CALIFORNIA STATE
UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

International Law for Business
(Mgmt 346)
Section 20579
Course Syllabus for Fall 2016

MIHAYLO COLLEGE OF
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

Professor Carl Pentis

DEPARTMENT OF
MANAGEMENT

Office: SGMH 5385
Law Office telephone: (714)385-9682
Cell (text or call me!): (310)594-0869
Office hours: Tuesday, Thursday 5:00-5:30 pm; and by appointment

School Office e-mail: cpentis@fullerton.edu Law Firm e-mail:carlpentis@gmail.com
Law Firm fax: (714) 385-9682
Class day, hours and location: Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.; SGMH
1109

Course Description From the CSUF Catalog
Prerequisite: Management 246 or equivalent.
Textbook and Other Course Materials
The course text is International Business Law and its Environment, by Schaffer, Agusti,
Dhooge, Cengagge Learning, (9th ed. 2015). This can be an expensive textbook so you should consider purchasing the eBook at the Titan Bookstore.
Also, I will provide links to PowerPoint presentations and other select added course materials on the course website.
Course Mechanics and Procedures
Open-Door Policy. My policy has always been “open-door.” Therefore, you should not hesitate to contact me in person or by e-mail1 or telephone.
Reading. We will cover many chapters from the text during the semester. Course readings will include chapters from the text plus the assigned cases cited below. Bring your text to all class sessions since we will refer to it frequently.
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Please be advised that e-mails may contain confidential information such as grades.
Therefore, consider whether other people (e.g., family members or employers) have access to your e-mail address before transmitting or requesting confidential information in an e-mail.
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Teaching Methods and Typical Class Sessions. The teaching methods will be lecture using the Socratic method and analysis of case studies, also using the Socratic method.
It is my policy that you attend and be prepared for each class session. Reading and outlining the text is important, but regular class attendance and participation will enhance and clarify the material presented in the text. On a more tangible level, class attendance and case briefing participation will be part of your course grade. Also, case studies and examples discussed in class often become inspiration for exam questions.
The typical class session will consist of review of and questions about previouslycovered material, lecture as to new material, small group discussions regarding the case studies in the text, and concluding questions and remarks.
Academic Dishonesty. “Academic dishonesty includes such things as cheating, inventing false information or citations, plagiarism, and helping someone else commit an act of academic dishonesty. It usually involves an attempt by a student to show possession of a level of knowledge or skill which he or she does not possess” (CSUF
Catalog, page 73). For a more complete discussion of academic dishonesty in general and terms such as “cheating” and “plagiarism” in particular as well as consequences for academic dishonesty, please refer to the CSUF Catalog, pages 73-74 and 77. In accordance with the matters set forth therein, it is my rule to award a score of zero for any violation, and I reserve the right to report any violation to the appropriate CSUF administrator(s). Study Guides. The PowerPoint presentations used in my classes can serve as study guides as well as outlines for taking notes during lectures.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices. Please turn off all cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices during class. (Note that “off” does not include “vibrate.”)
No one needs to talk on the phone or receive/send a text message during class.
Penalties for violation of this admonition include confiscation, humiliation and deduction of attendance/participation points. Additionally, while the use of laptop computers is permitted during class, I reserve the right to revoke this permission at any time.
Arriving to Class Late or Leaving Class Early. While also not advisable, it is better to attend part of a class than to miss class entirely. Please be quiet and courteous if you arrive late or leave early. If possible, please provide advance notice of a late arrival or early departure.
E-mail. I plan to send group e-mails to all students enrolled in this class from time to time during the semester. Therefore, please check your CSUF e-mail account regularly so you do not miss important announcements which might involve procedural issues such as class cancellation or substantive issues such as changes in the course curriculum/requirements. Legal Advice. Please direct all of your personal legal inquiries to an attorney of your choice (not me) or the College Legal Clinic, which can be contacted at (657) 278-5850.
Also, I can provide referrals in the areas of business law and family law.
