BUS 346
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Spring (I) 2010
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J. Blanke
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Syllabus

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Course: |
BUS 346 - The Legal, Ethical and
Regulatory Environment of Business |
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Instructor: |
Jordan M. Blanke |
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Office: |
BE225 |
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Telephone: |
(678) 547-6313 |
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Internet: |
blanke_j@mercer.edu |
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Office Hours: |
Monday |
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
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Tuesday |
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm |
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Thursday |
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm |
The
Stetson School of Business and Economics (SSBE) promotes the advancement and
integration of quality business education and practice. In support of Mercer
University’s mission, the School provides undergraduate and graduate programs
that are designed to enable, enhance, and expand professional careers, civic
responsibility and lifelong learning.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to law and
the legal system. Topics discussed include the court system,
constitutional law, administrative law, contract law, torts, products
liability, business organizations, agency and an introduction to the
governmental regulation of business. The ethical responsibilities of
business will be emphasized.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 | describe the foundations of the American
legal system. |
 | discuss issues pertaining to the legal, ethical and regulatory
environment of business. |
 | describe the court system and several alternative means of dispute
resolution. |
 | discuss issues pertaining to constitutional, administrative, contract, and
tort law. |
 | identify
the various organizational forms of doing business, and the relationships
and duties of individuals therein. |
 | discuss issues pertaining to agency and
employment law. |
Prerequisites
None.
Textbooks
The Legal Environment Today,
6th
Ed., by Roger Miller & Frank Cross, ISBN 0-324-59925-0
Evaluation Criteria
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Participation |
45%
50%
5% |
Grading Structure
|
85.0 average
78.0
70.0
65.0
60.0 |
A
B+
B
C+
C |
Note from the Professor
The examinations will cover the assigned readings, as well as any
additional material covered in class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to
find out what you have missed - both material covered and future assignments. No
make-up examinations will be given. If you cannot be present for a test (for a legitimate
reason), let me know beforehand - call me at my office and tell me, or leave a
message on my answering machine. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero on that
test.
Mercer University Honor Code and Council
See Mercer catalog for detailed description.
Honor Code
Mercer University Atlanta expects each and every student to maintain the
highest principles of academic honesty and integrity. Violations of academic honesty
represent a breach of the University's expectations and will be regarded as a serious
matter.
All work on tests must be your own. Any inappropriate copying or
collaboration on any test will result in a grade of 'F' for the course.
Disability Statement
Students with a documented disability should inform the
instructor at the close of the first class meeting. The instructor will
refer you to Richard Stilley, Assistant Dean of Campus Life, (678) 547-6823,
for consultation regarding evaluation, documentation of your disability, and
recommendations for accommodation, if needed. To take full advantage of
disability services, it is recommended that students make contact,
immediately. The office is located in Room 212 of the
Sheffield Student Center.
Inclement Weather
If severe weather occurs, classes will be
canceled in accordance with the Associate Provost’s decision of
Mercer-Atlanta. Call the Mercer weather phone for information about
class cancellations—(678) 547-6111 (Atlanta) or listen to WSB 750 AM.
Course Reading and Learning Schedule:
(Syllabus subject to change at the discretion of the Professor)
| Session |
Date |
Preparation |
Course Contents |
|
1 |
Jan 11 |
Ch. 1
Ch. 3 (pp. 61-78)
Ch. 3 (pp. 78-87) |
Introduction to
the Law
Sources of Law
Court and Jurisdiction
Litigation |
|
|
Jan 18 |
No class |
MLK Day |
|
2 |
Jan 25 |
Ch. 3 (pp. 88-95)
Ch. 4 |
Arbitration
Constitutional
Law |
|
3 |
Feb 1 |
Ch. 19 (pp.
640-659)
Ch. 2 |
Administrative Law
Ethics and Business Decision Making |
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4 |
Feb 8 |
Ch. 9
|
Contract Formation
Midterm Exam |
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5 |
Feb 15 |
Ch. 9
Ch. 10
Ch. 11 (pp.349-354, 374-378) |
Contract Formation
Contract Performance,
Breach and Remedies
Sales and E-Contracts |
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6 |
Feb 22 |
Ch. 5 (pp. 132-158)
Ch. 12 |
Torts
Product Liability |
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7 |
Mar 1 |
Ch. 14 (pp.
452-477)
Ch. 15 (pp. 489-498, 504-507, 524-525)
Ch. 16 (pp. 533-557) |
Small Business Organizations
Corporations
Agency |
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8 |
Mar 8 |
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Final Exam |

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