt to have items presented on a single page. 8. All homework assignments are to be based solely on individual effort. A student should never copy the electronic homework file of another student. All students are expected to know and apply CSU and university policies on academic honesty, integrity and ethics. Exam Policy 1. Students must be present on the day of an exam. If an exam is missed, the student must inform the professor in writing, as soon as possible, and provide written evidence. Unless the absence is excused, a score of zero will be given for the missed exam. If the absence is excused, the points will be rolled forward to the comprehensive final. No make-up exam will be given, except for serious and compelling reasons supported by proper evidence. The final exam may be cumulative. Each exam may have a combination of multiple choice, problem solving and essay questions, unless otherwise specified. 2. Bring, to every exam, a student ID, a Red Scantron Form, sharpened No. 2 pencils, a mechanical pencil, an eraser and a calculator. Each student is to complete a Scantron form for each exam, and record the answers on the exam paper to allow for classroom discussion after exam completion. The student s name and CSUSM nine digit identification number are to be recorded on the front and back of the Scantron submitted

of 9 for each exam. The CSUSM identification number is to be left justified, and the corresponding shading is to be properly completed. Improper completion of a Scantron may result in point reductions. 3. Place all bags, books, and other materials at the front or side of the room, and remove any hats. Do not talk to other students after the exam is distributed. If there is a question, please raise your hand or come to the front of the room. If arriving late, do not disturb others in the class. Take the closest available seat and an exam will be provided. Stop writing, immediately, when time is called. Continuing to write after time is called will result in your paper not being accepted for grading. Turn in all parts of the exam, unless instructed otherwise. 4. The University Policy on Academic Honesty states the following: Cheating is defined as using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise Students completing any examination should assume that external assistance (e.g. books, notes, calculators, conversation with others) is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the instructor. 5. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are in compliance with University policies on academic honesty. Any violations of this policy will be considered seriously and may be reported to the office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs. Ethics and Academic Integrity The ethical standards and rules applicable to business, accountants, certified public accountants and lawyers will be presented and discussed throughout the course. Each student is responsible for compliance with the University Code of Conduct, which summarizes various ethical standards and rules applicable to students at California State University San Marcos. Each student should read and understand the ethical rules that may apply. If you need additional guidance or interpretation of ethical standards that apply in this course, please ask in advance before participating in any conduct that may be subject to scrutiny. Email Communications Policy Please make email the primary means of communication. In order to facilitate communications, all email should be prepared using the format in the attached example. From: Firstname Surname To: dkovacic@csusm.edu Cc: Subject: Bus202, Sec 2 - Surname, Firstname: Email Topic Sent: Date (Generated Automatically) Importance: Normal Text of email message. Firstname Surname assignments, writing assignments and reports are not to be delivered as attachments to email communications unless specifically requested in that format.

of 9 Classroom Format The course will include lectures, discussions, and student presentations. Students are expected to attend class and participate actively in classroom discussion. Recognition is given to the fact that potential students may consist of individuals of different ages, background, education level, business experience, and career expectations. The approach is to allow each individual to learn the principles of law, and to learn selected aspects in greater depth. Learning from and with peers is an integral part of the collegiate learning process. Students are encouraged to discuss the topics covered in this class and the homework with class colleagues. Students are strongly advised to form study groups. However, this should not result in group preparation and copying of homework assignments. Prerequisites, Withdrawal and COBA Policy The prerequisites for this course are listed in the course catalogue. The instructor reserves the right to administratively drop, at any point, any student who has not met the prerequisites. Students choosing to withdraw from this course are responsible for doing so according to university procedures and deadlines. In order to withdraw from a course after the end of the second week of the semester, a student will need to see a College of Business Administration Advisor for the appropriate form(s). Class attendance will be recorded in order to be in compliance with federal law requiring the University to return federal funds for financial aid recipients who stop attending or never attend at all. Verification of accuracy of class rosters allows compliance with audit requirements. In addition, policy requires tracking of attendance for assignment of grades. Students who stop attending before completion of at least sixty percent (60%) of the term are to be assigned the grade of U, while a grade of F is assigned to students not passing while remaining active for at least sixty percent (60%) of the term. Evaluation of Faculty Student will have an opportunity to complete an evaluation of the performance of the instructor and of the course. At the end of the course, students are asked to complete an anonymous evaluation using a standardized form, Student Evaluation of Course Instruction. The results of those evaluations are presented to both the College of Business Administration and the instructor. Students are encouraged, however, to provide feedback throughout the course. Please feel free to communicate to the instructor; to Dr. Larry Detzel, Chair of the Accounting and Finance Department; Dr. Regina Eisenbach, Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration, or any other member of California State University at San Marcos.

of 9 Syllabus and Course Outline: Page 1 of 4 The instructor reserves the right to alter the syllabus and outline at any time for any reason. Class Day & Date Topic/Event Readings Monday, 08/28/06 Course Overview, Administration and Policy Legal Environment of Business & E-Commerce Ch 1, 2, 3, 4 ERes 1. Handout No. 1 ERes Access Instructions 2. Excel No. 1 Grade Estimation Workbook Wednesday, 08/30/06 Torts, Crimes, and Internet Law Ch 5, 6, 7, 8 Business Ethics 8.10, Pg. 141. Monday, 09/04/06 Holiday - Labor Day Wednesday, 09/06/06 Traditional & E-Commerce Contracts Ch 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Case 10.7, Pg. 168; Case 12.6, Pg. 196. Monday, 09/11/06 Traditional & E-Commerce Contracts Ch 14, 15, 16, 17 Case 14.8, Pg. 219; Business Ethics 14.10, Pg. 220 Case 16. 1, Pg. 249; Case 17.1, Pg. 265. Wednesday, 09/13/06 Domestic/International Sales & Lease Contracts Ch 18, 19 Case 18.6, Pg. 282; Business Ethics 18.10, Pg. 283 Case 19. 4, Pg. 293; Case 19.9, Pg. 264. Monday, 09/18/06 Domestic/International Sales & Lease Contracts Ch 20, 21 Case 20.3, Pg. 310; Case 20.8, Pg. 311; Case 21. 4, Pg.322; Case 21.7, Pg. 324. Wednesday, 09/20/06 Exam No. 1 on Chapters 1 21

