Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
The class will learn central issues found when exploring social justice as seen in various areas of law. We will begin with a discussion of the general framework of law and guidance of human relations principles found within the framework. Then we will explore different areas of law where rich examples of human relations and social justice can be seen including but not limited to constitutional law, health law, family law, criminal law, immigration law, and employment law. Along the way, we will discuss the intricacies of interactions between the human actors seen in legal arenas including but not limited to lawyers, judges, petitioners, plaintiffs, respondents, defendants, and government officials. We will also explore the social justice and human relations strategies and techniques most often employed by these human actors in these arenas and analyze their effectiveness.
This is a discussion class in which an open exchange of ideas is encouraged. Opposing and contradictory views are always encouraged.
Your weekly assignments will include reading legal cases, examining current policies and events, viewing thought stimulating material in films and videos, and reading other academic literature. Students will answer questions and problems related to such materials/literature. You will answer questions/problems via the Socratic method within our classroom setting. You must do the assigned reading and come to class prepared to discuss.
There will be a midterm and a final exam.
As an option to receive additional credit points, students can visit a state or federal courthouse and observe court proceedings within. Further instructions will be explained during class. If a student is unable to visit court for observation (to obtain additional credit points) throughout the semester, the student may complete an alternate assignment that will be explained in class.
Your instructor is an attorney who has represented and advocated for dozens of clients in the areas of family law and criminal law mostly. Currently, she is the supervisor of a pretrial release program in Oklahoma County, an Oklahoma County Assistant Public Defender, and a legal assistance attorney for a nonprofit organization in Oklahoma City that serves individuals affected by incarceration.
Course Materials
There is no required text for this class. All readings and assignments will be published cases, journal articles, handouts, or films/documentaries which will be researched by students or provided to the class in some manner.
Recommended Reference Text
Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803).
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Number & Points | Due | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Brief | 20 points | 3/29/21 | 20 points |
| Documentary Assignment | 15 points | 4/12/21 | 15 points |
| In-class exercises & Overall Class Discussion | 6 x 10 points | Outlined in Syllabus | 60 points |
| Midterm Exam | 25 points | ||
| Final Exam | 30 points | 5/13/21 | 30 points |
| Total Points Possible | 150 points | ||
Scale
Grading Scale:
A = 90% -100 % (135 – 150 points)
B = 80% - 89 % (120 – 134 points)
C = 70% - 79 % (105 – 119 points)
D = 60% - 69% (90 – 104 points)
F = below 60% (89 or fewer points)
Course Components
Class Participation and Attendance
Both are expected. Active participation includes relevant in-class discussion and respectful relations among your colleagues.
Reading Assignments
All assigned readings must be completed prior to the class meeting. Class discussion will be based on the reading, and informed participation in discussion is expected. Additional reading material may be assigned in class. Class discussion will be based on the Socratic method, often utilized in a law school setting.
Case Brief
Case Brief: Students will learn how to brief a legal case. Students will be taught in class how to brief a case and will be expected to utilizing such teachings in briefing a case on their own. A rubric and further instructions will be provided and discussed in class.
Documentary Assignment
In order to better understand historical and current issues found in human relations through the lens of law, students will watch an instructor-selected documentary on their own time, outside of the classroom setting. Students will be expected to write a 3-5 page paper on their observations of the film as it relates to relevant principles of class material.
In-Class Activities
In-class Exercises: There are six exercises that will be completed in class and will include small group work. Further instructions will be given at the time of each exercise.
Midterm Exam
Students will prepare a paper in APA format that explains a scenario (or multiple) of social change as seen through the lens of a topic of law covered in this class up to the point in time of the midterm exam. Further details about the midterm will be posted on the canvas.ou.edu website and discussed during prior class meetings. Midterm should include the following:
- The paper should be between six (6) and nine (9) pages in length (not counting the cover page or the reference page); using a font size 12 in font style Times New Roman and double spaced.
- At least 5 sources should be cited, and at least three of the sources should be from legal case law, scholarly journals, books, or personal interviews (references to dictionaries, encyclopedias, course assigned readings, or Wikipedia, will not count towards this requirement); references should follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), Seventh Edition (2020).
