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Office Technology
2½ to 4½ Semester Program Options
Program Coordinator and Instructor: Larson
Program Coordinator and Instructor (Paralegal Program): Christensen
Instructors: Campbell, Enos, Ketterman, Priddy, Spinner, Stroud and Staff
Five certificate options and five Associate of Applied Science Degrees are available.
A grade of "C-" or better in all courses of a chosen option is required for graduation. If a "C-" or better is not achieved in a required class, the student may repeat the class only one time.
Certificate in Accounting Clerk
(2½ Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 149 Accounting Clerk Office Applications 3 cr OT 151 Office Procedures and Interpersonal Skills 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr TOTAL: 34 crCertificate in Administrative Office Technology
(3 Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 116 Professional Leadership Development 1 cr OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 145 Advanced Document Processing 3 cr OT 151 Office Procedures and Interpersonal Skills 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr OT 176 Desktop Publishing/Multimedia 3 cr TOTAL: 41 crCertificate in Legal Office Technology
(2 to 3 Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 145 Advanced Document Processing 3 cr OT 152 Legal Terminology and Office Procedures 7 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr TOTAL: 41 crCertificate in Medical Office Technology
(3 Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 150 Medical Terminology with Anatomy and Physiology 3 cr OT 155 Medical Document Processing 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr HO 202 ICD9-CM Coding 3 cr HO 203 Medical Office Procedures 4 cr HO 204 Medical Transcriptions 4 cr HO 205 CPT and Alternative Care Records 3 cr TOTAL: 48 crCertificate in Web Page Design
(2½ Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 176 Desktop Publishing/Multimedia 3 cr OT 178 Web Page Design and Construction 3 cr OT 180 Web page Construction and Applications 3 cr OT 182 Advanced Desktop Publishing 3 cr MANT 131 Quality Customer Service 3 cr MART 121 Marketing Applications 3 cr MART 130 Promotion/Display 3 cr MART 242 E-Commerce 3 crElective Course:
OT 116 Professional Leadership Development 1 cr (recommended but not required) TOTAL: 30 crAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Office Technology
(4 to 4½ Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 115 Practicum 2 cr OT 116 Professional Leadership Development 3 cr OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 145 Advanced Document Processing 3 cr OT 151 Office Procedures and Interpersonal Skills 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr OT 176 Desktop Publishing/Multimedia 3 cr OT 201 Office Resources Management 3 cr MANT 121 Essentials of Management 3 cr MANT 240 Legal Environment 3 crGeneral Education Requirements:
COMM 101 Principles of Speech 2 cr ENGL 101 English Composition 3 cr ENGL 102 Critical Reading and Writing 3 cr ECON 101 Economic Issues 3 cr MATH 123 Mathematics in Modern Society 3 cr PSYC 101 Introduction to General Psychology I 3 cr OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr TOTAL: 69 crAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Clerk Office Technology
(4 to 4½ Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 115 Practicum 1-3 cr OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 149 Accounting Clerk Office Applications 3 cr OT 151 Office Procedures and Interpersonal Skills 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records Management 3 cr ACCT 201 Principles of Accounting I 3 cr ACCT 341 Managerial Cost Accounting 3 cr MANT 240 Legal Environment 3 cr MATH 107 Intermediate Algebra 3 cr MATH 143 College Algebra 3 crGeneral Education Requirements:
COMM 101 Principles of Speech 2 cr ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics 3 cr ENGL 101 English Composition 3 cr ENGL 102 Critical Reading and Writing 3 cr ECON 101 Economic Issues 3 cr Goal 3 3 cr PSYC 101 Introduction to General Psychology I 3 cr OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr TOTAL: 69 crAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Legal Office Technology
(4½ Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 115 Practicum 1-3 cr OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 145 Advanced Document Processing 3 cr OT 152 Legal Terminology and Office Procedures 7 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr MANT 121 Essentials of Management 3 cr MANT 240 Legal Environment 3 cr PARA 110 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 cr OR PARA 210 Fundamentals of Legal Research and Analysis 3 crGeneral Education Requirements:
COMM 101 Principles of Speech 2 cr ENGL 101 English Composition 3 cr ENGL 102 Critical Reading and Writing 3 cr MATH 123 Mathematics in Modern Society 3 cr POLS 101 Introduction to American Government 3 cr PSYC 101 Introduction to General Psychology I 3 cr OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr TOTAL: 69 crAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Office Technology
