Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
We will address aspects of the state and the federal legal systems as well as the basics of creating a contract. Prior knowledge would be helpful for a head start, but not necessary.
Course Materials
Textbook: Dynamic Business Law, 6th Edition, Kubasek, Browne, Herron, Dhooge, Barkacs (+ Connect).
You can purchase the electronic version of the assigned text, through either the bookstore or McGraw-Hill directly. It comes with an array of online study tools, including Connect. I will set up several Connect worksheets for you to complete throughout the 8-week course.
Course Objectives
The activities, content, and assignments in this course will help you be able to do the following:
- Distinguish between the common law of contracting and contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code for the commercial sale of goods and apply the appropriate system to a given set of fact patterns.
- Determine (and explain) how contract terms can affect one’s title, risk of loss, and insurable interests.
- Identify the parties’ obligations to a sales contract and what remedies are available if one party breaches their obligation, including when additional warranties are made.
- Describe how to transfer the right to payment through negotiable instruments.
- Recognize when a debt is secured by collateral and successfully defend the rights and advocate for remedies of a secured creditor when a debtor fails to pay or files for bankruptcy with respect to specific fact patterns.
- Use basic legal vocabulary accurately and appropriately in class discussions and application to fact patterns.
Grades
Breakdown
All times in the table below refer to Central Time.
| Activity | Description | Date | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
Participation |
|
|
15% |
Homework |
Weekly assignments (Graded as either 100%, 75%, or 0) |
Due Tuesdays 7:00pm (Nothing due first week) |
15% |
Connect Worksheets |
7-10 Connect Assignments (lowest dropped) |
Due on Mondays or Fridays by midnight – assigned at various points throughout the class (watch Canvas for exact dates) |
10% |
Quizzes |
Five quizzes (lowest dropped) |
Due Mondays 11:59 pm (will be accessible between Fridays at 8am and Mondays at 11:59am) |
15% |
Analysis of Terms of Service
|
A short writing assignment in which you will analyze a Seller's Terms of Service under Article 2 of the UCC |
Due prior to the Final Week of class |
10% |
Midterm Exam |
Oral Exam (15 minutes/student) |
Conducted M-F of Midterm Week |
15% |
Final Exam |
Oral Exam (15 minutes/student) |
Conducted M-F of Final Exam Week |
20% |
Total |
100% |
Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage of Total Points |
|---|---|
| A | 90-100% |
| B | 80-89% |
| C | 70-79% |
| D | 60-69% |
| F | below 60% |
Course Components
Participation
To get the most out of this class, you must be actively engaged in the learning process. Your engagement should include (1) reading and thinking about the material before coming to class; (2) watching and taking notes on any required videos; (3) participating in the virtual Live Sessions, and (4) interacting with your fellow classmates.
You will demonstrate that you have read and thought about the material by submitting at least one original questions each week that you would like me to discuss during the Live Session. These questions should relate to the week's assigned learning materials.
There are two ways in which you can earn participation points for the Live Session: (1) Participate in real-time and self-report your attendance by logging in through Canvas or if you are unable to join the session you can (2) watch a recording of the Live Session and submit a makeup activity.
You should also be prepared to interact with your classmates. During certain live sessions, I will assign scenarios for discussion in small groups. If your schedule prevents you from attending any of the Live Sessions in real time, please let me know ASAP. I will provide you with a few alternative scenarios as homework. (This last point pertains only to those students who cannot attend the majority of the Live Sessions; if you miss the occasional session, do not worry about this).
Finally, you can earn participation points by working with assigned colleagues to collaboratively create study questions in preparation for the Mid-term and Final. More information will be given prior to those exams.
Court Cases.
Court cases are assigned from the textbook Chapters or provided on Canvas. Court cases are fundamental to the study of business law and help to illustrate important concepts by showing their application to real-world situations. I will teach you a method of summarizing and analyzing cases. For each court case, I will select a random group of students (3-4 students) to prepare a case brief (individually) of that case. I will then choose one of the submitted cases and post it to the Case Briefs Discussion Board after the class in which we discuss it. Only the assigned students will submit via Canvas a written brief of the assigned case. Additionally, I may call on the assigned students to help with an oral briefing of the case during the live session. Do not let this intimate you! I will help every step of the way, as I know case discussion can be daunting. Case briefs (as well as any oral briefing) will count toward your Participation points.
Homework
Homework is designed to assess how well you are able to analyze what you have learned from the chapter (and other assigned learning materials) and apply it to a given set of facts. Further, homework exercises enable you (and me) to spot any points that are not yet fully understood.
To do well on the exams in this course, it is essential that you understand the homework assignments. You may discuss the homework problems and approaches to answering them with your classmates. However, you are expected to work independently in the actual composition of your work. For instance, if two (or more) homework answers have the same errors, it will be assumed that work was not done independently and therefore represents an honor code violation. In such cases, I will take appropriate action and report the violation.
