Frederick Community College

LA105-Torts

Spring 2010

Instructor Information:

Name: Tracy Parker	Office: H229
E-mail: tparker@frederick.edu	Phone Number: 301-624-2819
Office Hours: Posted on Blackboard under Staff Information	Campus Mail Box Number: 106

Course Information:

Credits:3	Last Day to Drop: April 9, 2010
Prerequisites: EN50A and EN52	Co-requisites:
Meeting Day(s): ONL	Meeting Time(s): ONL

Course Description:

Covers the fundamental principles of tort law. Including intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Examines the various types of damages that can be awarded and what need to be established to collect such damages.

Core Learning Outcomes:

By the completion of the course students will:

1. Identify and analyze the elements of negligence

2. Define the rights and obligations of the parties

3. Determine remedies that are available against a tortfeasor

4. Gather information necessary to evaluate a tort cause of action

5. Perform legal analysis to evaluate a tort cause of action

Instructional Methods:

Directed Study

Group Discussion

Text(s) for Course:

Tort Law for Paralegals, Neal R. Bevans

Evaluation Methods: <The following sample is provided for instructor’s convenience.>

Tests / Papers / Projects	Point Value	Final Grade Scale
3 Exams	100 percentage points each	A= 90-100%
		B= 89-90%
		C= 70-79%
		D= 60-69%
		F= 59% or below

Progress Report: Students will receive some form of written assessment of their progress in the course no later than the sixth week of the course.

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to view Assignment Folders in Blackboard as directed. Announcements and e-mail should be viewed daily. All deadlines must be met as students will be given advanced notice and at least one week to complete evaluated work. The exceptions are cases of serious illness, emergency, religious holidays, or mandatory participation in official College functions. The student must provide written notice and verification in a timely fashion, no later than two days after the missed deadline. It is in the instructor’s discretion extend a deadline with or without a grade deduction.

Students with Disabilities:

FCC provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and amendments.  Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations must contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408 (A Building, Room 106A) in order to request and apply for services.  The SSD office will require appropriate documentation of a disability.  Questions related to accommodations or services can be directed to the SSD office.  Additional information related to services can be viewed at the following FCC web page:  http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx.  
If you currently receive services from the SSD office, please submit your Student Success Plan to me and make an appointment with me to discuss your accommodations and needs in class.  I will hold any information you share with me in strict confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

TOPICAL OUTLINE

Weekly Assignments are posted on Blackboard in the Assignment Folders. If the assignment folders differ from this topical outline, you should follow the assignment folder.

Class	Date	Subject	Content
1		Introduction to Law	Ch. 1: The US Constitution; Two-Tier System of Government; Basic Constitutional Law Principles; The Role of Law in Society; Sources of Law; Substantive and Procedural Law; Civil and Criminal Law
2		Introduction to Torts Intentional Torts Against Person	Ch. 2: What is a tort?, Types of Torts; Intentional Torts Against the Person; Assault, Battery, Transferred Intent; False Imprisonment; Infliction of Emotional Distress
3		Intentional Torts Against Property	Ch. 2: Torts Against Personal Property; Commercial Property Interest; Torts Against Real Property Ch. 3: Defenses to Intentional Torts
4		Intentional Torts Against Reputation	Ch. 11: Defamation; Private and Public Figures; Libel versus Slander
5		EXAM #1	EXAM #1
6		Negligence	Ch. 4: Overview of Negligence; Historical Perspective; Four Elements of Negligence Client Interviewing-Anatomy of Client Interview
7		Negligence	Ch. 5: Duty; Legal Definition; Court’s Determination; Duty from a Social Relationship; Premises Liability; Duty to Third Parties Ch. 6: Breach of Duty under Negligence Law; Breach Generally; Professional Standard; Expert Evidence and Breach of Duty
8		Negligence	Ch. 7: Proximate Cause; Developing the Concept; Court –created tests; Pleading Proximate Cause; Intervening Causes Ch. 8: Damages; Evaluating a Case for Potential Damages
9		Negligence	Ch. 9: Defenses; Contributory Negligence and Comparative Negligence;
10		Exam #2	Exam #2
11		Strict Liability and	Ch. 10: Ultra-hazardous Activity; Strict liability for animal behavior; Jurisdictional issues; Statute of Limitations;
12		Product Liability	Product Liability; Warranties; and Tort Law Therories
13		Insurance	Chapter 13: Impact of Insurance Suits; What is insurance? Automobile Insurance
14		Practical Exercise	Practical Exercise-Field Activity involving legal profession
15		Exam #3	Exam #3