Contract Law Fundamentals

LW1010-03    

RIO VERDE UNIVERSITY-UTAH
INFORMATION@RIOVERDEUNIVERSITY.ORG

   
Contract Law Fundamentals LW1010-03 (Summer 2008) three semester hours

This introduction to the Fundamentals of Contract Law is a freshman level course offered by the Rio Verde University’s College Arts and Sciences, Department of Legal Studies and Criminal Justice.  It is a pre-requisite for many of the courses required to complete the Paralegal B.S. program and as a foundation for the AA and BA in Legal Studies.  A basic understanding of the workings of contracts in the US Legal System is a necessary bedrock course of learning to advance in any of the myriad careers available to one with a working knowledge of our legal system.  As a paralegal/legal assistant this course will serve as a basis for your understanding of the American Civil Jurisprudence system, and some of the legal work involved.  Terminology, case studies, and real world application all can be gleaned by taking this introductory course.  No attempt is made in the offering of this course to provide legal advice.  This course is provided within the scope of an educational program.  (See disclaimer box on the paralegal program title page).  If you have civil legal needs it is best to seek the counsel of a reputable licensed attorney in your area.  Although the scope of this course is national; because the professor is a licensed Florida attorney, emphasis is placed upon Florida state contract law.

The course is presented by guest professor George Ackerman JD.  His Law Offices are located at George M. Ackerman, P.O. Box 210914, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421.  Professor Ackerman was admitted to the Washington, DC Bar in 2008.  He was previously admitted to the FL Bar, in 2006, and admitted to the Federal Bar-Middle District in 2007.  He was further admitted to the Federal Bar-Southern District, in 2007. His email address is: AckermanEsq@aol.com www.lawgma.com.  In addition to his legal practice, and teaching activities, professor Ackerman is a member of the United States Coast Guard, Auxiliary and is a PhD Candidate in Criminal Justice,.  He is also a sworn  Police Officer, State of Florida.

With his extensive background, professor Ackerman is thoroughly qualified in this field, and is anxious to work with his students. He comes to Rio Verde University as a special request professor courtesy of our Juarez, MEX/ El Paso, TX headquarters. Professor Ackerman has also created entire courses for expansion of college/University distance learning programs. “I am excited to have this opportunity to work with RVU on-line students.  I have a lot of experience teaching online.  I have completed 3 Masters Degrees (MBA, MS in Crim. Justice with over 9 credit hours at the Masters level in Psychology), an MS in Sports Administration), hold a JD (Law degree) and am currently seeking a PhD in Criminal Justice.  I have worked as a teacher on campus and online for over 5 years. My work experience includes: the State Attorneys Office (Prosecutors office), Police Officer (Miami-Dade County), and as a consultant to several Business Law Firms.  I am an Attorney and work in the field of legal practice and study.  I am also a Certified Police Officer and work with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.  I have also taught for Arkansas State University, on site at the United States Air Force Base in Beebe.”

 I offer my students to contact me anytime, 24/7 via my home phone and email because I understand the rough times some students may have with the online environment and classes.  I completed 2 Masters Degrees online through Web Ct/Blackboard at Nova Southeastern University, so I realize the importance of teacher feedback and reliability in order for the student to improve. I am also a member of the United States Distance Learning Association.  Listed below are some of my online teaching experiences:

ONLINE FACULTY CERTIFICATIONS, CONTINUING FACULTY TRAINING.

 The following are schools I have trained with and systems I have worked with including:
 

SCHOOL                                            SYSTEM USED

Please visit www.professorgeorgeackerman.com  For all of my background, course work, past experience, work experience, letters of recommendation, online teaching, transcripts, and much more.
                                              _______________________________

During the course, if you have questions regarding the class or related comments, you can e-mail Professor Ackerman at information@rioverdeunivesity.org.  Currently this class is available by distance learning only. (The cost of this course may be tax deductible under either the HOPE or LIFETIME LEARNING programs approved by Congress and incorporated into IRS forms).

If you are a practicing law enforcement professional, current active duty or reserve military, volunteer or active fireman, legal secretary, legal assistant or other legal support practitioner, this course may be taken as a CEU program and provides 50 hour credits.  Contact our admissions office for further instructions for CEU credit.

The textbook for the course will be the Adam Epstein, Contract Law Fundamentals by Pearson Publishing. 2008

Upon registration for the course when you receive your packet (i.e. study guide and text materials) you will find the directions regarding usage of the program materials, on the first page of the study guide. You can purchase a copy of the text book at most book stores or the book can be acquired from the RVU-U bookstore (go to the bookstore on the website, check the book, go to checkout).

INSTRUCTIONS: This course is designed to take the student approximately 40-50 hours to finish on average. It should take you about 15-30 minutes to complete the exams at the end of each chapter.  Also note interspersed throughout the coursework are discussion topics and essay questions.  When encountered these are to be submitted with each chapter exam.  Part I of your course consists of 15 chapters.  At the end of the 15^th chapter you will be provided with a mid-term exam.  This is an externally proctored exam.  (For a list of authorized testing centers near you please contact the RVU Department of Admissions.  When you complete the exam give it to the proctor who will forward the test.  At the end of Part I Chapter 16 you will take the final exam.  This is an open book exam.  There is one term paper required for completion of the class.  (See your instruction packet for additional instructions and information).  The quizzes account for 15% of your grade.  The mid-term counts for 35% of your grade. The term paper accounts for 15%, and the final exam for 35%.  A grade of 70% is required for successful completion.  Begin by opening the text materials.

 Read chapter 1 of the course material written by Professor Ackerman. When you have completed reading the first chapter of the text and the study material, take the short exam and submit it.  It is an open book exam.  Continue this process through Part I.   Then follow the remaining instructions until you complete your course and finals.

You may use your text during the final exam as this is an open book test. However, the mid-term exam is a closed book, external proctored exam.  When you have completed the mid-term exam place the cover form along with your answer sheet in the enclosed pre-labeled envelope, and provide it to the testing proctor.  They will mail your test to: RVU-U c/o Professor G. Ackerman 3214 N University Ave. Unit #435, Provo, UT 84604. Upon receipt of your test papers it will be graded by staff, recorded in your student file, and returned to you.  (A 70% grade is required for successful completion of each course.)  Keep the graded mid-term with your text materials. Read chapter 16 by Professor Epstein. And take your final exam then follow instructions and mail all test papers to RVU-U.

Good luck.

Dr. Rivkah Cordoba-admissions