Principles of Microeconomics

ECO 2023 – Fall 2019	Associate Professor:  Kristen L. Zaborski
Department of Math, Science, Business & Technology	Office:  Bldg. 600, Room 623 (Venice Campus)
	E-mail:  zaborsk@scf.edu
Office Hours: Virtual at various times within Canvas using email.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The objective of this course is to present the natures of economics and tools for economic analysis for an industry or an individual firm. The market system, price theory, theory of the firm, and theories of production and distribution are also presented.

REQUIRED TEXT Economics in Modules 3^rd Edition by Paul Krugman; Robin Wells; Margaret Ray; David A. Anderson

Required Textbook Options

Option 1: ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-3903-1 or ISBN-10: 1-4641-3903-2; Format: Hardback textbook. (Expensive!)

Option 2: ISBN-10: 1-4641-5326-4; ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-5326-6; Format: Loose Leaf Sheets. (Less expensive!)

Option 3: eISBN-13: 9781464169526; Format: e-Textbook. (Least expensive!)

https://www.redshelf.com/book/101655/economics-in-modules-101655-9781464169526-paul-krugman-robin-wells-margaret-ray-david-a-anderson (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Note: There are plenty of used copies available to rent or purchase in the SCF Venice and Bradenton campus bookstores. The textbook is also available to purchase on Amazon. In addition, the textbook is currently on reserve for students to use in the SCF Venice and Bradenton campus libraries. The textbook is also currently on reserve in the SCF Venice campus Academic Resource Center. 

Grading Policy

1) All course assignments are delivered “online” through Canvas and will emphasize applying the concepts and analytic approaches developed in the course. If you happen to miss a regular test, your lowest regular test grade will replace the test that you missed at the end of the semester but you must provide me with relevant documentation such as doctor/hospital paperwork explaining why you were unable to complete the test during the testing period. The dates missed must align with the dates of the testing period. If no documentation is provided, then you will receive a grade of zero on the missed test.

2) You will be able to take the test/exam at any time on the scheduled day/days.  However, there will be a time limit for each exam.  This means that once you begin taking the online exam, the computer starts a timer and will close the exam when the time limit expires. You will have a running time clock to let you know your time remaining.  I do not expect the exams to take the entire time, but some students like to use the entire time.  Students are provided with more than enough time to complete assignments. 

3)  Module Self-Test Quizzes will be due by Sunday night at 11:59 pm each week. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete them in case you experience technical difficulties. 

4) Discussion forums are due by Sunday night at 11:59 pm every other week. Please note that you are required to provide textbook references in each Module discussion question. For more details, click on the discussion forum directions links located in Canvas. You are not required to respond back to another student in the discussion forum area, but I do strongly encourage it since it provides students with a platform for debate and a chance to get to know your fellow classmates. Students can expect to receive feedback and see discussion forum grades a few days after the due date has passed in the comments section in the Canvas gradebook.

5) The grading scale is a standard 10% scale with 90% - 100 earning an A, 80% - 89% earning a B, 70% - 79% earning a C, 60% - 69% earning a D and below 60% an F. Please keep in mind that I do not round up grades at the end of the semester, so do not ask me. The grade you receive is the grade you earned.

6) If you are having a computer-related problem within Canvas, contact Canvas support and fill out a help desk ticket immediately to resolve the issue first, not the instructor. 

24/7 Canvas Support – Live Chat or 844-920-2764

Make-up Policv

There are NO make-ups for the tests/exams or any assignments.

Weight Distribution:

Module Self-Test Quizzes	15%
Exams (3)	45%
Final Exam Discussion Forums	20% 20%

 

Although online courses primarily require independent learning, you will still be required to participate in "class." Students are required to post a response to the discussion forum the week it is assigned by Sunday night at 11:59 pm.

Interaction with the instructor and other students should prove beneficial, as you can clarify your understanding of the concepts and discuss alternative applications of an idea. Students also seem to be comforted when they learn that others in the class are struggling with a concept that they find perplexing. I will keep an ungraded discussion forum open called "Course Help" located in the Begin Here (Week 1) folder in Canvas all semester where students can post questions and seek advice from other students in the course.

Note: Students who do not log into the course or submit assignments for two weeks and who do not notify me via email will be cut from the course and will receive a W, after the withdraw deadline date, the student will receive a WF. In addition, If you do not take the required final exam, you will receive a WF regardless of what your current average in the class is. 

Withdrawal Policy:  In accordance with the State College of Florida policy as stated in the college catalog, a student may withdraw from any or all courses without the academic penalty of a "WF" grade by the withdrawal deadline as listed in the academic calendar, Catalog or on the SCF website. A student in an accelerated or short-term course may withdraw without the academic penalty of a "WF" grade any time before the withdrawal deadline specific for the course. When a "WF" is entered, it is recorded in the student's permanent record and calculated as an "F" in the grade point average. SCF encourages the student to discuss a withdrawal with the instructor prior to withdrawing. A student who withdraws from any or all courses can withdraw online. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Services office prior to any course withdrawal.

