Course Number and Title:
BUS 203 Business Law and Ethics
Campus Location
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Wilmington
Prerequisites
BUS 101 and ENG 102
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces foundational legal and ethical principles that impact business operations. Topics include the U.S. legal system, business contracts, torts, intellectual property, employment law, and international regulations. Ethical decision-making models, legal processes, dispute resolution methods, and the social responsibilities businesses have toward stakeholders will be discussed.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
Explain foundational legal and ethical principles in business. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1, 2, 4)
Explain the structure and functions of the U.S. legal system as it pertains to business. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
Discuss legal and ethical considerations in business. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 1, 2, 4)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain foundational legal and ethical principles in business.
- Define law and ethics.
- Describe key legal and ethical considerations in business.
- Identify social responsibilities in business practice.
- Describe ethical frameworks and decision making models used in real world business dilemmas.
- Identify strategies for making ethical decisions in a business environment.
- Explain the structure and functions of the U.S. legal system as it pertains to business.
- Identify various classifications and sources of law, including statutory, constitutional, administrative, and common law.
- Explain the impact of the primary sources of law on business.
- Discuss elements of our nation's legal system, including court systems, criminal versus civil law, and procedures.
- Explain the process of dispute resolution in the United States through state and federal court systems and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
- Discuss legal and ethical considerations in business.
- Define key legal concepts related to contracts, torts, product, and property law.
- Describe the basic elements of contract law.
- Discuss the legal processes involved in forming, executing, and enforcing business contracts.
- Discuss employment law from legal and ethical perspectives.
- Describe the regulations and ethical considerations relating to intellectual property, labor relations, and consumer protections.
- Identify the key international laws and regulations that impact global business activities.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
90-100 |
= |
A |
80-89 |
= |
B |
70-79 |
= |
C |
0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
4 Exams (equally weighted) | 60%
|
Paper/Project | 20% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: - Activities
- Discussion Boards
- Homework exercises
| 20% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Integrate professional, ethical, and legal standards into business decision-making.
- Apply foundational business concepts that lead to strategic thinking and the ability to analyze complex problems.
- Use professional and technology based skills that are relevant to the dynamic business environment.
- Employ effective communication skills and collaboration strategies to promote positive organizational outcomes.
- Apply skills necessary to analyze and interpret business and financial data for decision-making purposes.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.