Introduction to Business Law

Course Number:: BA 226Z
Transcript Title:: Introduction to Business Law
Created:: Jul 27, 2022
Updated:: May 24, 2025
Total Credits:: 4
Lecture Hours:: 40
Lecture / Lab Hours:: 0
Lab Hours:: 0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:: No
Satisfies General Education requirement:: No
Grading Options: A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options: A-F
Repeats available for credit:: 0

Prerequisites

IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement; placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98

Course Description

Provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. business law, including the legal system, contracts, torts, intellectual property, agency, employment, and business organization forms. Emphasizes practical legal knowledge and explores how laws impact business operations, with a focus on risk management, contract disputes, business formation, and compliance with government regulation. Introduces legal challenges in business through real cases and legal terminology. Prerequisites: IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement; placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the U.S. legal system as applied to business including sources of law, the judicial system, and alternative forms of dispute resolution.
Explain the applicability of tort, criminal, and intellectual property law to business.
Identify business organization forms and the responsibilities and liabilities of principals and agents.
Describe the legal requirements for contract formation, enforcement, and defenses, as well as application of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Describe the U.S. legal system as applied to business including sources of law, the judicial system, and alternative forms of dispute resolution.

Overview of the U.S. Legal System
- Purpose and Functions of Law
- Structure of the Legal System
Sources of Law
- Constitutional Law
- Statutory Law
- Administrative Law
- Case Law (Common Law)
- Other Sources
The Judicial System
- Structure of the Courts
- Jurisdiction and Venue
- The Litigation Process
- Business Implications
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Introduction to ADR
- Types of ADR
  - Negotiation
  - Mediation
  - Arbitration
  - Other Forms
- Application in Business
Real-World Applications
- Case Studies
- Practical Considerations for Businesses
Key Terminology and Concepts

Outcome #2: Explain the applicability of tort, criminal, and intellectual property law to business.

Overview of Tort Law and Its Applicability to Business
- Definition of Torts
- Types of Torts
  - Intentional Torts
  - Negligence
  - Strict Liability
- Key Legal Principles:
Criminal Law and Its Applicability to Business
- Definition of Criminal Law
- Types of Business Crimes (White-Collar Crimes)
  - Fraud
  - Embezzlement
  - Bribery and Corruption
  - Cybercrimes
  - Environmental Crimes
- Business Consequences of Criminal Acts
Intellectual Property (IP) Law and Its Applicability to Business
- Overview of IP Law
- Types of Intellectual Property
  - Trademark
  - Copyrights
  - Patents
  - Trade Secrets
- Infringement and Enforcement
- IP Challenges in the Digital Age
Key Differences Between Tort, Criminal, and IP Law
Real-World Applications
- Tort Law in Business
- Criminal Law in Business
- IP Law in Business
Key Terminology and Concepts

Outcome #3: Identify business organization forms and the responsibilities and liabilities of principals and agents.

Overview of Business Organization Forms
- Definition and Importance
- Types of Business Organizations:
  - Sole Proprietorship
  - Partnerships
  - Corporations
  - Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
  - Other Forms
Responsibilities and Liabilities of Principals and Agents
- Agency Relationship Basics
- Duties of Principals
- Duties of Agents
Types of Authority in Agency
- Actual Authority
- Apparent Authority
- Ratification
Liabilities in Principal-Agent Relationships
- Contractual Liabilities
- Tort Liabilities
- Criminal Liabilities
Real-World Applications
- Business Formation Decisions
- Agency in Business Operations
- Case Studies
Key Terminology and Concepts

Outcome #4: Describe the legal requirements for contract formation, enforcement, and defenses, as well as application of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Overview of Business Organization Forms
- Definition and Importance
- Types of Business Organizations
  - Sole Proprietorship
  - Partnerships
  - Corporations
  - Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
  - Other Forms
Responsibilities and Liabilities of Principals and Agents
- Agency Relationship Basics
- Duties of Principals
- Duties of Agents
Types of Authority in Agency
- Actual Authority
- Apparent Authority
- Ratification
Liabilities in Principal-Agent Relationships
- Contractual Liabilities
- Tort Liabilities
- Criminal Liabilities
Real-World Applications
- Business Formation Decisions
- Agency in Business Operations
- Case Studies
Key Terminology and Concepts

Suggested Texts and Materials

Business Law: Text and Cases, 16th Edition; Clarkson/Miller; Cengage Learning