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This course explores the history of the Constitution of the United States and its application to the legal system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, historical basis of the Constitution and its amendments, separation of powers, judicial review, and court decisions pertinent to contemporary legal issues. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify and discuss the basic structure of the U.S. Constitution and analyze rights, procedures, and issues as interpreted by the courts.

This course introduces the American legal system, the paralegal profession, and legal ethical considerations. Topics include legal terminology, ethical obligations, and paralegal skills and duties. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to define basic legal terminology, recognize paralegal duties, identify paralegal career options, and value the importance of ethics to the legal profession.

This course introduces the fundamentals of effective legal writing using practical writing applications. Topics include the basics of legal writing, integrating citations into legal writing, preparing legal correspondence, pleadings, legal memoranda, and case briefs. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to draft legal documents and citations.

This course introduces effective legal research techniques. Topics include case, statutory, and administrative laws, legal annotations, court rules, types of citators, and the use of primary and secondary sources using electronic and library research tools. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to conduct basic legal research for legal documents.

This course introduces the fundamentals of tort law. Topics include tort law terminology, tort elements, and defenses. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to distinguish the elements of various torts, and identify applicable defenses.

This course explores alternatives to litigation to resolve legal disputes. Topics include the nature and sources of conflict, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, participants' roles in resolving disputes, ethical issues associated with alternative dispute resolution, and the role of the paralegal in these alternativeapproaches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to distinguish between various alternative dispute resolution methods, evaluate suitable alternative dispute methods for particular disputes, and appraise ethical issues associated with those methods.

This course introduces the foundational concepts of contract law. Topics include elements of a contract, enforcement of contracts, and documents used in the creation of contracts. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify the primary elements of a contract, draft documents commonly used in contract law, and describe remedies for breach of contract.

This course introduces criminal law and defenses. Topics include the history and development of criminal law, the adversarial system, the key components of criminal conduct, elements of various types of crimes, and defenses to crime. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to recognize the influence of the historical developments of criminal law upon modern day criminal laws, explain key aspects of criminal laws, and distinguish between different types of criminal laws and defenses.

This course introduces the essential concepts of real estate law. Topics include an overview of both residential and commercial real estate law concepts, legal exchanges of property, title of property, and landlord-tenant law. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe how real estate transactions are performed, draft basic documents used in real estate transactions, and identify issues relevant to the lease of property.

This course presents the primary concepts of criminal procedure. Topics include procedures from pre-arrest to final disposition, constitutional aspects of criminal procedure, and court decisions pertinent to the criminal justice system. Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to identify the primary provisions of the Constitution that impact the criminal justice system, examine court decisions that develop the rules and procedures related to various aspects of a criminal case, and reflect upon the importance of criminal procedure in our legal system.

This course examines the fundamental concepts of family law. Topics include marriage, divorce, annulment, marital and nonmarital property rights, alimony, child support, custody, adoption, and trends in family law. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to examine the primary components of various family actions, draft legal documents relevant to family law, and value the impact of family law issues on society.

This course introduces the basic concepts of business organizations as they relate to the paralegal. Topics include various legal structures of business organization and ethical obligations related to business law. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to assess the appropriate legal organizational structure for various types of business entities, predict liability issues, and appraise ethical concerns that could arise.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of wills, trusts, and probate administration. Topics include various types of estate planning tools, including wills and trusts, legal considerations for end-of-life decisions, and probate. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply essential estate planning tools, draft legal documents pertaining to estate planning, and value the legal importance of estate planning and preparing for end-of-life decisions.

This course is designed to develop skills in legal interviewing and investigation. Topics include approaches to investigating legal cases, tools for legal investigation, and techniques for interviewing clients and witnesses. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify issues for investigation, develop an investigation plan, and demonstrate effective investigation and interview techniques.

This course examines the civil litigation process. Topics include trial preparation, trial procedures related to various stages of litigation, and evidentiary issues. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe the litigation process, research issues pertinent to civil litigation, draft legal documents for litigation, and assess the paralegal’s role in civil litigation.

