Southern Illinois University

Introduction to Law

Course Name

Introduction to Law

Contact Hours: 24 (an estimated time frame devoted to a course of study from start to finish that can vary from student to student)

Course Description

Legal systems exist to serve the interests of the citizenry. Laws under such systems can deal with the public and private safety and health of citizenry, the means to resolve problems among parties, certain ownership interests which the law recognizes and protects, and the legal systems of different nations.

For this Basic Completion course, students will contact the instructor who will guide them on all course procedures. Students may query the instructor via e-mail and voice, regarding lessons, readings and interpretation of the materials.

This course is based on an independent study model that allows the student to work through the program in a self-directed manner. Questions and return email communication can be engaged in for clarification and guidance when necessary.


Outcome

After completing this course students will have:

  • learned about the difference between civil and criminal law;
  • studied the procedures used in the operation of the American legal system;
  • examined a diverse range of legal topics, including cyberlaw, insurance, international law and will, trusts and estates;
  • enhanced study skills through the use of open-book quizzes;
  • developed an understanding about how this form of distance education works;
  • explored torts, which involves personal injury law and insurance law;
  • started the process of learning about the law through individual study.

Assessment

Students will complete open-book multiple choice exams on each chapter of material in the course (where the course consists of 12 chapters of material). Completion of each chapter is based on achieving a score of 70% or more on tests provided.

Outline


  • Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning (Chapter 1); QUIZ
  • Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Chapter 2); QUIZ
  • Court Procedures (Chapter 3); QUIZ
  • Torts and Cyber Torts (Chapter 5); QUIZ
  • Strict Liability and Product Liability (Chapter 6); QUIZ
  • Insurance (Chapter 50); QUIZ
  • Intellectual Property and Internet Law (Chapter 7); QUIZ
  • Criminal Law and Cyber Crimes (Chapter 8); QUIZ
    Wills, Trusts, And Elder Law (Chapter 51); QUIZ
  • Liability of Accountants and Other Professionals (Chapter 52); QUIZ
  • International and Comparative Law (Chapter 523; QUIZ
  • Law for Small Business (Chapter 54); QUIZ

Books

Additional textbook required. Upon enrollment, please speak directly with the course instructor prior to purchasing the book.