PLW 3200 (LUOA), PLST 200 (LUO): Introduction to Paralegal Studies

07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 01/07/2026

Course Description

This course will provide an introduction to the paralegal profession and the role of the paralegal within the law office. This survey course will introduce the student to the American legal system, civil litigation, criminal law and procedure, the appeals process, and substantive legal topics such as tort, contract law, and property law. Students will be taught a variety of administrative skills necessary in a law practice office including legal research, legal vocabulary, critical reading and writing, client interview, investigation, law office administration, and technologies. Legal ethics, professionalism, and biblical worldview will be taught. 

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to expose the learners to introductory-level essential elements of the legal system and the paralegal profession as well as introduce critical thinking skills on biblical, ethical, and legal levels as related to the study of Paralegalism.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge through at least two scholarly citations. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150 words and contain at least one scholarly citation. (CLO: A, D, E, F, G)

Time Sheet Assignments (3)

A document that is used to record the time spent on work done for a client. (CLO: A, C)

Time Sheet: Begin Assignment

The student will set up the document and record their first week of activities.

Time Sheet: Progress Assignment

The student will provide a record of their activities during the first four weeks of the course. This submission will incorporate any feedback provided on the prior Time Sheet assignment.

Time Sheet: Final Assignment

The student will provide a record of their activities during the duration of the course. This submission will incorporate any feedback provided on the prior Time Sheet assignments.

Paper

The student will write a 2-4 -page research-based paper in current Bluebook format that focuses on researching state laws. The paper must include at least 2 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLO: E, F)

Paper

The student will write a 2-4 -page research-based paper in current Bluebook format that focuses on the U.S. court structure and avenues of appeal. The paper must include at least 2 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLO: D)

Case Study Quizzes (11)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module(s): week(s). Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 multiple-choice questions, and have a 30-minute time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Exam

The exam will cover the Learn material for the assigned module: week. The exam will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 60-minute time limit. (CLO: A, C, E, F)