Business Law (BLAW 3001)

Welcome to Business Law I Essentials, a comprehensive online course tailored specifically for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students. Inspired by the rigorous OpenStax textbook "Business Law I Essentials," this course is designed to equip future business leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers with the foundational legal knowledge necessary to navigate today’s complex commercial environment.

In the modern business landscape, a solid grasp of the legal system is not just an asset—it is a strict necessity. This course offers a streamlined yet thorough exploration of the legal principles that dictate how businesses are formed, operate, and interact with the public, government, and other entities. We will explore the dual goals of the American legal system: establishing standards for minimally acceptable conduct and peacefully resolving disputes. Rather than merely memorizing statutes, you will develop critical legal reasoning skills that will help you avoid liability and drive ethical decision-making.

What You Will Learn

Throughout this course, we will dive deep into a variety of interconnected legal disciplines essential for business administration:

• The American Legal System & Dispute Resolution: Understand the sources of American law, the U.S. Constitution, and how businesses can utilize Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like negotiation, mediation, and arbitration to settle conflicts efficiently outside of court.
• Business Ethics & Social Responsibility: Explore the blueprint for building a successful, socially responsible organization by analyzing corporate governance and the Triple Bottom Line (Profits, People, and Planet).
• Torts & Criminal Liability: Learn how civil wrongs (torts) like negligence and product liability can impact businesses, and understand the severe consequences of white-collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading.
• Contracts & Sales: Master the crucial elements of a valid contract—agreement, consideration, capacity, and legality. We will also cover sales contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and explore the nuances of express and implied product warranties.
• Employment, Labor & Regulatory Law: Navigate the myriad of regulations governing the employer-employee relationship, including OSHA, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and equal opportunity laws like Title VII 18-20. Additionally, we will cover antitrust laws, unfair trade practices, and the role of administrative agencies like the FTC and SEC.
• Global Perspectives: Gain a global outlook by exploring international law, including the customs, treaties, and organizations (such as the UN and EU) that govern international commerce.

Why Take This Course?

Business law touches every aspect of a company’s operations. Whether you are aiming to be a financial analyst, a human resources manager, or a startup founder, you will possess the practical knowledge required to recognize legal issues, collaborate effectively with legal counsel, and lead organizations responsibly. Join us to build a strong foundation in business law and secure your competitive edge in the corporate world.

Other Course Information

• Target Audience: Undergraduate BBA students, budding entrepreneurs, and junior managers looking to build a strong legal foundation.
• Estimated Duration: Approximately 14 weeks (assuming 1-2 hours of video viewing and reading per section).
• Language: 100% English instruction and materials.