Course Syllabus
Dr. Laura Palk
Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Affairs
OU College of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law
|
Department: OU College of Law and Price College of Business Areas of Interests and Expertise
Experience, Awards and Achievements
Office Phone: (405) 325-3880 Email: lpalk@ou.edu Live Session: Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (Central) Zoom link: https://oklahoma.zoom.us/j/96340621648?pwd=WlkzWTI2YXd1U0twd3lDRFlNWlB6Zz09 Meeting ID: 963 4062 1648 Passcode: 12033390
|
Course Pre-Requisites
Students must have a basic understanding of the state and federal legal systems as well as the basics of how to create a contract.
Course Materials
- Kubasek, Browne, Herron, Dhooge, and Barkacs, Dynamic Business Law, 6th ed.
- Purchase through the McGraw Hill Connect tab in the left navigation menu, and read the full instructions on how to integrate your McGraw Hill Connect account with Canvas.
Course Communication
- If you have any general questions about assignments, class logistics, due dates, etc., please post a question in the Course Q&A Discussion Board in the “Start Here” module. You can post questions about the course to the Course Q&A Board throughout the semester.
- If you have a personal question (grades, feedback, requests for special accommodation, etc.) please send me a private message via email. In the subject line, write “LS 5523 online“ before your subject. For example, if you have a question about a grade, your email subject would read “LS 5523 online – grade inquiry”.
- If you have a question about the weekly topic or learning material, please post in the “Questions” page in the relevant module before noon on Tuesday. I will address a few of these questions during our Live Session.
- If you have tech questions, please contact OU IT by email (needhelp@ou.edu) or by phone (405-325-HELP).
All emails sent by your professors will be sent to the email address registered in your name at the University of Oklahoma. If you wish to also receive course emails at another email address, go to your profile in Canvas and you can add 1 or more alternate emails to your account.
Grades
| Assessment | Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam | 100 | 100 |
| Final Exam | 100 | 100 |
| Participation | 7 x 20 | 140 |
| Total | 340 |
| Letter Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A = | 90% and above of total points |
| B = | 80–89% |
| C = | 70–79% |
| D = | 60–69% |
| F= | below 60% |
Exams
There will be two exams in this course. The exams will likely be 20 multiple choice questions worth 5 points each. They will cover the materials as emphasized during class and in our in class exercises. You will complete the exams during our regularly scheduled class time. The exams are administered through Canvas and monitored through Zoom. If you have a scheduling conflict, please let me know and an alternate test and format will be provided to you (it will likely be in essay format).
All exams are closed book. You must put all course materials and learning aids away before taking the exams. You must be visible on Zoom while taking the exam. You may not get any help in taking the exams. The exams are accessible during our live sessions in Weeks 4 and 8.
- Midterm (Week 4): The exam starts at 7:00 p.m. (Central), and you will have 60 minutes to finish the exam. You must submit your answers before 8:00 p.m. I will be available through private messaging to answer any questions you have while taking the exams.
- Final Exam (Week 8): The exam starts at 7:00 p.m. (Central), and you will have 60 minutes to finish the exam. You must submit your answers before 8:00 p.m. I will be available through private messaging to answer any questions you have while taking the exams.
Participation
You earn participation points by posting questions to the Discussion board and by being prepared when called upon in class through Zoom Live Sessions. Prior to each Live Session, you must post two thoughtful questions you would like to discuss. The questions may ask for clarification or expansion of that week’s material. Any sincere question covering business law and commercial transactions will be respected. Submit your questions and 'like' the questions by your classmates by noon on Tuesday. This will give me enough time to review your questions before the Live Session.
You are also expected to attend and participate during each Live Session. I will assign a grade for questions, attendance, and participation. There are two ways you can earn points for the Live Session. However, to receive full Participation points, you must post two thoughtful questions each week, regardless of whether you choose to participate in that week's Live Session. Remember, these Live Sessions will count toward your final grade.
- Participate Live: This option should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real time. To get credit for your attendance, type in the date and time of the session you attended by clicking on the red "Submit Assignment" button at the top of the Live Sessions page. Your login will be cross-checked against the attendance tracker in Zoom.
- Make-Up (Watch Recording & Submit Written Summary): If your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend a Live Session, please review the full recording and write a page summarizing the Live Session from your perspective. Your make-up summary is due no later than the following Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (Central). No late submissions will be accepted (even if it is 7:01 p.m.). Again, to receive full Participation points, you must also post questions each week as noted above.
Note: Be sure to utilize option 1 or 2 for each of the Live Sessions to receive points. Regardless of when the session occurred, you must post your response based on option 1 or 2 in a timely fashion. If you fail to follow these instructions, you will be counted absent despite your actual presence.
Late Policy
Except in extremely rare circumstances and except as noted above with respect to alternatives to being present during a Live Session (e.g. documented proof of hospitalization, etc.), no late submissions will be accepted.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
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.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. 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.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report 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.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
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.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
OU Fire Safety on Campus Video
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|