Download Course Syllabus (WEB)

SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE
Econ 120 Principles of Economics I
CRN: 94748
Early Spring Intersession, 2008
Course Syllabus (WEB)
Dr. Xiaochuan Song
E-mail: [email protected]
I hear and I forget
I see and I remember
I do and I understand
—Confucius
Course Description:
An introduction to macroeconomic analysis. Economic principles related to demand and
supply, unemployment and inflation, economic fluctuations and growth. Applications of
macroeconomic theory, including its use in evaluating and forming fiscal and monetary policies.
Course Topics:
The Course Topics include, but not limited to the following:
1. Fundamentals of economic thinking
2. How markets operate
3. Measuring the economy
4. Macroeconomic equilibrium
5. Fiscal and monetary policy
6. Economic growth
7. International trade and finance
Course Objectives:

Explain the key principles and essential ideas of macroeconomics

Describe how a market economy works

Apply the basic principles of macroeconomics in our lives and careers
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Using national income statistics, describe and analyze the economy in quantitative
terms;
2. Compare and contrast macroeconomic theories of output, employment and income;
3. Describe the interrelationships among prices, income and interest rates as they affect
consumption, saving and investment;
4. Explain the banking and monetary system and analyze the role of money, credit and
the Federal Reserve;
5. Analyze fiscal and monetary policy using macroeconomic models;
6. Describe the role of international trade and finance in domestic economic activity;
7. Identify and analyze the factors that contribute to or hinder economic growth and
development.
Online Learning Expectations:
This course is best suited for students who have the motivation and ability to learn
independently. Students should have the discipline to follow instructions and abide by the
indicated deadlines. The course is not recommended for students who have a tendency to
procrastinate. Students are expected to communicate in a courteous, formal, and professional
manner. Informal written communications via email or the discussion board are not acceptable.
Students must, in all cases, communicate in English with a formal sentence structure, correct
spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The course is not recommended for students who are not
reasonably proficient in the use of computer software. You have the responsibility to correct
technical problems before submission deadlines. To find out if you have the technical and student
skills necessary to succeed with online learning, take the Online Learning Readiness Assessment.
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It is your responsibility to check the homepage and the calendar on daily basis to be well
informed of lecture topics, announcements, especially the test schedule, which might be
rescheduled as class goes on. There is no partial credit for late assignments under any
circumstances (having not read the announcements on the homepage or waiting for the textbook
can not be used as excuses for late assignments).
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is critical to teaching and learning. Statistics shows strong correlation
between class attendance and performance. You will fall behind in acquiring course content and
skills if you do not attend class regularly. Attendance is based on your submission of quizzes and
exams by the deadline (the only acceptable proof of attendance is the submission of either quiz or
exam by the deadline). I realize that situations may develop which are beyond your control and
which may interfere with your attendance; therefore a maximum of one absence (missing one
quiz or one exam) has been established before you will be dropped from the course. This is in
compliance with Mesa College policy on attendance. If your occupation or other interests require
you to be absent or late frequently, you should NOT remain enrolled in this course. This course
is intended for students who regularly attend class and possess a professional and positive
attitude towards learning.
Submission of the first quiz before the deadline is mandatory. You will be dropped from
the class if you miss the first quiz). No add code will be given to any student who misses the first
quiz. It is your responsibility to add, drop, or withdraw on or before the deadlines stated in the
class schedule. Petitions to add, drop, or withdraw after the deadline will not be approved
without proof of circumstances beyond your control, which made you unable to meet the
deadline. Lack of money to pay fees or technical problems are not considered extenuating
circumstances.
Course Requirements:
Macroeconomics by nature is a difficult and challenging class. No one can survive in this
class without hard work. You are expected to spend more time in this class as you would spend
in a traditional three-unit class. Your mastery of macroeconomics will occur through the
consistent completion of assigned readings and discussions. Maintaining self-disciplined
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consistency is particularly important for this course, as there are no scheduled class meetings.
Knowledge of high school algebra will sharpen your problem solving skills. A business or
financial calculator may prove helpful in this regard.
Required Readings:
Text: Macroeconomics: Principles, Applications, and Tools, 5th ed. O’Sullivan/Sheffrin/Perez,
Prentice Hall, 2008
Recommended Readings:
Study Guide: Macroeconomics: Principles, Applications, and Tools, 5th ed.
O’Sullivan/Sheffrin/Perez, Prentice Hall, 2008
The Wall Street Journal
Los Angeles Times
The New York Times
Current news magazines and current events on TV and Radio
Grading:
Grade Points
Final Grade
5 out of 6 Quizzes (10X5)
50
95-130
A
2 out of 3 Exams
80
80-94
B
65-79
C
55-64
D
Below 55
F
Total
130
Quizzes:
Every 3 days, students will complete an online quiz for the chapters they have just
completed. Each quiz has 10 questions, and is worth 10 points. Make sure you completely
understand the instructions before you begin each quiz, as there is only one try per quiz. Because
of security concerns, you will not get your quiz grade until the following day. No make-up
quizzes will be given under any circumstance, since you can drop one quiz and take 2 bonus
quizzes.
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Exams/Make-up:
There are 3 exams throughout the term. Each exam is worth 40 points. The exam with the
lowest score will be dropped (if you miss one exam, it will be considered as the dropped one).
The total possible points available for the exams are therefore 80 points. Exams must be taken as
scheduled. Make sure you completely understand the instructions before you begin each exam,
because there is only one try per exam. For security reasons, you will not get your exam grade
until the following day. No make-up exams will be given to anyone who misses one exam only
since only 2 out of 3 exams will be counted toward your overall grade. If a legitimate emergency
arises after you miss one exam, notify your instructor immediately. Upon showing proof of the
emergency, you may take a make-up exam for the second missed exam with 20% deduction (no
exceptions to the deduction, even with a legitimate emergency).
Extra Credit:
Two extra credit quizzes will be available, worth 10 points each. These two bonus
quizzes will be based on the two chapters not formally covered in this class: Chapter 7 and
Chapter 11 (see the course calendar for the schedule). It is recommended that you take them only
when you are certain you are ready (you don’t want to ruin your only two opportunities to earn
extra credit). Be prepared for the challenging bonus quizzes!
Academic Integrity:
This online course will be conducted in accordance with the college student code of
conduct and basic standards of academic honesty. Cheating, plagiarism or other forms of
academic dishonesty are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. To prevent possible cheating,
we will not post either answers or grades to the quizzes and exams until everyone has finished
them. Students are not allowed to discuss the quiz and or exam questions through discussion
board or WebCT email (even through private email) before the submission deadlines. Violations
of standards of academic honesty will, at minimum, result in a grade of zero on the assignment or
test, and may result in failure of the course. Violations will also be reported to the Dean of
Academic Affairs, who will record the violation and take appropriate further actions.
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Accommodation of Disability:
If you are a student who has a disability that may need academic accommodations, you
should contact your instructor as soon as possible. We can coordinate with the Disabled Students
Programs and Services (DSPS) department to identify appropriate accommodations for you. If
you would like further information or have questions about DSPS services, click here:
http://www.communitycollege.net/admissions/dsps.html
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