Department of Government

Chair

Prof. Lynnette Noblitt
(859) 622-5931
Commonwealth 1509

Faculty

S. Barracca, A. Cizmar, Howell, K. Kalkan, J. Kim, P. Litanga, L. Noblitt, T. Parker, T. Stevens, R. Swain. O. Utku

Paralegal Program

The paralegal programs offer a Bachelor of Arts degree and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in paralegal science and an associate of arts degree in paralegal studies. The objectives of the programs are:

Critical Reading/Thinking Skills: Students will read and understand legally-related readings to apply information from those readings to solve problems and complete tasks using metacognitive strategies.
Communication: Students will be able to communicate in writing about the law in a manner characterized by proper, clear, and concise grammar, accuracy of material; effective organization of material, and adequate substantiation of conclusions/recommendations.
Professional Competence: Students will be able to perform paralegal-level tasks competently for employers based upon the coursework the student completed in the Paralegal Program.

Paralegals are paraprofessionals who must work under the supervision of an attorney. The laws of Kentucky and other states prohibit paralegals from engaging in the practice of law or providing legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Therefore, completion of a major, minor, or certificate in Paralegal Studies/Sciences does not entitle one to practice law, provide legal services directly to the public, or render legal advice, except as provided by law.

Paralegal Degree Requirements

Paralegal majors, minors, and certificates must attain a minimum grade of “C” in all major and supporting courses, a minimum grade of “C” must be earned in LAS 210 Introduction to Law before taking LAS 220 Legal Research and Writing I. A minimum grade of “C” must be earned in LAS 220 Legal Research and Writing I before being admitted to any of the other upper division requirements.

Paralegal majors, minors, and certificates must take a minimum of ten (10) semester credits of courses from Major/Minor requirements in a traditional in-person or ITV format. No courses taken in an online or web-based format can count toward this ten (10) semester credit requirement.

Paralegal Transfer Students

Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 semester hours of paralegal (LAS) courses at EKU to earn a paralegal degree. Please see the EKU Paralegal Program website (www.paralegal.eku.edu) or contact the Paralegal Program Director for more information on the transfer policy for paralegal specialty courses.

Bachelor’s

Associate’s

Paralegal Studies, Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Minor

Certificate

Paralegal Science, University Certificate (Post-Baccalaureate)

Courses

Legal Studies

LGS 300. Introduction to Legal Studies. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105, or HON 102. Examination of foundations and liberal arts perspectives of legal studies. Topics include comparative and historical introduction to forms, institutions, processes, and systems of law along with research methods for understanding questions of law and justice.

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LGS 305. Special Topics:___. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LGS 300. Exploration of topics not covered in the existing LGS curriculum. May be taken for a maximum of six hours provided that subject matter is different each time.

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LGS 306. Animals and the Law. (3 Credits)

A. Formerly LAS 306. The study of topics that relate to the status of animals under the law. The course focuses upon cases, legislation, and cultural values toward animals world-wide. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for LAS 306.

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LGS 349. Applied Learning for Legal Studies. (0.5-8 Credits)

A. Prerequisites: LGS 300. Work or volunteer in an area related to Legal Studies. A minimum of 80 hours employment required for each semester hour credit. No more than 3 hours may count toward LGS program

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LGS 400. Legal Studies Senior Seminar. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LGS 300 and at least six hours of LGS electives. Conduct research in an area related to Legal Studies, write a research paper, and present an oral presentation on research conducted. No more than 3 hours may count toward LGS program.

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Paralegal

LAS 210. Introduction to Law. (3 Credits)

I, II. General study of the purpose, function, and history of law; law-related occupations; court systems; case law analysis; professional ethics; the adversary system; and the major areas of law.

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LAS 220. Legal Research and Writing I. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 210 or director approval. The sources and techniques of legal research; their application to specific legal problems and the use of legal authority to construct a written legal argument.

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LAS 300. Legal Research and Writing II. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. The sources and techniques of advanced legal research and writing, the use of computer-assisted legal research methods and their application. Credit will not be awarded for both LAS 300 and LAS 300W.

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LAS 305. Special Topics in the Law. (1-3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: director approval. A course offered periodically covering topics and issues of current or special interest concerning the law. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours provided topics vary.

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LAS 306. Animals & the Law. (3 Credits)

A. The study of topics that relate to the status of animals under the law. The course focuses upon cases, legislation, and cultural values toward animals world-wide. Does not count toward paralegal requirements.

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LAS 325. Real Estate Practice. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Paralegal practice and procedure for general law office; real estate transactions and documents, title searches, title insurance, loan closings, leases, wills, affidavits of descent, and foreclosures.

