Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies

An introductory course on the written academic discourse patterns required for college-level writing. Emphasizing essay-length compositions, the course covers critical reading, thesis formation, essay organization, and basic revision techniques.

A lower division introductory course exploring the practical application of Civil Law and the various area of practice. The student will learn rudimentary legal research and be introduced to the form of legal writing referred to as “IRAC.”

Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.

A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

A study of a variety of ways of thinking about such fundamental issues as the nature of knowledge and belief, human nature, the nature of reality, and the relationship between mind and body. Develops skills in thinking critically and reflectively. Fosters an awareness of world philosophies and diverse ontological perspectives.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

A critical introduction to the structure of American government. Topics include classical and modern democratic theories, constitutionalism and federalism; the political process, including the mass media, voting behavior and political parties and interest groups; the institutions of government; the courts, civil liberties and civil rights; and public policy. (Includes study of the Constitution)

A survey of contracts, sales, agencies, personal property, commercial paper and associated topics. Emphasizes prevention of litigation and liability arising from business operations.

Prerequisite: LAW 204

A sequential course to LAW 204. A survey of business organizations (partnerships, corporations, government regulations), property (real property and leasing, estates, community property), business torts, business crimes and associated topics. Emphasizes prevention of litigation and liability arising from business operations.

A broad-based overview of the various stages of the civil/criminal litigation process. Covers the complete litigation process starting from the initial filing of the criminal information and/or civil complaint, progressing through the client interview, motion and trial phase. Explores the process of court pleading and discovery, including interrogations, depositions and the voir dire process. Also covers heavy strategies and the role of the law office assistant. Students must demonstrate their legal knowledge and understanding of the material through the drafting of a civil complaint, accompanying forms, summons and depositions.

This course will review contemporary issues including minority rights, abortion, free speech and criminal justice with a special emphasis on the affect these issues have on the business community

This introductory course will provide students with a broad understanding of ADR. The course will cover Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration how each is used, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The course utilizes role plays, simulations, and case studies.

The development of analytical reasoning through identification of critical issues in the legal, business and political environments, by analyzing historical and contemporary events, followed by the application of established rules of law, ethical standards and social models in developing oral and written arguments for and against specific positions.

This class is devoted to learning the written and oral skills necessary for presentation of legal issues. Students will prepare and argue an appellate case in moot court format. Each student will prepare an appellate brief for one side of a case dealing with a controversial current legal issue. In team format students will then argue the issue presented before a panel of judges. To prepare for oral argument students will visit and discuss presentations made before the Trial Courts and the California Court of Appeal.

A workshop course for pre-legal and pre-professional students to develop the verbal and analytical skills needed to be effective negotiators in the practice of law and business. Examines general negotiating principles and uses practical student exercises.

An introductory interactive course designed for students and the business professional to develop the verbal and analytical skills required to perform effectively as a negotiator in conflict situations. Students will participate in negotiating exercises, and learn different negotiating techniques through simulations, videos, and case studies.

A capstone course that requires students to participate in a mock trial. Students write trial briefs, create pre-trial discovery strategies, give oral arguments and examine witnesses in a simulated civil case

Prerequisite: LAW 310; LAW 400 and LAW 408

This course represents a culmination of the skills learned in previous research and writing courses. It consists of the preparation of a research document equivalent in form and content to an appellate brief. In the case of those students who have received an internship, this course will be assigned and the student graded on the writings produced during the internship, whether legal memorandum and/or briefs.

A survey of the historic development of Constitutional Law in the United States. The student will learn the philosophical foundations of the Constitution and review how the political climate shaped landmark decisions throughout the history of the United States.

A survey of international law in (1) the civil environment including trade agreements and contracts, and alternative dispute resolution and (2) criminal law, including investigation and prosecution of human rights violation and the remedies for such violations.

An advanced survey of administrative law and procedure and manner in which the various state and federal agencies are a part of the integral workings of business operations, including, but not limited to, the areas of environmental operations, employee relations, consumer good regulations, occupational safety.

A survey of public contract law and the differences from commercial contract law; including clear record keeping for audits, overseeing activities of sub-contractors, and the impact for violation and breach of contract.

A preparatory course for the undergraduate student who is preparing to apply for admission to law school. The course will involve learning strategies and practice for those preparing to take the Law School Admissions Test. Additionally, students will prepare their dossier and personal statement for law school applications. Grading is by S or U only.

An interactive, introductory course designed for students and business professionals to develop an understanding of group dynamics and decision making as a basis for learning the roles, processes and techniques of group facilitation. The course utilizes role plays, simulations, and case studies.

An introductory interactive and entertaining course designed for students and business professionals to develop the skills required to perform effectively as a mediator. Students will be introduced to different mediation styles such as facilitative, transformative, and evaluative methods. The course utilizes negotiating principles, role plays, videos, and case studies.

This course will explore workplace, interpersonal and team conflict dynamics and methods for effective communication in such conflict situations. Participants will learn communication skills for resolving such conflicts for themselves, between others and within a team or group, and strategies for preventing or defusing rising conflict. Additionally, participants will learn how to integrate conflict resolution into various organizational cultures.

This course will explore the nature of cultural differences in various conflict situations. Through the examination of various cultural perceptions, participants will learn how to apply concepts of cultural fluency in a variety of conflicting cultural scenarios, and employ personal, interpersonal and inter group skills to bridge cultural differences and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Students will participate in role plays, videos, and case studies to enhance their understanding of these issues.

This course explores the behavior of mediators, arbitrators and other neutrals to avoid conflicts of interest and perceived partiality. Through case study and role playing the participant will learn appropriate behavior that improves the quality of the process, enhances competency and promotes acceptance of and confidence in ADR processes. Students will be introduced to topics such as how to remain impartial during a mediation, avoiding conflicts of interest, quality of the process, competency, confidentiality and promoting public confidence in the mediation process.

A study of the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution, the rights and protections of the accused; an exploration of the case law and the judicial system, the rights and responsibilities of the police and citizenry.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Uses the functionalist, conflict and interactionist perspectives, this course explains how human conditions come to be perceived as social problems, and how to evaluate their proposed solutions.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

An examination of theories of value and ideological differences in practical applications to clarify ethical differences. Course emphasizes the dilemmas of personal and professional responsibility, including business and workplace circumstances, social relationships, and political practice.