AC 201 – Accounting Principles I
This survey course in financial accounting emphasizes the use of financial accounting information in decision making by individuals in business, government, and other organizations. The accounting environment is examined along with the basic principles and concepts, which govern the recording and reporting of accounting data. Study of the language of debits and credits, accrual accounting, and the accounting cycle establishes the framework for comprehending how accounting data is transformed into the financial statements and utilized by decision makers. Accounting of current and long-term assets and liabilities is introduced along with the study of contributed capital, retained earnings and the non-operating components of income. The course concludes with comprehensive financial statement analysis for decision-making purposes. Throughout the course, where applicable, students will be exposed to global accounting standards (i.e., International Financial Reporting Standards).
PA 351 - Introduction to Law for the Paralegal
An introduction to the role of the paralegal in the legal system. The sources of law, court systems, administrative agencies, limits on the powers of the courts, and remedies are explored. An introduction to civil procedure is given, which is the foundation for all other legal studies courses. Legal ethics with emphasis on the paralegal, including the unauthorized practice of law. Law office administration and procedure are discussed.
PA 352 – Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
Introduces the student to the many sources from which one may gather legal authority. Traditional legal sources are used to teach primary and secondary authority, reporters, and codebooks, to name but a few. Use of a law school library is required. Additionally, students will learn research on CD- ROM, the Internet, computer-assisted legal research, and other cyber sources. Email and intranet will also be taught. The special requirements of legal writing will be taught and students will be given a number of legal writing assignments.
PA 353 - Debtor/Creditor Relations
Use and application of legal rules and procedures under the Uniform Commercial Code as it relates to security interests, liens, financing statements and related debtor/creditor rights, remedies, and protections. Debt collection and creditor practices under federal laws will be examined. Pre-judgment and post-judgment rights and remedies of debtors and creditors are explored. An in-depth view of federal bankruptcy laws is offered. Practical use of the relevant forms and documents in all of the areas will be required.
PA 354 - Business Organizations
Legal aspects of business organizations, including corporations and partnerships, with emphasis on the research and preparation of forms. Drafting articles of incorporation and other basic forma including, employee stock plans, buy- sell agreements, underwriting, registration materials for regulatory agencies, acquisition and merger transactions, and closing papers and binders filing requirements, maintenance of securities ledgers, minutes of meetings, records of resolutions, and agreements.
PA 355 - Wealth Transfer
This course introduces the student to the way in which wealth is transferred upon the death of its owner. Wills, probate, and estate administration are taught in-depth as well as valuation of property, tax implications, and payment of debt. The course also discusses gifts, asset protection, second spouses, co-habitors and children of different marriages in the planning process in light of federal tax laws. A sophisticated review of trusts and other forms of ownership is offered. Pensions, IRA’s, and other forms of wealth transfers are reviewed.
PA 356 - Civil Trial and Appellate Practice
Location, jurisdiction, and procedures of courts; pre-trial, trial, and settlement of cases. Emphasis is on research into and development of physical, documentary, and testimonial evidence, trial preparation, rules of appellate procedure, and documents used in appellate proceedings. Preparation of documents, files, pleadings, and witnesses for trial. An overview of the substantive law of torts and contracts is offered.
PA 357 - Real Estate Law for the Paralegal
This course covers the legal aspects of real estate transactions, forms, documents for ownership, encumbrances, and filing and recording common transactions. Emphasis is on forms, documentation, and procedures relative to land contracts, land purchases, including improved property, leases, mortgages, liens, and landlord-tenant relations.
PA 373 - Criminal Law and Procedure
This course is an analysis of fundamental concepts of criminal law. Course content includes common law and statutory crimes, culpable mental states and the elements of crimes. Procedural aspects from arrest to pretrial and trial are explored, including constitutional guarantees of criminal suspects and rules of evidence. In addition, the rights of society are contrasted with the rights of criminal defendants and the government.
PA 376 - Family Law
This course presents an overview of the substantive and procedural laws in the area of domestic relations. Includes allocation of parental rights, child and spousal support, adoptions, paternity, and domestic violence. Property division and tax implications of divorce will be examined.
PA 450 - Computer Use in the Law
The uses of computers in the delivery of legal services beyond word processing are studied in this course. Utilization of computers in the areas of litigation support, jury and related research, information and document management, docketing, conflict of interest and other prepackaged software will be taught. In-depth training in computer-assisted legal research will be offered.
PA 491 - Health Care Law
For paralegals and others interested in the laws, rules, and regulations related to health care. Covers sources of payment, rights in medical treatment, and other issues facing those involved in seeking or offering health care. The 3-credit hour course is divided into 3 sessions, each 5-1/3 weeks long. The student may register for any or all of the sessions and, upon successful completion, earn the corresponding semester-hour credit. The divisions are: 1) health benefits and payments, 2) basic planning for extended health care, and 3) organ transplants and donations.