Course Information

796.55 - Consumer Credit

Professor: Creola Johnson
Semester: 2010 Autumn

Second Writing Requirement? Yes
Seminar? Yes
Professional Responsibility? No
Prerequisites: 605, 609, or 610
Means of Assessment: Seminar Paper and Class Participation

Course Description

In the last decade, predatory consumer transactions have emerged as a significant social problem that burdens borrowers and communities.  In this course, we will cover in-depth several consumer credit transactions considered predatory, including subprime mortgage loans, payday loans, car title loans, and rapid tax-refund anticipation loans.  We will also look at credit repair schemes, foreclosure rescue fraud, and other scams that purport to help consumers improve their financial well-being.  In this course, we will examine the various actors involved in the consumer credit process and what their legal obligations are under existing state and federal regulations.  We will look at federal, state and local government efforts to combat predatory practices.  Students who are interested in banking law, consumer law, and community development should find the seminar interesting and relevant.  The final grade is based on a student’s completion of a seminar paper and an oral presentation of that paper. This course satisfies the upper-level writing requirement.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.