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Business Law
BUS110 | 3 Credits
In Business Law, you’ll explore the basics of how laws work in the business world, including different types of laws, legal philosophies, ethics, and what makes an agreement legitimate. You’ll also dive into topics like consent, social responsibility, and what happens when deals go wrong or involve third parties.
Professor:
About Business Law
What You’ll Learn
Designed to help you become familiar with the different types of laws, our online Business Law course addresses key elements of the U.S. Constitution, and the concepts of the various schools of jurisprudence.
- Analyze the fundamental principles of law and legal reasoning and their application to business operations.
- Evaluate various methods of dispute settlement, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation, in the context of business disputes.
- Assess the role of business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and their integration into legal decision-making processes.
- Explain how the U.S. Constitution and criminal law impact business practices and corporate governance.
- Demonstrate an understanding of contract creation, performance, and enforcement including offer, acceptance, consideration, and remedies for breach.
- Identify and differentiate between intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability, and assess business implications.
- Analyze the legal protections available for intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and their importance in business.
- Examine key employment laws and regulations, including the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.
- Compare various business organizations, such as partnerships and corporations, and understand their legal structure and management.
- Evaluate the impact of government regulations, including antitrust laws, consumer protection, and environmental regulations, on business operations.
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Video Lessons
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Access on Desktop and Mobile
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal principles influencing business operations and decision-making. The course covers key topics such as contracts, sales, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and government regulation. Students will explore the foundational concepts of law and legal reasoning, delve into specific areas like intellectual property and employment law, and examine the structure and management of business organizations. This course is essential for understanding businesses' legal environment, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate complex legal challenges in today’s dynamic business world.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0048
Flexible Schedule
27-day Average Course Completion
Business Courses Have Transferred Over 24,900 Times
$1,700,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Business Law.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Barnes, A. J., Dworkin, T. M., & Richards, E. L. (2024). Law for Business, 15th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN: 9781265676100
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Introduction to the Legal System & Judicial Process
- Chapter 1 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 1 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Stewart v. Justice
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 1: Law and Legal Reasoning
- Chapter 2: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 2 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: California v. Texas
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 2: Dispute Settlement
- Checkpoint 1 Presentation
Checkpoint 2: Ethics & Constitutional Law
- Chapter 3: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 3 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: State ex rel. Hunter v. Johnson & Johnson
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 3: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Chapter 4: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 4 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: South Dakota v. Wayfair
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 4: Business and the Constitution
- Chapter 5 Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 5 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Royal Truck & Trailer Sales & Service v. Kraft
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 5: Criminal Law and Procedure
- Checkpoint 2 Presentation
Checkpoint 3: Understanding Torts & Legal Liabilities
- Chapter 5: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 6 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Rockland Farm v. White's Ferry Inc
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 6: Intentional Torts
- Chapter 7: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 7 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook: Case Study AMTRAK v. Cimarron Crossing Feeders
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 7: Negligence and Strict Liability
- Checkpoint 3 Presentation
- Pathfinder: Intellectual Property Rights
Checkpoint 4: Contracts & Offers
- Chapter 9: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 9 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Hagman v. Swenson
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 9: The Nature and Origins of Contracts
- Chapter 10: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 10 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Groce v. American Family Mutual ins. Co
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 10: Creating a Contract: Offers
- Checkpoint 4 Presentation
Checkpoint 5: Mutual Agreement & Consideration
- Chapter 11: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 11 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study SDK Troy Towers LLC. V. Troy Towers Inc.
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 11: Creating a Contract: Acceptances
- Chapter 12: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 12 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Margeson v. Artis
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 12: Consideration
- Checkpoint 5 Presentation
Checkpoint 6: Mutual Assent & Contractual Capacities
- Chapter 13: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 13 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Magee Community Center LLC v. Perkins
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 13: Capacity to Contract
- Chapter 14: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 14 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook: Case Study Winthrop v. Deck
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 14: Voluntary Consent
- Checkpoint 6 Presentation
Checkpoint 7: Illegality
- Chapter 15: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 15 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study HVAC Specialist Inc. v. Dominion Mechanical Contractors Inc.