- The paper should be organized into three sections: (1) explanation of the scenario(s); (2) recounting of the scenario(s) origins/historical context as well as its/their current status of social change seen in law; and (3) explanation of the ways in which the scenario provides insight into the modern legal and/or social change/human relations culture it brings to a local, state, national, or global effect.
Final Exam
Students will repeat the process of the midterm exam but will write based on a scenario of social change as seen through the lens of an area of law covered in the second half of the semester, covered after the midterm exam. All requirements of the paper will remain the same as the midterm exam. The Final exam should include the following:
- The paper should be at least 10 pages in length (not counting the cover page or the reference page); using a font size 12 in font style, Times New Roman, and double spaced.
- At least 5 sources should be cited, and at least three of the sources should be from legal case law, scholarly journals, books, or personal interviews (references to dictionaries, encyclopedias, course assigned readings, or Wikipedia, will not count towards this requirement); references should follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), Seventh Edition (2020).
- The paper should be organized into three sections: (1) explanation of the scenario(s); (2) recounting of the scenario(s) origins/historical context as well as its/their current status of social change seen in law; and (3) explanation of the ways in which the scenario provides insight into the modern legal and/or social change/human relations culture it brings to a local, state, national, or global effect.
Course Policies & Notices
Communication
All email communication will be through official OU email addresses only. When contacting the professor by email, please include the course number and section title in the subject line.
Course Policy
Participation is important in any class because much of the learning comes from class discussion. In this course, the main method of participation will be through the exchange of ideas and thoughts on the web. You are expected to post your ideas on the web regularly. You will be expected to read all materials as assigned submit assignments on time and participate in a web discussion. If you do not participate in the discussion two (2) points will be deducted from your grade for each missed topic.
Discussion Board Policy
Be considerate and appropriate when using the discussion board. It is neither a public forum nor a limited public forum. Your instructor has the right to remove any message for the purposes of saving space, focusing the attention of students on relevant materials, and avoiding material inappropriate for the classroom. On this last note, with freedom comes responsibility. Please keep in mind, as you contribute to the discussion board, that not everyone comes from the same background, or shares the same values and ideals. Please be appropriate (professional) and considerate of others. If you have any questions on this matter, contact the instructor for clarification.
Late Policy
A late assignment will incur a penalty. If you miss class because of an emergency, please make arrangements with the professor. An automatic 5 points will be deducted from the assignment for tardiness. The assignment will also be graded, per usual, for its quality
Procedures for Completion of Course Evaluation
Upon completion of the course, students should go to the Advanced Programs Online Learning Information webpage and click on the applicable semester link under “Online Course Evaluation” which will direct them to the evaluation. The evaluation will take approximately five minutes to complete. Completion of the online evaluation is an important tool allowing Advanced Programs to gain information and student feedback for improvement of courses. Your responses will be kept confidential. They will be reviewed by the department and only supplied to the professor once grades for the course have been submitted.
Attendance Policy
simulations, role-playing, etc. are valuable aspects of any course because much of the learning comes from discussions in class with other students. It is expected that you attend all classes and be on time except for excused emergencies.
Excused absences are given for professor-mandated activities or legally required activities such as emergencies or military assignments. It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. Unavoidable personal emergencies, including (but not limited to) serious illness; delays in getting to class because of accidents, etc.; deaths and funerals, and hazardous road conditions will be excused.
Student assignments and student/instructor communications will be conducted via Canvas, although students may contact the instructor via telephone, postal mail, e-mail, or fax as needed.
Incomplete Grade Policy
A grade of “I” is not automatically assigned, but rather must be requested by the student by submitting to the instructor a “Petition for and Work to Remove an Incomplete Grade” form. An “I” can never be used in lieu of an “F” nor can an “I” be assigned because of excessive failure to participate in class activities.
If you are obtaining financial assistance (TA, STAP, FA, VA, Scholarship, etc.) to pay all or part of your tuition cost, you must follow your funding agency/institution’s policy regarding “I” (Incomplete) grades unless the timeline is longer than what the University policy allows then you must adhere to the University policy. Students who receive Financial Aid must resolve/complete any “I” (Incomplete) grades by the end of the term or he/she may be placed on “financial aid probation.” If the “I” grade is not resolved/completed by the end of the following term, the student’s Financial Aid may be suspended make the student ineligible for further Financial Aid.