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Make-up Exams. Any professor reserves the right to give – or not give – a make-up exam at his or her discretion. I believe that a make-up exam should be given if the student has some kind of good cause for not being able to take any exam according to the exam schedule set forth in this syllabus. Examples of good cause can include a previously-scheduled commitment (school-related or not), a medical issue, or an unanticipated bad event (such as a recent death in the family or a vehicular accident just before the exam). The need for a make-up exam should be communicated to me in person, by telephone or by e-mail at your earliest opportunity. Examples of situations that are not good cause can include oversleeping, having another exam on the same day, or your decision (usually not communicated until after the exam) to participate in another activity where your participation may be preferable (to you at least) and perhaps even laudatory. A make-up exam must be arranged prior to the regularly-scheduled exam except when it would not be practical to do so. It will be your responsibility to contact me to schedule a make-up exam. As a general rule, the earlier you communicate your request for a make-up exam to me, the more lenient I am about the good cause requirement. On the other hand, last-minute or after-the-fact requests will be viewed with suspicion and therefore the good cause requirement will be strictly enforced. Make-up exams (and acceptance of late homework) will be given only upon a showing of good cause (e.g., an verified emergency or a previously-scheduled, previously approved by the instructor, unavoidable critical conflict). However, NO make-up final exam will be given except for reason of illness or other verified qualifying emergency. In the event of a previously scheduled, instructor approved, unavoidable critical conflict, it will be your responsibility to contact me to schedule a make-up exam, prior to your approved absence from class exam. Simply not showing up to class for the exam does not entitle to you a make-up exam. In the event of an emergency, it will be your responsibility to contact me to schedule a makeup exam prior to your return to class. If a make-up exam is allowed, the make-up exams will likely be taken at the CSUF Department of Management office during the Dept. of Management
Office hours (you must start the make-up exam at least 1 ½ hours before the office closes). If the make-up exam is allowed, it must be on or before your return to class after your absence. This policy is necessary to ensure that students have the same approximate amount of time to prepare for exams, and not benefit through the delaying of an exam for non emergency/critical reasons.
This helps keep the exam playing field even. Be prepared to provide written documentation to support your emergency or unavoidable critical conflict. Late homework is only accepted within
2 class nights of the original due date, and must be submitted no later than the night of the exam for which the late homework chapter is being tested. You can receive up to 3 out of the 5 points for late homework.
Course Grading
Your course grade will be determined as follows:
Exams. There will be three exams (the third test is the final) which will each be comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions (4 points each) and one essay question (40 points), with the tests each worth 200 points each. (use Scantron Form No. 882-E and paper I will provide). All exams will be completed in one hour and 15 minutes. The
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multiple choice questions come from the assigned chapters in the textbook, chapter power points, handouts, and cases identified in the assigned chapters or assigned by me. The essay questions are based on the cases assigned for briefing.
Homework Assignments: due the start of class for the chapter(s) and cases assigned for that night’s class
Chapter Outlines: Please read and prepare a typewritten outline (for the purpose of you being able to study from it) for each of the 21 assigned chapters. The outline should be in complete thoughts, not just bullet points-you can’t study from bullet points! Your outline of a chapter will likely be 2 to 3 pages.
Case Briefs for the Chapter Cases: You do not outline the assigned cases within chapter one, but rather, you prepare a case brief. Attached to this first day assignment, is information “An introduction to legal research,” “how to brief a case using the IRAC method” (Issue, Rule,
Analysis and Conclusion) required elements of your case brief which has been prepared for you, and “How to Cite a Case.”. The IRAC attachment is the format you will follow to brief each case; and how to cite a case. Learning how to brief a law case is something you will learn over the first 3 to 4 sessions of this class….so….just give it your effort in advance of the first class…and you will learn more how to do briefing during the class (as you will be volunteering to brief the cases during class to earn credits…of course I will “assist” you in the process. Each case brief should be concise, but separately cover the IRAC elements. Make sure you properly cite the case on your brief and have its abbreviated title on the brief. ! The case briefs are to be type written, or you may “book brief” the case by making a copy of the case from the text book and then carefully select language from the case for each of the 4 categories- sometimes you will also need to make a handwritten note on the book brief when the case language does not use the language you need- like for the issue. The book brief is a secondary, alternative method, with the primary method being the typewritten brief. If you use the book brief method, you would need to turn in a copy of your complete homework at the start of class for later grading, and you would have your original homework with the case briefs with you to use during class (so you need an original-to keep, and copy- to turn into me at the start of class!)
Additional First Night Assignments: Read the Socratic teaching method, casebook method, and law school outlines attachment, and prepare a one paragraph typewritten summary for each of the three topics (Total of 5 points possible.). Also, read the attachment “What is the Uniform
Commercial Code” and likewise prepare a two paragraph summary (This is worth up to 5 points.) Summary of Grading Components and Scale. Whole grades only; no plus or minus. I further reserve the right to adjust the grading scale in order to comply with Department grading standards.
Exams (3X200)
Ch. Outlines & Briefs(21X5)
Class Oral Case Briefs
1st nite Socratic,casebook,outline
1st nite UCC summary
Term research report
Total
Mgmt 346—Syllabus—Spring 2016