This course introduces the fundamentals of immigration law. Topics include legal citizenship, types of legal non-citizen status, immigration procedures, forms utilized in immigration law, and current issues in immigration law. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe immigration laws, distinguish between legal and illegal immigration, draft forms utilized in immigration law, and evaluate immigration laws in relation to current issues.

This course introduces the fundamentals of bankruptcy law. Topics include various chapters in bankruptcy, debtors’ rights, creditors’ rights, trustee duties, the bankruptcy estate, and bankruptcy documents. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to assess the appropriate use of applicable bankruptcy laws, describe trustee duties and the bankruptcy estate, draft bankruptcy documentation, and appreciate the rights afforded to creditors and debtors.

This course introduces the foundational technologies and operations used in law offices. Topics include utilizing technology and the Internet in the delivery of legal service, litigation support software, and law office management software. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to compare and contrast different technological methods of delivering legal services in law offices, employ software to support litigation needs, and appreciate the effective management of the law office.

Prerequisite(s): Foundational Course(s) If Indicated By Placement Scores This Course Presents An Overview Of The Various Theories And Methods Of Personal And Professional Communications. Topics Include Written And Oral Communication Techniques, Presentation Skills, Intercultural Communication Skills,and Negotiation Skills.upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Communicate Effectively In Personal And Professional Environments And Be Able To Manage Personal And Professional Conflicts.

Prerequisite(s): Foundational Course(s) If Indicated By Placement Scores This Course Introduces Productive Writing Techniques With An Emphasis On The Writing Process. Topics Include Brainstorming,critical Reading And Thinking, Analyzing Audience And Purpose, Developing Clear Thesis Statements, Developing Effective Sentences And Paragraphs, Drafting, Revising, And Editing. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Use The Writing Process To Produce Effective Essays.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 This Course Builds On The Skills Taught In College Writing I, With Increased Emphasis On The Writing Process, Argumentation, Research, And Documentation. Topics Include Brainstorming, Analyzing Audience And Purpose, Developing Clear Thesis Statements, Evaluating Sources, Performing Research, And Presenting Correctly Documented Research Results. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Adequately Support A Position, Perform And Correctly Document Research, And Report The Results Of A Research Project.

This course covers the principles and applications of ethical and critical thinking. Topics include argument construction and analysis, inductive and deductive reasoning, logical fallacies, perception, moral approaches, and social responsibility. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to analyze ethical issues, evaluate and clarify their own thinking,create sound and valid arguments, and effectively weigh the arguments of others.

Prerequisite(s): Eng221 This Course Explores The Foundations And Development Of Western Culture From Its Origins In The Ancient Near East To Modern Western Civilization. Topics Include Cultural History,philosophy, Religion, Literature, Art, And Music. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify Influential Figures And Events, Appreciate And Discuss Well-known Works Of Art And Thought, And Recognize And Analyze Significant Movements And Genres In Western Culture.

Prerequisite(s): Mth097 If Indicated By Placement Scores This Course Develops Problem-solving And Decision-making Strategies Using Mathematical Tools From Arithmetic, Algebra,geometry, And Statistics. Topics Include Consumer Mathematics,key Concepts In Statistics And Probability, Sets Of Numbers, And Geometry. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Mathematical Tools And Methods To Solve Real-world Problems.

This course is designed to present an overview of American government. Topics include the federal system; political parties; nominations and elections; the legislative, executive and judicial branches; and civil liberties and civil rights. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to trace the development of the U.S. Constitution, understand and analyze issues in American government, and discuss the policy-making process.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 This Course Is Designed To Present A General Overview Of Psychology As A Social Science. Topics Include Historical Perspectives, Research Methods, Therapies, Applied Psychology,and Other Current Issues. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify Psychological Concepts And Methods As Used Commonly To Address Real-world Situations.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 And Either Mth107 Or Mth170 This Course Is Designed As An Introduction To Physical Science.topics Include Motion, Conservation Laws, Gravity, Waves, And Thermodynamics. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course,students Will Be Able To Describe The Scientific Method, Explain And Define The Principles And Terminology Of Physical Science,and Use Formulas To Solve Related Problems.