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LAS 330. Family Law Practice. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Paralegal practice in family law including forms, documents, and procedures for: marriage, divorce, separation, annulment, alimony, legitimacy of children, custody, adoption, community property, and juvenile law. Credit will not be awarded for both LAS 330 and LAS 330S.

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LAS 340. Criminal Law Practice and Procedure. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220 or director approval. An introduction to criminal law and procedure; criminal law forms and documents, and preparation for criminal litigation using the systems approach.

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LAS 350. Litigation: Complaint to Discovery. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisites: LAS 220 or director approval. Study of legal principles and paralegal practice in substantive civil law. Incorporates procedural aspects of the early stages of civil litigation including evidence and investigation, pleadings, and the discovery/disclosure process.

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LAS 355. Litigation: Pre-Trial to Appeal. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 220 or Director Approval. Study of legal principles and paralegal practice in substantive civil law. Incorporates procedural aspects of the latter stages of civil litigation including settlement and ADR, trial preparation, trial, post-trial practice, and appeal.

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LAS 360. Wills, Trusts, Estates, & Elder Law. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisite: LAS 220 or director approval. Paralegal probate practice including initial steps, asset accumulation, debt management, court procedure, estate-related tax issues and forms. A systems approach will be emphasized.

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LAS 370. Corporations and Business Organization Practice. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Documents, forms, and procedures essential to the corporate paralegal. Development of skills concerning business formations, incorporation, corporate finance, employees, corporate operation, securities, regulatory compliance, merger, acquisitions, sales and terminations.

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LAS 380. Administrative Agency Practice. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 220. Practical paralegal skill development in administrative law and procedure. Forms, documents, pleadings, and techniques for administrative regulatory compliance; case processing; informal and formal administrative advocacy, emphasizing the systems approach.

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LAS 385. Legal Administration and Computer Applications. (3 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisites: LAS 220. The study of law office administration and the utilization of specific law office computer applications.

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LAS 399. Paralegal Internship. (4 Credits)

I, II. Prerequisites: completion of 18 hours of major (LAS) courses including LAS 300 or director approval (prior written application is required).

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LAS 410. Paralegal Seminar. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: completion of 18 hours of major (LAS) courses or director approval. Professional ethics, analysis of the internship experience, transition to the law office and current issues facing the paralegal profession.

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LAS 450. Mediation. (3 Credits)

The study of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution technique. Involves the analysis and practice of communication skills applicable to the mediation process. Extensive mediation role-plays are an integral part of the course. (Credit will not be awarded for both CMS 450 and LAS 450).

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2 Analyze the mediation process, structure, and foundations for successful\\n negotiation.,
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6 Role-play advocacy skills to represent clients and interests of parties in\\n multi-party mediation conferences.

LAS 460. Estate Planning & Procedure. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: LAS 360 or director approval. The study of law, forms, documents, and procedures essential to the paralegal involved in the drafting of wills, trusts, and estate plans. The systems approach will be emphasized.

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LAS 490. Independent Study of the Law. (1-3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: director approval. Individual research, skill development, and study in an area of law or paralegal practice. Student must have independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and departmental chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours.

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Political Science

POL 100. Principles of Politics and Government. (3 Credits)

I, II. An introductory social science course focusing on the political and governmental aspects of societies. Does not count toward political science major requirements. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for POL 100S.

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POL 101. Introduction to American Government. (3 Credits)

I, II. Principles, functions, and basic political institutions of the American system of government at the national level. Gen. Ed. VB, VC, or VII (SBS). [SB] E-5A, E-5B. Credit will not be awared for both POL 101 and POL 101S.

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POL 101S. Intro to Amer Govt: Svc Lrning. (3 Credits)

A. Principles, functions, and basic political institutions of the American system of government at the national level enhanced with a service-learning component. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for POL 101. Gen. Ed. VB, VC, or VII (SBS).

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POL 201. Short Topics in Political Science. (1-3 Credits)

A. A maximum of three short topics offered during any semester. The student may take any or all topics. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours when topics vary.

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POL 212. Introduction to Comparative Politics. (3 Credits)

I, II. A study of the purpose, concepts, and methods used in the cross-national study of politics and government with a focus on selected countries. Gen. Ed. E‑5A or 5B [SB].

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POL 220. Introduction to World Politics. (3 Credits)

(3) I, II. The study of the political interactions of countries and organizations relating to politics, economics, the environment, technology, culture and society on a global level. Gen. Ed. VB, VC, or VII (SBS).

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POL 250. Introduction to Political Philosophy. (3 Credits)

(3) I, II. Examination of Western politcical theory from the ancient greeks to the contemporary era with a focus on selected philosophers. Gen. Ed. Elements 3B and 5B.

