Principles of Macroeconomics

Course Syllabus

ECO 2013 – Fall 2015	Assistant Professor:  Kristen L. Zaborski
Department of Math, Science, Business & Technology	Office:  Bldg. 600, Room 609 (Venice Campus)
Department Chair: John Waters	Office Phone #:  (941) 408-1483  E-mail:  zaborsk@scf.edu
Office Hours:10-11am and 2-3pm Monday-Thursday (or by appointment only made via email) in my Venice office. Note: I will also be available to meet with students in the Business & Technology department on the Bradenton campus on Fridays from 9am-1pm.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course meets Area III requirements for the A.A. general education requirements, and part of the six-hour international/intercultural requirement. The foundations of economic analysis, theories of economic growth and stabilization, monetary, and fiscal policy, international trade and economic development are presented in this course.

Student Learning Outcomes (formerly referred to as Course Performance Standards):

Students may access course performance standards by clicking on the “Course Performances Standards” link at the following web address:  http://scf.edu/Academics/CoursePerformanceStandards.asp .  A hard copy may be obtained from the instructor or from the Department Office. 

REQUIRED TEXT

Economics (second or third edition) in Modules by Krugman & Wells.  Published by Worth. There is no access code required for this course. Note: The textbook is on reserve at the ARC (Academic Resource Center, Venice campus) and the library (Venice campus). The textbook is available in both the Bradenton and Venice campus bookstores or online through Amazon. You may purchase a new or used copy. ISBN-10: 1429287314, ISBN-13: 9781429287319 or ISBN: 9781464139031.

GRADING POLICY

1) All tests/exams are delivered “online” through Canvas and will emphasize applying the concepts and analytic approaches developed in the course.

2) All tests/exams are scheduled on the outline below.  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.  The amount of time will be announced later.  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.  I will email you more about the exams, including review, as the exam dates approach. You are expected to always check your email, and read the course announcements posted in Canvas.

4) 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. Note: Students who do not take the final exam will receive a WF.

5) If you are having a computer-related problem within Canvas, contact Canvas support, and fill out a help desk ticket to resolve the issue ASAP. Provide me with a copy of the email correspondence.

MAKE-UP POLICY

There are NO make-ups for the tests/exams, or any assignments for that matter. You are expected to submit all assignments by the due date, no exceptions.

Weight Distribution:

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

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 forums by Thursday night at midnight each week. To receive credit, you must post an original response first before reading others. Self-test quizzes are due by Sunday night at midnight each week. Interaction with the professor 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. Note: Students who do not log into the course or submit assignments for two consecutive weeks will be cut from the course and receive a WF (Withdraw Fail).

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. This semester the date is November 1st.  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.

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 Student Handbook guidelines.

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. At that time, the instructor and student will agree upon a reasonable time and method to make up any work or tests missed.

 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 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. You are expected to keep all course communication within Canvas.

Material provided each week:

1. Chapter Reading Assignments and announcements
2. PowerPoint presentations and videos
3. Discussion forums and Self-Test Quizzes
4. Helpful websites and flashcards
5. Pictures and examples on insta_graph_
6. My econ blog

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, including Instagram.  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 HELP for CANVAS (available 24/7).

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 Canvas.

Responding to email.  I will check my email daily, and will make every effort to respond within a 24-hour time period, excluding weekends. Please make sure that all email sent to me includes 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.

 

Course Outline

Week of (begins on Monday)	Lesson	Module and/or Readings	Weekly Assignments Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forums	Online Tests delivered on Canvas
Aug. 24		Welcome to the course! Read the course syllabus.
Aug. 24	1	Module 1 The Study of Economics Module 2 Introduction to Macroeconomics	Self-Test Quizzes and Syllabus Quiz
Aug. 29		Last day for students to add/drop classes.
Aug. 31	2	Module 4 Comparative Advantage and Trade (Read the Appendix for review of Graphs) Module 5 Supply and Demand: Introduction and Demand	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Sept. 7	3	Module 6 Supply and Demand: Supply and Equilibrium Module 7 Supply and Demand: Changes in Equilibrium Module 8 Supply and Demand: Price Controls (Ceilings and Floors)	Self-Test Quizzes	Test 1(covers Modules 1,2,4,5,6,7,8) Open Sat. and Sun.
Sept.14	4	Module 11 Interpreting Real Gross Domestic Product Module 12 The Meaning and Calculation of Unemployment	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Sept. 21	5	Module 13 The Causes and Categories of Unemployment Module 14 Inflation: An Overview	Self-Test Quizzes
Sept. 28	6	Module 15 The Measurement and Calculation of Inflation Module 16 Income and Expenditure	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Oct. 5	7	Module 17 Aggregate Demand: Introduction and Determinants Module 18 Aggregate Supply: Introduction and Determinants	Self-Test Quizzes	Test 2 (covers Modules 11,12,13,14,15,16,17, 18) Open Sat. and Sun.
Oct. 12	8	Module 19 Equilibrium in the Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply Model Module 20 Economic Policy and the Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply Model	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Nov. 1st		Last day to withdraw without academic penalty.
Oct. 19	9	Module 21 Fiscal Policy and the Multiplier Module 22 Saving, Investment, and the Financial System	Self-Test Quizzes
Oct. 26	10	Module 23 Definition and Measurement of Money Module 25 Banking and Money Creation	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Nov. 2	11	Module 26 The Federal Reserve System: History and Structure Module 27 The Federal Reserve: Monetary Policy	Self-Test Quizzes	Test 3 (covers Modules 19,20,21,22,23,25,26,27) Open Sat. and Sun.
Nov. 9	12	Module 28 The Money Market Module 29 The Market for Loanable Funds	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Nov. 16	13	Module 34 Inflation and Unemployment: The Phillips Curve Module 36 The Modern Macroeconomic Consensus	Self-Test Quizzes
Nov. 23           Nov. 30	14           15	Thanksgiving Holiday, no assignments!         Module 37 Long-Run Economic Growth Module 38 Productivity and Growth	Self-Test Quizzes and Discussion Forum
Dec. 7        Dec. 12	16	Module 39 Growth Policy: Why Economic Growth Rates Differ/Final Exam Review    Final Exam opens	Self-Test Quiz due Friday night at midnight	Final Exam (covers Modules 28,29,34,36,37,38,39) Open Sat.-Mon.