The Business Law and Ethics Department offers two undergraduate minors:
The Legal Studies minor provides insight into the study of law and complements majors in both the Business School and the College of Arts and Sciences. It contributes to a comprehensive pre-law experience and is valuable to students who intend to go to Law School.
The Real Estate minor is for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in real estate, real estate development, or working for a larger firm that owns and manages multiple properties. Real Estate courses teach the importance of real estate in the business model and the implementation of development and the importance of physical real estate assets.
Students may also take Business Law and Ethics courses as electives. Our courses cut across traditional disciplinary lines by examining the theory, content, and practice of the modern legal system in both domestic and international settings. Law is addressed in a historical and evolutionary context and as a key linkage in a market economy between various social and ethical demands on businesses and government responses in order to maintain harmony, justice, and predictability in the social order. Students gain a broader and more comprehensive appreciation of how the commercial system functions in the United States and other countries, while enriching their understanding of other business disciplines.
Business Ethics courses teach students to identify and analyze moral dilemmas and raise awareness of the complex ethical issues that affect the many facets of global business in today's world.
Select three of the following courses in addition to completion of BLE 214 Principles of Business Law:
BLE 214
3.00
The formation, strategic use, and financial implications of alternative forms of business organization, namely partnerships, corporations, trusts, subchapter corporations, and the new limited liability hybrids.
BLE-214
3.00
A study of the key elements of modern commercial law related to carrying on a successful business enterprise including sales of goods, employment law, financing, security, and insurance transactions.
Offered Fall Term
B.LW 214 OR BLE 214
3.00
This course surveys the global legal environment of business. Emphasis is on case analysis of topics such as sovereignty, extraterritoriality, treaties, international contracts, arbitration, and the European Union. The managerial and economic significance of these topics is explored.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Approval of Dept Chair or Dean
3.00
Independent study allows students to expand their classroom experience by completing research in an area of interest not already covered by Suffolk courses. The student designs a unique project and finds a full-time faculty member with expertise in that topic who agrees to sponsor it and provide feedback as the proposal is refined. A well designed and executed research project broadens and/or deepens learning in a major or minor area of study and may also enhance a students marketability to potential future employers. Students cannot register for an Independent Study until a full proposal is approved by the faculty sponsor, department chair, and academic dean. Many Independent study proposals require revisions before approval is granted; even with revisions independent study approval is NOT guaranteed. Students are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal in enough time to register for a different course if the proposal is not accepted. For complete instructions, see the SBS Independent/Directed Study Agreement and Proposal form available online.
3.00
The special topic content and objective will be announced as the course is scheduled.
Select 3 of the following courses in addition to completion of SBS 101 Business Foundations and BLE-214 Principles of Business Law:
3.00
Business ethics is applied ethics. This course deals with the roles and responsibilities of business in a global society; teaches models of ethical decision-making that incorporate multiple points of view, including diverse cultural worldviews and legal perspectives; and addresses those factors that contribute to and constrain ethical behavior in and by organizations. Students will then apply these concepts to current business problems, such as anti-trust, accounting fraud, deceptive advertising, and environmental dumping.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
BLE 214
3.00
The formation, strategic use, and financial implications of alternative forms of business organization, namely partnerships, corporations, trusts, subchapter corporations, and the new limited liability hybrids.
BLE-214
3.00
A study of the key elements of modern commercial law related to carrying on a successful business enterprise including sales of goods, employment law, financing, security, and insurance transactions.
Offered Fall Term
B.LW 214 OR BLE 214
3.00
This course surveys the global legal environment of business. Emphasis is on case analysis of topics such as sovereignty, extraterritoriality, treaties, international contracts, arbitration, and the European Union. The managerial and economic significance of these topics is explored.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Take BLE-214
3.00
This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the concepts and principles of real estate. The class will allow students to understand the key components of each major real estate asset class (including residential, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality, properties etc.). Students will also understand the full range of professional players in the industry and what roles they play (brokers, contractors, developers, appraisers, lenders, lawyers, architect, etc.). We will teach the basic elements of a Development Pro-forma Budget, an Operating Pro-forma Budget, and a Sources and Uses Statement? as we learn about some of the essential financial schedules. We begin our discussion with a case that will teach you how to get started and to explore the considerations and tradeoffs in evaluating a specific real estate transaction. The course format utilizes the text, case work, selected web based data sources, selected readings and field trips. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the practical application of the concepts taught, the use of current examples from the industry and todays marketplace.
