Syllabus ECON-2106, Principles of Microeconomics, Mini-mester II, Spring 2018 INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION Instructor: Bettie LaDuke Email: bladuke@gsu.edu Office hours: M-Th: 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tues & Thurs: 9-10 p.m. Phone: 404-395-1829 or 678-891-2436 COURSE INFORMATION Credit hours: 3 Prerequisites: Exit or exemption from Learning Support reading or all ESL requirements except ENSL 0091 Course type: Asynchronous Location: Course delivered entirely online Time zone: Eastern I will respond to e-mails within 24 hours (weekends and holidays excluded). Should there be a time that I will not be able to respond within this time frame, I will post an announcement to that effect in icollege. I will grade discussions, assignments, and exams within 72 hours of their due dates. Should there be a time that I will not be able to meet this commitment, I will post an announcement in icollege. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 1
COURSE DESCRIPTION This is an introductory course in microeconomics. It introduces students to concepts that will enable them to understand and analyze structure and performance of the market economy. The areas of price elasticity, market structures, product and factor pricing, less-developed countries, and comparative economic systems are included. COURSE MATERIALS Required Textbook Economics Today, 18 th edition, by Roger LeRoy Miller. Author: Miller Edition: 18 th Format: Loose-leaf notebook text with access code to MyEconLab (required) Publisher: Addison Wesley ISBN: 0134004620 OR (a very good option; to be read on computer or tablet) etext Access to MyEconLab with etext (to be read online or on a tablet); excellent and more economical choice ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 2
Author: Miller Edition: 18 th Format: Part Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR ISBN: 0133919919 As noted above, an access code to MyEconLab, a supplemental study system, is required. An access code is packaged with a new, looseleaf textbook. An access code is not packaged with a used textbook so if you buy a used textbook, you will have to purchase an access code to MyEconLab separately. Alternatively, you can purchase an etextbook with access to MyEconLab. If you purchase the etext as part of registering for MyEconLab, you can download it immediately and you can also upgrade your purchase to include a printable copy for an additional fee. See Instructions for registering for MyEconLab in the Course Information section on the course home page for further information. Supplemental Course Materials MyEconLab see Required Textbook above. TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS Computer/Internet Access/Software PC or laptop with Windows XP or above and an Internet connection, preferably DSL or cable. Perimeter College email account, Word processing software, e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office. Note: If you don t know your GSU student e-mail account, click on Find your GSU Campus ID and submit the required information to retrieve it. icollege Orientation Material: You are expected to know how to use the icollege system. Click on this link to view the icollege orientation material: Student Orientation. You can also get help by emailing the Perimeter College service desk (help@gsu.edu) or by calling 404-413-4357 for technical issues that you experience with icollege. Help ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 3
from Desire 2Learn (D2L), whose learning management system we use, is available by clicking on the Help link in your course s header space. Other required technology skills: Able to send and receive email Proficient use of the Internet; o Use an internet browser, locate information using the internet, o Create documents using word processing software. Transfer information from your computer to the icollege learning management system COURSE GOALS (Expected Educational Results): As a result of completing this course, you should be able to understand, analyze and evaluate: 1. The Basic Economic Problem 2. Markets and Price Determination 3. Theories of the Firm 4. Factor Markets 5. Microeconomic Issues 6. Microeconomic Components of International Economics General Education Outcomes: 1. You should be able to communicate effectively through oral communication, reading and writing: a. reading comprehension will be developed by reading the text and ancillary materials; b. listening skills will be developed through recorded lectures; c. reading and writing skills will be developed through the use of problems and activities, such as article summaries and papers, developed specifically to enhance your understanding of microeconomic principles. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 4
2. You should be able to demonstrate effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills by organizing, interpreting and evaluating ideas designed to illustrate microeconomic principles. 3. You should be able to understand, interpret, and communicate quantitative data by solving problems and analyzing graphically presented material developed to illustrate microeconomics principles. 4. You will develop your ability to better understand how global, political, historical, and geographic forces shape microeconomics theories and policies through reading, recorded lectures, and online activities. COURSE SCHEDULE Note: In icollege, click on the appropriate Checklist under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course home page. You must complete the Checklists in order. To complete a checklist, click on every box on the checklist and note that the progress bar at the top of the checklist says 100%. This is a Mini-mester class, meaning the material is covered twice as fast as in a full-term class. That means more than one Checklist will be due each week. Practice chapter quizzes (ungraded) are part of the Study Plan in MyEconLab. In addition, Dynamic Study Modules, study notes, animated figures, videos, audios, sample tests, and flashcards are available in MyEconLab. Click on Chapter Resources to access them. If you choose to read the etext, you can view a video tutorial of every figure in the text by clicking on the MyEconLab Animation link in the upper right corner of the figure. If you choose to read the hard-copy text instead of the etext, these links are available in MyEconLab. Click on Multimedia Library on the left menu, select the chapter, and select Animation. Week 1 February 26-March 6 (Mon-Tues, 9 days) Complete Checklist 1 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 1 includes the following: Syllabus Quiz (10 points) Read Chapters 1, 2, and 32 in text. On the Discussion Board, post a paragraph introducing yourself (5 points). In MyEconLab, complete the Get Started homework to learn how to use the graphing tools in that supplemental system. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 5