Students are responsible for meeting the guidelines of Tuition Assistance and Veterans Assistance. See the education counselor at your local education center for a complete description of your TA or VA requirements.
Civility/Inclusivity Statement
We understand our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Human Relations Department is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:
- share their unique experiences, values, and beliefs
- be open to the views of others
- honor the uniqueness of their colleagues
- appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from each other in this community
- value each other’s opinions and communicate in a respectful manner
- keep confidential discussions the community has of a personal (or professional) nature
- use this opportunity together to discuss ways in which we can create an inclusive environment in this course and across the University of Oklahoma community.
Dates |
Week |
Unit Topic |
Learning/Discussion/Focus |
Assignments, Exams, & Readings |
| 3/22/21 |
1 |
Class Introduction; |
Understand Course Topics to be Covered and Course Structure |
Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. |
|
|
1
|
Continued Principals of Constitutional Law and Basic Law Framework, Legal Research |
-Legal Research -Structure of Laws |
Discuss Constitutional Law Reading Assignment— |
| 1 |
Constitutional Law |
Historical Moments in Case Law Yielding Current Times |
Case Brief Assigned Class Activity 1 |
|
| 3/29/21 | 2 |
Civil Rights |
-Civil Rights Movement -Civil Rights Act of 1964 -BLM Movement -Women’s Rights -First Amendment Religious Rights -Current Events/Movements/Politics |
Case Brief DUE 3/29/21 Class Discussion of associated written materials and video content. Class Activity 2 Assign Family Law Reading Assignments |
| 4/5/21 | 3 |
Family Law |
-Discuss Case Brief -DHS -Adoption -Guardianship -Court Process -Remedies |
Discuss Family Law Reading Assignments |
|
|
3 |
Family Law |
-Divorce -Paternity -Child Custody -Visitation -Child Support |
Class Discussion |
|
|
3 |
Family Law |
-Mediation -Arbitration |
Class Activity 3 Assign Immigration Reading Assignments |
| 4/12/21 |
|
|
Documentary Assignment |
|
| 4/12/21 | 4 |
Immigration Law |
-Introduction -Historical Analysis -Citizenship |
Discuss Immigration Reading Assignments |
|
|
4 |
Immigration Law |
-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) -Detainment |
|
|
|
4 |
Immigration Law |
-Immigration and Criminal Law -Deportation -Compensation |
Class Activity 4 Criminal Law Reading Assignments Assigned MIDTERM Assigned |
| 4/19/21 | 5 |
Criminal Law |
-Analysis of Criminal Law and Mass Incarceration in Current Times -Structure of Laws |
Documentary Assignment |
|
|
5 |
Criminal Law |
-Historical Analysis of Criminal Law and Mass Incarceration -Policing -Pretrial |
Criminal Law Reading Assignments Discussed |
|
|
5 |
Criminal Law |
-Sentencing -Probation and Parole -Appeal Process -Jail and Prison Life -Criminal Justice Reform Bills |
Class Activity 5 |
| 4/26/21 | 6 |
Employment Law |
-Introduction -Discuss Employment Reading Assignment 1 -Common Issues -EEOC -ADA -Labor Acts |
Employment Reading Assignment 2 |
|
|
6 |
Employment Law |
-Discuss Employment Reading Assignment 2 -Evolution -Resolution |
Class Activity 6 Health Law Reading Assigned |
| 5/3/21 | 7 |
Health Law |
-Introduction -Discuss Health Law Reading Assignment |
Discuss Health Law Reading Assignments |
|
|
7 |
|
Health and Social Change -Public Health and the Environment |
|
|
|
7 |
Housing Law |
-Fair Housing Act |
Discuss Fair Housing Act and other Housing Law Topics |
| 5/10/21 | 8 |
Final Exam Preparation, Summary of All Topics |
-Open Discussion -Impressions -Review and Questions |
FINAL EXAM DUE 5/13/21 by 11:59pm CST |
| 5/13/21 11:59 PM | 8 | Final Exam Due |
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays without penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or his/her authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user’s access to some or all of the university’s computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|