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 15: Illegality
Checkpoint 8: Contract Performance & Legal Remedies
- Chapter 16: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 16 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Freeman Holding v. FNBC Bancorp
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 16: Form and Meaning of Contracts
- Chapter 18: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 18 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study Serio v. Copeland Holdings LLC
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 18: Contract Performance and Remedies
- Checkpoint 8 Presentation
- Pathfinder: Contracts and Their Elements
Checkpoint 9: Warranties & Product Liability
- Chapter 20: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 20 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Denny v. Ford Motor Co.
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 20: Warranties and Product Liability
- Checkpoint 9 Presentation
Checkpoint 10: Agency & Employment
- Chapter 23: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 23 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Sosa v. Onfido
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 23: The Agency Relationship—Creation, Duties, and Termination
- Chapter 24: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 24 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: JMB Manufacturing v. Child Craft
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 24: Liability of Principals and Agents to Third Parties
- Chapter 25: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 25 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Stanton v. Jarvis Christian College
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 25: Employment Laws
- Checkpoint 10 Presentation
Checkpoint 11: Business Organizations
- Chapter 26: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 26 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: KDN Management v. WinCo Foods
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 26: Which Form of Business Organization?
- Chapter 27: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 27 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Capital Equity Group v. Ripken Sports Incorporated
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 27: Partnerships
- Checkpoint 11 Presentation
Checkpoint 12: Corporations
- Chapter 28: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 28 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Taylor v. Taylor
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 28: Formation and Termination of Corporations
- Chapter 29: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 29 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Segal v. Genitrix
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 29: Management of the Corporate Business
- Chapter 30: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 30 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Guidry v. Savoie
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 30: Financing the Corporation and the Role of Shareholders
- Checkpoint 12 Presentation
Checkpoint 13: Real Property
- Chapter 34: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 34 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Francini v. Goodspeed Airport
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 34: Real Property
- Chapter 35: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 35 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Morris v. Holmes
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 35: Landlord and Tenant
- Checkpoint 13 Presentation
Checkpoint 14: Bankruptcy
- Chapter 44: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 44 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: In re Rogers (Wallace v. Rogers)
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 44: Bankruptcy
- Checkpoint 14 Presentation
Checkpoint 15: Government Regulations
- Chapter 45: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 45 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: Apple v. Pepper
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 45: Antitrust Laws
- Chapter 46: Pre-Reading: What Do You Think?
- The Big Picture: Chapter 46 Pre-Reading Learning Hints
- Textbook Reading: Case Study: AMG Capital Management LLC v. FTC
- Textbook Reading: Chapter 46: Consumer Protection Laws
- Checkpoint 15 Presentation
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 15 Checkpoints
- 6 Benchmarks
- 2 Capstones
This course has an open-book Cumulative Benchmark. Scientific and/or graphing calculators are allowed throughout the course.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
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Bringing Your Business Skills Forward
Business Law introduces you to the legal principles that guide how businesses operate. You’ll learn how laws affect everyday decisions, contracts, and the rights and responsibilities of businesses and individuals. These skills aren’t just for future lawyers or managers — understanding business law is valuable in virtually any career.
Why it matters:
- Understanding business law gives you a practical edge in any career, helping you make smarter decisions and avoid common mistakes.
- Nearly 1 in 4 employed professionals with a university degree studied business.
How this course sets you up for success:
Compliance Specialist, Contract Administrator, Human Resources Manager, Operations Manager, Risk Analyst, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner, Corporate Paralegal, Procurement Specialist
How this course sets you up for success:
Business Law gives you a solid foundation in the legal side of business. You’ll learn to interpret contracts, understand regulations, and apply legal thinking to practical business situations.
3 Credits
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