Course Objectives

It is presumed students will spend a minimum of 2 hours outside study for each hour in class in order to meet the following objectives. The student will be able to:

Identify, explain the application of, modify, and fully execute various construction contract documents including but not necessarily limited to: prime contracts, subcontracts, supplemental agreements, material purchase orders, change orders, settlement agreements, bid documents, surety bonds, articles of organization, insurance forms, pay requests, liens, labor agreements, legal complaints and alternative dispute resolution documents.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all class sessions and to arrive on time. If you are unable to attend a class you are responsible for all material covered in that class. Missed quizzes and exams may NOT be “made up” at a later date. Attendance is taken at each class. The third unexcused absence will result in a one-letter grade reduction to the student’s grade. The fourth absence (excused or not) will result in the automatic withdrawal of that student.

Grading

Letter Grades: Breakdown:
A: 90-100 Participation 10%
B: 80-89 Pop Quizzes 20%
C: 70-79 Two Term Papers 20%
D: 60-69 Midterm 20%
F: 59 or below Comprehensive Final Exam 30%

Grading will NOT be done “on a curve.” All quizzes, mid-term and final examinations will be closed book, closed note tests of knowledge. All material either in the textbook or discussed in class may be appear on any quiz or examination. Daily quizzes may be given prior to the lecture. Therefore, it is essential that students review the assigned material before coming to class.

Academic Integrity: Students are responsible for the integrity of their academic work. With that principle as a firm starting point, this course will also encourage students to learn from each other. Personal experiences and insights of the members of the class constitute an important resource for each other, which we will utilize as fully as possible.

In their written work, students should use an appropriate footnote or reference system for citing others’ work. Plagiarism is forbidden at Triton College. If a student uses another’s work without giving credit, and this is proven, the student could receive an automatic “F” in the course.

Course Schedule

August 30th
Introductions, Triton College policies and procedures, Student Services, and course overview will be discussed.
Lecture: Chapter 1 – Description of the Construction Industry
Homework: Read Chapter 2 – Construction Contracting Methods

September 6th
Labor Day – College Closed

September 13th
Lecture: Chapter 2 – Construction Contracting Methods
Homework: Read Chapter 3 – The Nature of Contracts

September 20th
Lecture: Chapter 3 – The Nature of Contracts
Homework: Read Chapter 4 – Issues Concerning Real Property

September 27th
Lecture: Chapter 4 – Issues Concerning Real Property
Homework: Read Chapter 5 – Agents and Chapter 6 – Forms of Organizations
Term Paper No. 1 – Topics and details to be discussed in class

October 4th
Lecture: Chapter 5 – Agents and Chapter 6 – Forms of Organizations
Term Paper No. 1 – Due at the beginning of class
Homework: Read Chapter 7 – Contract Disputes and Torts and Chapter 8 – Surety
Bonds

October 11th*
Lecture: Chapter 7 – Contract Disputes and Torts and Chapter 8 – Surety Bonds
Term Paper No. 1 – Discussion and feedback
Homework: Read Chapter 9 – The Bidding Phase
* Yes, October 11th is Columbus Day, but classes do meet today. However, there are no classes at Triton College on Tuesday, October 12th.

October 18th
Lecture: Chapter 9 – The Bidding Phase
Homework: Prepare for Midterm

October 25th
Midterm Examination
Homework: Read Chapter 10 – Construction Contract Documents and Chapter 11 –
Unit Price, Cost-Plus, and Lump Sum Contracts

November 1st
Lecture: Chapter 10 – Construction Contract Documents and Chapter 11 – Unit
Price, Cost-Plus, and Lump Sum Contracts
Homework: Read Chapter 12 – Changes and Chapter 13 – Changed Conditions

November 8th
Lecture: Read Chapter 12 – Changes and Chapter 13 – Changed Conditions
Homework: Read Chapter 14 – Matters of Time

November 15th
Lecture: Chapter 14 – Matters of Time
Homework: Read Chapter 15 – Payments, Chapter 16 – Warranty, and Chapter 17 –
Construction Insurance

November 22nd
Lecture: Chapter 15 – Payments, Chapter 16 – Warranty, and Chapter 17 –
Construction Insurance
Homework: Read Chapter 18 – Subcontractors and Subcontracts
Term Paper No. 2 – Topics and details to be discussed in class

November 29th
Lecture: Chapter 18 – Subcontractors and Subcontracts
Term Paper No. 2 – Due at the beginning of class
Homework: Read Chapter 19 – International Construction Contracts and Chapter 20 –
Methods of Dispute Resolution

December 6th
Lecture: Chapter 19 – International Construction Contracts and Chapter 20 –
Methods of Dispute Resolution
Term Paper No. 2 – Discussion and feedback
Homework: Read Chapter 21 – Professional Ethics and Chapter 23 – Labor Relations
in Construction

December 13th
Lecture: Chapter 21 – Professional Ethics and Chapter 23 – Labor Relations in
Construction
Homework: Prepare for Final Examination

December 20th Comprehensive Final Examination