Legal Assisting/Paralegal Course Descriptions

Additional Requirements for this Associate of Science Degree:

Students must demonstrate a keyboarding speed of a minimum of 40 net words per minute by the end of their program in order to qualify for this degree.

General Education Requirements

Students enrolled in Associate degrees must complete a minimum of 21 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the course catalog for Herzing College courses that would satisfy these requirements.

• 3 Semester Credit Hours in English Composition
• 1 Semester Credit Hour in Information Literacy and Research Writing
• 3 Semester Credit Hours in Speech
• 4 Semester Credit Hours in Computer Applications
• 4 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics (College Algebra or Above)
• 3 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science
• 3 Semester Credit Hours in Science or Humanities with a Critical Thinking Focus

Electives

A minimum of 16 semester credit hours of electives is required; at least 6 must be Paralegal (PL) courses.

PL 138 Wills, Estates, and Bankruptcy

This course covers the estate of a deceased person and the process of placing the appropriate heirs into possession of the assets. Topics include the type, contents, terms and language in the document known as the Last Will and Testament. Probate of the will and preparation of estate documents are presented. The estate of a debtor is then covered in the second half of the course in bankruptcy. The reasons why persons are forced to file bankruptcy and the affect upon the debtor are explained. What debts are dischargeable and those that are not dischargeable are covered as well as property considered exempt. 3.0 credit hours. Co-requisite: PL 106 Legal Research.

PL 225 Criminal Law

This course explores the basic concepts of both substantive and procedural criminal law. Topics include the legal system and criminal law; the study of crimes against a person, property, habitation, and the public; the examination of factual, statutory, and constitutional defenses; and the constitutional aspects of criminal procedures including the pretrial, the trial, sentencing, and appeal processes. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: PL 106 Legal Research.

PL 235 Property Law and Intellectual Property Law

These courses provide the basics of property law, real and personal, as well as tangible and intangible. The topic of real estate is presented and includes sales, financing, zoning and the legal acts that govern. Mortgages, liens, surveying and servitudes are included in this study. The second half of the course covers intellectual property including trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Topics also include the application, possession, protection, violation and transfer of rights in intellectual property. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisites: PL 100 Introduction to Legal Assisting, PL 106 Legal Research.

PL 246 Environmental Law and Administrative Agencies

This course begins with exposure of the student to the topic of administrative law. The need for, function of, and importance of the administrative agency in the government are outlined and explained. As paralegals are today allowed limited practice before these agencies, this course is most important. Environmental law and the role of this vital administrative agency are then presented. Topics include government regulation, both state and federal, of the environment as well as superfund sites, pollution and all matters that affect air, ground and water resources. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisites: PL 100 Introduction to Legal Assisting, PL 106 Legal Research.

AC 103 Accounting I

This introductory accounting course provides the practical application of the concepts and principles of the accounting cycle for service businesses. Topics include an overview of accounting concepts and procedures; analyzing and recording transactions; beginning the accounting cycle by journalizing, posting, and working with the trial balance; using worksheets, financial statements, and adjusting entries; completing the accounting cycle with adjusting, closing, and post-closing trial balance; working with cash and its control; working with accounting systems, journals, internal controls and an introduction to cash flow management. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software.

BU 105 Business Principles and Management

This course introduces the environment of American business with an overview of various topics that serve as a foundation for further study of business. Topics include the environments that businesses operate in; the organizational structures of businesses; management functions in enterprises; and the challenges of managing marketing, operations, information technology, finance, and human resources. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.

BU 155 Team Development and Group Management

This course provides guidelines for building and managing teams. Topics include teamwork development, group organization, assessing team requirements, support role development, and how to work together in a diverse environment. The opportunity to experience teamwork concepts is provided through running meetings and presenting reports. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: PS 101 Psychology.

BU 195 E-Business Concepts

This course introduces the concepts and principles of electronic commerce as it relates to business. Topics include the foundations of electronic commerce; retailing in e-commerce; Internet consumers and market research; advertising in e-commerce; e-commerce for service industries; business-to-business e-commerce; intranet and extranet structures and applications; electronic payment systems; e-commerce strategy and implementation; public policy regarding legal, privacy, and consumer protection issues; infrastructure requirements for e-commerce; and economic and global issues in e-commerce. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: None.

IS 120 Word Processing

This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading word processor. Topics include formatting text and documents, creating and formatting tables, working with graphics, integrating information with other programs, managing styles and templates, working with columns, merging documents, file management techniques, creating forms, and creating Web documents. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software.

IS 160 Spreadsheets

This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading spreadsheet package Topics include using and managing worksheets and workbooks; applying formatting and style features; working with data, formulas, and functions; managing charts and graphics; working with outlines, views, and reports; automating tasks with the macro feature; using auditing tools, collaborative tools, and hyperlinks; and integrating with other programs. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software.