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105
15
5
5
30
760

A
B
C
D
F

4

90-100%
80-89.99%
70-79.99%
60-69.99%
0-59.99%

A Final Note About Grades. I realize that everyone wants a “good” grade, which can range from “I need an A in this class or I will be disowned/divorced/deported” to “I just want a C so I can get my degree.” There is no secret formula when it comes to earning a good grade. You earn your course grade. Therefore, you need to put in the work in this class on a consistent basis. If you are concerned about your grade at any time, please contact me. Do not wait until the end of the semester to advocate for a better grade. Finally, please do not request that I change or “reconsider” your grade due to personal hardship; eligibility for graduation, academic honors or programs, athletics, financial aid, or continued enrollment in school; immigration status; how hard you think you worked; or any other reason not directly related to your performance with respect to the above-described class requirements.
Course Objectives
Coverage of Selected International Law Topics. The course will review a number of international law topics that will be interesting as academic exercises as well as useful in the “real world.” We will focus on case studies in the textbook and examples provided in class.
In-Depth Legal Analysis. This course will require in-depth analysis of legal materials such as constitutions, cases and statutes. It is crucial to read these materials yourself in order to fully understand the topics presented – and to earn a good grade – in this class. Exam Appeals
You have a limited time for the exams. Exams will be collected and then you will have the opportunity to self grade multiple choice answers you noted on the actual exam papers (I collect the scantron cards). The multiple choice Exam papers made available during class for your review must be returned to me during class once the review period is concluded. You will have a 10 minute opportunity to prepare 2 short appeals (actually a writ for review) of multiple choice exam answers (why your answer is the best answer, and why the author’s answer is wrong.)
There is no talking or sharing of information during the exam appeal process. You may earn up to 4 points for each of the 2 appeals for each exam; however there is no appeal for the final exam due to limited time. The appeal process is only available at the time the class is scheduled to takes the exam. There is no appeal process on a makeup exam nor for the final (the appeal/writ is discretionary, and not a right). You also must return, during class, the test questions as well as the graded scantron card. Failure to follow this policy may result in a zero for your test score.
I review your appeals to provide you credit for educated arguments why you missed the question, or why you believe your answer was correct (although marked wrong.) I also use your comments to evaluate the test questions.
Exam Rules:
1. No electronic devices are allowed.
2. Cover and turn over your scantron card and any other testing material when you are not
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working on it so that no one is tempted to copy your answers.
3. Do not exchange tests materials with another student; ask me about any test material problems you have.
4. Do not talk during the exam, and especially, do not talk to other students. If you have any questions, please ask me!
5. Make sure at least 1 empty seat is between you and any other person taking the exam.
6. Do no talk during the appeal process; it is part of the testing process.
Assessment Activities
The programs offered in Mihaylo College of Business and Economics (MCBE) at Cal State
Fullerton are designed to provide every student with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in business. Since assessment plays a vital role in Mihaylo College’s drive to offer the best, several assessment tools are implemented to constantly evaluate or program as well as our students’ progress. Students, faculty, and staff should expect to participate in MCBE assessment activities. In doing so, Mihaylo College is able to measure its strengths and weaknesses, and continue to cultivate a climate of excellence in its students and programs.
CSUF and Special Policies:
Students with Disabilities
The University requires students with disabilities to register with the Office of Disabled Student
Services (DSS), located in UH-101 and at (657) 278 – 3117, in order to receive prescribed accommodations appropriate to their disability. Students requesting accommodations should inform the instructor during the first week of classes about any disability or special needs that may require specific arrangements/accommodations related to attending class sessions, completing course assignments, writing papers or quizzes/tests/examinations.
Additional information about the services provided by DSS to students, and the consultation and assistance available to faculty in making accommodations, may be found at: www.fullerton.edu/disabledservices/FSHBContents.htm Additional Resources
In addition to the legal research issues that are presented in the text, as well as class,
Students have access to LexisNexis.® Lexi-Nexis® is available through the Pollak Library’s home page. Students are encouraged to use this valuable resource. A link to the Pollak Library is available at www.fullerton.edu.
TERM REPORT/RESEARCH PAPER (30 points)
The required legal research topic for the research paper is: "YET TO BE DETERMINED….”, and then write a paper discussing and answering the above question. This is a legal research and analysis report. You must cite, discuss and apply at least 6 cases not presented in the text or case book on each side of the issue. You are also to cite 6 statutes (or portions of statutes) on
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each side of the issue. Grades higher than a C are earned with more and relevant research, with well organized and explained arguments. You may not cite cases which you have been assigned to brief as part of the homework assignments. Do not cite our text book or any other text book.
However you may cite and apply statutes covered in our text books and cases. You must properly cite the cases (by caption and citation) and statutes. Each improper citation is a 1 point deduction. Internet citations receive NO credit. If you need assistance researching, you should contact the research librarians for assistance.
The report is not a collection of case briefs; rather it should be written in the form of a legal opinion which examines law from both sides of the issue, and then comes to a conclusion.
Consider printing out and reading the entire Norman Bloodshaw v. Lawrence Berkeley
Laboratory (1997) 135 F.3d 1260 case, and look at sections III and IV (in the complete case version) for a successful writing style example. The research papers must be not less than four
(4) pages, double-spaced, and no more than 6 pages. Papers submitted outside the page authorization will receive at least 1 grade reduction; do not submit more than 6 pages nor less than 4 pages. Write effectively! You MUST provide a table of authorities (which is not included within the page number restrictions) listing the caption and citation for each case cited
(using the primary citation) in alphabetical order, and in a separate following section, list the statutes you cited with the statute name and primary citation.
A hard copy of the term paper is due no later than the date of the second to last regularly scheduled class.
The further following rules apply to the research term paper:
1. Writing ability, including analysis, vocabulary, grammar and spelling will affect your grade. 2. The paper must be of a quality that is expected in an M.B.A. program, logical, organized, and analytical.
3. Use spell- and grammar-check, and properly apply.
4. The term paper must have consistent and proper INTERNAL citations. NO
FOOTNOTES! Papers that simply paraphrase existing material will receive reduced or no credit. Students must be thoroughly familiar with CSUF’s website, “Student
Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism: How to Write an Effective Research Paper.” This document may be found at “http:www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents” under “Judicial
Affairs.” The use of plagiarized material by a student is a serious offense that may result in a lower grade or even a failing grade for the course.
5. The library provides helpful information. Please go the library’s home page and look under “Research Guides” and “Reference and Instruction.”
6. Do not cite a textbook, either ours or another. You may cite journals (if you are not certain about a particular journal, please ask me). Note: The Wall Street Journal is a newspaper and NOT a journal. The primary citations are statutes and reportable cases.
Grading Rubric (30 points possible)
The Business Writing Program’s C-L-A-S-S Evaluation Chart will be used to evaluate the term paper. In addition to that, the following rules will apply: An “A” term paper is well-written, concise, thoroughly proofed and thoughtful with a minimum of copied material and a significant amount of original student thought; the student complied with all of the requirements noted above in the “Research Paper” section.
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A “B” term paper fails to comply with one of the above-noted rules.
A “C” term paper fails to comply with two of the above-noted rules.
A “D” term paper fails to comply with three of the above-noted rules.
An “F” term paper fails to comply with four of the above-noted rules.
NOTE: A term paper that is not timely submitted may receive an entire grade reduction unless it is subject to the makeup exam exception.

