Course Descriptions

Alternative Dispute Resolution (2 Credits) MLAW 3010

This course will provide the Masters in Law student with an opportunity to survey the broad field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR has gained increased popularity in various professions including Employment/Human Resources, Education, and Health Services. ADR methods are appropriate for resolving disputes between employer/employee, employee/employee, seller/client, education administration/public, school administration/teacher and staff, teacher/student, teacher/parent, hospital administration/doctor/staff, and patient/doctor/staff/nurse. ADR methods include problem solving, negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and med-arb techniques. In an online teaching format each student will work with the professor in reviewing the concepts and practice of ADR. This course has a focus on the processes of negotiation and mediation.

Bullying and Harassment (2 Credits) MEDL 2075

This course will start by defining bullying, and it will trace the rights and responsibilities triggered once bullying has been established. It will examine what types of responses and documentation are needed to respond to bullying and harassment. It will also address the special obligations imposed on school administrators when there is documented bullying. In addition to exploring bullying and harassment among students, it will also explore legal implications of bullying and harassments among teachers.

Civil Rights Law (2 Credits) MEDL 3000

This course will focus on constitutional and civil rights issues in education. Because of the coverage of disability issues by mandatory courses, this will focus on equal protection and non-discrimination, and the roles of language and cultural biases in education.

Constitutional Law in the Classroom (2 Credits) MEDL 1080

This course will focus on issues involving the U.S. constitution and education. Topics will include the role of due process, equal protection, searches and seizures, drug testing, civil rights protection, freedom of speech, the Establishment Clause, and the Commerce Clause in education.

Contemporary Legal Issues in Education (2 Credits) MEDL 2040

This course will focus on issues involving education that have risen to the forefront of contemporary culture. Topics will include: school violence, vouchers, individuals with disabilities, inclusion, least restrictive environment, home schooling, extracurricular activities, internet-related issues and concerns, bilingual education statutes and recruiting in higher education.

Current Topics in School Law (2 Credits) MLAW 2081

This course will examine the expanding area of school liability for tortious conduct. The course will explore causes of liability and the impact such liability has on the school, school board and school system. Students will explore liability issues that face educators across all levels of the education spectrum.

Cyber Law and Modern Mass Communications Policy (2 Credits) MLAW 3008

This course will explore the development, regulation and governance of the Internet as transnational, content distribution and communications platform. Topics will include the legal, regulatory and policy implications of internet communications, and social interactions in the U.S. and abroad. The legal and policy framework governing privacy free speech, social media, national security, copyright, trademark, network ownership and access, private versus public regulation of cyberspace, jurisdiction and related topics will be examined to provide a foundational basis for contextualizing the legal intersections in our electronic lives.

Cyber and Information Crimes (2 Credits) MLAW 3006

This course will explore the regulatory and judicial framework for the investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes, trade secret theft, and malicious data destruction. computers permit employees, competitors, and criminal networks utilize sophisticated methodologies to operate with anonymity in an environment where legal intervention is challenged by a multitude of factors. From individual vulnerability on topics like identity theft and cyber stalking to large scale hacking operations, the scope and breadth of cybercrimes has become a significant national challenge. Topics will include computer hacking crimes, online threats, identity theft crimes, trade secret theft, and the statutory and constitutional framework governing electronic surveillance and privacy in cyberspace.

Dealing with Whistleblowers and Preventing Retaliation (2 Credits) MLAW 2090

This course will discuss the law regarding the protection of employees who report violations of an employer or claim discrimination in the workplace. The course will detail the whistleblower protections allowed under federal law, and the potential liability for retaliating against an employee who seeks redress for discrimination.

Effective Advocacy Skills (2 Credits) MLAW 2085

This course presents a basic overview of the skill-set pertinent to effective oral and written advocacy. The skill of persuading your listener on the merits of your position requires evaluation of the underlying facts, the applicable policy, regulation or law, and application of that policy to the facts. You will develop strategic planning techniques, prepare written materials to support your strategic plan, and prioritize steps necessary to successful implementation. Students will have an opportunity to model behavior from course instructors and participate in advocacy role-play activities.

