Microsoft Word MU 2009-2010.doc - Methodist University

LSS 485 SPECIAL TOPICS IN LEADERSHIP3 s.h.When warranted, instructors offer this course to examine topics not covered by normal course offerings.Students engage in discussions, readings, research, practical exercises, and writing, as required. Topics varyand are announced in advance. This course is offered as needed. No prerequisites.LEGAL STUDIESProfessor Wendy Vonnegut, Esq., DirectorThe Legal Studies minor at Methodist University is designed to prepare students for jobs in the legal andbusiness fields. When completed, the minor includes 21 s.h. of Legal Studies, including three electives.Students in the Legal Studies minor are prepared to sit for the certification examination offered by theNational Federation of Legal Associations. This minor can be taken with any major.Degree awarded: NoneRequirements for the minor: 21 s.h. to include LAW 200, 310, 320, 470; and three electives from LegalstudiesAccreditation: This program is accredited by the North Carolina Bar Association. The North Carolina BarAssociation has accredited the Legal Studies program for students to take the North Carolina ParalegalCertification exam.Pre-Law: See Wendy Vonnegut, Esq., the Pre-Law Advisor in the Department of Government Studies.No major is particularly recommended for students interested in attending law school. The student mustsecure a strong, broad educational background that develops the ability to read and comprehend, to speakand write clearly and correctly, and to think precisely and analyze complex factual situations.In addition to courses in the core curriculum and the major, students interested in law school shouldhave courses in advanced expository writing, logic and ethics, political science, American and Englishhistory, Latin or a modern foreign language, accounting, sociology, psychology, and economics. Computerproficiency is essential.Mission: To prepare students in the Legal Studies program for careers in the legal profession.Goals: (1) To substantially improve students’ knowledge about the law and the legal system. (2) To ensurestudents demonstrate the skills and abilities needed to enter the workforce as a paralegal professional.Note: A legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law; to doso would be the Unauthorized Practice of Law and a violation of the Code of Ethics for the American BarAssociation.LEGAL STUDIES COURSESLAW 200 INTRODUCTION TO LAW3 s.h.An introductory course designed to cover the responsibilities and standards governing paralegals/legalassistants. An overview of the major specialty practice areas within the law, with an emphasis upon theresearch and analysis methods for each specialty area. Research methods involving career opportunities arepart of the course. Legal terminology and Communications will be emphasized. Legal ethics is an integralpart of this course. The Introductory class has a dual purpose: to give the overview for the field ofpractice; and, to give the students sufficient knowledge and expertise to choose from the Elective courseofferings. Legal Terminology and Communications are two of the law subjects that are tested in theCertified Legal Assistant Examination. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.167