Immigration Law Syllabus

Welcome Video: 

https://youtu.be/JxCebxd0RPc  

Instructor: Kim Smith, J.D.
Ticket: PARA 140
Units: 2
Textbook: There is no mandatory textbook. We will discuss several optional textbooks during our first
class.
How to Contact Me: You may contact me through Canvas e-mail; e-mail me directly at
smith_kim@sac.edu; or text me at (714) 686-4853.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history, public policy and federal supremacy in immigration
law. The assessment method will be exam, or quiz.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the immigration/visa categories. The assessment method will
be a class presentation by students.

Canvas: In addition to the lecture and assignments in the classroom, assignments, documents and
information for the class must be accessed through the LMS at
https://rsccd.instructure.com/login/ldap You may access this website from home, the library or the
student labs at SAC. When you are officially enrolled in the class you will have access to the LMS
class webpage. You are expected to monitor the LMS and complete all posted assignments in a timely
manner when posted.

YouTube: There is a YouTube page with video related to this class. Please access it in one of the
following ways and review the video:
• http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqGEMQus_mIhUbO-d3WRfHF24gfLFemLA
 Search YouTube: “Kim Smith Immigration Law”
Quizlet: Lexicon specific to this class, and the paralegal profession, has been collected into a set of
flashcards available through Quizlet. You are responsible for knowing the terminology. Please
access Quizlet in one of the following ways:
• https://quizlet.com/join/qxHKCMugP

GRADING/ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Grades are based on points accumulated in the areas of attendance, assignments, presentations, two
quizzes and a final. The point values are listed in the LMS. Your semester grade will be based on what
percentage of total points you earned as compared to the total points that were offered. Extra Credit
may be offered.

GRADING RATIONALE/GRADING POLICY: The grading scale is as follows:
90% and above = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 59% = F

ASSESSMENTS: Quizzes and the Final Exam will consist of a combination of true-false, multiple-choice,
and essay questions.

HOMEWORK: Weekly homework will be posted on the LMS. Please turn the homework in during the
following class or as indicated by the instructor. If you miss a class, please bring homework to the
following class. Points may be deducted from late assignments.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Your attendance is expected at every class. You should sign in upon entering
the classroom. If you are late to class, you will not be able to sign in. You may be dropped from this
class after two absences.
It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from a course. However, because of enrollment
demand, a student may be dropped by the instructor when not appearing at the first class meeting. A
student may be dropped for excessive absences when the total hours of absences exceed 10% of the
total, scheduled hours of the class. Under extenuating circumstances, a student may be reinstated by
the instructor.

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENT/EXAM POLICY: Students must turn in homework and take
exams during the times expected; nevertheless extenuating circumstances and supporting
documentation can be submitted to the instructor and I will consider allowing a student to make up and
assignment or exam.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: A student with a disability, who would like to
request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying himself/herself to the instructor and
to the Disable Student Programs and Services (DSPS). To make arrangements for academic
accommodations, contact the Physical Disability Center in Johnson Center, U-103, or phone (714) 564-
6264, TTY (714) 564-6284 for a referral to the appropriate DSPS Department. If you would like more
information, visit http://sac.edu/StudentServices/DSPS
CONFERENCE: Students wishing to meet with me should arrange a time to do so. I can usually be found
in the classroom at least one half hour prior to class. I welcome the opportunity to discuss any aspect of
this course or the paralegal profession with you.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
The College policy on cheating: “In cases where a violation of academic honesty is discovered, the
faculty member is encouraged to file an “Academic Misconduct Incident Report” form and distribute the
form to the appropriate offices listed. There are two categories of sanctions: Limited and College-wide.
Limited sanctions include an academic action such as assigning a lower grade or a grade of “F” for the
assignment, project, or test. College-wide sanctions include any sanction that will affect a student’s
standing with the college-at- large, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College.

DISCLAIMER:  The information we discuss in class is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Nothing I say to you during the time you are enrolled in my class should be construed as establishing an attorney-client relationship.  I will not answer questions about specific legal matters that you, or another person known to you, may be experiencing.  

CAMPUS SAFETY:  Please review the following safety video.

RSCCD Emergency Procedures & Practices