Paralegal Technology Degree (A25380)
For a student to be eligible to sit for the North Carolina Certified Paralegal exam,
nine hours of LEX courses must be taken as seated, in-person courses consisting of
live, real-time, or simultaneous broadcast.
Fall Semester 1
| Course |
Class Hours |
Lab Hours |
Clinical Hours |
Credits |
ACA 111 - College Student Success
ACA 111 - College Student Success
This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and
promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities
and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management
issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication.
Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college
environment to meet their educational objectives.
Class: 1.00
Credits: 1.00
|
1.00 |
|
|
1.00 |
-OR- ACA 122 - College Transfer Success
ACA 122 - College Transfer Success
This course provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic
and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include the
CAA, college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior
institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills for
a successful academic transition. Upon completion, students should be able to develop
an academic plan to transition successfully to senior institutions.
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 1.00
|
|
2.00 |
|
1.00 |
LEX 110 - Intro to Paralegal Study
LEX 110 - Intro to Paralegal Study
This course introduces the paralegal profession and the legal system, and an emphasis
is placed on the role of professional and legal ethics. Topics include regulations,
ethics, case analysis, legal reasoning, career opportunities, professional organizations,
terminology and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to
explain the role of a paralegal and identify the skills, knowledge, and ethics required
of paralegals.
Class: 2.00
Credits: 2.00
|
2.00 |
|
|
2.00 |
LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I
LEX 120 - Legal Research/Writing I
This course introduces the techniques of legal research and writing. Emphasis is
placed on locating, analyzing, applying, and updating sources of law; effective legal
writing, including proper citation; and the use of electronic research methods. Upon
completion, students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments
using techniques covered in the course.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I
LEX 140 - Civil Litigation I
This course introduces the structure of the legal system and the rules governing civil
litigation. Topics include jurisdiction state and federal rules of civil procedure
and evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to assist an attorney in pre-litigation
matters and preparation of pleadings and motions.
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
LEX 280 - Ethics & Professionalism
LEX 280 - Ethics & Professionalism
This course reinforces legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in a professional
work environment. Topics include a review of ethics, employment opportunities, and
search techniques; paralegal certification and other related topics. Upon completion,
students should be able to understand the paralegal's role in the ethical practice
of law.
Class: 2.00
Credits: 2.00
|
2.00 |
|
|
2.00 |
LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts
LEX 250 - Wills, Estates, & Trusts
This course covers various types of wills, trusts, probate, estate administration,
and intestacy. Topics include types of wills and execution requirements, caveats and
dissents, intestate succession, inventories and accountings, distribution and settlement,
and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to draft simple
wills, prepare estate forms, understand administration of estates including taxation,
and explain terms regarding trusts.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total: 14 / 14 |
Spring Semester 1
| Course |
Class Hours |
Lab Hours |
Clinical Hours |
Credits |
ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry
ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety
of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis,
effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and
revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent,
well-developed essays using standard written English.
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
LEX 121 - Legal Research/Writing II
LEX 121 - Legal Research/Writing II
This course covers advanced topics in legal research and writing. Topics include
more complex legal issues and assignments involving preparation of legal memos, briefs,
and other documents and the advanced use of electronic research methods. Upon completion,
students should be able to perform legal research and writing assignments using techniques
covered in the course.
Prerequisites: Take LEX-120
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
LEX 141 - Civil Litigation II
LEX 141 - Civil Litigation II
This course covers advanced topics in the civil litigation process. Topics include
motions, discovery, and trial and appellate procedures. Upon completion, students
should be able to assist an attorney in preparing and organizing documents for trial,
settlement and post-trial practice.
Prerequisites: Take LEX-140
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
LEX 240 - Family Law
LEX 240 - Family Law
This course covers laws governing domestic relations. Topics include marriage, separation,
divorce, child custody, support, property division, adoption, domestic violence, and
other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interview clients,
gather information, and draft documents related to family law.
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
LEX 130 - Civil Injuries
LEX 130 - Civil Injuries
This course covers traditional tort concepts and the evolving body of individual rights
created by statute. Topics include intentional and non-intentional torts with emphasis
on negligence, strict liability, civil rights, workplace and environmental liability,
remedies, and damages. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, explain,
and evaluate elements of civil injuries and related defenses.
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total: 15 |
Summer Semester
| Course |
Class Hours |
Lab Hours |
Clinical Hours |
Credits |
MAT 110 - Mathematical Measurement and Literacy
MAT 110 - Mathematical Measurement and Literacy
This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and
mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs.
Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems;
ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics
including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion,
students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve
practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
-OR- MAT 143 - Quantitative Literacy
MAT 143 - Quantitative Literacy
This course is designed to engage students in complex and realistic situations involving
the mathematical phenomena of quantity, change and relationship, and uncertainty through
project- and activity-based assessment. Emphasis is placed on authentic contexts
which will introduce the concepts of numeracy, proportional reasoning, dimensional
analysis, rates of growth, personal finance, consumer statistics, practical probabilities,
and mathematics for citizenship. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize
quantitative information as consumers and to make personal, professional, and civic
decisions by decoding, interpreting, using, and communicating quantitative information
found in modern media and encountered in everyday life.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
CIS 110 - Introduction to Computers
CIS 110 - Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations
of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer
operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students
should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers
and use the computer to solve problems.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total: 6 / 6 |
Fall Semester 2
| Course |
Class Hours |
Lab Hours |
Clinical Hours |
Credits |
ENG 112 - Writing and Research in the Disciplines
ENG 112 - Writing and Research in the Disciplines
This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation
styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas
and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects.
Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from
primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.
Prerequisites: Take ENG-111
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
LEX 150 - Commercial Law
LEX 150 - Commercial Law
This course covers legally enforceable agreements, forms of organization, and selected
portions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Topics include drafting and enforcement
of contracts, leases, and related documents and selection and implementation of business
organization forms, sales, and commercial papers. Upon completion, students should
be able to apply the elements of a contract, prepare various business documents, and
understand the role of commercial paper.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
LEX 210 - Real Property I
LEX 210 - Real Property I
This course introduces the study of real property law. Topics include the distinction
between real and personal property, various estates, mechanics of conveyance and encumbrance,
recordation, special proceedings, and other related topics. Upon completion, students
should be able to identify estates, forms of deeds, requirements for recording, and
procedures to enforce rights to real property.
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
OST 136 - Word Processing
OST 136 - Word Processing
This course is designed to introduce word processing concepts and applications. Topics
include preparation of a variety of documents and mastery of specialized software
functions. Upon completion, students should be able to work effectively in a computerized
word processing environment.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
ACC 115 - College Accounting
ACC 115 - College Accounting
This course introduces basic accounting principles for a business. Topics include
the complete accounting cycle with end-of-period statements, bank reconciliation,
payrolls, and petty cash. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of accounting principles and apply those skills to a business organization.
Class: 3.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 4.00
|
3.00 |
2.00 |
|
4.00 |
-OR- ACC 120 - Principles of Financial Accounting
ACC 120 - Principles of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems.
Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial
information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements,
understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical
considerations.
Class: 3.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 4.00
|
3.00 |
2.00 |
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total: 16 / 16 |
Spring Semester 2
| Course |
Class Hours |
Lab Hours |
Clinical Hours |
Credits |
LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure
LEX 160 - Criminal Law & Procedure
This course introduces substantive criminal law and procedural rights of the accused.
Topics include elements of state/federal crimes, defenses, constitutional issues,
pre-trial and trial process, and other related topics. Upon completion, students
should be able to explain elements of specific crimes and assist an attorney in preparing
a criminal case.
Class: 2.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 3.00
|
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
3.00 |
LEX 214 - Investigation and Trial Preparation
LEX 214 - Investigation and Trial Preparation
This course introduces the fundamentals of investigation. Topics include compiling/assembling
data for cases; investigative planning/information gathering techniques; locating/interviewing
witnesses; collection/preserving/evaluating sufficiency/admissibility of evidence;
preparation of reports; and evidence presentation at depositions/court proceeding.
Upon completion, students should be able to plan/use investigative checklists, understand/demonstrate
investigative techniques, prepare reports, and enhance verbal and interpersonal communications
skills and interviewing techniques.
Class: 1.00
Lab: 4.00
Credits: 3.00
|
1.00 |
4.00 |
|
3.00 |
PHI 240 - Introduction to Ethics
PHI 240 - Introduction to Ethics
This course introduces theories about the nature and foundations of moral judgments
and applications to contemporary moral issues. Emphasis is placed on moral theories
such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Upon completion, students
should be able to apply various ethical theories to moral issues such as abortion,
capital punishment, poverty, war, terrorism, the treatment of animals, and issues
arising from new technologies.
Prerequisites: Take ENG-111
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
LEX 270 - Law Office Management/Technology
LEX 270 - Law Office Management/Technology
This course provides an overview of law office management and organization. Topics
include office forms, filing systems, billing/time keeping, computer systems, calendar
systems, library administration, case management, office/personnel procedures, ethics,
and technology. Upon completion, students should be able to establish and maintain
various law office systems, monitor case progress, and supervise non-lawyer personnel.
Class: 1.00
Lab: 2.00
Credits: 2.00
|
1.00 |
2.00 |
|
2.00 |
POL 120 - American Government
POL 120 - American Government
This course is a study of the origins, development, structure, and functions of American
government. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches
of government including the bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation
and behavior, and policy process. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American
political system.
Class: 3.00
Credits: 3.00
|
3.00 |
|
|
3.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total: 14 |
