Paralegal Degree Program

Division

1. Weekend College: First Year

   First Term

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		9
   CSC 100	Introduction to Computers	3
   3 credit hours This his course is an introduction to the varied world of computers.  It is designed to familiarize the student with background information on computers, as well as a range of hands-on experiences. This course prepares the student for using computers in an academic environment as well as in functioning as part of an increasingly technological society. Topics include, but are not limited to, using the Internet as an information and research tool, using e-mail as a communication tool, the use of word processing to produce quality documents, a survey of application packages, such as spreadsheets, databases and presentation software, computer components, including hardware and software, an introduction to operating systems, especially Windows file management, Blackboard software and other topics as time allows.
   Eng 111	Composition I	3
   3 credit hours A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.
   Law 101	Introduction to Paralegalism	3
   3 credit hours (Fall)  Provides an orientation and working knowledge of the court system and legal structure of the United States and New York State. Specific written, verbal, analytical and conceptual skills associated with legal reasoning will be developed. The role of the paralegal will be defined from case readings, administrative regulations, statutes and Bar Association guidelines.

   Second Term

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		13
   Bus 201	Business Communications	3
   3 credit hours (Spring) Training and practice in written business communication. The importance of an appropriate style and approach will be stressed, and the fundamentals of grammar, sentence structure and spelling are reviewed.
   Law 102	Legal Research and Writing	4
   4 credit hours (Spring) Includes the development of basic skills in United States and New York State legal research. Legal analysis, research and writing skills/strategies will be studied, and familiarity with computerized legal research attained. Prerequisite: Law 101
   Law 103	Litigation	3
   3 credit hours (Spring) Designed to train the student in the process of settling controversy in a court of law.  All areas of civil litigation will be studied.  Included will be an overview and hands-on preparation of the most commonly used legal documents, e.g., affidavits, motions, summons, etc.
   Eco 100	Macroeconomics	3
   3 credit hours (Fall) A study of aggregate economics: the income expenditure/employment relationship; use of the public budget as a stabilizing or growth-promoting device; analysis of money supply, including banking mechanics, with emphasis on the price-level problem; and some treatment of international trade, particularly gains from trade and the international balance of payments.

   Third Term

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		9
   Law 104	Law Office Procedures	3
   3 credit hours (Summer) Provides an overview of the major components of a law office, e.g., law firm structure, division of responsibility, and the role of the paralegal in performing specific legal tasks.
   Soc 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
   3 credit hours A study of human society and culture. Social groups, institutions and processes are analyzed to determine their impact on individuals and groups in today’s society. Social change and its impact on social order will be evaluated.
   ReS	Elective	3

2. Weekend College: Second Year

   Fourth Term

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		12
   Bus 236	Financial Accounting	3
   3 credit hours (Fall)  An introduction to the theory and practice of accounting. Topics include the accounting cycle, interpretation of financial statements and accounting for assest, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses. The course format will include lecture, discussions, problem solving, and computer applications in introductory accounting.  Formerly Bus 202, Principles of Accounting I
   CSC 105	Computer Applications for Law	3
   3 credit hours Provides an overview of the use of computers in the law office, including the use of databases, spreadsheets and computerized research.  Students will become familiar with computer technology.
   Law 201	Family Law	3
   3 credit hours (Fall)  Studies the law of domestic relations, including laws of marriage, adoption, divorce, annulment, children’s rights, and family court proceedings. Documents related to these topics will be prepared.
   Law 202	Real Property Law	3
   3 credit hours (Fall)  Focuses on the areas of ownership, contracts for the sale of real estate, deeds, mortgages, title examinations, leases, preparation of titles and various real estate transactions.

   Fifth Term

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		9
   Law 203	Trusts and Estates	3
   3 credit hours (Spring)  Surveys the procedures used in the law of estate management, examining what comprises the decedent’s estate, probate and nonprobate assets, wills, estate taxation and administration.
   Law 204	Business Organization and Corporate Practice	3
   3 credit hours (Spring)  The formation of a corporation, the board of directors and its role, management structure, stockholders, the stock market, reorganization and liquidation will be discussed.
   Eng	Elective	3

   Sixth Term

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		12
   Law 205	Administrative Law	3
   3 credit hours (Summer)  The history of administrative law will be studied. Topics included will be major federal and state agencies, Freedom of Information Act, workers’ compensation and labor standards.
   Law 209	Criminal Law	3
   3 credit hours (Summer) Cross listed as Soc 209  A survey of the history and philosophy of law enforcement, including the scope, purpose and clarification of modern criminal law. Various offenses, including crimes against persons and property, will be studied.
   Phi 261	Legal Ethics	3
   3 credit hours An analysis of the ethical dilemmas present when working in the legal field. The ABA Code of Professional Responsibility, the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct, readings and case studies will be included.
   LArts	Elective	3