This course explores the nature and importance of human relations. Topics include the communication process, working in diverse environments, teambuilding skills, controlling emotions,and managing conflict. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate essential transferable skills to function effectively in society.

This course is designed to increase proficiency in the use of common word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation application software. Topics include the production of business documents and reports. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to prepare documents using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

This course focuses on providing the skills and strategies to achieve personal and educational goals. Topics include learning styles, accountability, self-directed learning, managing resources,goal setting, self-esteem, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate self-reliance and apply the tools for success.

Prerequisite(s): Student Must Have Completed 50% Of Degree Requirements This Course Provides The Foundation For Developing Long-term Career Management Skills. Topics Include Tips For Producing Quality Résumés And Cover Letters And Interactive Techniques For Interviewing Success. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course,students Will Be Able To Research Job Leads, Write A Résumé,prepare For A Job Interview, Follow Up On A Job Interview, And Apply Strategies To Keep A Job And Advance In A Career.

This course reviews the structure of businesses and their creation and transfer. Various methods of business financing and secured transactions are examined with emphasis on the Alberta Personal Property Securities Act and related legislation

The Law and Procedures of the Corporation as they pertain to the Professional Legal Assistant in Alberta are studied. the course emphasizes the Alberta Business Corporation Act, and to a lesser degree, the Alberta Companies Act, the Societies Act, the Canada Business Corporations Act, and the Canada Corporations Act

The Criminal Code of Canada, The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other criminal or quasi-criminal legislation are covered in this section of the program. Various interviewing techniques and investigative procedures with regard to criminal offences, are included. Practical procedures utilized throughout the client’s arrest, trial, sentencing and appeal are also covered

The focus of this course is civil litigation conducted in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. Students study the Alberta Rules of Court, both procedurally and substantively, to acquire a working knowledge of the stages of litigation including relevant documents and preparation of same. Each student is required to complete a civil litigation file from instruction provided. The procedure for actions in Provincial Court, Civil Division is also examined. Students also study enforcement of judgments, including seizure and garnishment processes and the relevant legislation governing same

This course combines an overview of the substantive and procedural law affecting marriage, separation, child welfare and cohabitation. Substantive and procedural law with regard to divorce proceedings and matrimonial property proceedings are studied in detail, preparing the legal assistant to assist lawyers with family law matters. Each student is required to complete a contested divorce file

This course is designed to introduce the student to the Canadian legal system and various facets of the law not encompassed by other more specific courses within the Professional Legal Assistant program. The main components of the course will concentrate on Tort and Contract Law, civil rights and freedom laws (emphasizing The Canadian Constitution and Human Rights Protection laws), and Administrative Law (including Labour Law)

This overview course introduces the student to the law office environment and the day-to-day procedures affecting all support staff. Students gain an awareness of the practical skills necessary to be a competent professional legal assistant

This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of legal research and legal citation. The students will be familiarized with all aspects of legal research including how to use and synthesize legal research materials in order to work competently in the legal research field. Students are expected to become totally independent researchers. The course will culminate with a final written substantive legal memorandum and a final exam

This course combines an overview of the substantive law of Real Estate with practical experience and substantial file work to develop the skills and techniques necessary to practice involving Residential Real Estate in Alberta

This course combines a review of the legislation that determines the distribution of property upon death with a practical emphasis on the skills necessary to assist in the administration of an estate. The proper drafting of Wills and the completion of all Court documents necessary to obtain grants of representation are examined. Additional estate matters including Dependent Adult applications and Enduring Powers of Attorney are also reviewed

The workplace of the twenty-first century demands excellent communication skills. The focus of this course is on the application of language arts skills and writing techniques that ensure effective and grammatically correct business communications.

his course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview.

Designed to introduce the user to computer operation, operating system basics, disk structures, and keyboarding, this course provides the foundation of all training in computer applications.