(4½ Semesters)
Required Courses:
OT 115 Practicum 3 cr OT 118 Business Communications I 3 cr OT 119 Business Communications II 3 cr OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 cr OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 cr OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 cr OT 144 Document Processing 3 cr OT 150 Medical Terminology with Anatomy and Physiology 3 cr OT 155 Medical Document Processing 3 cr OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 cr OT 173 Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics 3 cr OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 cr HO 107 Medical Law and Ethics 3 cr HO 202 ICD9-CM Coding 3 cr HO 203 Medical Office Procedures 4 cr HO 204 Medical Transcriptions 4 cr HO 205 CPT & Alternative Care Records 3 crGeneral Education Requirements:
BIOL 100 Concepts Biology: Human Concerns 4 cr OR BIOL 202 General Zoology 3 cr AND BIOL 202L General Zoology Laboratory 1 cr ENGL 101 English Composition 3 cr ENGL 102 Critical Reading and Writing 3 cr MATH 123 Mathematics in Modern Society 3 cr PSYC 101 Introduction to General Psychology I 3 cr OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr TOTAL: 71 crAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies
(4 Semesters)
Required Courses:
CIS 101 Introduction to Computer Systems 3 cr OR OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 cr PARA 110 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 cr PARA 111 Ethics and Professionalism 1 cr PARA 112 Estates, Will, and Trusts 3 cr OR PARA 114 Family Law 3 cr PARA 113 Contract Law 3 cr PARA 115 Property Law 3 cr OR PARA 216 Administrative Law 3 cr PARA 116 Tort Law 3 cr OR PARA 214 Environment Law 3 cr PARA 117 Criminal Law and Procedure 3 cr OR PARA 215 Debtor/Creditor Rights and Bankruptcy Law 3 cr OR PARA 219 Special Areas of Records and Information Management 1-3 cr PARA 210 Fundamentals of Legal Research and Analysis 3 cr PARA 211 Fundament of Legal Writing 2 cr PARA 212 Pre-Trial Civil Litigation and Procedure 3 cr PARA 213 Trial and Post-Trial Civil Litigation and Procedure 3 cr PARA 218 Introduction to Records and Information Management 3 cr PARA 220 Paralegal Internship 4 crGeneral Education Requirements:
COMM 101 Principles of Speech 2 cr ENGL 101 English Composition 3 cr ENGL 102 Critical Reading & Writing 3 cr MATH 123 Math in Modern Society 3 cr POLS 101 Introduction to Am. Government 3 cr PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology I 3 cr OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr Goals 4 through 10b 6 cr TOTAL: 64 crCourses
ACAD 102 First Year Seminar 1 credit. Provides an extended orientation to the university for new students. Utilizes presenters from various campus support systems, collaborative learning activities, and written assignments which involve students in resources and activities on campus. F, S
OT 115 Practicum 1-3 credits. This is a pass/no pass course designed to offer students on-the-job experience through internships, cooperative training, externships, workstudy, or other on-site work experience modalities. Permission by instructor is required. F, S, Su
OT 116 Professional Leadership Development 1 credit. This course is designed to integrate the Business Professionals of America (BPA) student organization into the Office Technology curriculum. Emphasis is on developing leadership, professionalism, poise, dependability, patriotism, and skills competency. F
OT 118 Business Communications I 3 credits. This course is designed to develop and reinforce skills in grammar, sentence structure, spelling, word usage, vocabulary, and punctuation. short compositions for use in the business environment using reference materials will be emphasized. Topics relating to communicating in the workplace will be discussed. F, S
OT 119 Business Communications II 3 credits. This course is designed to provide communication skills necessary to speak and write clearly in business environment. The course will focus on proofreading, editing, composition, oral and listening communications, basic research, and employment methods. PREREQ: OT 118 must be completed with a "C" grade or better. F, S
OT 120 Bookkeeping 3 credits. Covers the entire bookkeeping cycle for sole proprietorship bookkeeping. Includes journalizing, posting, financial statements, payroll and closing procedures. F, S
OT 122 Machine Transcription 3 credits. Concentrated use of transcribing unit; advanced transcription from recorded media on business correspondence. This course emphasizes and reinforces a review of punctuation, word study, spelling, formatting guidelines, and proofreading mailable copy. PREREQ: OT 118, 119 and 144. F, S
OT 123 Applied Business Mathematics 3 credits. Review of basic mathematics with emphasis on application problems in common business situations. F, S
OT 131 Shorthand I 3 credits. Introduction to the principles of shorthand, including the shorthand alphabet, brief forms and phrasing. Develops the student's ability to read shorthand and to take dictation at a minimum of 50 words per minute. D