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Schedule for Commercial Law: Mgmt: 346
Date
1.January 26

2.February 2
3.February 9
4.February 16
5.February 23
6.March 1
7. March 8
8. March 15
9.March 22
10.March 28
11.April 5
12.April 12
13.April 19
14.April 26
15.May 3
16.May 10
17.May 16

Class Subject Matter (Reading Assignment)
Tues: Introduction to International Business (Chapter 1);
Brief Talbert, Russian, Dayan, Union Carbide,
Transatlantic, Gaskin, Bernia, and DIP
Thur: International Law and the World’s Legal System
(Chapter 2) Cases: Ventress pg. 32, Paquette pg. 33,
Campbell pg. 40
Tues: Chapter 2 Rest of the Cases to be Determined
Thur: Chapter 3
Tues: Chapter 4
Thur: Chapter 4
Tues: Chapter 5
Thur: Chapter 6
Tues: Chapter 7
Thur: Test 1 (chapters 1-7)
Tues: Chapter 8
Thur: Chapter 9
Tues: Chapter 10
Thur: Chapter 10
Tues: Chapter 11
Thur: Chapter 12
Tues: Chapter 13
Thur: Chapter 14
Spring Recess – No Classes
Tues: Chapter 15
Thur: Test 2 Chapters 8-14
Tues: Chapter 16
Thur: Chapter 17
Tues: Chapter 18
Thur: Chapter 18
Tues: Chapter 19
Thur: Chapter 19
Tues: Chapter 20
Thur: Chapter 20
Tues: Chapter 21
Thur: Chapter 22
Final’s week; final exam according to CSUF schedule

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