Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
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 a United States District Court Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Oklahoma. Formerly, she was the supervisor of a pretrial release/bond 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
All the reading materials for this course will be available in each module. There will not be a textbook required for this course.
Recommended (not required)
- Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803).
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Case Brief | Written assignment consisting of briefing a legal case | 20 |
| Documentary Assignment | Written assignment based upon the documentary film assigned | 15 |
| Participation | Live Session attendance/participation | 60 |
| Midterm Exam | Written assignment that explains a scenario (or multiple) of social change as seen through the lens of a topic of law covered in the first half of the semester | 25 |
| Final Exam | Written assignment 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 | 30 |
| Total | 150 |
Scale
| Percentage of Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Case Brief
For this assignment, you will learn how to brief a legal case. You will be taught, in-class, how to brief a case and you will be expected to utilize such teachings in briefing a case on your 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, you will watch an instructor-selected documentary on your own time, outside of the classroom setting. You will be expected to write a 4-5 page paper on your observations of the film as it relates to relevant principles of class material.
Participation
In-class Exercises
There are six exercises that will be completed in class and will include session discussion and input. Further instructions will be given at the time of each session/exercise.
Live Sessions
Active participation includes relevant in-class discussion, Live Session attendance (or making up the session if unable to attend), and respectful relations among your colleagues.
Note: 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.
Midterm Exam
For this assignment, you will prepare a 6-page paper in APA format that explains a scenario (or multiple scenarios) of social change as seen through the lens of a topic of law (or multiple topics of law) covered in this class up to the point in time of the midterm exam.
Further details about the midterm will be discussed and provided during prior class meetings.
Final Exam
Students will repeat the process of the midterm exam but will write a 6-page paper based on a scenario (or multiple scenarios) of social change as seen through the lens of an area of law (or multiple areas 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.
Course Policies
Communication
All email communication will be through official OU email addresses only. When contacting the me 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. I have 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 me. An automatic 5 points will be deducted from the assignment for tardiness. The assignment will also be graded, per usual, for its quality.
Assignments submitted more than 2 weeks after original due date need special permission and may not be accepted at all, even for late credit.
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. You are encouraged to attend all Live Sessions online 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.
Incomplete Grade Policy
The University’s standard policy for a grade of incomplete (I) for graduate work states: “With the approval of the instructor and Graduate College Dean, a graduate student may be granted up to a one-year extension for making up incomplete work.”
Based on the accelerated nature of the Human Relations Online Masters Program, it is strongly recommended that the instructor and the student agree to a date for submitting incomplete work that permits timely progress towards completing the program.
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
Holiday Policy
Summer 2021 Zoom LIVE sessions that occur on Monday holidays (May 31, July 5) will be held as usual. Students who are unable to attend can view the recorded session in Canvas that is available the next day.
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.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
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. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
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.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|