Library 212: Web Law Resources

Course Information

Scales of justice

Library 212: Web Law Resources

Instructors: Monica White & Bob Wiegand
1 unit
Online Course
E-mail instructor

Course Description

As a hands-on introduction to Web law resources, this course introduces students to law-related resources available on the Internet, as well as subscription databases available via the Internet. This course is beneficial to students enrolled in the Administration of Justice, Business Law, Legal Secretary, and Human Services programs, as well law professionals and members of the general community who want to expand their knowledge in order to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace and upgrade their job skills.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, you will be able to do the following:

Course Organization

The course is divided into nine modules. Each module corresponds to one week (two classroom hours) in the college semester. The modules are, as follows:

  1. Introduction to the Internet, browsers, directories, and search engines
  2. Online legal research: basic information
  3. General law gateways
  4. Federal law and legislation
  5. State law and legislation
  6. International law
  7. Law careers
  8. Online subscription services for Web law resources
  9. Online subscription services for Web law resources, continued

Course Requirements

The online nature of this course requires your active participation. The online environment will differ from the traditional on-site classroom environment. This course, by combining technology and innovative activities, offers you an exciting and challenging learning opportunity. During the weeks that we meet online, you will interact with your instructors and other students via an online asynchronous discussion forum and e-mail. Interaction with your classmates is of paramount importance. You are requested to be in touch with your fellow classmates at least once per module, respond to their e-mail, and offer them feedback.

We will use the Internet to visit various websites throughout the duration of this course. We regularly check these links, but since the Web is dynamic and volatile, you may occasionally encounter a "dead" or inactive link. When this happens, please report the link to your instructors, and we will update it.

There will be "slow times" when the network may be down or traffic is heavy. Since reading large blocks of text on your computer screen may be uncomfortable for some, we suggest that, for your convenience, you make printouts and use the hard copy for reading and annotation.

The online class environment emphasizes student learning. Self-motivation and an ease with online technology will greatly contribute to your success in this course.

Please note: If you have not participated in the course for two straight weeks by either submitting an assignment or posting a message on the discussion forum, you will automatically be dropped from the class.

Course Components

Online Chats

Instructor White is available for online chats—including instant messaging, text chat, audio chats, and video chats—whenever she is online, which is frequently. Her Apple iChat screen name is mwhite11, and her AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) screen name is monicawhite11.

Readings

No textbook is required. Although not required, we recommend the following books for students who want an introduction to legal research:

Elias, Stephen and Susan Levinkind. Legal Research: How to Find & Understand the Law. Ed. Richard Stim. 10th ed. Berkeley, CA: Nolo, 2002. This book is on reserve at the LAC Library, and it may be purchased from the publisher at http://www.nolo.com, at local bookstores, and from online book vendors, such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

Levitt, Carole A., and Mark E. Rosen. How to Use the Internet for Legal, Business, & Investigative Research: A Guide for Legal Professionals. Culver City, CA: Internet for Lawyers, 2003. This book is on reserve at the LAC Library, and it may be purchased from the publisher athttp://www.netforlawyers.com, or by calling (310) 559-2247.

Some recommended readings may be available on the course website.

Grading

Grading is based upon the accrual of points earned by completing assignments and posting messages on the discussion forum. Each week, you will be asked to e-mail a completed assignment to your instructor and post a message on the forum in response to a particular topic.

Value of assignments
For most of the nine weekly assignments, you may earn up to 10 points for correct responses. One point is deducted for each incorrect answer. On some assignments, bonus points are available, as noted in the course website. If you receive less than the maximum number of points possible for a given assignment, you may revise your answers and re-submit them for re-consideration, provided they are received by your instructor prior to the final day of the semester.

Value of forum postings
Each week, a question will be posted on the discussion forum for you to rerspond to. You may earn one point for posting a thoughful, well-reasoned response to the weekly topic.

Here is the point breakdown:

Credit/No Credit Option

Students who wish to receive a grade on a credit/no credit basis must do so before 30% of the course is completed (i.e. on or before the third week of the course). It is the student's responsibility to go to the Admissions Office to fill out the necessary form. Note that once such a grade is elected by the student and is awarded, it cannot be reversed at a later time. To receive credit for the course, students must submit ALL 9 required written assignments by the end of the course.

Development of Core Competencies

Every class at LBCC equips students with specific core competencies to prepare them to become lifelong learners. In this class you will learn some core skills which you may then apply to other school or work situations. The core competencies addressed in this class are critical thinking, information technology and computer literacy, civic engagement, and communication.

Accessibility

Students with learning disabilities or physical challenges are entitled to assistance in order to achieve their academic goals. LBCC has an on-campus lab with voice browsers, screen readers, print enlargers and other assistive technology. Students who could benefit from such services are encouraged to contact the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) at (562) 938-4558 or the TDD line at (562) 938-4833. The Lib 212 course website is designed for accessibility. Please contact Monica Whitewith suggestions for making this course more usable and accessible.