This course offers a case-oriented, problem-solving approach for learning Microsoft Word. Students work with both basic and advanced features while creating and applying standard formatting to a variety of documents such as letters, memos, forms, and reports.

This program includes a practicum component consisting of a specified number of weeks of work at a job site. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the business organization does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum. The number of practicum hours varies between programs. To learn more about the specific practicum hours for a specific program, speak with an Admissions Representative.

This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises, and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.

This course will introduce students to skills and concepts that will help them achieve personal, academic, and career success.

This course provides an overview of the paralegal profession and an introduction to the law and legal procedures. Topics include: paralegal duties and responsibilities; ethical issues in legal assisting; sources of American law and legal concepts; the court system and government regulations; corporate law; civil litigation and trial procedures; criminal and administrative law and procedures; conducting interviews and investigations; and legal research and analysis.

This course is a practical introduction to the law library and its resources and the fundamentals of traditional and electronic legal research. Emphasis is placed on the paralegal’s practical role and skill in assisting the attorney in legal research. Topics include: the various research tools, including codes, reporters, digests, Shepard’s, and legal encyclopedias; treaties; law reviews; practice manuals; Westlaw; and CD ROM and Internet research.

This course provides the study of family law, torts, and personal injury law. Topics include: ethics and family law; cohabitation and marriage alternatives; property settlements and spousal support; child support, child custody, and child custody issues; torts and legal analysis; intentional torts and defenses to intentional torts; negligence, negligence actions, and defenses to negligence; and strict liability, products liability, and tort immunities.

This Course Presents An In-depth Study Of The Codes Of Professional Responsibility From The Aba And Nala To The Code Of Judicial Conduct, Existing Guidelines, And Case Law Involving Paralegals.

This course presents a study of the operation of a private law firm from the perspective of a legal assistant/paralegal. Topics include: personnel and their responsibilities; managerial concepts; the various systems and procedures in the law office including timekeeping and billing systems; word processing; file organization and management; accounting/bookkeeping systems; trust accounts; docket control; tickler systems; conflicts checks; client development and case management; and current legal office software.

This course provides an intensive examination of the role of the paralegal in civil litigation. Topics include: litigation and the paralegal’s role; the courts and their jurisdiction; ethical considerations; investigation and evidence procedures; the initial pleadings and response to the initial pleading; motion practice; discovery procedures and requests; settlements and alternative dispute resolution; and trial techniques and posttrial practices.

This course allows the student to apply practical legal research skills to the drafting and preparation of typical documents that the paralegal will be expected to prepare by their supervising attorney. Topics include: research memoranda; client correspondence, demand letters, appellate briefs, incorporation documents, and partnership agreements; wills, leaves, and promissory notes; and medical record summaries.

This course introduces the concepts and principles of electronic commerce in business. Topics include: the foundations of electronic commerce; retailing in e-commerce; Internet consumers and market research; advertising in e-commerce; e-commerce for service industries; business-tobusiness e-commerce; intranet and extranet structures and applications; electronic payment systems; e-commerce strategy and implementation; public policy regarding legal, privacy, and consumer protection issues; infrastructure requirements for e-commerce; and economic and global issues in e-commerce.

This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading word processor. Topics include formatting text and documents, creating and formatting tables, working with graphics, integrating information with other programs, managing styles and templates, working with columns, merging documents, file management techniques, creating forms, and creating web documents.

This course provides an overview of the structure and technologies of the Internet. Topics include: networking and Internet basics; the application of protocols and addressing; Internet servers and their applications; types of Internet clients and client configuration; security fundamentals and working with the different levels of security; Internet development through programming languages, databases, HTML, and multimedia; Internet site design and troubleshooting; and an overview of business on the Internet.

This course presents the practical application of the concepts and features of a leading spreadsheet package. Topics include: using and managing worksheets and workbooks; applying formatting and style features; working with data, formulas, and functions; managing charts and graphics; working with outlines, views, and reports; automating tasks with the macro feature; using auditing tools, collaborative tools, and hyperlinks; and integrating with other programs.

