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 BusinessAreas of Interests and Expertise
Experience, Awards, and Achievements
Office Phone: (405) 325-3880 Email: lpalk@ou.edu Live Session: Tuesdays, 7:00-10:00 p.m. (Central) Zoom Link:
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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.
For more information, please see the Resources page in the "Start Here" section of this course.
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 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
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.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
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.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
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 Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and would like to request 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 Title IX 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. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
The university's policy is 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. 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.
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.
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 their 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 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.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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