Course Syllabus
HR 5793 - Social Change and the Law
Faculty 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 | 60 |
| 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 | 150 |
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 six 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
All email communication will be through official OU email addresses only. When contacting the me by email, please include the course number and section title in the subject line.
Course Policy
Participation is important in any class because much of the learning comes from class discussion. In this course, the main method of participation will be through the exchange of ideas and thoughts on the web. You are expected to post your ideas on the web regularly. You will be expected to read all materials as assigned, submit assignments on time, and participate in a web discussion. If you do not participate in the discussion two (2) points will be deducted from your grade for each missed topic.
Discussion Board Policy
Be considerate and appropriate when using the discussion board. It is neither a public forum nor a limited public forum. I have the right to remove any message for the purposes of saving space, focusing the attention of students on relevant materials, and avoiding material inappropriate for the classroom. On this last note, with freedom comes responsibility. Please keep in mind, as you contribute to the discussion board, that not everyone comes from the same background, or shares the same values and ideals. Please be appropriate (professional) and considerate of others. If you have any questions on this matter, contact the instructor for clarification.
Late Policy
A late assignment will incur a penalty. If you miss class because of an emergency, please make arrangements with the instructor. An automatic 5 points will be deducted from the assignment for tardiness. The assignment will also be graded, per usual, for its quality.
Assignments submitted more than 2 weeks after original due date need special permission from the instructor or graduate program administrators, and may not be accepted at all, even for late credit.
Attendance Policy
Simulations, role-playing, etc. are valuable aspects of any course because much of the learning comes from discussions in class with other students. You are encouraged to attend all Live Sessions online and be on time except for excused emergencies.
Excused absences are given for professor-mandated activities or legally required activities such as emergencies or military assignments. It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. Unavoidable personal emergencies, including (but not limited to) serious illness; delays in getting to class because of accidents, etc.; deaths and funerals; and hazardous road conditions will be excused.
Incomplete Grade Policy
The University’s standard policy for a grade of incomplete (I) for graduate work states: “With the approval of the instructor and Graduate College Dean, a graduate student may be granted up to a one-year extension for making up incomplete work.”
Based on the accelerated nature of the Human Relations Online Masters Program, it is strongly recommended that the instructor and the student agree to a date for submitting incomplete work that permits timely progress towards completing the program.
Civility/Inclusivity Statement
We understand our members represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Human Relations Department is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:
- Share their unique experiences, values, and beliefs
- Be open to the views of others
- Honor the uniqueness of their colleagues
- Appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from each other in this community
- Value each other’s opinions and communicate in a respectful manner
- Keep confidential discussions the community has of a personal (or professional) nature
- Use this opportunity together to discuss ways in which we can create an inclusive environment in this course and across the University of Oklahoma community
Holiday Policy
Zoom LIVE sessions that occur on Monday holidays will be held as usual. Students who are unable to attend can view the recorded session in Canvas that is available the next day.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|