Electronic Commerce and Digital Trade (2 Credits) MLAW 3007

This course will explore the structure of digital trade, including overviews of electronic commerce, online payment systems, and Internet-of-Things products and services. Topics will include the legal, regulatory and policy implications of internet commerce, marketing, sales, distribution, digital currencies, online payment systems, and social interaction. Studies will address the legal and policy framework governing the overlapping jurisdiction of state laws, FTC regulations, international treaties, and related governance, of business on the Internet and through digital technologies.

Ethical Issues in Education Law (2 Credits) MEDL 1040

This course will focus on ethical codes that intersect law and education. Students will study the theoretical underpinnings of ethic codes and examine their function, utility, and application in modern educational institutions while examining the practical limitations given the expanding use of distance education.

Federal Privacy Law (2 Credits) MLAW 1032

The privacy rights of individuals in all aspects of daily life have been of great concern over the last few years. The Federal government is heavily involved in crafting laws and regulations to protect an individual’s private information collected in a variety of contexts from being accessed and then used. This course will look at the three such federal laws and accompanying regulations: HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act); FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and the Federal Privacy Act. The course is designed to introduce the students to the specifics of each of these federal privacy laws and to get the students to critically read and analyze and write about the issues presented by these statutes through a series of written exercises.

Higher Education Law (2 Credits) MEDL 2060

This course will look at the role of law in higher education institutions. Special emphasis will be given to the governance structures of public and private institutions; the relationship between faculty, staff, students and the university community; faculty promotion, tenure, curriculum control; issues related to research and teaching responsibilities; academic freedom; affirmative action; racial and sexual harassment; intellectual property rights of faculty, staff and students; and planned giving.

Immigration and Naturalization Concerns in Employment (2 Credits) MLAW 2055

The course is designed to introduce students to the complex area of immigration and nationality law relating to employment. The course will focus on the Immigration and Reform and Control Act, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Act. Students will learn about steps employers should take to comply with nationality verification laws, and which persons may or may not work for U.S. businesses

Individual Research Project Honors Thesis (2 Credits) MLAW 3028

In addition to taking the four credit IRP seminar, students may elect to turn their research into a written scholarly paper suitable for publication. With the recommendation of one program faculty member, students may enroll in this research and writing course that will produce a traditional thesis paper. Students will work directly with their supervising faculty instructor to expand the comprehensive research plan they identified in IRP seminar which will now serve as the foundation for their final written paper. Students will receive comprehensive feedback on their research design and each component of their written project. Successful completion of the course requires: submission of the IRP topic summary and topic outline (at least 5 pages in length), submission of all discussion board topics, completion of all quiz assignments, participation in in scheduled live classroom discussions, and submission of the first rough draft (at least 20 pages in length) and final written paper.

Individual Research Project Seminar (4 Credits) MLAW 3025

This course is the capstone research and individual presentation project required for successful program completion. Students enrolled in this course will select an industry related topic that is most relevant to their professional lives and explore that topic in regards to its intersection with the law. Students will work directly with their student colleagues and course instructor to create a comprehensive research plan which will serve as the foundation for their individual research project and presentation. Students will use the results of their research to create a professional presentation (using PowerPoint or similar software) on their individual topic. At the end of the course, students will deliver their respective oral presentations using PowerPoint enhancements via synchronous distance communication technology to their class and faculty instructor. Successful course completion requires timely compliance with all course deadlines, creation of a comprehensive research plan, production of a professional PowerPoint presentation and an oral presentation on your individual research project.

Introduction to Legal Compliance (2 Credits) MLAW 3015

An introduction to basic statutes, regulation and administrative practices relevant to regulatory compliance by business entities, financial institutions, and other organizations. The course will also introduce students to basic concepts of risk management. Students will be engrossed in the foundational concepts which will assist in research & identification of applicable laws, regulations and best industry standards for an effective and efficient compliance management program. Students will learn how to build and implement compliance policies and procedures; develop appropriate review & auditing procedures in order to analyze the overall effectiveness of the applicable policies and procedures, and lead the organization’s response to a regulatory audit or investigation.

Labor Laws, Laws Regulating Unions and Management (2 Credits) MLAW 2070

The course will introduce students to basic labor law principles. It will focus on how a collective bargaining unit can be established, what constitutes an unfair labor practice, and the rules regulating the collective bargaining process. Students will learn some of the basic rules employers must follow when employees are trying to start a union, what they must do when a union has been established, and what is required to bargain in good faith

Laws Regulating Wages and Hours (2 Credits) MLAW 2060

This course will explore the federal wage and hours standards regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The course will focus on which employees are covered by the law and the minimal standards regarding wages, overtime pay and child labor.

