Business Administration - John F. Kennedy University

Paralegal Studies [PlS] Courses
PlS 3001 introduction to law/Paralegal Studies 3
This course provides students with an overview of the American
legal system and introduces students to various legal fields and
topics. Legal vocabulary will be emphasized. This course will also
provide an overview of the role of paralegals in a work environ ment
while concentrating on the various regulations and ethical
guidelines governing the work of paralegals.
PlS 3002 legal research and Writing i 3
This course provides an introduction to legal research. It is designed
to provide the student with a comprehensive knowl edge of research
materials and tools including giving the student a working
knowledge of the use of primary and secondary sources with
emphasis on research strategies. Students will learn how to locate
sources of law, the use of proper citation method, how to Shepardize
case law, and research codes and statutes. This course will also focus
heavily on the use of computer-assisted legal research.
PlS 3003 legal research and Writing ii 3
This course follows Legal Research and Writing I and introduces
the student to the art of analyzing legal problems, writing clear and
concise legal memoranda and briefs. This course will empha size the
writing component of the paralegal profession by requiring the
student to research various legal problems and communicate their
findings in their proper written format. Prerequisite: PLS 3002.
PlS 3004 ethics/Professional responsibility 3
This course provides an overview of the legal ethics facing paralegals
today. This course will extensively cover the ethical rules governing
paralegals developed by the American Bar Association in
conjunction with the various local and state regulations pertaining
to the professional work of paralegals. Emphasis will be placed on
the evaluation of real-life ethical dilemmas encountered by
paralegals in the workforce.
PlS 3005 Tort law 3
This course will introduce the student to the broad area of civil tort
law including negligence, intentional torts, strict liability, product
liability, and nuisance. Privileges and defenses to various torts will
also be introduced. Students will acquire the knowledge to define
and evaluate tort law to specific factual situations.
PlS 3006 Contract law 3
This course is designed to introduce the student to the area of
contract law. Contract information will be emphasized along with
evaluation of contract disputes, discharge of performance and
resulting damages, and the various remedies available for breach of
contract.
PlS 3007 Property 3
This course will provide an overview of real property law. Students
will be introduced to the various causes of action and defenses
surrounding basic real property disputes, along with the types of
remedies available.
PlS 3008 litigation i 3
This course is designed to introduce the student to civil litigation in
federal and state courts. The rules of civil procedure will be the
College of Undergraduate Studies Course Descriptions
focus, with emphasis in the drafting of complaints, answers, and
motion practice. Students will be responsible for the drafting of
numerous legal documents by way of practical exercises.
Additionally, this course will provide students with various
interviewing and investigating skills relevant to paralegal work in a
law office setting. Prerequisite: PLS 3002.
PlS 3009 litigation ii 3
This course covers evidence, discovery, trial preparation, trial
practice, appeals, and non-judgment matters. Students will continue
building expertise in drafting legal documents and will develop skills
in organizing documents and preparing for trial including the use
of technology. Prerequisite: PLS 3008.
PlS 3010 legal Technology application 3
This course is designed to introduce students to various types of
technology often used in legal environments. The student will
interact directly with the technology throughout the course.
Required course for certificate program.
PlS 3011 Paralegal Capstone 1
This is the capstone course for the Paralegal Certificate Program.
Students will use their skills and knowledge acquired throughout
the curriculum to interview clients, prepare pleadings and discovery,
and perform legal analysis through the drafting of legal memoranda.
PlS 3015 Wills, Trusts, and estate Planning 3
This course will introduce the student to the concepts and principles
of estate planning with emphasis on the drafting of wills and trusts.
Prerequisites: PLS 3001 and PLS 3002.
PlS 3017 Probate and estates administration 3
This course will provide the student with instructions necessary for
initiating testate and intestate administration through the filing of
a final accounting and distribution of assets. Emphasis will be placed
on California codes governing testacy and intes tacy. Prerequisites:
PLS 3001 and PLS 3002.
PlS 3019 Bankruptcy and Creditors’ rights 3
Students will be introduced to bankruptcy law and procedure.
Emphasis will be placed on forms utilized in bankruptcy court under
chapters 7, 13, and 11. In addition, the rights of creditors will be
explored including garnishments and other judicial attachments.
Prerequisites: PLS 3001 and PLS 3002.
PlS 3021 real estate law 3
This course will provide an introduction to real estate law including
property rights, property, contracts, land ownership and sale,
recording of deeds, principles of leasing agreements, and other real
estate concepts. Emphasis will be placed on working a real estate
file from the drafting of real estate documents from inception
through closing. Prerequisites: PLS 3001 and PLS 3002.
PlS 3023 Criminal Practice 3
This course is designed to introduce the student to the area of
criminal law along with the roles and responsibilities of paralegals
working in the private and public sector of criminal law. Criminal
procedure is the focus with emphasis placed on pre-trial
investi gation techniques, pre- and post-trial criminal motions, trial
preparation, and criminal appeals. Prerequisites: PLS 3001 and PLS
3002.
JoHN F. KENNEDy UNIvERSITy College of Undergraduate Studies Courses 61
College of
Undergraduate Studies