Offered Fall Term
BLE-214;
3.00
The students will explore the role of local, state and federal policy development in the real estate industry. Students will build fundamentals and explore the development process by investigating zoning, project review committees, community benefit packages, historic preservation concepts, environmental reviews, etc. We will specifically focus on the art of securing public approval for a broad range of real estate projects.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
The special topic content and objective will be announced as the course is scheduled.
Complete these three courses after completing BLE-214 Principles of Business Law:
Take BLE-214
3.00
This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the concepts and principles of real estate. The class will allow students to understand the key components of each major real estate asset class (including residential, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality, properties etc.). Students will also understand the full range of professional players in the industry and what roles they play (brokers, contractors, developers, appraisers, lenders, lawyers, architect, etc.). We will teach the basic elements of a Development Pro-forma Budget, an Operating Pro-forma Budget, and a Sources and Uses Statement? as we learn about some of the essential financial schedules. We begin our discussion with a case that will teach you how to get started and to explore the considerations and tradeoffs in evaluating a specific real estate transaction. The course format utilizes the text, case work, selected web based data sources, selected readings and field trips. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the practical application of the concepts taught, the use of current examples from the industry and todays marketplace.
Offered Fall Term
BLE-214;
3.00
The students will explore the role of local, state and federal policy development in the real estate industry. Students will build fundamentals and explore the development process by investigating zoning, project review committees, community benefit packages, historic preservation concepts, environmental reviews, etc. We will specifically focus on the art of securing public approval for a broad range of real estate projects.
Offered Spring Term
FIN-310
3.00
This course focuses primarily on real estate investment and many different approaches are discussed. The course examines related areas of law, finance, insurance, taxation, appraisal and brokerage.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Any real estate special topics or independent study course may also count. Students should speak to their Real Estate Minor advisor in the department for further information.
In general, College of Arts and Science students may only undertake a business minor when they have achieved junior standing and have completed SBS 101 Business Foundations. Some of the courses below, however, may be completed in the sophomore year. See individual course descriptions for prerequisites.
Required courses for CAS students:
3.00
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in business, including functional areas, the life cycle, competition, stakeholders and ethical considerations. Students develop critical thinking by learning and using a problem solving process through a business situation analysis model to analyze various situations that confront managers and founders of small, medium, and large organizations. Students will also develop tools for analysis, allowing them to critically view business in a new and thoughtful way. The class culminates with student- teams presenting a detailed analysis and recommendations to a panel of executives and persuading them that the recommended strategy is not only feasible, but also practical for the stakeholders involved.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
3.00
An introduction to the field of business law including an overview of the organization and operation of the American legal system, including the court system and legal procedure, together with brief coverage of selected business law topics such as contracts, torts, criminal law,and agency principles. Particular attention is given to the ways in which business law manifests important social and ethical precepts.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Take BLE-214
3.00
This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the concepts and principles of real estate. The class will allow students to understand the key components of each major real estate asset class (including residential, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality, properties etc.). Students will also understand the full range of professional players in the industry and what roles they play (brokers, contractors, developers, appraisers, lenders, lawyers, architect, etc.). We will teach the basic elements of a Development Pro-forma Budget, an Operating Pro-forma Budget, and a Sources and Uses Statement? as we learn about some of the essential financial schedules. We begin our discussion with a case that will teach you how to get started and to explore the considerations and tradeoffs in evaluating a specific real estate transaction. The course format utilizes the text, case work, selected web based data sources, selected readings and field trips. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the practical application of the concepts taught, the use of current examples from the industry and todays marketplace.
Offered Fall Term
BLE-214;
3.00
The students will explore the role of local, state and federal policy development in the real estate industry. Students will build fundamentals and explore the development process by investigating zoning, project review committees, community benefit packages, historic preservation concepts, environmental reviews, etc. We will specifically focus on the art of securing public approval for a broad range of real estate projects.
