Legal Studies (PARALGL AS)
64 Credits
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE • 64 CREDITS • PARALGL AS
Davenport University’s American Bar Association (ABA) approved Associate of Science in Legal Studies program prepares students to work in a law firms, corporations, government agency, the judiciary, non-profits and other law-related setting, through studies that focus on effective communication skills, critical thinking, litigation procedures, computer applications for the law offices, ethics and various legal specialties. The student will benefit from classes that combine legal theory with a practical focus and will receive hands-on experience performing the types of tasks typically performed by paralegals. Although paralegals play a key role in providing legal services to clients, only attorneys may accept cases, give legal advice, represent clients in court, or provide other direct legal services to clients.
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
Foundations of Excellence |
21 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ACES100 or OPEN | Achieving Career and Education Success or (if exempt) Open Elective | 3 |
| COMM120 | This course introduces and applies the theories and principles of effective communication. Students learn to organize and present clear, logical messages to specific audiences. They develop confidence in public speaking and increase their ability to inform and persuade listeners. They also implement critical thinking and listening skills. Finally, students exhibit the skills and tools necessary to construct, organize, and deliver effective speeches. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| ECON200 or ECON201 | Microeconomics or Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENGL109 | This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample. | |
| ENGL110 | This course further develops the skills in expository and persuasive writing that were introduced in ENGL109, English Composition. Students develop critical thinking through the creation of essays and documents that use argumentation and persuasion. As a team, students collaborate to present a required assignment to the class. Students learn to research, evaluate, and incorporate information from both primary and secondary sources, to document secondary sources using APA format, and to analyze information and audiences to improve form and content. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 | |
| SOSC201 | This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MATH120 or MATH125 | College Mathematics or Intermediate Algebra | 3 |
Foundations of Business |
16 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT201 | This course is an introduction to accounting principles emphasizing the operation of a business as a sole proprietorship and covers the complete accounting cycle for merchandising and service entities. Partnership accounting is also covered. The application of computer technology to accounting processes is integrated into this course. Grade Note(s): A grade of C or better is required to take the next course in the sequence. Co-requisite(s): BITS 211 | |
| BITS211 | Students create and manipulate spreadsheets with MS Excel to solve business applications. It is expected that students have a familiarity with spreadsheet software, as the course quickly progresses to advanced features, including data validation, linked workbooks, pivot tables, lookup functions, solver, and scenario manager. By the end of the semester, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH120 or MATH125 | |
| BITS214 | This course expands on prior word processing knowledge. Students study advanced commands and features of industry-standard word processing software for production of various business documents. Some areas of study include macros, mail merge, sharing data, compiling specialized tables, collaborative tools, and forms. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the prerequisite skills to take applicable certification testing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CISP100 | |
| BUSN210 | This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and technology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| GPMT287 | Students gain an essential understanding of the discipline and approach to the management of projects in a global environment. Topics explained include project definition, resource planning, project scheduling with Gantt charts, project control, as well as planning and scheduling with limited resources. Topics are explored from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Students learn and utilize project software throughout the course. Various techniques used in planning, scheduling, ROI, and controlling projects will be explored and applied through the use of simulations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): HLTH211, MGMT211 or CISP111 |
Major |
27 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| LEGL101 | Students are introduced to basic legal vocabulary, the federal and state court systems, and legal ethics. They also become familiar with a variety of law-related working environments. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): ENGL109 | |
| LEGL213 | Students are introduced to areas of legal liability commonly encountered by individuals and business as well as to the methods of liability avoidance. Topics covered include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, malpractice, premises liability, dramshop, consumer protection, and other areas of tort liability. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL215 | This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic requirements of the Michigan Rules of Court and the litigation process. The purpose is to enable them to assist the attorney in preparation of legal papers and documents in a timely and comprehensive manner. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL216 | Students are introduced to the published sources of law and research strategies utilized to efficiently analyze legal issues and determine the current state of the law. Students learn to use print resources, as well as computer assisted research tools to access primary and secondary sources of law. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL220 | This course provides an opportunity for students to use computer technology and its application within law firms and other entities engaged in the practice of law. It covers the use of technology in, e-discovery, office management, case management, litigation presentation and billing. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): LEGL101 for students seeking the Post-Baccalaureate only Prerequisite(s): BITS211 (required for associate’s and bachelor’s degree seeking students) and LEGL101. | |
| LEGL301 | Students are introduced to legal problems encountered in business formation, operation, and acquisition, including the law concerning sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. They are also introduced to related business law concepts. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 |
Choose 9 (nine) credits from the following: |
(9) Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| LEGL204 | Students are introduced to the practical skills required in divorce, paternity, child protection, guardianship, and other proceedings. Special emphasis is placed on interviewing, investigation, file organization, and drafting documents in preparation for litigation in each of these subject areas. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL211 | This course examines Criminal Law in the United States, with an emphasis upon its basic functions and principal components. The substantive elements of crimes and defenses are explored along with an examination of the impact of crime on society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 or LEGL210 | |
| LEGL218 | Students apply their legal research skills to draft pleadings, discovery documents, memoranda, briefs, correspondence and other documents commonly utilized in legal settings. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL110 Prerequisite(s): LEGL216 | |
| LEGL290 | Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Attend Mandatory Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to your desired internship course semester. The required internship workshop and approval process can be found at:https://my.davenport.edu/internships This associate-level internship is the integration of previous classroom instruction with new learning acquired through on-the-job work experience. The experience should be related as closely as possible to the student's major field and individual interest. The course is variable credit (1, 2 or 3) with 1 credit requiring 50 hours of career-related work time at the internship site; 2 credits require 100 hours and 3 credits require 150 hours. The course may be repeated for up to a total of 3 credits. LEGL 290 allows students to take an additional internship earlier in their career, but students must also meet the minimum 3 credits of their internship requirement through LEGL 490.Internship hours will be scheduled in partnership betwee | |
| LEGL300 | This application-based course examines procedural and evidentiary rules and cases relating to admissibility of criminal evidence. Students are introduced to preparing and filing documents involved in criminal litigation from initial client contact through sentencing and appeal. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 or IAAS256 | |
| LEGL303 | This course is a study of bankruptcy concepts relating to consumer bankruptcy filings under Chapters 7 and Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. The course focuses on practical aspects of bankruptcy practice, including drafting of forms and other documents. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL305 | Students are introduced to various forms of property ownership. Students will draft legal documents used in real estate transactions as well as documents used in litigation reflecting various types of property ownership. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL308 | Students are introduced to the process of estate planning, from initial client contact to asset identification and appraisal through drafting of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and medical advanced directives. Students also learn about estate administration, guardianships and conservatorship through the drafting of petitions and other court documents. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL384 | In this class students will conduct a comparative legal analysis between the United States system of jurisprudence and the judicial system of the country the student is visiting during a study abroad experience. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 | |
| LEGL385 | This seminar course gives students an opportunity to explore, in greater depth, legal topics introduced in prior classes. The emphasis of the class will be on the application of skills and knowledge previously acquired and the promotion of access to justice. Note: Course may be repeated twice for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL215 and junior status or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate student with the approval of the Department Chair for Legal Studies | |
| LEGL386 | In this class the Legal Studies study abroad participant, in cooperation with the study abroad program director and the course instructor, will select a legal topic and compare, analyze and apply the substantive and procedural law in the United States to the substantive and procedural law in the host country. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): LEGL101 |