Course Number
Course Name
Credit Hours
Foundation
CD2600
2
Course Description:
This course provides information and resources important for anyone’s career development. It uses guest presenters and mock interviews, in addition to individual consultations, to provide career guidance. The class starts by having the students perform a self-assessment of their interests and values while at the same time, focusing on their professional goals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how to create a successful resume no matter where a person is in their career path. In addition, it highlights how to apply a variety of other job search documents and needing to execute follow-up. Instructors illustrate traditional and nontraditional methods of job searching to include some of the latest online resources. A significant element of this course is training students to have great interviewing skills. Additional time is spent researching employers, exploring employment opportunities available in the area, and setting up interviews with prospective employers. Toward the end of this course, students also learn value of teamwork and being successful in their career. By applying these techniques and suggestions in this course, students are able to approach their career exploration and job search with a more confident and winning attitude. This course is scheduled during the final or next to last quarter of the program.
CPU1000
4
Course Description:
This course provides students with an introduction to computers and computer literacy. Students will gain a basic understanding of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications through a hands-on approach.
CPU2120
4
Course Description:
This course prepares students for an in-depth study of word processing techniques. Students completing this course are able to perform word processing functions ranging from document editing and formatting to graphics and web design. The class is structured to provide students with hands-on opportunities to practice and apply their skills.
INF1100
2
Course Description:
This course introduces students to lifelong learning skills necessary to critically assess and use information. The student will learn techniques to effectively locate, evaluate, and select information, to think critically about research strategies, ethical use of resources, and to apply these concepts to research using Learning Resource Center resources.
PSY1050
4
Course Description:
This course is designed to enhance the college learning experience and prepare students for personal and professional success. Concepts presented include managing change, setting and achieving goals, and thinking in ways to create success. This course also incorporates assessments that will increase one’s self-awareness, and improve the student’s interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
General Education Courses
COM1050
4
Course Description:
This course focuses on helping students develop writing, researching, and critical thinking skills through writing paragraphs and essays using different rhetorical styles. Students also gain experience with peer reviewing. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher to satisfy the requirements of this course.
ELE2501
4
Course Description:
Please see the Harrison College Course Catalog for a list of courses for this program.
MAT1500
4
Course Description:
This course is the study of real numbers and variables. Topics studied include operations involving real numbers and algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, the Cartesian coordinate system, graphs of linear equations and inequalities, simplifying rational expressions and exponents, factoring and radicals.
PSY2000
4
Course Description:
This course is designed to develop students’ basic skills of logical reasoning relative to problem solving and related argument analysis. Learning to provide evidence and well-reasoned support for asserted solutions and/or positions within frameworks of clarity, depth, precision, relevance, and fairness are central to the course.
SPC1010
4
Course Description:
This course provides students with the basic skills necessary to organize their thoughts and communicate effectively through public speaking. Students learn to research, organize, and properly convey oral messages. Through practical classroom application, students gain sound experience in the art of oral presentation.
Professional
PL1000
4
Course Description:
This course will provide an introduction to the paralegal profession, including a basic understanding of the American legal system from a variety of perspectives, both civil and criminal. The course provides an introduction to essential basic skills, career opportunities, the legal office environment, and ethical issues for paralegals. The course focuses on the working structure of the government, procedural issues in the courts, and specific concepts in a variety of law categories. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for those intending to pursue a career as a paralegal.
PL1010
4
Course Description:
This course provides students with practical knowledge of the law of professional responsibility and how that law is applied to paralegals. In addition to the general legal ethical concepts presented in the course, students will research individual state professional responsibility rules. Upon completion of this course, the paralegal student will be able to recognize an ethical issue, categorize it, and research the possible solutions to the issue.
PL1050
4
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to computer hardware and software fundamentals, including an overview of traditional law office software, specialty law office and case management software, and litigation support software. Methods for learning and keeping current with software updates and changes will be explored.
PL1100
4
Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive examination of legal research and writing for paralegals in order to provide a solid foundation for people intending to pursue a career as paralegals. The course addresses writing skills and issues for the legal profession. It focuses on research techniques for finding primary and secondary authority and citation methods. Students also will write a case brief and client letter.
PL1200
4
Course Description:
This course provides the student with a working knowledge of techniques needed to become an effective interviewer and investigator. Techniques studied in the course include effective methods to conduct client and witness interviews and methods to retrieve information during an investigation. In addition, students will learn the ethical aspects of interviewing and investigation.
PL1210
4
Course Description:
This course provides an understanding of the attorney’s and paralegal’s role in the litigation process. Topics studied include the stages of litigation, from the initial investigation to an appeal, the state and federal court system, class actions, the rules of evidence, alternative dispute resolution, and trial techniques. Students also will learn principles about drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery requests and the important role that ethics plays in the process.
PL2100
4
Course Description:
In this course students will continue to develop their legal research and writing skills. Focus is placed on researching constitutional issues, as well as other issues involving primary authority. Topics include pleadings, memoranda of law, trial and appellate briefs, and use of correct citation format.
PL2200
4
Course Description:
This course covers the legal concepts and issues related to Administrative Law. Students will study the sources of administrative law, formal and informal agency action, and administrative hearings and judicial review. Students will examine regulations from various federal and state administrative agencies.
PL2210
4
Course Description:
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the legal aspects of marriage, divorce, annulment, custody and support, adoption and paternity. Students will examine antenuptial and cohabitation agreements, and study the topics of domestic violence, marital torts and reproductive rights.
PL2220
4
Course Description:
This course provides the student with the basic principles and history of American criminal law, the elements of specific crimes, the procedures of the criminal justice process, and the constitutional rights of the accused.
PL2300
4
Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the legal concepts of contract law. Students study contract formation, breach of contracts, remedies and the Uniform Commercial Code. The topic of online contracts and how the Internet and computers have revolutionized this field also is discussed. Students will complete research projects and draft a contract.
PL2310
4
Course Description:
This course covers the law of real property, types of estates, recording, registration, title examination, and financing methods. Students will prepare documents that transfer title and study the documents used in a real estate closing.
PL2350
4
Course Description:
This course covers the topics of negligence, intentional torts, strict liability, and vicarious and joint liability. Students will become familiar with defenses to tort actions and the types of damages that may be awarded in the event of liability. Students will analyze legal issues and become familiar with procedures that are used to pursue or defend against a tort action.
PL2550
4
Course Description:
This course provides the option for practical experience by working in a law office or other legal environment. Students will have the opportunity to observe and gain practical work experience under the supervision of an attorney, paralegal supervisor, or other legal personnel. These internship positions are available in a variety of legal fields and legal settings. Students are expected to complete all assigned tasks professionally, skillfully, and with the same diligence as a career paralegal; however, the student will have the opportunity to ask questions, observe, and receive guidance from experienced professionals. Students must complete 160 hours of work at the externship site, which may be a private or public law office, corporate or government legal department or other appropriate law-related setting. In addition, students will develop a study plan for reviewing for the CLA/CP exam and take a practice CLS/CP exam at the end of the course. Students also will compile an interview portfolio.
Professional Electives
ELE1000
4
Course Description:
Please see the Harrison College Course Catalog for a list of courses for this program.