Graduate Course Description

LSLW 501 ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
A study of ethical and professional issues faced in the legal environment. Familiarization with existing and proposed ethical standards and guidelines. Development of a framework from which to undertake the analysis of ethical dilemmas. Analysis of issues of propriety and responsibility.


LSLW 511 RESEARCH METHODS AND ANALYSIS
Advanced study of legal research methodology and legal analysis which includes preparation of scholarly legal research papers. Exploration of ethical and philosophical issues related to legal research and writing applications.

 

LSLW 512 STATUTORY AND REGULATORY ANALYSIS
Study of legislative and administrative process" including the creation, application and interpretation of statutory and administrative law. Required research includes use of primary and secondary legislative and administrative law materials as well as legislative history.


LSLW 520 PRIVATE CIVIL RESPONSIBILITY: CONTRACTS AND TORTS
Study of theoretical and substantive aspects of common law actions in comparison with statutory enactments affecting the relationships of individuals under covenant or duty.

 

LSLW 525 INTRODUCTION TO JURISPRUDENCE
To acquaint students with procedural and substantive principles of Jurisprudence as it is developed in American Law.  The course will chart the development of basic legal and philosophical principles governing the theory of law through its cultural and constitutional roots through the early 21st century.  Special attention will be given to analysis of legal realism and feminist jurisprudence.


LSLW 531 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
A critical analysis of the body of law which regulates government agencies and their relations with the pubic. Examination of federal and state administrative law, regulations, rules and procedures.


LSLW 538 TRADEMARK LAW
Comprehensive study of procedural and substantive aspects of trademark selection, registration, use and protection within the context of intellectual property and policy issues.


LSLW 540 CRIMINAL TRIAL PREPARATION
Preparation and trial of a criminal case as studied through case law, procedures, techniques and strategies. Contrast of New Jersey and Federal criminal procedure. Study of investigation, pleadings, motions discovery, jury selection, evidentiary problems, direct and cross-examination and summations. Extensive use of simulation exercises.


LSLW 541 ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
The goal of this course is to provide students with the theoretical foundations and practical applications of computer applications in the legal environment. The course will utilize a model and method approach which will present theory and procedure in a case problem context. The course will acquaint students with various computer processes in the law office environment. Processes such as legal document management and assembly, case management, database management, computer assisted internal and external research, and various electronic enhancements of traditional processes using state of the art software will be studied.

 

LSLW 545 CYBERLAW
To acquaint students with procedural and substantive principles of Internet technology and legal principles which are at the nexus of modern legal practice.  To become versed in the theory and practice of intellectual property, criminal law, jurisdictional issues, and choice of law relating to commerce, law enforcement, and legal procedure.  To teach students to analyze and synthesize legal principles which are at the core of changing World Wide Web technology.

 

LSLW 547 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: COPYRIGHT, LICENSING, & ADVERTISING
To acquaint students with procedural and substantive principles of Intellectual Property Law as it is developed and is practiced  in the entertainment field.  The course will chart the development of intellectual property in American Law from its constitutional roots through the early 21st century.  Special attention will be give to analysis of issues in entertainment law involving copyright, licensing, and advertising.


LSLW 550 LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
The goal of this course is to provide students with the theoretical foundations and practical applications of law office management. The course will utilize a model and method approach which will present theory and procedure in a case problem context. The course will acquaint students with models of the various processes as applied in the law office environment. Processes such as legal document management and assembly, case management, database management, computer assisted internal and external research, human resource management, and various electronic enhancements of traditional processes using state of the art software will be considered.


LSLW 551 NEGOTIATION THEORY AND PRACTICE
In-depth study of negotiation theories and practical applications. Includes an examination and comparison of various negotiation theories and critical skills needed to be an effective negotiator. Extensive role plays. Study of ethical and policy issues. LSPR 308 (Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration) recommended prerequisite.


LSLW 552 MEDIATION THEORY AND PRACTICE
In-depth examination of the theory and practical applications of mediation. Integration of ethical and policy issues and applications through role plays. Study of how the various applications affect the mediation process and the court's role in the development of mediation. LSPR 308 (Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration) recommended prerequisite.