Legal Foundations (3 Credits) MLAW 1036

This course will explore the legal foundations and structure of the United States court system and the modern administrative state. The course will also explore the legal structure of the federal government and the system of checks and balances that controls the distribution of power between the federal and state government.

Legal Research Methods and Reasoning (3 Credits) MLAW 1020

The law is never static. Students will learn to review and apply newly issued laws or legal decisions in day-to-day activities. This course will enable students to find the law, to read and understand legal statutes and regulations, and to understand the analytic process lawmakers and lawyers use.

Metric and Leadership in Human Resources (2 Credits) MLAW 3018

This class, on “Metrics and Leadership in Human Resources,” covers the topics of using metrics, modern technologies, and effective leadership practices in human resources management. This course addresses how to use measurement strategies for HR activities so that the impact can be determined and evidenced-based decisions can be made by staff, managers, and organizational leaders. Topics covered include human resource information systems, making data driven decisions, developing a global mindset, using visionary and mission-oriented leadership practices, and technology management for such functions as payroll, compensation, talent acquisition, training, and development.

Preventing Workplace Harassment (2 Credits) MLAW 2030

This course will discuss Title VII anti-discrimination law and how courts attribute liability for harassment to employers. The course will focus on regulations, strategies, policies and procedures that are designed to prevent harassment or limit the liability of an employer for an employee’s or customer’s harassing conduct.

Principles of Information Security (2 Credits) MLAW 3005

This course will explore the legal, ethical and professional requirements for an information security program, including risk management strategies, the technologies of information security such as fire walls, VPN's, data intrusion detection, physical security, and personal training. The course will also explore the legal and professional obligations related to information insecurity through data breach notification compliance, liability rules, and case studies involving mass data loss at for-profit, governmental, and non-profit organizations.

Professional Communication (2 Credits) MLAW 1035

This course will cover a wide-range of professional communication issues presented in written, oral, and electronic format. Students will have the opportunity to develop interpersonal communication skills, presentation skills and professional writing techniques. Communication skills are vital to career success, they serve as a platform for personal success and professional advancement. Students will learn the foundational techniques to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in the professional environment.

Response to Intervention (2 Credits) MLAW 2035

The State of Florida has a Response to Intervention (RTI) policy in place for non ESE students that requires intervention strategies to ensure success. This course will review the statutory framework for the RTI process. This course will cover the obligations imposed by the Response to Intervention policy, which is available to all students. It will also explore the link between RTI and other statutory safeguards enacted to bolster student success. RTI is the first step to establishing eligibility for ESE classification.

School Discipline Law (2 Credits) MEDL 2030

This course will explore institutional responses to student discipline. The course will cover appropriate means and appropriate circumstances when student discipline is necessary. Students will explore the procedural protections granted to students and the bounds of lawful discipline which include expulsion.

Selected Topics (2 Credits) MEDL 1070

This course provides the student with an instruction to Federal legislation regulating the filed of education. Topics include IDEA, FERPA, HIPPA, Title IX, ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Special Education Advocacy Workshop (2 Credits) MEDL 1030

This course will cover the core educational entitlements granted to all students with disabilities in the public education system. It will focus on the substantive legal protections designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education, and on the various procedural protections for students and parents. The course will cover major federal legislation such as the IDEA, ADA and Section 504, as well as the principal Supreme Court and other cases.

Trends in Employee Relations Law (2 Credits) MLAW 2050

This course focuses on current developments in the laws affecting employees, including among other topics: wages, workplace safety, discrimination, privacy and unionization. Trends in Employee Law will examine recent Supreme Court decisions on employment topics. In this course, students will learn how to integrate new legal decisions into their existing understanding of the regulatory environment. The course will teach practical ways to keep abreast of changes in the law and how to find free information to explain the complex Supreme Court precedents that shape this area of law.

Workers Compensation (2 Credits) MLAW 2095

This course will review the statutory and administrative aspects of the no-fault system of compensation for workplace-related injuries. This course examines the rights of the employee and the obligations of the employer. The course will focus on the roles of human resource professionals in administering and maintaining policies on workplace injuries.