PSLS 101 - Introduction to Law

Number of Credits: 3
Introduction to Law is designed to provide a general perspective of American law and the system within which it operates. The course provides both theoretical and practical bases for understanding the intricacies of the legal system and its development. Students will be introduced to the major areas of law practice and the legal principles that apply. Advanced Placement Exam (Government and Politics) accepted. Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze the historical background, foundations, processes and norms of American law (GE4, GE5, GE 6, PG1, PG2).
Examine the Constitution as it applies to the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government and how those branches function in our daily lives (GE1, GE 2, GE 5, GE 7, PG2, PG4).
Define Federal and State court systems, how they are different and how they inter-relate (GE 2, GE 4, PG1, PG2, PG 4).
Describe substantive law governing conduct, property and relations among individuals and the procedural law, including the Bill of rights, that governs the equality of the system’s application (GE1, GE2, GE4, GE6, PG 1, PG 2, PG 4).
Describe the structure of the American legal system and assess how that system functions in regard to civil, criminal and appellate legal processes (GE1, GE2, GE4,GE6, PG,1,PG2,PG 4).
Demonstrate effective communication and critical thinking skills by utilizing appropriate legal analysis and vocabulary in the production of oral and written discussions pertaining to a variety of legal issues.(GE 1, GE 2, GE 5, PG 1, PG 2, PG 3, PG 4)
Complete assignments requiring the application and explanation of course topics (GE 1, GE 2, GE 5, GE 7, PG1, PG 2, PG 3, PG 4).