PARLGL-108 - Legal Research - Christine V. Oshian, J.D.

Introduction

Dear Students,

Welcome to Legal Research! This course is one of the most practical—and most powerful—courses you will take in the Paralegal Studies program.

Legal research is the foundation of nearly everything that happens in a law office. Attorneys rely on accurate, efficient research to advise clients, draft documents, prepare for negotiations, and argue cases. As a paralegal, you will often be the person responsible for finding, verifying, and organizing the law that supports a legal strategy. The quality of your research can directly affect the outcome of a case.

In this course, you will learn how to identify legal issues, locate relevant statutes, cases, and regulations, and use both print and electronic research tools commonly used in legal practice. You will also learn how to read and interpret legal authority, evaluate whether a source is binding or persuasive, and communicate your findings clearly and professionally.

Legal research is a skill that improves with practice, and you should expect to make mistakes along the way. That’s normal, and it’s part of the learning process. My goal is to help you become confident, methodical, and ethical in how you approach legal problems. By the end of this course, you should feel prepared to walk into a law office and contribute meaningfully from day one. If you engage with the material, ask questions, and stay curious, you’ll build a skill set that will serve you throughout your legal career.

Whether you're returning to school after some time away, balancing work and family responsibilities, or pursuing a new career path, I want to acknowledge the commitment you're making by being here — especially in an evening and online format. Since this class is online and designed for adult learners, I understand that flexibility, clarity, and support are especially important. I aim to create a learning environment that respects your time, builds your confidence, and helps you apply what you learn in meaningful ways.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns, and let me know how I can support you throughout this course. I’m looking forward to a great semester together!

Course Description

This course introduces students to legal research tools (hard copy and computer databases) and strategies, including primary authority (cases, statutes, regulations, and constitution) and secondary authority.

Delivered in an Online-LIVE format, the course combines scheduled, interactive virtual class sessions with flexible, self-paced online learning.

What to Expect in this Course

The recommendation is to log in to Canvas on a regular basis, click on the “Modules” tab and then navigate to the week that we are studying. This will keep you focused and on task with deadlines, announcements, assignments, discussion boards, collaborations, quizzes, and exams.

This course meets weekly for lecture and requires a substantial amount of time in preparing and completing assignments on your own outside of class. Schedule your time accordingly.

Students will complete National Society for Legal Technology (NSLT) Legal Research modules as part of their coursework.

Technology Requirements: Reliable internet access, Canvas learning management system access, and the ability to participate in scheduled Zoom virtual class meetings via webcam and microphone.

Types of Assessments

In this class, students will be expected to complete weekly coursework which includes: quizzes, assignments, and discussion boards through Canvas. Students will be expected to regularly attend weekly Zoom virtual class meetings and participate in in-class activities.

Students should anticipate to work in the NSLT Legal Research Modules for at least 2 hours per week outside of class, in addition to the assigned coursework. 

A midterm exam will be given halfway through the course, and a final exam will be given at the end of the course.

Textbook Information

Legal Research Explained (6th Ed. 2025) by Deborah A. Bouchoux (ISBN: 979-8-8920-7973-0)

The California Style Manual (4th Ed. 2012) by Edward W. Jessen is available as a free PDF download.

The college provides access to the NSLT Legal Research platform.

Other Relevant Course Information

If you are on the waitlist, please email me at christine.oshian@canyons.edu to obtain a Zoom link to the class. I typically add all the students on the waitlist who attend the first day and genuinely want to be in the class.

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

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 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: 02/02/2026 Sub#: 2009 Sub ID: 207224