CCOG for PL 295 archive revision 202103

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Effective Term:
Summer 2021 through Fall 2022

Course Number:
PL 295
Course Title:
Paralegal Capstone
Credit Hours:
2
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Explores topics related to the completion of the Paralegal degree or certificate. Includes reflecting upon and synthesizing skills and knowledge gained in the Paralegal program, assessing professional readiness, developing a job search strategy, defining future educational goals and strategies, and demonstrating professional competence through assessment. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Designed for students in their final term in the Paralegal AAS Degree or Certificate Programs. Topics covered in this course include portfolio and writing sample creation, presentation and review. This course provides students with the opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate their knowledge of ethics, legal principles, and the technical skills necessary for entry-level employment as a paralegal.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Discuss with specificity one's strengths in knowledge of the law and legal procedure.
  2. Demonstrate interpersonal, written and oral communication skills necessary for the law office environment.
  3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic legal principles necessary for an entry-level position in a law office.
  4. Prepare and revise professional application materials and a career development or continuing education plan.

Aspirational Goals

Students shall build confidence by identifying and describing what they have learned and develop the skills to communicate effectively about their knowledge.

Course Activities and Design

Flexible dependent on needs of student population and preferred teaching style of instructor, but may include reading assignments; videos; lectures; guest speakers; small group projects and discussions; objective assessments; and preparation of a comprehensive reflection and portfolio.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies may include: written assignments; small group projects; preparation and presentation of reflection and portfolio; and other projects.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes, Concepts & Issues

Reflecting on learning and career readiness.

Demonstrating acquired skills and competencies.

Developing professional identity and confidence.

Assessing readiness for job searching and entry-level positions.

Lifelong learning.

Competencies & Skills

  1. Discuss with specificity the one's strengths in knowledge of the law and legal procedure.
  2. Demonstrate, through class and small group discussion, and presentation of the portfolio, the oral communication and interpersonal skills necessary for the law office environment.
  3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic legal principles necessary for an entry-level position in a law office.
  4. Demonstrate proficient grammar and written communication skills through work samples and a portfolio.
  5. Prepare and revise a career development or continuing education plan, and professional application materials.

Approved Texts

Choice of texts is at the discretion of each course instructor.

Related Instruction

Communication
Hours: 20

  • Demonstrate interpersonal, written and oral communication skills necessary for the law office environment.
  • Prepare and revise professional application materials and a career development or continuing education plan.

Participation in small group projects and discussions, and preparation and presentation of a comprehensive reflection and portfolio.

Human Relations
Hours: 5

Demonstrate interpersonal, written and oral communication skills necessary for the law office environment.

Activities

Participation in small group projects and discussions, and preparation and presentation of a comprehensive reflection and portfolio. 

Concepts

Interpersonal communication informed by knowledge of the audience.

Recognition of one's own cultural identity and its implications for legal work and communication.

Skills

Recognizing and addressing bias in the legal workplace