LAW 1500 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 43991,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Jason Whiting
Adjunct Professor
Email: jrwhiting@ysu.edu
How to Refer to me:
Professor or Professor Whiting
Course Description
1500. Introduction to Paralegal Studies. This course introduces the students to the paralegal profession, including the study of the paralegal in the workplace; court structure at the federal and state levels; legal writing, research, and citation; rules of ethics and professional responsibility; and the unauthorized practice of law. Prereq.: none. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Introduction to Paralegal Studies, 7th ed. (Currier, Eimermann, and Campbell) |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Syllabus Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study of Law and the Paralegal Profession |
Introduction to the Course | Syllabus Quiz Week 1 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 1 Short Essay (Introduction to You) |
| 8/31 | Chapter 2: Legal Ethics | A Paralegal's Ethical Obligations | Week 2 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 2 Short Essay (Unauthorized Practice of Law) |
| 9/7 | Chapter 3: Sources of Law Chapter 4: Classification of the Law |
Understanding the Law and Where it Comes From | Week 3 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 3 Short Essay (Civil vs. Criminal Law) |
| 9/14 | Chapter 5: Courts | Various Courts and their Roles in the Legal Process | Week 4 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 4 Short Essay (Appellate Decisions) |
| 9/21 | Chapter 6: Civil Litigation and Its Atlernatives | Litigation and Avoiding Litigation | Week 5 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 5 Short Essay (Choosing ADR or Litigation) |
| 9/28 | Review Chapters 1–6 | Midterm | Midterm Exam – Cumulative for Chapters 1 through 6 |
| 10/5 | Chapter 7: Torts | A Brief Overview of the Law of Torts | Week 7 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 7 Short Essay (Understanding Elements) |
| 10/12 | Chapter 8: Criminal Law | A Brief Overview of Criminal Law | Week 8 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 8 Short Essay (Understanding Mens Rea) |
| 10/19 | Chapter 9: Criminal Procedure | How Criminal Law is Prosecuted and Defended | Week 9 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 9 Short Essay (The Exclusionary Rule) |
| 10/26 | Chapter 10: Contract Law Chapter 11: Choose ONE Specialized Practice Area to Read About |
Forming and Enforcing Contracts A Specialized Practice Area of Your Choice |
Week 10 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 10 Short Essay (Specialized Practice Areas) |
| 11/2 | Chapter 12: Finding and Interpreting Enacted Law Chapter 13 (A–C): Finding and Interpreting Court Opinions |
How to Locate and Understand Statutes and Judicial Opinions | Week 11 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 11 Short Essay (IRAC) |
| 11/9 | Chapter 14: Finding the Law Chapter 15: Applying the Law |
An Overview of the Research Process | Week 12 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 12 Short Essay (A Sample Research Problem) |
| 11/16 | Chapter 16: Interviewing | Communicating with Clients | Week 13 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 13 Short Essay (A Potential Client) |
| 11/23 | Chapter 17: Evidence and Investigations | Understanding Types of Evidence and How to Find Them | Week 14 Multiple Choice Quiz Week 14 Short Essay (Circumstantial Evidence) |
| 11/30 | Review Course Materials for Final Exam | Final | Final Exam |
| 12/7 | None! | Reflecting on the Course Materials & Your Future Career | Week 16 Short Essay (Where Do We Go from Here?) |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.