OT 132 Shorthand II 3 credits. Puts shorthand theory to work to build speed and accuracy in dictation and transcription. Student should achieve a minimum speed of 80 words per minute. PREREQ: OT 131. Student must have completed or be enrolled in OT 144. D
OT 140 Keyboard Skill Development 1 credit. This is a course is designed to enhance student's keyboarding skills and to challenge students to high keyboarding speeds.. Emphasis is on mastering the keyboard, developing good keyboarding techniques, and building keyboarding skills in speed and accuracy. PREREQ: 25 nwam. F, S, Su
OT 141 Keyboarding 1 credit. This is a tutorial class covering the keyboard and basic typing skills. Develops the student's ability to type at a minimum rate of 25 net words a minute. F, S, Su
OT 144 Document Processing 3 credits. This course builds basic word processing competencies. Emphasis is placed on learning word processing functions, developing basic formatting skills, and learning document production such as letters, memos, reports, and table functions. Participants will develop competency with hands-on experience utilizing word processing software. PREREQ: 25 nwam. F, S
OT 145 Advanced Document Processing 3 credits. This course emphasizes advanced word processing proficiency and focuses on productivity and mailability in document production. Emphasis is also placed on work habits and communication skills. PREREQ: OT 140 & 144. F, S
OT 149 Accounting Clerk Office Applications 3 credits. This course is designed to prepare the student with accounting knowledge as it applies to the business world. This course is created to provide students with advanced understanding of accounting concepts, principles, and practices. Emphasis will be placed on reinforcing previous accounting knowledge, partnership accounting, financial statement analysis, payroll procedures, and present and future values of money. This class will utilize both manual and computerized methods of accounting. PREREQ: OT 118, 120,123,144 and 170. S
OT 150 Medical Terminology with Anatomy and Physiology 3 credits. This course is a comprehensive approach to the structures and functions of body systems with an emphasis on anatomy, pathological, surgical and diagnostic medical terms and abbreviations. No Prerequisites. F, S
OT 151 Office Procedures and Interpersonal Skills 3 credits. This course prepares student for office duties and responsibilities, develops interpersonal skills, and explores career opportunities. PREREQ: OT 118 must be completed with a "C" grade or better.; OT 144, 173, & 174. S, Su
OT 152 Legal Terminology and Office Procedures 7 credits. Prepares students to handle legal dictation and transcription, to set up legal files and business records, to execute legal forms and to follow through on procedures relating to a wide variety of actions. This course is offered in the spring semester only. PREREQ: OT 118 must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Student must have completed or be enrolled in OT 119, 122; and 145. S
OT 155 Medical Document Processing 3 credits. This course emphasizes advanced medical word processing proficiency and focuses on productivity and mailability in document production. It reinforces medical terminology and allows students to create and revise medical documents in a variety of specialty units. PREREQ: OT 140 & 144. F, S
OT 170 Introduction to Computers 3 credit. This course is designed to provide the student with basic concepts, vocabulary, and working knowledge required to use a computer. The class will consist of weekly lectures/labs utilizing computers to understand concepts, operating systems, and software application such as word processing, database, spreadsheets, E-mail/Internet, and integrated projects that are used in the business environment. PREREQ: 25 nwam. F, S
OT 171 Computerized Bookkeeping 3 credits. This course is designed to offer the student the opportunity to experience hands-on microcomputer bookkeeping procedures, generate reports, and analyze financial statements. PREREQ: OT 120, 140, 144, and 170, or permission of instructor. F, S
OT 173 Spreadsheets 3 credits. This course is designed to acquaint users with the process and skills of using personal computers and application software to create and format spreadsheets for the use of data computation and manipulation, database and file management, spreadsheet analysis, graphs. PREREQ: OT 170 and 144, or instructor permission. Typing speed of 25 nwpm is imperative. F, S, Su
OT 174 Records & Database Management 3 credits. This is an introductory course to the increasingly comprehensive field of records management. Emphasis is placed on principles and practices of effective records management for manual and computerized records systems. PREREQ: OT 144 and 170. F, S, Su
OT 175 Computer Applications I 3 credits. This course is designed to allow students to complete simulated projects utilizing a variety of computer applications. Permission of instructor is required.