LSLW 553 ARBITRATION AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE ADJUDICATIVE PROCESSES
In-depth examination of the theory and applications of arbitration and other adjudicative processes. Utilization of role plays to expand student knowledge and ability to understand increasingly complex issues. Examination of policy and ethical issues and exploration of case law research. LSPR 308 (Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration) recommended prerequisite.


LSLW 554 CONFLICT MANAGEMENT/PEER MEDIATION IN SCHOOLS
Comprehensive study of the theory and application of interpersonal conflict resolution processes between and among individual students and groups of similar status in primary, secondary and higher education.


LSLW 555 FAMILY MEDIATION
Theoretical and practical aspects of mediation in the family law context. Overview of the laws which govern and affect the formation, maintenance and dissolution of the family unit. Study of the increasingly important role of family mediation both privately and within the judicial structure. Integration of ethical and practical considerations and enhancement of student understanding through role plays and independent research.


LSLW 556 DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN THE WORKPLACE
Critical study of procedural and substantive legal principles of dispute resolution in the workplace. Exploration of procedures such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, fact finding, and grievance resolution through collective bargaining which is the core of dispute resolution in both private and public sector employment.


LSLW 557 LAW OFFICE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The goal of this course is to provide students with the theoretical foundations and practical applications of financial management in the legal environment. The course will utilize a model and method approach which will present theory and procedure in a case problem context. The course will acquaint students with various controls and procedures in the law office environment. Processes such as managing ledgers, client accounts, funds in court, trust accounts, receivables, and financial controls and tracking under the Rules of Professional Conduct and various electronic enhancements of traditional processes using state of the art financial software will be studied.


LSLW 558 CROSS-CULTURAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Intensive study and application of theories and techniques of cross-cultural conflict resolution. Examination of issues of race, ethnicity, gender. religion. and sexual preference within the context of dominant Western culture.


LSLW 572 LEGAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Study of theoretical aspects of information theory in the legal environment with application to the problem method of analysis. This course will examine the compilation and analysis of legal information from automated litigation support through computer-assisted legal research.

 

LSLW 574 HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
To acquaint students with procedural and substantive principles of Human Rights Law in the international arena.  The course will chart the development of Human Rights Law in various cultures from the Judaic and Greek eras through the enlightenment to the 20th century.  Special attention will be given to analysis of disputes involving native populations and minority rights as they are affected by the United Nations Charter, Treaties, and Conventions.  Issues of criminal, commercial and individual rights will be considered.

LSLW 577 INTERNATIONAL LAW
To acquaint students with procedural and substantive principles of International Law as it has developed and is practiced under the United Nations Charter, Conventions, Accords, Protocols, and Agreements.  This course will chart the development of International Law from its roots in early legal and cultural traditions through the early 21st century.  Special attention will be given to analysis of issues of international compliance and regulatory issues.


LSLW 578 LEGAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
In-depth study of procedural and substantive legal principles of human resource management. Exploration of the various procedures which can and should shape the work environment in both private and public employment.


LSLW 579 PRIVATE SECTOR COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC REGULATIONS
In-depth study of federal and state requirements of compliance with public regulations in the areas of labor, employment, employee benefits, affirmative action, equal pay, and other federal and state mandated policies. Exploration of the interplay of various statutory and common law requirements governing private organizations which function in the United States.


LSLW 580 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN LEGAL STUDIES
Application of academic theories to field experience of 120 hours over a semester in a legal environment reflective of the student's course of study. Research of issues related to placement and/or ethical issues. Completion of a minimum of LSLW 501, LSLW 511 and 18 additional credits toward the M.A.


LSLW 581 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN LEGAL STUDIES (4 credits)
Application of academic theories to compensated field experience of 20 hours per week in a legal environment reflective of the student's course of study. Research of issues related to placement and/or ethical issues. Prerequisites same as for LSLW 580.

 

LSLW 588 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN LEGAL STUDIES
To allow students and faculty to create courses of study within the discipline of Legal Studies which more precisely reflect students needs and to supplement concentration courses with other courses which more fully educate students according to specific educational needs.