of 9 Syllabus and Course Outline: Page 2 of 4 The instructor reserves the right to alter the syllabus and outline at any time for any reason. Class Day & Date Topic/Event Readings Monday, 09/25/06 Negotiable Instruments & Electronic Banking Ch 22, 23 Case 22.4, Pg. 339; Case 22.6, Pg. 339; Case 23. 5, Pg.353; Case 23.6, Pg. 354. Wednesday, 09/27/06 Negotiable Instruments & Electronic Banking Ch 24, 25 Case 24.2, Pg. 368; Case 24.13, Pg. 369; Case 25. 5, Pg.386; Business Ethics 25.10, Pg. 387. Monday, 10/02/06 Credit & Bankruptcy Ch 26, 27 Case 26.1, Pg. 398; Case 27.2, Pg. 413; Case 27.8, Pg. 414; Business Ethics 27.12, Pg. 415. Wednesday, 10/04/06 Credit & Bankruptcy Ch 28 Case 28.1, Pg. 447; Case 28.3, Pg. 447; Case 28.4, Pg. 447; Case 28.9, Pg. 448. Monday, 10/09/06 Agency & Employment Ch 29, 30 Case 29.1, Pg. 460; Case 29.4, Pg. 460; Case 30.4, Pg. 474; Case 30.9, Pg. 475. Wednesday, 10/11/06 Agency & Employment Ch 31, 32, 33 Case 31.1, Pg. 485; Case 31.6, Pg. 486; Case 32.1, Pg. 498; Case 33.6, Pg. 515. Monday, 10/16/06 Exam No. 2 on Chapters 22-33

of 9 Syllabus and Course Outline: Page 3 of 4 The instructor reserves the right to alter the syllabus and outline at any time for any reason. Class Day & Date Topic/Event Readings Wednesday, 10/18/06 Business Organizations and Ethics Ch 34-36 Case 34.7, Pg. 533; Case 35.3, Pg. 543; Case 36.2, Pg. 498; Case 36.7, Pg. 563. Monday, 10/23/06 Business Organizations and Ethics Ch 37-38 Case 37.4, Pg. 583; Case 37.9, Pg. 584; Business Ethics 38.11, Pg. 602; Business Ethics 38.12, Pg. 602. Wednesday, 10/25/06 Business Organizations and Ethics Ch 39, 40 Case 39.1, Pg. 619; Case 39.4, Pg. 620; Case 40.6, Pg. 637; Case 40.8, Pg. 637. Monday, 10/30/06 Business Organizations and Ethics Ch 41, 42 Case 41.1, Pg. 655; Case 41.5, Pg. 656; Case 41.6, Pg. 656; Case 42.2, Pg. 673. Wednesday, 11/01/06 Government Regulation Ch 43, 44 Case 43.3, Pg. 687; Case 43.4, Pg. 687; Case 44.6, Pg. 699; Case 44.9, Pg. 515. Monday, 11/06/06 Government Regulation Ch 45, 46 Case 45.1, Pg. 712; Business Ethics 45.9, Pg. 714; Case 46.3, Pg. 732; Business Ethics 46.9, Pg. 734. Wednesday, 11/08/06 Exam No. 3 on Chapters 34 46

of 9 Syllabus and Course Outline: Page 4 of 4 The instructor reserves the right to alter the syllabus and outline at any time for any reason. Class Day & Date Topic/Event Readings Monday, 11/13/06 Property Personal & Real Property Ch 47, 48 Case 47.1, Pg. 751; Case 47.7, Pg. 752; Case 48.6, Pg. 768; Business Ethics 48.9, Pg. 768. Wednesday, 11/15/06 Property Landlord & Tenant Law. Land Use Ch 49 Case 49.3, Pg. 783; Case 49.5, Pg. 783; Case 49.6, Pg. 784; Business Ethics 49.9, Pg. 784. Monday, 11/20/06 Special Topics Insurance/Accountant Liability Ch 50, 51 Case 50.1, Pg. 799; Case 50.5, Pg. 800; Case 51.4, Pg. 815; Business Ethics 51.8, Pg. 816. Wednesday, 11/22/06 Special Topics Estate Planning Ch 52 Case 52.1, Pg. 830; Case 52.3, Pg. 831; Case 52.6, Pg. 831; Business Ethics 52.8, Pg. 832. Monday, 11/27/06 Special Topics Family Law Ch 53 Case 53.1, Pg. 845; Case 53.2, Pg. 845; Case 53.3, Pg. 845; Business Ethics 53.4, Pg. 846. Wednesday, 11/29/06 Global Environment Ch 54 Monday, 12/04/06 Constitution Appendix A Wednesday, 12/06/06 Review Wednesday, 12/13/06 Final Exam: Comprehensive 9:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m.