COURSE INFORMATION
FALL 2009
INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ADVISING, BUSG 1304
(OLD COURSE NAME, PERSONAL FINANCE)
SECTION 43212 OPC 002 (12 week PCM)
Internet Access Required
HOW TO REACH THE
INSTRUCTOR
INA MIDKIFF: Professor of Marketing and Finance
Cypress Creek Campus
Office: Cypress Creek #2204.8
Phone: 223-2072
FAX: 223-2089
Office Hours: (see attached page)
Email: ina@austincc.edu
Web Address: http://www.austincc.edu/ina
Departmental Web Site: http://www.austincc.edu/mkt
BUSG 1304 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ADVISING (OLD NAME, PERSONAL FINANCE)
(
REQUIRED TEXT/MATERIALS
Personal Finance, 9th
edition – Kapoor, Diabay,
Hughes, McGraw Hill (ISBN # 978-0-07-338232-6). The publisher’s website is at http://www.mhhe.com/kdh. You will cover the
entire book in one semester. Please take some time and review the contents of
the Publisher's Web site. You may
purchase this book at any of the college bookstores. It is also available at other bookstores in
Austin as well as online. To find the
best price go to http://www.bestwebbuys.com. The ACC bookstore online is at http://austincc.bkstore.com/bkstore/content.
This course is an Internet PCM
course.
PCM ORIENTATION COURSE INFORMATION
PCM courses are designed for anyone, who has scheduling problems, work-schedules that conflict with normal class times, or any reason they may have. Some students are concerned about the transferability or status of PCM courses. The course content, college credit and transferability are equivalent to those offered in the classroom. The first step to success is your Distance Learning MANDATORY course orientation on September 21, 2009.
Introduction to Financial Advising, Busg 1304 is an interactive training system that combines electronic learning materials with online instructor guidance and expertise. It is accessed via the Internet from the student's computer at home or work or in an ACC lab, any time. Concepts are presented through the textbook, the Publishers Web site, information on the instructor's Web site, and Blackboard.
You will cover the same material as in a regular class. You must have access to the Internet and an email account. The primary framework for instruction is the Internet. The Interactive capabilities such as email and listserv, access to library on-line, office hours, discussion forums, facilitate student to instructor communication. This asynchronous learning allows students who have other responsibilities to participate in course offerings. Being able to send a message to the instructor at any time, instead of traveling to the campus during the instructor's posted office hours, makes it possible for those who have limited or no time beyond the normal class time to talk to the instructor.
Course content is delivered in Blackboard. This syllabus,
assignments, core course information, announcements, structured student
activities, and discussion information are all located in Blackboard. You will
view web pages, send and receive email, download files, and upload files you
have created using ACC’s Blackboard system. If you do not have an ACCeID you will need to activate it by going to the
“First-time login” link at http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/step1.htm. Go to http://acconline.austincc.edu
for student entry into Blackboard. You
will need your student ID and password to log into Blackboard. Blackboard
access is available the first day of the semester. You must complete your MANDATORY course orientation in Blackboard.
You must be able to communicate with the instructor by email. You need an individual account, which is not shared with anyone else. In EVERY email message you send me, the subject line must include BUSG 1304, PCM. Also your first and last name must be included somewhere in the message.
Tests will be taken on-campus in the Testing Centers. Testing center information is at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/. You must have your ACC ID in order to take a test in an ACC testing center. Additional information will be available in Blackboard.
As the online instructor I will monitor your progress and advise you as appropriate via email, telephone, or chat room discussions. You will be evaluated by means of tests, assignments, and projects.