OT 176 Desktop Publishing and Multimedia 3 credits. This course introduces the use of Corel Suite, Corel Draw, Adobe, and presentations software to format documents including brochures, business cards, newsletters, advertisements, letterheads, web pages, etc. Students will also obtain skills in creating presentations utilizing various multimedia technology. PREREQ: OT 170, or permission of instructor. F, S, Su
OT 178 Web Page Design and Construction 3 credits. This course is designed to provide the student with a working knowledge of vocabulary and concepts required to create a web site. Students will create web sites by utilizing HTML, design principles, and web site layout. PREREQ: OT 170 or permission of instructor. F
OT 180 Web Page Construction and Applications 3 credits. This course builds on previously learned web site competencies. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing and enhancing web site construction and design. Students will utilize various multimedia technologies and various web site design software to enhance and maintain Internet and Intranet web sites. In addition, students will be provided with an opportunity to research a local company in the community and create a web site for that company. PREREQ: OT 178. S
OT 182 Advanced Desktop Publishing and Advanced Multimedia 3 credits. This course is designed to reinforce and enhance previously learned desktop publishing competencies. Students will utilize desktop publishing software to create business presentations and publications including electronic and Internet publications and distributions. In addition, students will utilize advanced multimedia techniques to intensify presentations and publications. PREREQ: OT 176. S
OT 199 Special Topics (variable) 1-8 credits. This course is designed to address the specific needs of individuals. It will enable the students to upgrade their technical skills through part-time enrollment in units of instruction that are currently available through the program's full-time employment curriculum. Permission of the instructor is required.
OT 201 Office Resources Management 3 credits. This course will provide students with tools for supervising people and technology in the rapidly changing office. This course is intended to improve students' promotability in the office environment and will cover the use of management and presentation software. Other areas of focus will be on the selection of software and hardware, troubleshooting and basic computer/network maintenance, and improving quality and productivity in the office. PREREQ: OT 151 or permission of instructor. F
HO 105 Introduction to Allied Health Careers 2 credits. Introduction to allied health careers emphasizing the interrelationships and the team approach to health care.
HO 106 Medical Terminology 2 credits. Body systems approach to theory and application of medical terms including anatomical, pathological, surgical and diagnostic as well as appropriate abbreviations.
HO 107 Medical Law and Ethics 3 credits. Principles and application of law to health care organizations and personnel, standards of care and liability; covers tort, contract and statutory law.
HO 202 ICD-9-CM Coding 3 credits. Principles and application of coding for statistical and reimbursement purposes utilizing the International Classification of Diseases. PREREQ: HO 106.
HO 203 Medical Office Procedures 4 credits. Specialized preparation for work in medical offices, hospitals, clinics, insurance offices and public health agencies. Theory as well as manual and computer applications for scheduling, insurance form preparation and review, day sheets and periodic reports.
HO 204 Medical Transcription 4 credits. Transcription of a wide variety of medical reports including History & Physical, Discharge Summaries, Operative Reports, Consultations, Emergency Room, Obstetrics, Pathology, Autopsy, Radiology and others. PREREQ: HO 106.
HO 205 CPT and Alternative Care Records 3 credits. Principles and application of coding for statistical and reimbursement purposes utilizing Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology in conjunction with documentation standards, format and content of alternative care records. PREREQ: HO 106.
