Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Materials
- Nature of Law for Aerospace and Defense
The textbook will be supplemented by additional cases and articles. These materials will be made available in the course modules.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | Case briefs + Problems & Problem Cases | 30% |
| Fundamentals Exam | Midterm Exam | 30% |
| Final Paper | Comprehensive—Apply concepts and principles to real world scenario | 30% |
| Participation | Discussion board (Questions/Current Events) + Live Session Attendance | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Letter Grade | Total Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100% |
| B | 80–89% |
| C | 70–79% |
| D | 60–69% |
| F | below 60% |
Course Components
Assignments
- Cases
- You will read cases in every module. These cases provide concrete examples of the rules stated in the text. We will discuss some of these cases during the Live Session. To help you prepare for our class discussion, you'll be required to brief one of the cases. During the Live Session, you may be called upon to lead discussion or answer questions about your assigned case.
- Problems
- In each module you'll be asked to respond to a set of problems and problem cases. These are an opportunity for you to apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios. As you work through these problems, make a note of any questions you may have. We can discuss these during the Live Sessions.
**Both assignments are due by noon on the day of the Live Session.
Fundamentals Exam
The Fundamentals Exam will consist of a mix of short answer and long-answer essay questions as well as application questions concerning a case. The exam will test students’ ability to demonstrate: a) their understanding of key frameworks, perspectives, concepts, ideas and tools introduced in the course; b) their ability to relate these frameworks, perspectives, concepts, ideas, and tools to one another; and c) their ability to creatively apply these frameworks, perspectives, concepts, ideas, and tools in differing contexts. The exam will cover material from the following course lectures: The American Legal System (chapter 1); Contracts (chapters 2 - 3); I.P. Law (chapter 4); Torts, Product Liability, and Litigation (chapters 5 - 6); and Employment Law (chapters 7-9). The exam will be take-home and open-book.
Final Paper
The Final Paper will be due at the beginning of the final class meeting.. Students will be given choice of three (3) different topics to explore and evaluate as the central subject matter of their paper. These 3 topics will be determined collectively by the instructor and the students at the mid-way point of the class. Each topic will relate to current events affecting aerospace and defense and will specifically involve legal principles covered by the course. The paper should be between 7 and 10 pages in length and is expected to provide evidence of sharp, critical thinking skills, command of the material covered in class, and a practical and action-oriented approach to current legal issues facing the aerospace and defense industry.
Participation
To get the most out of this course, it is vital that you actively engage in all aspects of the learning experience. To deepen your learning, you are expected to apply concepts and processes, reflect on key issues and collaborate with your peers to co-construct knowledge. Your participation will count toward your final grade and will be comprised of these course components:
- Discussion
- While you read the text and cases or work through the problems, you may find you have questions about the material that you would like me to clarify or elaborate on. Post your questions on the Pre-class Discussion Board ahead of the Live Session and I’ll choose a few to discuss. Please post by noon on the day of the Live Session. This will give me time to read through everything before we meet.
- Live Sessions
- Each week, our class will meet in real time. During our time together, I’ll answer your questions and provide a live lecture. If your schedule prevents you from joining us, you can watch the recording of the session later. Students who cannot attend live will earn participation points by reviewing the recording and doing a make-up activity.
Course Policies
Communication
Students can contact Professor Kinsinger by Canvas or e-mail, 24 hours a day. Students should expect to receive a reply within 24 hours for inquiries made between Monday and Friday. Professor Kinsinger can be contacted on weekends, but often spends weekends in remote locations, away from civilization. Accordingly, replies to weekend inquiries may not be prompt.
Late Policy
Assignments are expected to be completed and delivered in a timely manner. In the event of unavoidable circumstances that may require an assignment to be delivered late, the student should contact Professor Kinsinger in advance in order to determine whether the assignment will be accepted late, and with or without penalty.
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, the 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 in 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 can 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 or 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
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. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Institutional Equity Office (M-F, from 8-5, at 405-325-3546) or OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013).
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 your instructor 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 the innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional information about severe weather preparedness is available through the Department of Campus Safety's Emergency Management Division.
OU-Norman Campus: Tornado Refuge Protocol
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 who may need help.
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area.
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone who 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 |
|---|---|---|