Offered Spring Term
Take one elective course from the following list:
Take ENG-101 or ENG-103;
3.00
As part of the core curriculum for the BSBA, this course provides a comprehensive, innovative, managerial, and practical introduction to marketing. Students will learn and apply basic concepts and practices of modern marketing as used in a wide variety of settings. Technological advances, rapid globalization, economic shifts and cultural and environmental developments are causing profound changes in the marketplace. As the marketplace changes, so must the marketers who serve it. These new developments signify a brand new world of opportunities for forward thinking marketers. In response to these new developments, the focus of this course is on four major themes that go to the heart of modern marketing theory and practice: 1. Building and managing profitable customer relationships; 2. Building and managing strong brands; 3. Harnessing new marketing technologies in this digital age; and 4. Marketing in a socially responsible way around the globe.
MGT 317 and Junior Standing
3.00
This course is premised on the fact that whereas a manager needs analytical skills to discover optimal solutions to business problems, a broad array of negotiation skills is needed to implement these solutions. This experiential course is designed to improve your skills in all phases of negotiation: understanding prescriptive and descriptive negotiation theory as it applies to dyadic and multiparty negotiations, to buyer-seller transactions and the resolution of disputes, to the development of negotiation strategy, and to the management of integrative and distributive aspects of the negotiation process. The course is based on a series of simulated negotiations in a variety of contexts including one-on-one, multi-party, cross-cultural, third-party and team negotiations. Please note that given the experiential nature of the course, attendance is mandatory and will be strictly enforced beginning from the first class session.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
3.00
This highly interactive and experiential course will help you to develop your creative skills for business and life success. Corporate leaders consider creativity [1] to be an essential skill. However, according to a recent Conference Board study [2], college graduates lack the creativity and innovation skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The Council on Competitiveness warns that companies that do not embrace innovation (and creativity) as a core business value will fall to global competition.[3] We will discuss meaning of life issues that will serve to clarify your thinking and help you align your values and belief-systems with what you do on a daily basis at work and throughout your life. A substantial body of evidence indicates that people tend to be more creative when working on projects that interest them, and most creative when passionately immersed in their endeavors. We will focus on enhancing creativity in the workplace to achieve defined organizational needs, to add economic value to the organization, and to create social value as well. We will also focus on helping you to understand and apply a wide array of creative processes and tools to develop your creative competencies and skills. We will use breakout groups, role plays, experiential exercises, and discussions to facilitate your learning. This course is an invitation to you to explore and define what you want to create in your life. [1] The Conference Board defines creativity/innovation as the ability to demonstrate originality, inventiveness in work, communicate new ideas to others, and integrate knowledge across disciplines. [2] Are They Ready To Work: Employers Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge and Applied Skills of New Entrants to the 21st Century Workforce. 2006. [3] Innovate America: Thriving in a World of Challenge and Change. July, 2004. National Innovation Initiative, Council on Competitiveness.
Summer
FIN-310
3.00
This course focuses primarily on real estate investment and many different approaches are discussed. The course examines related areas of law, finance, insurance, taxation, appraisal and brokerage.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Any real estate special topics or independent study course may also count. Students may also contact the Business Law and Ethics Department to speak to the Real Estate Minor advisor for further information.
3.00
An introduction to the field of business law including an overview of the organization and operation of the American legal system, including the court system and legal procedure, together with brief coverage of selected business law topics such as contracts, torts, criminal law,and agency principles. Particular attention is given to the ways in which business law manifests important social and ethical precepts.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
GPA of 3.2 or above required.
3.00
An introduction to the field of business law including an overview of the organization and operation of the American legal system, including the court system and legal procedure, together with brief coverage of selected business law topics such as contracts as examples of the legal system in practice. Particular attention is given to the ways in which business law manifests important social and ethical precepts.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
Business ethics is applied ethics. This course deals with the roles and responsibilities of business in a global society; teaches models of ethical decision-making that incorporate multiple points of view, including diverse cultural worldviews and legal perspectives; and addresses those factors that contribute to and constrain ethical behavior in and by organizations. Students will then apply these concepts to current business problems, such as anti-trust, accounting fraud, deceptive advertising, and environmental dumping.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
GPA of 3.2 or above required.
3.00
Business ethics is applied ethics. This course deals with the roles and responsibilities of business in a global society; teaches models of ethical decision-making that incorporate multiple points of view, including diverse cultural worldviews and legal perspectives; and addresses those factors that contribute to and constrain ethical behavior in and by organizations. Students will then apply these concepts to current business problems, such as anti-trust, accounting fraud, deceptive advertising, and environmental dumping.
Offered Fall Term
Junior standing or above needed.
1.00
This course teaches students all they have to know about purchasing a residence, starting with finding a home, to financing, inspections, documents, to final ownership conveyance.