In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 1 homework (a link to the homework will appear on the MyEconLab course homepage (13 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 2 homework (18 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 32 homework (12 points). Week 1: February 26-March 6 (Mon-Tues, 9 days) Complete Checklist 2 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 2 includes the following: Read Chapter 3 in text. In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 3 homework (18 points). Week 2: March 7-11 (Wed-Sun, 5 days) Complete Checklist 3 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 3 includes the following: Read Chapter 4 in text Participate in the discussion (10 points) In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 4 homework (14 points). Week 2: March 7-11 (Wed-Sun, 5 days) Complete Checklist 4 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 4 includes the following: EXAM 1 (covers Chapters 1-4, 32) (50 points) Week 3: March 12-18 (Mon-Sun, 7 days) Spring Break Week 4: March 19-27 (Mon-Tues, 9 days) Complete Checklist 5 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 5 includes the following: Read Chapters 5 (section 5.1 only) and Chapter 19. Participate in the discussion (10 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 19 homework (14 points). ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 6
Week 4: March 19-27 (Mon-Tues, 9 days) Complete Checklist 6 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 6 includes the following: Read Chapters 20 and 21 in text. In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 20 homework (12 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 21 homework (19 points). NOTE: Last day to withdraw: March 23 (Friday) Week 5: March 28-April 3 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 7 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 7 includes the following: EXAM 2 (covers Chapters 5, 19, 20, and 21) (50 points) Week 5: March 28-April 3 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 8 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 8 includes the following: Read Chapter 22. In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 22 homework (18 points). Week 6: April 4-10 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 9 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 9 includes the following: Read Chapter 23 in text. Participate in the discussion (20 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 23 homework (17 points). Week 6: April 4-10 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 10 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 10 includes the following: Read Chapter 24 in text. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 7
In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 24 homework (15 points). Week 6: April 4-10 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 11 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 11 includes the following: Read Chapters 25 and 26 in text. In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 25 homework (14 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 26 homework (11 points). Week 7: April 11-17 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 12 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 12 includes the following: EXAM 3 (covers Chapters 22-26) (50 points) Week 7: April 11-17 (Wed-Tues)) Complete Checklist 13 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 13 includes the following: Read Chapter 28 in text. Participate in the discussion (10 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 28 homework (15 points). Week 7: April 11-17 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 14 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 14 includes the following: Read Chapter 29 in text. In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 29 homework (15 points). Week 7: April 11-17 (Wed-Tues) Complete Checklist 15 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 15 includes the following: Read Chapters 30 and 33 in text. In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 30 homework (14 points). In MyEconLab, complete and submit the Chapter 33 homework (16 points). ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 8
Week 8: April 18-21 (Wed-Sat, 4 days) Complete Checklist 16 under Weekly Checklists on the right side of the course homepage. Checklist 16 includes the following: FINAL EXAM (Chapters 28, 29, 30, and 33) plus a few comprehensive questions from all the chapters covered in this course (50 points) COURSE REQUIREMENTS General Principles: As a college student, you are expected to be an active participant in the learning process. This means that you are responsible for the following: (1) actively reading and studying the assigned material from the textbook and any online supplementary assignments; (2) participating in online discussions; (3) carefully reading from the textbook and taking notes on what you have read; (4) asking questions using the discussion boards or Ask Your Instructor Discussion topic to help clarify your understanding of the material; (5) actively participating in group activities, (6) seeking assistance from me, your instructor, when needed; (7) being aware of due dates, deadlines, exam dates and other elements of the course schedule. Make sure that your computer system is up-to-date and compatible with icollege by completing a check of your system. To do that, click the System Checker link at the top right of the course home page. In addition to a high-speed internet connection and a computer, you also need access to word processing software and Adobe Reader. Click this link to download Adobe Reader. As noted above, you will need an access code to Pearson s MyEconLab to accompany the 18 th edition of Miller s Economics Today textbook as well. Links to external sites may be included in the course materials. Every effort is made to keep these current and appropriate. Ads and solicitations on such sites are not endorsed or recommended by GSU. Although I am here to assist you with various aspects of technology, this is an Economics course, and our primary focus must be on the course content. By registering for an online course, you are assuming responsibility for the technological demands of the course. Please advise me of technology problems, but be prepared to troubleshoot them on your own. Ways to get technical help are listed at the bottom of the icollege login page. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 9
