Course Syllabus
HR 5793 - Social Change and the Law
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.
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 | 70 |
| 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 | 160 |
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 seven 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
If you need to contact me, please e-mail me directly at breea@ou.edu. Canvas messaging is unreliable, please only use OU email for communication with me. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours, 48 hours max. Please note that work-life balance is very important to me, and I make an effort to avoid checking e-mail on the weekends if at all possible.
How will we address each other? My pronouns are she/her/hers. In terms of titles, perhaps I am old school in this thinking but unless we've gotten our nails done together or you've had dinner at my home, calling me by first name is inappropriate. I am fortunate to have many titles for you to choose from, but Ms. Clark works just fine. If you go by a name other than the one listed in Canvas, please tell me how you prefer to be addressed. Additionally, if I mispronounce your name, do not hesitate to correct me. Respecting another's preferred pronouns, titles, and pronunciations is an easy way to show respect to your colleagues and is something I take very seriously.
Feedback
You can expect feedback and grades on all activities and assignments within one week of the due date of the activity or assignment.
Late Policy
All graded assignments must be completed by the assigned due date. Any extensions of assignment due dates due to university-excused absences or for personal reasons (sickness, family emergency, etc.) must be arranged prior to the assigned due date.
Plagiarism
You will find the standard statement on plagiarism and academic integrity below. At this point in your educational career, I am confident you have read both many times, and I am sure you are aware that these incredibly important rules and guidelines are in place to protect the value of your investment in your education as well as to safeguard the integrity of your degree. What you may not be aware of is the fact that I started my career at the University of Oklahoma helping to build what you know to be the Office of Academic Integrity Programs. While academic integrity is something we should all be passionate about, it is something that has literally defined my professional career. I cannot urge you enough to take your responsibility of knowing the rules seriously, because I can assure you that I do. Don't insult me by cheating. Don't disrespect yourself and your colleagues by cheating. If you have questions about something, ask before you submit your work. I am always happy to help clarify these rules, but "act now and ask for forgiveness later" is not a philosophy I abide by in my classroom.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|