ECON 2301 - MACROECONOMICS SYLLABUS & COURSE OUTLINE SPRING 8 Week 2018 Central Campus 8 Weeks Hybrid Course I. Instructor's Name: Gabrielle Dedmon Brief instructor bio: BS Economics, MA in Applied Economics I graduated from the University of Houston with an MA in Applied Economics in 2011. I am currently a Market Research Manager in the Oil and Gas industry responsible for economic analysis, strategic planning, business development, and project management. II. Office Location and hours: Hours: Meet with me before or after class at Central Campus or by appointment Preferred contact method: E-mail: gabrielle.dedmon@hccs.edu Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics. Feel free to talk to me before or after class, or send me an e-mail. The HCC economics department contact information is: Richard Gosselin Chairman, Economics Department 3214 Austin St. Caroline St. Entrance EDC Bldg. Suite A-229 Houston, Texas 77002 713-718-7638 Richard.gosselin@hccs.edu III. Course Meeting Days, Times and Location: CENTRAL CAMPUS CRN Course Number and Name Days Times Room 38721 ECON 2302 Principles of Microeconomics Sat 11:00 1:50 202A Page 1 of 7
IV. Course's Catalog Description and Prerequisites: Microeconomics examines the fundamentals of the American economy as it relates to business and individual welfare. Emphasis is on basic economic concepts and theories as they affect domestic and international markets. Microeconomics includes cost and production decisions and discusses the role of competition, monopolies and oligopolies. Core curriculum course. Microeconomics emphasizes how free markets set prices through supply and demand, and how businesses and individuals make profit-maximizing decisions in various business environments. The instructor draws on his experience in industry to provide real-world examples. The main background skills required for this class are basic algebra and graphing, both of which we use extensively. If you feel you do not have these necessary skills, please talk to me today. V. CATE criteria: There are none for this class. VI. Format of course, objectives and methods: Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the concepts of elasticity and how it affects supply, demand and total revenues of a firm. 2. Discuss how government attempts to control and prevent monopolistic power through anti-trust regulation and describe the results. 3. Explain and identify production costs and how they behave in the short and long run. 4. Explain the characteristics of market behavior in perfectly and imperfectly competitive firms. Expected Outcomes and Course Goals: By the end of the semester the student should be able to: identify causes of changes in supply and demand, to identify market structures and cost structures, to be able to solve the consumer s problem, to be able to identify profit maximizing outcomes, to solve various time value of money problems, to identify causes and solutions of market failure and government failure, to explain and understand US anti-trust policy. This course will emphasize the core objectives of critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, social responsibility and communications. VII. Associated websites and textbook: Textbook: Principles of Economics, 8th edition, Mankiw. The textbook is available online along with the required Aplia materials; a physical textbook is not required. VIII. Required: Textbook: Principles of Economics, 8th edition, Mankiw Software: This class uses Aplia software from Cengage, which is embedded in Canvas. The textbook and Aplia online materials can be purchased from the bookstore, or online via the class s Canvas website. You may use the Aplia materials for free for the first few classes but then you must purchase the materials or lose access. You can use the online e-book which comes with the Aplia Page 2 of 7
materials, or if you prefer, a physical textbook. But please do not *only* buy a used physical textbook because this will not give you access to the Aplia materials. IX. Lab times- This course has no lab, but the homework assignments are practical problems similar to test questions that give the student practice with applications of economics. You, the student will find them to be very useful. X. ADA Statement-Any student with a DOCUMENTED disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide ONLY the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. If you have any questions please contact the counselor, Becky Hauri at 713-718-7909 (Southwest campus) as soon as possible to make the necessary accommodations. The counselor will inform instructors on the recommended accommodations. If you still have questions contact Donna Price at 713-718-5165. The information in this publication will be made available in large print, taped or computer-based format upon request. Should you receive such a request, the office of Disability Support Services at your college has the expertise and equipment necessary to accommodate it. HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/disability-services/ HCC CAMPUS CLASSES ONLY: If you have a physical handicap that necessitates assistance during a building evacuation, contact the instructor on the first day of class and a buddy will be assigned to you. This buddy along with the instructor and security personnel will assist you in the unlikely event of a building evacuation. XI. Instructors in the department welcome appropriate classroom behavior. This includes attendance as well as verbal participation in class including, but not limited to: Answering the instructor s questions, being alert and awake for each class period and refraining from inappropriate classroom behavior. We cordially ask that you refrain from inappropriate classroom behavior which includes, but is not limited to: talking in class, touching or attempting to touch another student, throwing any object at any time, interrupting the instructor or another student, being unprepared for class by not bringing necessary materials to class. XII. As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor. XIII. Academic Honesty: The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the Page 3 of 7
