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Syllabus - Spring 2005 ECN 101 - Principles of Economics |
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Syllabus - Spring 2005 ECN 101 - Principles of Economics |
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Syllabus |
INSTRUCTOR: Donald E. Stout, Jr. E-MAIL: dstout@stmartin.edu OFFICE HOURS: Old Main 370 , MWF 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., TR 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. PHONE: Campus: 360.438.4587 WEB SITE:
http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/dstout/ REQUIRED TEXT: N. Gregory Mankiw, Essentials of Economics, 3rd edition, Thomson Southwestern, c. 2004. COURSE DESCRIPTION: As stated in the Saint Martin's College catalog, this course "is an integrated introduction to the analysis of individual firms and markets, as well as aggregate economic variables. These include inflation, unemployment and economic growth, with a focus on the state's role in attempts to regulate the economy." Thus, we will focus our efforts on learning how societies use scarce resources to produce and distribute commodities among its various people. This course satisfies Saint Martin's College General Education program requirements. OBJECTIVES: The course objective is to provide students with a basic understanding of how people make decisions, how people interact, and how the economy as a whole works, in order to provide students with a framework for viewing and interpreting the economic world around them. The course also seeks to contribute to the balanced development of students by focusing on three of six Saint Martin's College General Education Program learning objectives. At the conclusion of this course, students will have enhanced their abilities as critical thinkers, effective communicators, and as problem solvers. TEACHING STRATEGY: The class sessions will be a combination of lectures, on-line exercises, internet exercises, discussion, and group exploration and problem solving sessions. Course content will come primarily from the assigned textbook. Internet content and outside readings have been incorporated where appropriate. Special emphasis will be placed on accessing and analyzing primary economic research data available through public, private, and federal government statistical databases. BRIEF COURSE OUTLINE: You are responsible for reviewing the class schedule and completing the assigned readings, homework problems, and projects. Check the schedule page for details. Week 1-4 Week 5-9 Week 10 - 15 Macroeconomics Time permitting Week 16 GRADING: REQUIREMENTS: Participation/Attendance (5%): Your participation score will be a subjective judgment I make based on how I perceive your level of classroom contribution combined with my assessment of your attendance record. I highly recommend you come to each class session. I appreciate your presence and active participation during each class period. While I normally take daily attendance, attendance is not mandatory in the same manner as passing the exams, reading the course material, and doing the homework is not mandatory. Makeup exams or quizzes will not be given without my prior approval. Therefore, if you must be absent for any reason, I expect you to make arrangements with me in advance to take exams or quizzes early. Quizzes (10%) - Quizzes will be given at my discretion - I usually give 5 to 15 quizzes each semester. I gauge the number of quizzes to give on how I feel you're keeping up with reading assignments. Missed pop quizzes due to absence earn scores of zero. Homework (15%): - At my discretion, homework assignments may be collected and graded. I expect you to do all homework problems. I plan to collect about one-half of all homework assignments. Homework assignments will be graded on both content and appearance. Late homework will be accepted, but a penalty will be assessed. For any lateness beyond the time homework is collected and the end of that day, a 20% reduction will be assessed. For each additional day of lateness scores will be lowered 10% per day up to a maximum 70% reduction. Please adhere to the following homework guidelines:
Exams (70%): - Three intermediate exams and a final exam will be given The exams are valued at 15% for the intermediate exams and 25% for the final. These exams will assess your knowledge of macroeconomic and microeconomic principles and test your ability to formulate, analyze and solve problems based on material presented in class. Exams are time limited (generally 50 minutes) to test your full knowledge and grasp of the concepts being tested. By design, if you do not know the material, you will not be able to complete the exam within the time allotted. Be prepared. Bring a calculator ... no laptops. Grade scale: EXTRA CREDIT: Research paper extra credit project. Keeping in touch with me: First, ask questions in class (it helps you and may help others). Alternatively, visit me during my posted office hours. Slide a note under my office door ("Old Main" room 370). Call me (360 438-4587). Or, send me an email (dstout@stmartin.edu). SPECIAL ASSISTANCE: The Learning Center offers individual learning consultations, study group assistance, handouts and books on study skills, and free peer tutoring in the following subject areas: math, chemistry, physics, economics, accounting, Spanish, French, and Japanese. The tutoring schedules are posted outside the door in Old Main, room 212. To learn more about resources available through the Learning Center you are encouraged to drop by room 208 or visit their website: www.stmartin.edu/academic/learning_center/index.htm. SPECIAL NEEDS: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have medical and/or safety concerns to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. |
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Information:
Office: Phone: E-Mail: dstout@stmartin.edu |
