Curriculum Committee Approval: 10/06/2020
Total contact hours: 75 or 60 (1 unit), 150 or 120 (2 units), 225 or 180 (3 units), 300 or 240 (4 units)
CUYAMACA COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD
PARALEGAL STUDIES 250 − INTERNSHIP
75 hours paid or 60 hours non-paid work experience per unit, 1-4 units
Catalog Description
Practical work experience in a cooperating law office or corporate legal department. Occupational
cooperative work experience credit may accrue at the rate of one to eight units per semester for a total
of sixteen units, and students must work 75 paid hours or 60 non-paid hours per unit earned. May be
taken for a maximum of nine units in Paralegal.
Prerequisite
“C” grade or higher or “Pass” in PARA 100 or equivalent
Entrance Skills
Without the following skills, competencies and/or knowledge, students entering this course will be
highly unlikely to succeed:
1) Have a basic understanding of the legal system.
2) Be familiar with basic legal concepts and basic legal language.
3) Knowledge of the state and federal court system.
4) Understand administrative law and the administrative system.
This course will deal with a major area of substantive law and how it relates to other areas of the law,
so an understanding of substantive and procedural law is critical.
Course Content
1) Review, analyze and discuss preparation of performance contract
a. Discuss goals and objectives
b. Discuss job placement
c. Establish course schedule and timetables
2) Review and discuss each student's goals and objectives
a. Student presents weekly progress reports
b. Instructor and peer review of progress reports
c. Counsel student and if needed the supervising attorney in any major problem areas
3) Final Report
a. Review goals and objectives of each student
b. Summary of work experience accomplishments by student
c. Student self-evaluation
d. Supervising attorney's evaluation
e. Instructor's evaluation
4) Preparation of Performance Contract
a. Specification of mutually acceptable goals, objectives and timetable
b. Approval of contract by faculty member and supervising attorney
5) Implementation of contract
a. Work on objectives
b. Weekly progress reports
6) Final Reports
a. Summary of accomplishments by student
b. Student self-evaluation
7) Field supervisor's evaluation
8) Instructor's evaluation
PARA 250 Page 2 of 2
Course Objectives
Students will be able to:
1) Prepare a performance contract which will clearly specify learning objectives in a practical work
situation.
2) Demonstrate the ability to apply skills and knowledge in a work situation as indicated by
completion of agreed-upon objectives.
3) Explain the relationship between knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and those
required on the job.
4) Understand the necessity of continuing professional education for excellence in the paralegal field.
5) Describe the scope of work and the numerous responsibilities of a paralegal.
6) Resolve on-the-job problems in a classroom setting with peers and the instructor.
7) Apply program course work in a work experience situation with progress and performance
monitored by the instructor.
8) Direct input and feedback of on-the-job progress and performance.
Method of Evaluation
A grading system will be established by the instructor and implemented uniformly. Grades will be
based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter determined by multiple measurements for
evaluation, one of which must be essay exams, skills demonstration or, where appropriate, the symbol
system.
1) Observation of student
2) Attendance
3) Exams (written, aural, subjective, objective)
Special Materials Required of Student
None
Minimum Instructional Facilities
Smart classroom
Method of Instruction
Individualized guidance from instructor and field supervising attorney
Out-of-Class Assignments
1) Reading assignments
2) Short writing assignments
3) Short research assignments
Texts and References
1) Required: None
2) Supplemental: None
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
1) Develop specific educational goals to be completed during the semester which will enhance
problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills required to perform effectively within
the paralegal field.
2) For each goal, develop a training plan which includes implementation processes and procedures
and a completion date.
3) Function professionally in a typical paralegal workplace environment.
4) Assess future training needs for a career in the paralegal professional.
5) Explain the role and professional and ethical responsibilities of the paralegal.