Homework will receive one of three grades:
- 100%: for students who complete 70% of assignments correctly
- 75%: for students who make a good attempt at assignments
- 0%: given if an assignment is not turned in on time or it is clear the student did not make a good faith effort to attempt the homework.
Homework will be due immediately before each Live Session. I will go over the homework in class after it is due. As an added bonus, I will allow you to correct your homework submission during the Live Session if you miss the boat on a particular question. Obviously, this option will only apply to those who attend Live Sessions. If you cannot attend a Live Session, don't worry - the grading scale is liberal, so give the homework your best shot.
McGraw-Hill Connect Activities
Connect activities will be assigned for select chapters. The assignments can be accessed via Canvas.You are responsible for checking the due dates for each assignment on Canvas. Please remember to access the Connect worksheets only through Canvas. If you do not do so, your grade on the worksheet will not feed into the grade book. As mentioned below in Late Policy, Canvas will not accept late Connect assignments. I will drop your lowest Connect worksheet score.
Quizzes
Every week (except the first), quizzes will be given. Each will be worth 20 points. The content of the quizzes will vary but will be comprised of 10 short questions covering the concepts from the prior module. The quizzes will be open-book and open-note; however, you will have only 30 minutes to complete each quiz once you begin it. The quizzes will be given through Connect on Proctorio. I will drop your lowest quiz grade.
Exams
This course has a midterm and final exam, both of which are open book and open note. This year I am trying something new: oral exams! This is a new endeavor for me, so fair warning, it may not go smoothly the first time around. The good news is I will be very liberal with grading. Here's how it will work: A week prior to each exam, I will provide each student with four to five specific topics (with an attendant grading rubric) on which the student will be tested (though everyone should understand all class topics, as an overall familiarity with the UCC will help with the finer points). I will also set up time slots before each exam for student sign-up. Most of these time slots will be during our usual Live Session (obviously, we will not have a traditional Live Session during Mid-Term and Final weeks); however, given the number of students in the class, a few time slots will fall on weeknights other than Tuesday. The exam itself will last only 15 minutes, and it will consist of three to four short-answer questions over the topics I provided. Make sure you are in a quiet place with no distractions and do whatever you need to do before starting the exam.
With respect to the questions, some items test mastery of the basic legal rules, concepts, and vocabulary of the course. Other questions present hypothetical fact patterns where students demonstrate an ability to identify legal issues and to apply the concepts of the course to those issues. I do not use test bank questions. Mine are mostly self-created. My questions are designed to test your ability to remember and apply the concepts. We will discuss sample questions/scenarios along the way. Feel free to raise questions during the Live Sessions, if you feel we are not covering enough sample questions. I am always available for questions too.
Analysis of Terms of Service
A short writing assignment (2-3 pages) in which students will analyze and evaluate the terms and conditions of online businesses in accordance with Article 2 (Sales) of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Students will assess whether these terms comply with the requirements and standards set forth in Article 2, which governs contracts for the sale of goods. More information will be provided in Module 3. This short project will be due anytime before Week 8.
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
Complete academic honesty is required and expected. Acts of academic misconduct will be handled in accordance with the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity. It is also your responsibility to be aware of University policies regarding deadlines for dropping or withdrawing from class and other relevant issues.
The overall goal of this course is your learning. To demonstrate that you have reached this goal, the work you turn in needs to be your own. This includes putting written work into your own words and citing your sources, as appropriate to avoid plagiarism. If you work in a group, seek assistance from a tutor, use a resource on campus, and/or use online resources (including AI software, if allowed), the work you turn in must be your own, demonstrating your own understanding of the material that you have gained through the learning process.
If you have questions about academic integrity or plagiarism, please ask: my aim is to foster an environment where you can learn and grow, while also maintaining academic honesty and a clear representation of your learning and ideas. Penalties for serious offenses include a zero on the assignment and egregious offenses can even result in expulsion from the university, so it is important to understand expectations.
Plagiarism as defined by the OU Integrity Office includes:
- Copying words and presenting them as your own writing.
- Copying words, even if you give the source, unless you also indicate that the copied words are a direct quotation
- Copying words and then changing them a little, even if you give the source.
- Even if you express it in your own words, it is plagiarism to use someone else’s idea as your own.
Visit the OU Integrity Office for more information on what constitutes plagiarism.
