Course Description

Course Title: Employment Law
Course Number: PA 2208
Credits: 2 semester credits
Prerequisites: PA  1102 - Introduction to Law and Contracts
Recommendations: This course requires the knowledge of legal analysis, the ability to do light legal research based on directions provided by the instructor, and the aptitude to learn how to draft pleadings or legal documents.
Catalog Description: Provides an overview of the state and federal rules and regulations that govern the employment relationship. The topics of employment at-will shall be addressed, along with exceptions to the at-will doctrine. The course will also address the creation of implied employment contracts, wrongful discharge, employee privacy interests, and wage and hour regulations. Discrimination and sexual harassment will also be discussed with an emphasis on the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Recent legislative developments in the employment law arena will also be reviewed.
Outcomes: Students will be able to:
  • Summarize, apply and analyze significant legal issues arising out of the employment relationship including terms and conditions of employment, discharge, and employment-at-will.
  • Explain and interpret the general concepts of the legal issues of sexual harassment and discrimination as they relate to the employment relationship.
  • Demonstrate and illustrate a general understanding of the hiring and information gathering processes.
  • Recall, interpret and analyze the rules of client confidentiality and ethical considerations as they relate to employees and employers.
Topics Covered:
  1. Introductory Material (5 Hours)
  2. Hiring (6.5 Hours)
  3. Negligent Hiring/Negligent Retention
    (3 Hours)
  4. Terms of Employment (6.5 Hours)
  5. Implied Contracts (3 Hours)
  6. Sexual Harassment (3 Hours)
  7. Termination of the Employment Relationship (3 Hours)
  8. Other Significant Issues Effecting Employment Law (2 Hours)

Total Semester Hours: 32.0 Hours

Course Objectives: Topics include significant legal issues arising out of the employment relationships and introduction to the laws and practices affecting employees and employers as well as labor unions.
Outcomes Measures: The student may take exam(s), and may be graded on class participation and written assignments. Extra credit may be possible but not required. The final grade will be a letter grade (A-F).

< back