GRADING Your course grade will be determined by the percentage of the total possible points you earn. Homework in MyEconLab: 255 possible points (49% of course grade) Discussions: 55 possible points (11% of course grade) Quizzes: 10 possible points (2% of course grade) Exams (3) + Final Exam: 200 possible points (38% of course grade) Total possible points in course: 520 Grading Scale 90-100% (468-520 points): A 80-89% B (416-467 points): B 70-79% C (364-415 points): C 60-69% D (312-363 points): D <60% (<312 points): F ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES Course Rubric Group Discussions In this course, participation in the discussion activities counts as part of your final grade. You will be expected to participate in ongoing discussions of the lesson topics and to interact with other students and your instructor regularly. Many of the discussions will be group discussions in which you are assigned to a small group to collaborate on a topic or problem to solve. The discussions are designed to help you learn the material and often reflect question content on an exam. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 10
Criteria Level 1 0 points Level 2 5 points Level 3 8 points Level 4 10 points Participation Student did not participate in the group discussion. Student posted only once, which is not participating in the discussion. OR Student posted more than once but did not add anything to the discussion; i.e., student did not clarify something someone else had posted, provide an example to support (or not support) something someone else had posted, or ask a question. Student seemed to understand the chapter objectives and the main points of the material covered, posted more than once during the week, but posted as if the discussion was an individual assignment, not interacting with his/her group members. Student seemed to understand the chapter objectives and the main points of the material covered, posted more than once during the week, and interacted with his/her group members to gain personal understanding and to help others understand. MyEconLab Homework Some of the problems in MyEconLab require you to draw graphs with the drawing tool provided and draw conclusions from those graphs. Some of the questions include a step-by-step guided help tutorial (click on the 123 icon on the Question Help menu), including a video explaining the principles and concepts required to answer the question; and some of the questions include a link to the appropriate place in the etext so you can review the necessary information required to answer the question. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Due Dates, Make-up Work or Late Assignments: Timely completion of all discussion posts, exams, and assignments is expected. Unless you are informed otherwise, every graded activity on a Checklist is due at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday at the end of the week. With the exception of a legitimate, unforeseen, medical or other emergency (for which you will be required to provide documentation), make-up work or late ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 11
submissions of any kind will not be permitted. I, your instructor, am the sole authority for what constitutes a legitimate hardship or an emergency. If you have an emergency, it is your responsibility to contact me as early as possible. Honesty: Collaboration with others on exams is considered cheating and will not be tolerated. Cheating is against school policy. Cheating includes any attempt to defraud, deceive, or mislead me, your instructor, in arriving at an honest grade assessment, and may include copying answers from other students or using unauthorized notes during tests. Plagiarism is a particular form of cheating that involves presenting as one's own the ideas or work of another, and may include using other people's ideas without proper attribution, quoting from other s work without indicating that it is a direct quote (even if attribution is made) and submitting another person's work as your own. Copying material from the internet (including sites such as Study Blue and similar sites) and presenting it as your own work without noting the author and source is plagiarism. Violations of the cheating policy will result in a grade of '0' for the assignment in question and a referral for violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and may result in a failing grade for the course at my discretion. See the Student Code of Conduct for details and for a review of the appeals procedure. Georgia State University enforces its Student Code of Conduct. Withdrawals: If it becomes necessary to withdraw from this class, you must do so by 5:00 pm on March 23, 2018. Withdrawals must be done in PAWS. Click this link to read the process for withdrawing. College Policies: Americans with Disabilities Act Statement It is the policy and practice of Perimeter College to make all web information accessible to students with disabilities. If you, as a student with a disability, have difficulty accessing any part of the online course materials for this class, please notify me immediately. Click here (Centers for Disability Services) to contact one of our Centers for Disability Services. Students who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. Students may only be accommodated upon issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought. ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 12
Equal Opportunity Statement No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or disability, be excluded from employment or participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by Perimeter College. Affirmative Action Statement Perimeter College adheres to affirmative action policies designed to promote diversity. Title IX Statement Perimeter College seeks to provide an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment/misconduct/assault, we encourage you to report this. If you report this to a faculty member, he or she must notify one of our college s Assistant Title IX Coordinators / Student Deans about the basic facts of the incident (you may choose whether you or anyone involved is identified by name). Click here to access GSU s sexual misconduct website. General Notes: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary. Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Perimeter College at Georgia State University. Upon completing the course, please take the time to fill out the online course evaluation. Bettie S. LaDuke Assistant Professor ECON-2106 Online Syllabus Page 13