PARA 110 Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 credits This course introduces students to the legal system and the paralegal profession. Areas covered include the legal system and the role of a paralegal in providing legal services; fundamental skills required of paralegals and the tasks they perform; administration of a law office; computer technology in the paralegal profession; regulation of paralegals and paralegal ethics; and paralegal employment opportunities. A survey of the major substantive areas of the law is presented, with a summary discussion of the paralegal's role in each area. F
PARA 111 Ethics and Professionalism 1 credit. This course addresses ethical standards that govern paralegals and attorneys in the performance of their job and examines different forms of regulation in the legal profession. The unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality of information, conflict of interest, and other ethical concerns are covered in depth. Other topics of study include common billing practices and fee arrangements, client trust accounts, filing and calendaring systems, and the documentation of client files. F
PARA 112 Estates, Wills and Trusts 3 credits. This course introduces estate planning through the use of wills and trusts. Students learn what an estate is and the types of property interests that comprise it; the rules of testate and interstate succession; and the requirements for drafting and executing a valid will. The Uniform Probate Code is emphasized, including formal and informal probate proceedings and the administration and closing of estates. Students are introduced to trusts and guardianships, and learn the requirements for drafting a valid trust. Focus is on the role of the paralegal in gathering information, researching, and drafting estate planning. F
PARA 113 Contract Law 3 credits. In this course students will study basic principles of contract law, including capacity, formation, conditions, enforcement, statute of frauds, performance and breach, remedies, defenses, and third-party rights. Portions of Articles 2 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code will also be addressed. The role of the paralegal in gathering information, researching, and drafting contract documents is emphasized. S
PARA 114 Family Law 3 credits. This course instructs students in the law governing marriage, prenuptial agreements, marital property, divorce, child custody and support, paternity, termination of parental rights, adoption, and other matters relating to domestic legal rights. The role of the paralegal in the area of domestic law is emphasized. F
PARA 115 Property Law 3 credits. Principles of law governing the ownership, conveyance, and encumbrance of real and personal property are addressed in this course. Students will learn the different interests in property, including leases, licenses, liens, easements, remainders, life estates, and others. The regulation of land use through public and private restrictions is discussed. Students are instructed in proper drafting of deeds, leases, mortgages, foreclosure and eviction documents, and will become acquainted with legal descriptions, recording statutes, title searches, appraisals, and other concepts unique to property law. The role of the paralegal in gathering information, researching, and drafting documents is emphasized. S
PARA 116 Tort Law 3 credits. Fundamental concepts of tort law _ intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, and product liability and the elements necessary to prove each tort are covered in this course, as well as the defenses to and damages recoverable for a tort claim. Personal injury litigation and worker's compensation will be discussed in depth. The role of the paralegal in this area of law is emphasized. F
PARA 117 Criminal Law and Procedure 3 credits. This course addresses the statutory and common law crimes against person, property, and society, the elements required to prove a crime, and the defenses available to a defendant. Procedure topics include the constitutional and statutory standards for searches, seizures, arrests, interrogation and other law enforcement practices, plea negotiation, trial, sentencing, and appeal. Students will learn how to conduct a preliminary factual investigation, draft pre-trial discovery requests, motions, and jury instructions, and other duties essential in criminal law practice. F
PARA 118 Business organizations 3 credits. This course explores the basic types of business organizations, including corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships. areas covered are the formation and operation of business and nonprofit corporations; the drafting of articles of incorporation and by-laws; annual meeting and reporting requirements; shareholder and director rights and obligations,; corporate crimes, torts, and ultra vires acts; rights and remedies of corporate creditors; dissolution of corporations; the formation of operation of a partnership, limited partnership, and limited liability company and the rights and obligations created thereunder; termination of partnerships and limited liability companies; and the formation and operation of a sole proprietorship. the role of the paralegal in drafting documents and maintaining records for business organizations will be emphasized. F, S
PARA 199 Independent Paralegal Studies (variable) 1-8 credits. This course is designed to address the specific needs of individual students employed full-time who wish to upgrade their technical skills through part-time enrollment in units of instruction that are currently available through the program's curriculum. Permission of the instructor is required.