University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules won t help you. When you submit work in this class, you certify that it is your own work and that you are not submitting the work of others or doing any of the following: Looking on another student's paper, copying another student's work, plagiarism in any form, talking during any graded assignment, receiving or giving unauthorized information before or during a graded assignment. Cheating includes, but is not limited to the aforementioned items. Basic rule: Avoid the very appearance of evil. This means avoid those things that even appear to be cheating, XIV. Attendance Policy: Student success is enhanced by regular class attendance. Each day in the class in important and being in class on time is critical to achieving success. I want you to succeed in this class and it is important to me, but it must be important to you as well. It is requested that students first contact the instructor should any extraordinary problem occur. An extraordinary problem is one that causes you to miss two or more consecutive classes, or any exam. Your in-class grade may suffer as a result of absences. XV. HCC policy is that a student MAY be dropped/withdrawn from a course after 6 class hours have been missed. YOU MUST CONTACT THE REGISTRAR S OFFICE TO WITHDRAW FROM THIS CLASS. After the drop date, ALL STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED THE GRADE OF A, B, C, D, F or I. The grade of I will only be assigned to student who miss the final exam and have completed all other assignments. Nov 3rd is the deadline to withdraw from this class. XVI. NOTICES: Please be aware that students who take a course for the third time or more must now pay significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. At HCC it is an additional $50 per credit hour. Also, the state of Texas has passed a new law limiting new students to no more than six withdrawals throughout their academic career in obtaining a baccalaureate degree. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, testtaking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available. Your success is very important. Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to: David Cross Director EEO/Compliance Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity 3100 Main (713) 718-8271 Houston, TX 77266-7517 or Institutional.Equity@hccs.edu Page 4 of 7
At HCC the safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our first priority. As of August 1, 2017, Houston Community College is subject to the Campus Carry Law (SB11 2015). For more information, visit the HCC Campus Carry web page at http://www.hccs.edu/district/departments/police/campus-carry/. XVII. Grading policy- Computation of Final Course Grade: Instructional methods: This course involves lecture, discussion and computer based learning. Student Assignments: reading, homework, quizzes, exams and an essay. Homework will be done using the Aplia software, and submitted electronically. Grading Policy/Student Assessments: Final semester grade is determined as follows: Type of graded activity/assignment Category I- Exams (Exams 1 & 2 = 25% each, final exam = 25%) 75 % Category II- Aplia homework; quizzes, attendance 15 % Category III- Writing component (essay question) 10 % % of total course grade If your average is: 90-100 A; 80-89 B; 70-79 C; 60-69 D; Below 60 F Final Examination: Saturday Mar 10 th XVII. Course requirements: No additional requirements beyond those stated above. XVIII. Student Learning Outcomes: As stated in section VI. XIX. Make up policy: Missed exams will result in a grade of zero. If there is a valid, documented reason for the absence, the instructor may - at his sole discretion - help the a student avoid a zero on the exam, possibly through a make-up exam. Missed quizzes, homework, and absences from class will also lower your participation and attendance grades. XX. Instructional Objectives: Economics related- By the end of the semester the student should be able to: identify causes of changes in supply and demand, to identify points of equilibrium in individual goods and services markets as well as aggregate markets and the market for loanable funds; describe macroeconomic goals and methods by which they may be achieved; explain the components of fiscal and monetary policy; describe in detail what types of policies would be pursued by different schools of macroeconomic thought; describe certain types of international interactions in the macro and microeconomic policies of the United States and other nations. Page 5 of 7
XXII. Other important information: EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term. XXIII. HCC Core Curriculum Statement: "For information regarding HCC's Core Curriculum, see P. 46 of the HCC Catalog. For information about HCC's Social Sciences Exemplary Educational Objectives, see P. 59-60 of the HCC Catalog." (see class calendar on next page) Page 6 of 7
XXI. Course Calendar: Instructional Topics/Tentative Schedule: It is expected that the chapters be read prior to the class meeting to which those chapters correspond. Ch denotes chapter. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE SHOWN ON THE APLIA SOFTWARE IN CANVAS, WHICH SHOULD BE CHECKED IN BETWEEN EVERY CLASS. This schedule is tentative, and will likely change at the instructor s discretion, based on class progress. Dates Topics Jan 16-21 Introduction, Ch 1, Ch 2 Jan 22-28 Ch 3, Ch 4 Jan 29 Feb 4 Ch 23, Ch 24, Exam 1 Feb 5-11 Ch 25, Ch 28 Feb 12-18 Ch 29, Ch 30 Feb 19-25 Ch 31, Ch 32 Exam 2 Feb 26 Mar 4 Selected topics: Ch 9, Ch 33, Ch 34; Writing Assignment Due Mar 10 FINAL EXAM Page 7 of 7