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BUS-211 - Business Law - Gary Collis

Course:Business Law
Professor:Gary Collis
Email:gary.collis@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

profile photo of Gary Collis

My name is Gary Collis.  I will be your professor if you enroll in Business 211.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctorate degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.  I practiced law in Los Angeles for 20 years before joining the COC faculty.  I love spending time with family and friends, studying history and politics, exercising, and hanging out with my two (very talkative) cats.

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the legal environment in which business operates in the United States.  You will learn about the critical role that law plays in our market economy.  We will study constitutional law, torts, business crimes, contracts, business organizations, and other legal topics.  Many students study the civil courts for the first time in this course and are surprised to discover that it is interesting and relevant to their lives.

What to Expect in this Course

It’s important for business owners, managers, employees, and other professionals to have a basic understanding of business law to help them make better decisions.  Just as some laws apply to people, a huge body of law applies to businesses.  Businesses need these laws for the same reasons that people do: to define unacceptable behavior, to provide certainty and stability, to protect the public, and to provide a mechanism for businesses to resolve disputes.

Throughout a business’ existence, it can do most things that a person can do, and we need laws to control those activities.  A business can buy and sell property, sue and be sued, enter into contracts, hire and fire employees, and even commit crimes. 

This course is not intended to make anyone an expert in any area of business law, but instead to make business students - who will be future managers, owners, and executives - aware of the vast range of legal issues that arise daily in the operation of any business.  Being aware of these issues will help you make high quality judgment calls and decisions.  A basic understanding of business law can help you spot legal issues as they come up, make better decisions, and know when it is time to seek help from an attorney.

Types of Assessments

Assessments in this class may consist of online "discussions," weekly assignments, digital homework, and exams/quizzes. 

Before enrolling in the course, please be aware that I may utilize anti-cheating, virtual exam proctoring software in this class.  This means that you will be required to complete online exams through Canvas using either the Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browsers and a functioning web camera.   

Also, be aware that students are required to complete exams on a desktop or a laptop computer.  You cannot use a phone, a tablet, or a similar device, for exams.  All students have free access to a desktop computer on both COC's Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. 

Textbook Information / Link to ZTC Textbook

The textbook is titled Roger LeRoy Miller, Business Law Today: Comprehensive Edition Text and Cases (13th Edition).

In addition to the textbook, we will also use MindTap, our textbook publisher’s online learning platform.  MindTap is an engaging website on which you will read the e-book, view videos, perform exercises, and complete graded assignments.  You must purchase access to MindTap to pass the course.  

I strongly recommend buying the class materials from COC's bookstore to ensure that you're buying the correct product.

Other Relevant Course Information

Before deciding to enroll in this course, I urge you to visit the WEBSITE that I've created for this course to learn a lot more about it!    


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.

The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.

You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/07/2023 Sub#: 842