PARA 210 Fundamentals of Legal Research and Analysis 3 credits. This course introduces the basic elements of legal research and analysis. Students will earn different sources of the law and fundamental techniques for finding specific legal topics using traditional research methods in a law library and computer technology. The development of rudimentary skills for identifying and analyzing legal issues and for formulating logical and practical legal arguments is emphasized. S
PARA 211 Fundamentals of Legal Writing 2 credits. This course will address the skills necessary to communicate effectively in writing by using proper sentence and paragraph structure, diction, and the correct use of nouns and verbs. Students will draft a legal memorandum, litigation documents, legal correspondence, transaction documents, and other types of legal writing. Related skills of planning, research, fact gathering, legal analysis and organization are also developed. F
PARA 212 Pre-Trial Civil Litigation and Procedure 3 credits. In this course students are introduced to the pre-trial litigation process, including the initial client contact, factual investigation, identification of claims and issues, preliminary legal research, preparation and filing of pleadings, motion practice, discovery, document production and control, alternative dispute resolution, and settlement. The rules of civil procedures will be emphasized at each stage of litigations. Course materials are based on a fictional civil lawsuit and students will perform the tasks of a paralegal at every stage of pre-trial litigation. F
PARA 213 Trial and Post-Trial Civil Litigation and Procedure 3 credits. This course begins where Pre-Trial Civil Litigation and Procedure (PARA 212) ends. Students continue with the fictional civil lawsuit beginning at a point sixty days before the trial date. Areas covered will include preparation of witnesses, jury instructions, trial notebooks, assistance at trial, post-judgment motions, appeals, and collection. The rules of civil procedures are emphasized at each stage of litigation. Students will perform the tasks of a paralegal at every phase of trial and post-trial litigation. PREREQ: PARA 212. S
PARA 214 Environmental Law 3 credits. This course introduces federal and state laws governing the preservation, regulation and use of public and private lands for the protection of the environment and natural resources. The co-regulatory relationship between the federal and state governments and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government will be examined. Students are introduced to key environmental legislation, including NEPA, RECRA, CERCLA, FIFRA, TOSCA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water act, and the Endangered Species Act. Emphasis is placed on the paralegal's role in information gathering, research, monitoring and documenting compliance with environmental legislation. F, S
PARA 215 Debtor/Creditor Rights and Bankruptcy Law 3 credits. This course introduces the fundamentals of law relating to business transactions, debtor/creditor relations, consumer protection, and bankruptcy. Students learn the difference between secured and unsecured transactions, the rights and remedies available under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code and other statutes, and the types of relief afforded under different chapters of the Bankruptcy Code. The paralegal's role in drafting commercial documents and completing forms will be emphasized. S
PARA 216 Administrative Law 3 credits. In this course, the basic tenets of administrative law are explored including legislative delegation and limitations on agency authority, due process of law, agency action, rule making, acquiring and disclosing information, agency decision makers and decisions, administrative hearings, and judicial review. Emphasis is placed on the paralegal's role in information gathering, research, monitoring and documenting compliance with administrative rules and regulations. S
PARA 217 Constitutional Law 3 credits. Fundamental precepts of constitutional law — federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances — are examined, as well as individual rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The function of the federal courts as interpreters of the Constitution is analyzed. Emphasis is given to the role of the paralegal in constitutional law cases. F, S
PARA 218 Introduction to Records and Information Management 3 credits. In this course students are introduced to theories and principles that underlay the field of records and information management. Areas covered include: the scope of records management; overall system design; records center operations; records inventory and analysis; records retention programs; records classification systems; records maintenance and control; records storage and retrieval systems; electronic records management; active and inactive records management; and image technology for document management. The role of the paralegal in records and information management will be emphasized. F
PARA 219 Special Areas of Records and Information Management 1-3 credits. This course if comprised of three sessions covering special substantive areas in the Records and Information Management field: retention scheduling and disposition of records; disaster prevention and recovery; and media management and system selection. Each session will meet three hours per week for a five-week period. Students may elect to take one or more sessions for one credit per session. S
PARA 220 Paralegal Internship 4 credits. In this course students acquire practical experience in doing the job of a paralegal in the workplace. It is arranged on an individual basis. S
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IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY Academic Information Contact: webmaster@isu.edu Revised: July 2001 |