BAB231 - Introduction to Business Law

Subject Title
Introduction to Business Law

Subject Description
This course is an introductory survey of the legal issues that frequently arise in a business setting with emphasis on the financial services industry, human resources, and accounting and other professional services. Topics covered may include: the structure and process of Canadian legal and court systems, contracts,the law of torts (particularly negligence and professional responsibility), forms of business organization, agency, professional services, property law (personal, real, and intellectual), banking, the legal aspects of credit, and employment law. The purpose of the course is to enhance the students' decision-making ability with respect to various business transactions, to aid in the legal planning related to business and to help identify, manage and control legal issues that arrise in a business setting having regard to ethical considerations.

Credit Status
One credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Discover and analyze the structure and process of the Canadian legal system.
    
2. Identify and assess examples of contractual and non-contractual liability in business transactions and other related situations.
    
3. Compile and review key concepts and clauses in business contracts.
    
4. Demonstrate the importance of legal planning when starting and operating a business.
    
5. Exhibit an understanding of the relevant legal and statutory provisions related to their industry/sector and appreciate the importance of keeping informed of any changes in this area.
    
6. Evaluate areas of legal risk in a business setting with particular emphasis on contract and negligence law.
    
7. Apply the methods used in the analysis of legal problems and case studies with particular emphasis on the financial services industry, human resources, and various professions.
    
8. Integrate analytical skills and logical problem solving techniques through the use of sample problems, case studies, tests, and assignments.
    
9. Combine theoretical concepts with people skills by working effectively in task oriented teams.
    
10. Utilize presentation skills together with organizational abilities to create effective group presentations.
     
11. Employ risk management tools as they would apply in a financial services and human resources settings having regard to ethical considerations.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.