Course withdrawals, after the deadline for the term or accelerated or short term course as published in the academic calendar, will result in a grade of "WF" which is computed in the term and cumulative GPA. Appeal request forms, accompanied by an explanation and documentation detailing major extenuating and documented circumstances, should be directed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, who has the final approval/dis-approval authority. If the appeal is granted, the "WF" grade would be changed to a "W" without GPA consequences. Forms can be obtained from the respective campus advising centers.

Effective Fall 1997, the state mandates a student will be permitted a maximum of three attempts per course. An "attempt" is defined as registration in a class after the end of the registration period.

A student must take responsibility for initiating the withdrawal procedure. If this procedure is not followed, a grade of "WF" may be recorded for the student and "F" calculated in the grade point average.

If a "WF" is entered, it will be recorded on the permanent record and calculated as "F" in the grade point average.

All withdrawal policy statements apply to part-time as well as full-time degree credit and developmental credit students.

In accordance with the State College of Florida policy as stated in the college catalog, students may withdraw from any course or all courses without academic penalty of a WF by the withdrawal deadline as listed in the State College of Florida academic calendar. The student must take responsibility for initiating the withdrawal procedure. Students are strongly encouraged to talk with their instructors first before taking any withdrawal action.

In addition, students should note that faculty may also withdraw students for violating policies, procedures, or conditions of the class, as outlined in individual class syllabi, and such action could affect financial aid eligibility.

Statement of Nondiscrimination: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is an equal opportunity and access institution that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation and any other factor prohibited under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules and regulations in any of its educational programs, services or activities, including admission and employment.

Religious Observances: Students who expect to be absent due to religious observances must provide their instructor with advance notification, in writing, of the purpose and anticipated length of any absence by the end of the second week of classes.

Academic Integrity:

A fundamental principle of academic, business and community life is honesty.  Violation of this ethical concept will result in penalties ranging from a grade of “F” in the course to dismissal from the College.  In all penalties, a letter of fact will be included in the student's file.  The use of unauthorized material, communication with another student during an examination, attempting to benefit from the work of other students, or attempting to aid another student, and other similar behaviors which defeat the purpose of examinations and individual assignments is unacceptable.  Violation of these standards is a serious offense and shall result in disciplinary actions allowed by the College. (see current SCF Catalog).

Statement of Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the use of ideas, facts, opinions, illustrative material, data, direct or indirect wording of another scholar and/or writer—professional or student—without giving proper credit. Expulsion, suspension, or any lesser penalty may be imposed for plagiarism.

Standards of Conduct:

Students are expected to abide by all SCF Student Handbook guidelines. 

Disability Resource Center Information: SCF has a Disability Resource Center (DRC) to assist students. To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact the DRC at 408-1448 in Venice, or by email at DRC@scf.edu. If you have already requested academic accommodations through the DRC for this course, please meet with me to discuss your specific needs.

Department Chair information: If a student encounters a problem in the course, they should first work with the professor to resolve it. If the student needs help and the professor is unable to help or is unavailable, contact Stephanie Cook, Venice Department Chair Math/Science/Business & Technology by email at cooks@scf.edu . 

Course Management

Distance Learning is self-directed learning.  It requires a high level of responsibility, dedication and self-discipline on the part of the student.  In this course, you are responsible for your own work, your own progress and your own grade.  In order to succeed, you need to log in to the course at the beginning of each week to check announcements, participate in discussions, read email and access course content.  So please, try to stay on track!

Questions???

Questions directed to me should be sent to me via an email in Canvas and must include a proper greeting and closing, otherwise you will not receive a response. 

Material provided each week:

1. Module Reading Assignments and announcements
2. Lecture notes
3. PowerPoint presentations and some videos 
4. Discussion forums and Module Self-Test Quizzes
5. News articles
6. Helpful websites 

Netiquette

Communication Courtesy Code.  All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats.  If I deem any of them to be inappropriate or offensive, I will forward the message to the Chair of the department and the online administrators and appropriate action will be taken, not excluding expulsion from the course.

Deadlines.  Odd things happen in cyberspace; emails get lost, servers disconnect temporarily, and logins fail.  Do not wait for the last minute to do your work.  Allow time to meet deadlines.  Reply and check for replies on every email sent and received.  You are responsible for getting the work done on time.

Late Work. I strongly recommend that students keep up with assignments each week and not wait until the last minute. Late work will not be accepted.

Help Desk.  For technical problems like not being able to view a page, slowness issues, problems viewing video or hearing audio, things not working as they should, contact 24/7 Canvas Support – Live Chat or 844-920-2764, not the instructor. 

Email Policies and Procedures

General email.  In all emails and other correspondence sent to me and/or other members of our class, please identify yourself fully by name, not simply by an email address. Keep all email correspondence within the Canvas learning management system!

Responding to email.  I will check my email daily, and will make every effort to respond within a 24-hour time period. Please make sure that all email sent to me include both a proper greeting and closing. Sending email is different than sending text messages.

Safeguards.  Back up your work on a USB drive and/or make a hard copy. If you experience computer difficulties, you are responsible for solving your own technical problems.

Important Information:

• All Tests will be delivered online through Canvas including discussion forums and self-test quizzes.
• Please check Canvas periodically.