This course covers the estate of a deceased person and the process of placing the appropriate heirs into possession of the assets. Topics include the type, contents, terms, and language in the document known as the Last Will and Testament. Probate of the will and preparation of estate documents are presented. The estate of a debtor is covered in the second half of the course in bankruptcy. The reasons why persons are forced to file bankruptcy and the effect upon the debtor are explained. What debts are dischargeable and those that are not dischargeable are covered as well as property considered exempt

This course explores the basic concepts of both substantive and procedural criminal law. Topics include: the legal system and criminal law; the study of crimes against a person, property, habitation, and the public; the examination of factual, statutory, and constitutional defenses; and the constitutional aspects of criminal procedures including the pretrial, the trial, sentencing, and appeal processes.

This course provides the basics of property law, real and personal, as well as tangible and intangible. The topic of real estate is presented and includes sales, financing, zoning, and the legal acts that govern. Mortgages, liens, surveying, and servitudes are included in this study. The second half of the course covers intellectual property including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Topics also include the application, possession, protection, violation, and transfer of rights in intellectual property.

This course begins with exposure of the student to the topic of administrative law. The need for, function of, and importance of the administrative agency in the government are outlined and explained. As paralegals are today allowed limited practice before these agencies, this course is most important. Environmental law and the role of this vital administrative agency are then presented. Topics include: state and federal government regulation of the environment as well as superfund sites; and pollution and all matters that affect air, ground, and water resources.

This is an elective course in the associate’s degree program that students take in their 4th or 5th semester. The career internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in legal studies. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully apprised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field in which they have been educated. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary workplace setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel as well as participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals.

This course provides a study of the American legal system and its effect on business and business organizations. Topics include an overview of the ethical issues that businesses encounter, the foundation of the American legal system, business ethics, torts, intellectual property, criminal law, cyber crimes, contracts, and sales and leases. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none

This course provides an introduction to operating systems and browsers as well as word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, and e-mail applications used in office productivity software. 4.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none.

This introductory course in accounting provides the practical application of the principles of financial accounting for the service and merchandising business structure. Topics include: an introduction to accounting; analyzing and recoding transactions using the double-entry framework; working through the accounting cycle from journalizing and preparation of the financial statements to post-closing trial balance; and introduction to subsidiary ledgers and special journals. The class also provides an overview of technology accounting software practices. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: IS 102 Computers and Application Software

This course introduces the environment of American business with an overview of various topics that serve as a foundation for further study of business. Topics include the environments in which businesses operate, the organizational structures of businesses, management functions in an enterprise, and the challenges of managing marketing, operations, information technology, finance, and human resources. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none

This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge regarding leadership practices and theories. The student should develop an operational understanding of leadership concepts and theories to engage and reflect on leadership topics. Course topics include leadership models, collaboration, management styles, handling conflict, and ethical issues involved in leadership. 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: BU 106 Introduction to Management

This course deals with concepts of personal financial planning and financial control. Topics center on critical self examination of student planning techniques through analysis and research of personal financial legal documents, checking accounts and banking services, income tax procedures, savings methods, investment planning, risk management and insurance, and credit records, credit law, and the cost of credit. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: none

This course provides a critical examination of issues embedded in the practice of providing customer service. Topics include research about best practice in customer service and communication techniques, psychologically based methods for dealing with the management of customer complaints, and the roles of a customer service employee and supervisor within ethical boundaries and common business practice. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: none

This seminar provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career. Students will be encouraged to develop a plan for maintaining life-long learning skills. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, creating personal budgets, and refining interview and communication skills. 1.0 credit hour. Prerequisite: none

This non-credit course will assist students in finding and securing the internship experience for credit in either an associate’s or bachelor’s program. Students must pass this course in order to be cleared to start working at their internship site. Students will discover ways to approach a facility about an internship, and they will learn how to access the tools they will need to successfully get their internship approved and successfully land an internship that correlates to their field of study. 0.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none.