Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
Description
The purpose of this course is to examine the legal ramifications of decisions made during the management of the design and construction process. Students will examine legal risks and consequences of common issues in construction bidding, preparing and performing construction and design contracts, changes, delays, and other issues beginning in the feasibility and financing phase through the completion of a project and subsequent operation of the same. An emphasis will be placed on how to prevent disputes through proper planning and application of legal principles, as well as how to resolve disputes through informal and formal processes.
Goals and Outcomes
The goals of this course are to provide students with an understanding of common legal issues in the design and construction process and to equip students with the knowledge of how to minimize, avoid, and resolve these issues. Through the course of this class, you will learn to: a) describe what contracts are and how they are used in the design and construction industry, b) analyze common legal issues arising during each phase of a construction project, c) articulate how to avoid and/or resolve construction disputes, and d) analyze case studies of construction claims and disputes.
Course Materials
- Text: Navigating Legal Issues in Construction & Design (Laws, 2023)
- Case Studies: Are You Listening?: A Mediator's Observations of Construction & Design Disputes (Laws, 2023)
- AIA Document A201-2017, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction
- Sample Subcontract
- Select Oklahoma Statutes, case studies, and other documents (via Canvas or the internet)
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Case Studies | 100 | 33.3% |
| Midterm Exam | 100 | 33.3% |
| Final Exam | 100 | 33.3% |
| Total | 300 | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Case Studies
Case studies are a fair representation of the types of construction and design disputes which happen on a routine basis. You will be required to provide an analysis of issues presented in five (5) case studies by submitting a three- to four-page summary. The summaries are worth 20 points each, for a total possible score of 100, and represent one-third (1/3) of your final grade.
Class Discussions
Our time in class is valuable, and active participation is essential. Due to the nature of the online meetings, this active engagement and participation is especially important. Students are expected to:
- Arrive/join on time with required materials and adequate preparation
- Be prepared with the required devices and software to connect to the class meeting
- Be prepared to engage in class discussions and ask questions
- Respect the rights of others and refrain from anything that demeans, distracts, or disturbs others
Exams
There are two exams that will be administered online via Canvas. You will be provided one week to take each exam by or before the assigned date. Each exam is worth one-third of your grade and will consist of factual scenarios and questions that are designed to show that each student has reached the course goals and outcomes.
Course Policies
Cheating
All students are expected to conform to college-level standards of ethics, academic integrity, and academic honesty. By enrolling in this course, you agree to be bound by the Academic Misconduct Code published in The University of Oklahoma Student Code.
All members of the community recognize the necessity of being honest with themselves and with others. Cheating in class, plagiarizing, lying, and employing other modes of deceit diminish the integrity of the educational experience. None of these should be used as a strategy to obtain a false sense of success. The need for honest relations among all members of the community is essential.
Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to obtain. As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. For specific definitions on what constitutes cheating, review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity.
Communication
The primary form of communication and platform for dissemination of information for this course is Canvas (canvas.ou.edu) with the vast majority of communication occurring via email. You should check yours regularly (at least daily) or have it forwarded to an account you check. Canvas will be used for administering exams, posting grades, etc., and while emailing me through Canvas is possible, direct email is preferred. The instructor’s direct email address is: Marvin.Laws-1@ou.edu
Active Participation
Active participation during class is required. Working on other things during the class meeting is discouraged as it inhibits the ability to engage with the group. Anything that creates a distraction (other work, texting, emailing, improper use of the chat feature, visual and audio background distractions, etc.) is prohibited.
Late Policy
As a general rule, case summaries will not be accepted after the due date. However, upon the showing of exceptional circumstances, late submissions may be accepted (at the instructor's sole discretion) but will be reduced by 10 points, regardless of circumstance.
Absences
Students are responsible for the content of the courses in which they are enrolled. If you must miss a class meeting, advanced notice should be given to the instructor. Absences for specific reasons (defined by the University of Oklahoma policy) will be accommodated by the instructor.
Make-up Policy
Per University of Oklahoma policy, if a student misses an assignment for a legitimate, verifiable reason accommodation will be provided by the instructor to make up that assignment.
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 |
|---|---|---|