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POL 256. African American Pol Thought. (3 Credits)

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POL 280. Research and Writing in Political Science. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: majors, minors, or departmental approval. Practical application of techniques and methods used in collection, analysis, and written presentation of political data. No more than 6 hours of POL courses numbered 300 or above may be taken prior to completing POL 280.

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POL 310. Latin American Governments. (3 Credits)

A. A study of the political institutions and issues facing the people and governments of Latin America.

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POL 312. Politics in China. (3 Credits)

A. Analysis of political development, organizational structure, and operation of Chinese political systems with particular emphasis on Chinese Communism, foreign policies, and contemporary problems in China.

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POL 314. Politics of South Asia. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105(B), or HON 102. Studies and analyzes the political situations of South Asia. Course focuses on the politics of Afganistan, Pakistan, and India; however, instructor may focus an additional countries or regions as well.

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POL 315. European Politics. (3 Credits)

A. Examination of the politics and public policies of the European Union and selected European countries.

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POL 316. Politics in Russia. (3 Credits)

A. Nature and development of Russia¿s political system since the end of the USSR and fall of communism; impact of the Soviet era; development of political parties and civil society; superpresidentialism; nationalism; federalism and ethnic politics.

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POL 318. Politics of the Middle East. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105(B), or HON 102. Studies and analyzes the politics of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on historical legacies, contemporary challenges to political and economic development, and international affairs. Credit will not be awarded for both POL 318 and POL 410: Politics of the Middle East.

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POL 321. American Foreign Policy. (3 Credits)

II. Prerequisite: three hours of POL or instructor approval. Analysis of the internal processes and external factors which affect U.S. foreign policy, with emphasis on the post-World War II period. Case studies in decision-making.

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POL 325. Global Security. (3 Credits)

(3) I. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105(B) or HON 102. Analysis of major problems of global and human security, the role of military with emphasis on military-security policies of global import.

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POL 327. Internat Law & Organization. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: three hours of POL or instructor approval. Analysis of the development of the U.N.; functional and regional approaches to peace, security, economic cooperation, social welfare, and law in international relations.

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POL 331. Urban Politics. (3 Credits)

A. Political processes of urban areas including comparisons of alternative structures of urban and other local government.

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POL 332. Kentucky Government and Politics. (3 Credits)

I, II. An overview of the Kentucky political system: major institutions, processes and political leaders, with emphasis on recent events and developments.

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POL 333. American State and Local Government. (3 Credits)

A. Study of the institutions and processes of government of the fifty states and of cities and counties.

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POL 340. Political Parties and Interest Groups. (3 Credits)

(3) A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105(B) or HON 102. An overview of the informal political institutions of American government; functions, organization, financing of political parties, interest groups and their relationship to democracy.

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POL 341. The U.S. Congress. (3 Credits)

(3) A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105(B), or HON 102. A systematic examination of the decision-making process in Congress.

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POL 342. The American Presidency. (3 Credits)

(3) A. Prerequisite: ENG 101, ENG 105(B) or HON 102. An examination of the power and functions of the offices of the President. Recent developments affecting the American President will be emphasized.

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POL 343. Campaigns and Elections. (3 Credits)

(3) A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, ENG 105(B) or HON 102. An examination of U.S. campaigns and elections including topics in campaign organization and planning, voting behavior, campaign finance and election laws for presidential, congressional and state/local campaigns.

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POL 345. Minority Group Politics. (3 Credits)

A. Cross listed as AFA 345. Examination and comparison of various theories, strategies, forms of participation, leadership styles, and concepts (e.g., Black Power) of minority group politics. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for AFA 345. Gen. Ed. VIII.

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POL 346. Religion and Politics in the World. (3 Credits)

A. Prerequisite: ENG 102, 105(B), or HON 102. Examines the relationship between religion and politics in the world from such different perspectives as public opinion, voting behavior, institutional structures, political economy, and/or policy-making.

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POL 347. Politics and Religion in the U.S.. (3 Credits)

A. Interaction of government, politics, and religion in the U.S.: role of Supreme Court and Constitution in defining church-state separation and religious freedom; religious organizations as pressure groups; religion in electoral politics and foreign policy-making; religion and public schools.

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POL 349. Applied Learning in Political Science. (0.5-8 Credits)

A. Work in placements related to academic studies. One to eight hours credit per semester or summer. Total hours: eight, associate; sixteen, baccalaureate. A minimum of 80 hours employment required for each semester hour credit. No more than six hours may count toward this major. No more than three hours may count toward this minor.

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POL 349A. Cooperative Study: Political Science. (1-8 Credits)