Fall 2026

BUSG 2305-71

Business Law and Contracts

Course Information

Department
BAIT
Instructor
Guillot, Sheila
Description
Principles of law which form the legal framework for business activity including applicable statutes, contracts, and agency.
Last Updated
Friday, August 7, 2026 9:01 AM
Course Syllabus
Published Structured Syllabus

BUSG 2305-71

Business Law and Contracts
Term
Fall 2026
Instructor
Guillot, Sheila
Department
BAIT

Instructor Information

Instructor: Sheila Guillot


Email: guillsr@lamarpa.edu


Phone: 409-984-6418


Office Hours: By appointment only


Additional Contact Information: I do not have a physical office or phone number. The phone number listed is for the department administrative assistant. Please contact me by email.

Course Description

Principles of law which form the legal framework for business activity including applicable statutes, contracts, and agency.

Required Textbook & Materials

Business Law with UCC Applications, 2026 Issue, by Paul Sukys, McGraw Hill Publishing, 16th edition, Codeless ISBN for the BUSG 2305-71 Business Law/Contracts book: 9781265278939

Textbook Purchasing Statement

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Additional Materials/Resources

  • Reliable computer
  • Student (LSCPA) email account
  • Reliable internet access
  • Word processing software compatible with Blackboard Ultra

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define fundamental legal terminology regarding contracts, torts, property, and wills 
  • Differentiate between business ethics and legal issues 
  • Explain required elements of torts, requirements of contracts, and various consumer laws as applied to business and individuals.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrates professionalism in the administrative workplace environment.

2. Uses appropriate business administration skills.

3. Uses appropriate office software applications.

4. Creates effective business documents by applying ethical communication practices.

5. Evaluates business documents.

Lecture Topics Outline

  • Ethics, Law, and the Judicial System
  • Sources of Law
  • Cybercrimes
  • Essentials of Contract Law
  • Cyber-Commerce
  • Sales and Consumer Protection
  • Negotiable Instruments and Banking
  • Cyber-Banking
  • Insurance, Secured Transactions, and Bankruptcy
  • Agency Law
  • Employment Law
  • Labor Law
  • Business Organization and Regulation
  • Property Law
  • Professional Liability
  • Science, Technology, and Law in the 21st Century
  • International Law and the New World Order

Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1Introduction to Course “Start Here” Module in Blackboard; Review of Course Syllabus; Chapter 1 Ethics and the Law and Chapter 2 Sources of the Law; Assignments for Chapters 1 and 2
Week 2 Quizzes over Chapters 1 and 2; Chapter 3 and Chapter 4; Assignments
Week 3Quizzes over Chapters 3 and 4; Chapters 4, 5, 6; Assignments
Week 4 Quizzes over Chapters 4, 5, 6; Chapters 7 and 8; Assignments
Week 5 EXAM 1 (Chapters 1-6); Quizzes over Chapters 7 and 8; Chapters 9 and 10; Assignments
Week 6 Quizzes over Chapters 9 and 10; Chapters 11 and 12; Assignments
Week 7 Quizzes over Chapters 11 and 12; Chapters 13, 14, 15; Assignments
Week 8 EXAM 2 (Chapters 7-12); Quizzes over Chapters 13-15; Chapters 16-18; Assignments
Week 9 Quizzes over Chapters 16-18; Chapters 19-21; Assignments
Week 10 EXAM 3 (Chapters 13-18); Quizzes over Chapters 19-21; Chapters 22-24; Assignments
Week 11 Quizzes over Chapters 22-24; Chapters 25-28; Assignments
Week 12 EXAM 4 (CHAPTERS 22-24); Quizzes over Chapters 25-28; Chapters 29-31; Assignments
Week 13 Quizzes over Chapters 29-31; Chapters 32-34; Assignments
Week 14 Quizzes over Chapters 32-34; Classes on Monday and Tuesday; Thanksgiving Wednesday through Friday
Week 15 EXAM 5 (Chapters 25-31); Review for Final Exam
Week 16 Final Exam Begins December 4 at 5 p.m. and ends on December 8 at 1 p.m.


Final Exam Date

December 4, 2026, 5 p.m. to December 8, 2026, 1 p.m.

Grading Scale

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 59 and below

Determination of Final Grade

Exams/Final 50%

Assignments/Homework/Case Studies 25%

Quizzes 25%

Instructor Policies

• Use your LSCPA email to communicate with me by email or call the department office number 409-984-6418.

• Assignments will be given each week. The assignments will open at 8 a.m. each Monday morning and will be due by 10 a.m. the following Monday morning. This is subject to change.

• LATE WORK is ONLY accepted at instructor discretion. All assignments and exams are expected to be completed on time. Homework and Connect assignments are open for a sufficient period of time.  

• Make-up assignments and examinations will only be provided on a case-by-case basis with proper documentation to support the student’s inability to complete the assignment/quiz/exam within the due date given.

• Exams are open for 3 days and must be completed in that timeframe. If you miss an exam, your lowest exam grade will count twice. If you miss more than one exam, those exams will be given a grade of zero.

• There will be a final exam. All students must take the final exam on the scheduled date and time, and failure to do so will result in a “0” on the final exam.

• EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES—Periodically during the course, a SMARTBOOK assignment will be given. This assignment will be considered extra credit. There will not be any extensions given on Smartbook assignments. 

• Every student MUST have a copy of the required textbook by the end of the second week of class. The student will still be responsible for any assignments given.