Offered Fall Term
BLE 214
3.00
The formation, strategic use, and financial implications of alternative forms of business organization, namely partnerships, corporations, trusts, subchapter corporations, and the new limited liability hybrids.
BLE-214
3.00
A study of the key elements of modern commercial law related to carrying on a successful business enterprise including sales of goods, employment law, financing, security, and insurance transactions.
Offered Fall Term
B.LW 214 OR BLE 214
3.00
This course surveys the global legal environment of business. Emphasis is on case analysis of topics such as sovereignty, extraterritoriality, treaties, international contracts, arbitration, and the European Union. The managerial and economic significance of these topics is explored.
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Take BLE-214
3.00
This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the concepts and principles of real estate. The class will allow students to understand the key components of each major real estate asset class (including residential, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality, properties etc.). Students will also understand the full range of professional players in the industry and what roles they play (brokers, contractors, developers, appraisers, lenders, lawyers, architect, etc.). We will teach the basic elements of a Development Pro-forma Budget, an Operating Pro-forma Budget, and a Sources and Uses Statement? as we learn about some of the essential financial schedules. We begin our discussion with a case that will teach you how to get started and to explore the considerations and tradeoffs in evaluating a specific real estate transaction. The course format utilizes the text, case work, selected web based data sources, selected readings and field trips. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the practical application of the concepts taught, the use of current examples from the industry and todays marketplace.
Offered Fall Term
BLE-214;
3.00
The students will explore the role of local, state and federal policy development in the real estate industry. Students will build fundamentals and explore the development process by investigating zoning, project review committees, community benefit packages, historic preservation concepts, environmental reviews, etc. We will specifically focus on the art of securing public approval for a broad range of real estate projects.
Offered Spring Term
3.00
The course will present an in-depth study of corporate crime and financial fraud using case law and recent major corporate debacles as case studies (i.e.; Enron-publicly traded energy company and Refco-Wall Street commodities trading firm) to explain theories of corporate, managerial, and third party professional criminal liability. These case studies will closely examine the particular financial accounting devices and schemes employed to defraud various stakeholders, the failure of the industry watchdogs to detect the fraudulent schemes, and the regulatory and legislative response aimed at restoring confidence in the marketplace. Other selected topics include: corporate governance, corporate finance, corporate compliance programs, ethical misconduct by outside legal, accounting, investment and banking professionals, Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA),Organizational Sentencing guidelines and a selection of business financial crimes including mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, securities violations, qui tam litigation (whistleblowers) and financial accounting crimes. As an introduction to corporate governance, the course will also provide a basic foundation in the finance, legal and economic principles that define the corporate entity as a business organization such as capitalization, basic tax principles, legal requirements, management structure, financing options and stock issuance.
Approval of Dept Chair or Dean
3.00
Independent study allows students to expand their classroom experience by completing research in an area of interest not already covered by Suffolk courses. The student designs a unique project and finds a full-time faculty member with expertise in that topic who agrees to sponsor it and provide feedback as the proposal is refined. A well designed and executed research project broadens and/or deepens learning in a major or minor area of study and may also enhance a students marketability to potential future employers. Students cannot register for an Independent Study until a full proposal is approved by the faculty sponsor, department chair, and academic dean. Many Independent study proposals require revisions before approval is granted; even with revisions independent study approval is NOT guaranteed. Students are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal in enough time to register for a different course if the proposal is not accepted. For complete instructions, see the SBS Independent/Directed Study Agreement and Proposal form available online.
Approval of Dept Chair or Dean
3.00
This elective course option involves a student initiated written proposal to a willing and appropriate full-time faculty member for a directed study project. Normally this is for three credits and completed during one semester. The faculty member and student, prior to registration, must concur on a written proposal, which includes a reading list and description of requirements for grading of the final project.
3.00
The special topic content and objective will be announced as the course is scheduled.
3.00
The students will explore the role of local,state and federal policy development in the real estate industry. Students will build upon the fundamentals previously learned and explore the development process by investigating zoning,project review committees,community benefit packages,historic preservation concepts,environmental reviews,etc. We will specifically focus on the art of securing public approval for a broad range of real estate projects.
Associate Professors: Blodgett, Eonas (Chair), Segal, Weismann
Assistant Professor: Peterson
Instructor: Buscaglia, McCoy, Melconian
Executive in Residence: Taylor