AI Policy
We learn best when we are actively engaged in the process of completing all aspects of an assignment. Even the brainstorming and initial draft phase is a time of discovery that is an integral part of your learning. To empower you to fully engage in the learning process, the use of Generative AI usage, including, but not limited to, ChatGPT, CoPilot, ClaudeAI, Bard, and Grammarly AI, is considered a violation of the academic integrity policy for this course. As the use of Generative AI to assist in completing any aspect of work for this course is prohibited, this includes using Generative AI to write outlines, conduct research, or to write or edit your papers. Having said all that, I may allow AI to be used in certain assignments…if so, I will specifically inform you in the assignment instructions how you may use AI.
Communication
If you have general questions about the class (assignments, class logistics, due dates, etc.), post a question in the HELP BOARD in the “Start Here” module. You can post questions about the course throughout the semester.
- If you have a personal question (grades, feedback, requests for special accommodation, etc.), please send me an email: tjquick@ou.edu. In some cases, it might be helpful if you send a screenshot of the issue. You can expect me to respond within 48 hours. If you don't hear back from me during that time, it is possible that I did not receive your email (so always feel free to send a follow-up).
- If you have general tech questions, please contact OU IT at needhelp@ou.edu.
All course-related emails will be sent to the email registered in your name at the University of Oklahoma. If you wish to also receive course emails at another email address, go to your profile in Canvas and you can add 1 or more alternate emails to your account.
Syllabus and the Module To-Do List
The syllabus is a guideline for valuable information about class requirements and expectations. The syllabus schedule is tentative and may change due to class discussions, etc. For specific assignments each week, you must check the Module To-Do List in the Introduction page in each week's Module.
Late Policy
The Canvas system will allow you to submit homework past the due date, but it will deduct a late penalty. As a general rule, you will not be allowed to submit homework after we have discussed it in class; if you do, you will receive a zero (unless I have allowed you to make corrections during the Live Session). The system will NOT accept late Connect assignments.
Score Appeals
Only final grades are rounded, if necessary. In no event will any grades be changed after the semester is over unless an error is made on my part. Your grade is solely your responsibility. Any request to increase your final grade will result in an automatic loss of 5 participation points.
Course Expectations
- Learning should be your goal. I have little tolerance for the student who cares only about the “A.” If that is your goal, you will have a difficult time achieving it. If you put learning first, then the grade will follow.
- All readings and recorded lectures are read/viewed prior to the Live Session in which we discuss them. Because our time together is short, it is imperative you read the material and watch any recorded lectures before the Live Session. I will always conduct the Session on the assumption everyone is familiar with the material. With respect to the recorded lectures, I know it is tempting to watch them while doing other things (we all love to multi-task). But, you should watch them with focus and take notes. This material can get complicated, so please set aside some time to devote to the lectures. Each video is 30 minutes or less, so you will not have to concentrate on the same thing for too long.
- My expectations of you in the Live Sessions. You have read the assigned readings, watched the assigned videos, prepared any homework, and reviewed your class notes from the last session.
- Please consult the student handbook and university policies on dropping a course, final exams and other areas of importance. I think it is important to apply the university rules as they stand. This is especially so as it applies to dropping courses and scheduling final exams. For more information, see the OU Student Life website.
- Humor and courtesy. These themes are important to me. I think they make the learning experience more enjoyable. I try to be humorous so please do not hold it against me if I crash and burn. I certainly invite you to reciprocate, humor that is, and not crashing and burning.
- I demand full academic honesty. I will prosecute to the fullest extent possible any form of academic misconduct.
- Remember, I’m your instructor (not your attorney). Although I am a licensed Oklahoma attorney, I do not give legal advice to my students.
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.
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
Tentative Course Schedule
Date |
Topics & Activities |
Reading Assignments & Exams |
|---|---|---|
|
Pre-1st Class
|
Review Common Law of Contracts |
Chapters 13, 14, and 15 (skim only) |
|
Module 1 1/14 |
Sales and Lease Contracts
|
Chapter 21 |
|
Module 2 1/21 |
Sales and Lease Contracts (con't) Title and Risk of Loss Quizzes 1 & 2 (Jan. 24-Jan. 27) |
Chapters 21-22
|
|
Module 3 1/28 |
Performance, Breach, & Remedies Warranties Quiz 3 (Jan.31-Feb. 3) |
Chapters 23-25 |
|
Module 4 2/4-2/7 |
MIDTERM EXAM (15 minute oral exam) |
All materials to date Open Book and Open Note |
|
Module 5 2/11 |
Negotiable Instruments, Transferability, and HDCs Quiz 4 (Feb. 14-Feb. 17) |
Chapters 26-27 |
|
Module 6 2/18 |
Liability, Defenses, & Discharge Checks Extra Credit Quiz (Feb. 21-Feb. 23) |
Chapters 28-29 |
|
Module 7 2/25 |
Secured Transactions Quiz 5 (Feb. 28-March 3) |
Chapter 30 |
|
Module 8 3/4-3/7 |
Study Guide FINAL EXAM (15 minute oral exam) |
Open book and notes |