• No email work is accepted; unless requested by instructor. You must submit your assignments in Blackboard.

• Students are responsible for completing all assigned reading and video viewings.

• Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment (first offense); a second incidence of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the class.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that, like any other, can be used ethically or unethically in academic coursework. The use of AI in this course is subject to the guidelines set by the instructor. Students are responsible for adhering to these guidelines, and failure to disclose AI use in assignments and homework where restricted may constitute a violation of LSCPA’s Academic Honesty Policy. In this course:

o AI use is not permitted for this course (unless expressly permitted by instructor.

o If AI is permitted for an assignment or homework, students must document their use of AI in their work.

• Software Requirements: If you are in a course that is using specific software, you MUST have the software available to you either on your home computer or you must use the open lab provided in the Gates Library.

• Reliable Internet access is required for all online courses and many traditional courses. Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams.

• DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete class work or exams.

• E-Mail/Voice Mail Etiquette: Students must use appropriate e-mail etiquette when corresponding with instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name/course name. 

Attendance Policy

• Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. With this factor in mind, the instructor monitors student course activity weekly.

• Students are expected to login to Blackboard, check email and announcements a minimum of 2 times per week - even if they think all work is complete.

• Class participation is required (and has a direct impact on your course average). It is important to be active within the course, not just login and click around on Blackboard. Additional (new) assignments may be added during the week if instructor feels it is necessary. The instructor may use attendance (activity within the course) as a weekly participation grade.

• It is responsibility of the student to contact their instructors by email regarding their absence. An absence from the course does not allow students to have extensions on coursework or due dates. 

Additional Information

SUCCESS IN THE COURSE

This course requires critical thinking skills and an understanding of the topics to be successful. You are expected to be able to understand the concepts presented. To understand the material and the theory behind the concept, successful students should be the following consistently.

1. Print or download notes provided in the weekly Modules in Blackboard.

2. Watch the chapter videos and/or PowerPoint notes.

3. Read the e-text and take your own notes.

4. Complete homework and assignments.

5. Study and prepare for exams.


MYLSCPA USERNAME & PASSWORD ISSUES:

Call Kenneth Lisby @ (409) 984-6150


BLACKBOARD HELP AVAILABLE 24/7: If you’re having Blackboard issues, contact the 24/7 Blackboard Support Desk at (936) 496-5379 or bbhelp@lamarpa.edu.


THIS COURSE WAS DESIGNED TO COMPLETE ON A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER.

Students consistently overlook vital information and assignments when trying to use a mobile device.

Students may use the computers in the LSCPA computer lab if needed. They will need to see your student ID. LSCPA also has a laptop loan program available to students who need to borrow a computer for the semester. 


METHODS OF PRESENTATION:

Several methods of presentation may be used and may include any of the following:

• Lecture (through PowerPoint slides, interactive notes, video, or audio sources)

• Computer Assisted Learning (blackboard, publisher websites, etc.)

• Lab Exercises, Discussion Boards, etc.

• Internet


LAPTOP LOAN PROGRAM:

LSCPA has a laptop loan program available on a first come, first served basis. Fill out the online application on the LSCPA website. Search "Laptop loan program" in the search bar.


SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

The student is required to have all required course materials including but not limited to any software, e-books, key codes, etc. needed for class to complete required readings, work, etc.

Reliable Internet access is required for all online courses. Students may use the LSCPA open computer lab provided.


COMPUTER FAILURE AND LACK OF INTERNET ACCESS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE EXCUSES FOR MISSED ASSIGNMENTS, PROJECTS, QUIZZES, EXAMS, ETC.

Students may use the computer lab on LSCPA campus if they do not have reliable internet access.


DROP/WITHDRAWAL POLICY

* If a student decides to drop/withdraw, the student should also verify that the drop/withdrawal is submitted before the final withdrawal date.

* It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their name is removed from the roll should they decide to drop/withdraw from the class.

* The student is strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the drop/withdrawal form for their records.

* The student is required to turn in any books, equipment or items that belong to the department. Failure to do so may compromise their standing with LSCPA.

* State law permits students to withdraw from no more than 6 courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the LSCPA college catalog. Students may drop/withdraw on or before the last day to drop/withdraw WITHOUT penalty, and it will not count towards the 6 drops. Drop/withdrawals after that date will count towards the 6 allowed drops. (See important dates.)


E-MAIL/VOICE MAIL ETIQUETTE:

* Students must use appropriate e-mail etiquette when corresponding with instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name/course name/section number.

* Voice mail messages should be clearly spoken identifying student's name, course, and a return phone number.


DRESS FOR SUCCESS (FOR FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES):

As future professionals, it is important to utilize this time to practice dressing appropriately. Learning to dress for success may set the stage for your greatest achievements. Keeping this in mind, remember to dress appropriately when coming to class. Students may wear clothing to express their individuality, but they should dress in a way expressing respect for the situation and those around them. One's attire and grooming habits should not be off-putting to your environment or those in the surrounding area. Your look may change depending on the circumstances. 

The following attire should not be worn to class: Clothing that exposes intimate parts of the body, only underclothing without outerwear (such as sports bras or men's boxers), sleepwear such as pajamas, robes, and house slippers, clothing that is too tight or too loose, clothing with inappropriate logos or text, etc. 

*Exceptions and/or changes may be made to information in this syllabus at the instructor's discretion.

MyLSCPA

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

ADA Considerations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

Facility Policies

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

HB 2504

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.