 

LSLW 590 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY
The goal of this course is to provide students with the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Environmental Law.  The course will utilize a model and method approach, which will present theory and procedure in a case problem context.  The course will acquaint students with various traditional legal theories and compare and contrast them with law as it has evolved to meet new changes in society.


LSLW 599 SELECTED TOPICS IN LEGAL STUDIES
Examination of a current topic in the legal environment that is of significance. Analysis of theoretical foundations and practical applications in the area studied. Development of the ability to critically analyze, observe. and research the topic under examination, as well as prepare a research paper.


LSLW 600 THESIS SEMINAR IN LEGAL STUDIES
Seminar for the M.A. student in Legal Studies who is completing a thesis. Designed to facilitate the writing of the thesis by providing students with an opportunity to discuss their work with a faculty facilitator and other M.A. students. Course can only be taken after at least 27 credits of the M.A. program have been completed and a thesis topic has been approved.

 

LSLW 698 MASTER'S THESIS
Independent research project done under faculty advisement.  Students must follow the MSU Thesis Guidelines, which may be obtained from the Graduate School.  Students should take LSLW 699 in the don't complete LSLW 698 within the semester.  Prerequisite:  Departmental approval

 

LSLW 699 MASTER'S THESIS EXTENSION
Continuation of Master's Thesis Project.  Thesis Extension will  be graded as IP (In Progress) until thesis is completed, at which time a grade of Pass or Fail will be given.  Prerequisite:  LSLW 698


Note. Certain designated 400 level courses can be applied to the MA (maximum of 2):

 

LSPR 411 ADVANCED PATENT, TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT LAW
Procedural principles of patent, trademark and copyright law including prosecution of patent and trademark applications in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, preparation and filing of trademark applications and preparation of applications to register claims to copyright in the U.S. Copyright Office. Litigation procedures for acts of infringement relating to such proprietary rights. Prerequisite: LSPR 310 (Fundamentals of Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law).


LSPR 420 ADVANCED CIVIL LITIGATION
Refinement of substantive and procedural principles relating to all stages of a civil law suit from commencement of suit through judgment and appeal as applied in New Jersey. Theoretical foundations and practical applications in the state court system contrasted with the federal court system.


LSPR 460 ADVANCED LEGAL RESEARCH & WRITING
Refinement of principles and methods of legal research in working with statutes, case law and other legal sources. Application of legal research techniques to practical legal problems. Preparation of more complex legal research projects.


Acceptable Courses from Outside the Legal Studies Department

 

ANTH 520 Anthropology and International Communication

ANTH 550 Culture Change

APLN 500 Language and Linguistics

APLN 502 Sociolinguistics

APLN 510 Discourse Analysis

APLN 518 Forensic Linguistics

APLN 536 Languages of the USA
COUN 481 The Legal Rights of Women
COUN 559 Dynamics of Group Process
COUN 574 Counseling in Organizations: Employess Assistance Program

ECON 545 Economics of Labor
ECON 550 Technical Change and International Competition
ELAD 521 Education Law
ELAD 542 Supervisory Skills for Education and Training Personnel
ELAD 545 Leadership Skills in Communication for the Educator/Trainer

ENWR 590 Graduate Writing Seminar
HIST 525 The History of American Labor, 1870-1970

HIST 540 Europe as a World Civilization

HLTH 585 Organization and Administration of Health Care Facilities

INBS 511 Issues in International Management

LATN 584 Law in Roman Society

MGMT 510 Human Resources Management

MGMT 511 Issues in International Management

MGMT 520 Managing Global Diversity
LNGN 500 Language and Linguistics

PHIL 424 Contemporary Social Thought

PSYC 554 Psychology of Business and Industry

PSYC 558 Personnel Psychology

PSYC 570 The Psychology of Human Factors

PSYC 571 Organizational Psychology
SOC1 562 Social Change
SOC1 567 Power and Social Stratification
SOC1 581 Sociological Perspectives on Health and Medicine
SPCM 526 Theories of Human Communication
SPCM 536 Seminar in Persuasion


Revised March 2004