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.

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.

Developing and Maintaining Employment Policies and Handbooks (2 Credits) MEML 1090

This course provides an understanding of how the laws and regulations impact the employment policies of a business, and how human resource professionals can find information regarding the formation of employment policies. Students will research and examine different employment policies, and ultimately draft an employment policy for their employers or business.

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.

Employee Benefits (2 Credits) MEML 2020

This course provides an overview of the basics of employee benefit law. The course is designed to cover the relevant provisions of ERISA, including how plans are to be administered, how to avoid conflicts of interests, and how to comply with all regulatory limitations. It will also address how benefits plans can and must be transferred after an employee leaves the business, with a focus on COBRA and HIPAA.

Employment Discrimination (2 Credits) MEML 1080

This course will focus on the various laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, with a focus on federal statutes and regulations. Topics include Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and the FMLA. The students will also learn about how complaints are filed with and investigated by the EEOC, with a detailed discussion on how the employer is required to respond to these complaints.

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.

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

Law Regulating Workplace Safety (2 Credits) MEML 2011

This course will explore the federal standards for workplace safety regulated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”). The course will teach students how to identify the safety and health standards that apply to particular employment situations and the role of human resources professionals in ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.

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.

Technology and Privacy Concerns in the Workplace (2 Credits) MEML 1030

This course will examine the limits on privacy in the employment setting and privacy issues related to an employees behavior inside and outside the workplace. Specifically, the course will examine the legal limits on monitoring an employees email, computer usage, and outside activities. The course will also examine the legal limits on drug testing employees and checking an employees criminal, credit, and medical background. Students will develop an understanding of the legal, economic, and social benefits and risks of violating an employees privacy.

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.