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, 2024)
- Case Studies: Are You Listening?: A Mediator's Observations of Construction & Design Disputes (Laws, 2024)
- 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 | 34% |
| Midterm Exam | 100 | 33% |
| Final Exam | 100 | 33% |
| 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
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|