Distance Learning Student Information is available at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#Resources. If you are not sure about the technical skills needed to be successful in a Distance course please review the Technical Skills Checklist at http://dl.austincc.edu/Students/TechCheck.html. I also think you should go to http://dl.austincc.edu/passport/ and read information about how to be successful in a Distance Learning course. If you need Computer services go to http://irt.austincc.edu/ict/computing for more information. Library services are available online for Distance Learning students at http://dl.austincc.edu/students/#Library. The Office for Students with Disabilities is located at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/
Distance Learning Help Line, 1-512-223-8026, Toll free
1-888-223-8026 or dl@austincc.edu. Distance
Learning Help Line is open 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.
COURSE RATIONALE
Instructional Methodology: This
course will attempt too challenge all students to use critical thinking in the
analysis and development of complex financial solutions to the many challenges
associated with Introduction to Financial Advising. Through Internet discussion of current events,
indicated assignments and projects, students are expected to gain technical and
managerial skills that will allow them to succeed in the financial world. Introduction to Financial Advising is not just about textbook learning: it
challenges students to use their critical/creative skills in all aspects of Introduction
to Financial Advising, not just those
covered in this course.
COMMON COURSE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
This course is designed to offer an integrated approach to understanding the concepts and applications of financial planning. Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
GRADING
Exam reviews are in Blackboard. I encourage you to use this as a great study review.
Grades will be based on the following areas of performance.
Exam One 200 points (20%) Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Exam Two 200 points (20%) Chapters 8,9,10,11,12,13
Exam Three 200 points (20%) Chapters 14,15,16,17,18,19
Exams Total 600 points
Chapter Assignments, 200 points
Assignments 1-4, (25 points each) 100 points
Discussion Board Participation, 100 points
Assignments will total 400 points
Exams plus assignments equal 1000
A=900-1000points// B=800-899 points// C=700-799 points// D=600-699 points F Below 600 points.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR
FALL 2009
Exam One, October 19, 2009
Exam Two, November 11, 2009
Exam Three, December 9, 2009
Assignment One, October 7, 2009
Assignment Two, October 21, 2009
Assignment Three, November 16, 2009
Assignment Four, December 2, 2009
November 23, 2009 is the last day to drop.
TESTING
You must complete 3 exams this semester. The exams will be taken in the ACC testing centers. Additional information about the exams will be available on Blackboard. If you miss an exam, with my permission you will be allowed to take a make-up exam in the testing center. Testing center information is at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
Suggested Internet Financial Resources
ACC library (You may
log on from home and have immediate access to hundreds of periodicals)
The New York Times Business Section www.nytimes.com
The Wall Street Journal Free Features www.wsj.com
Business Week Online www.businessweek.com
The Economist Online www.economist.com
Marketwatch http://www.marketwatch.com
Financial
Calculators http://www.dinkytown.com/
INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ADVISING ASSIGNMENTS
CHAPTER ASSIGNMENTS
You must complete the following chapter assignments. Each chapter assignment has a value of 10
points. The total value of the
end-of-chapter assignments is 200 points (20%).
Assignments must be placed in blackboard by
|
Chapters |
Assignments |
Due Date 12 week |
|
Chapter 1 |
Page 25, Answer problems 1,3,5 |
Sept 23 |
|
Chapter 2 |
Page 61,62, Answer problems 2,3,8 |
Sept 29 |
|
Chapter 3 |
Page 97,98, Answer problems
5,10,11 |
Oct 2 |
|
Chapter 4 |
Page 131, 132, Answer problems
6,10,12 |
Oct 6 |
|
Chapter 5 |
Page 162, Answer problems 1,5,7 |
Oct 11 |
|
Chapter 6 |
Page 200,201, Answer problems 1,2 |
Oct 14 |
|
Chapter 7 |
Page 238, Answer problems 1,2 |
Oct 18 |
|
Chapter 8 |
Page 267, 268, Answer problems 1,5 |
Oct 22 |
|
Chapter 9 |
Page 303,304, Answer problems 5,8 |
Oct 27 |
|
Chapter 10 |
Page 334, Answer problems 1,2,3 |
Oct 29 |
|
Chapter 11 |
Page 371, Answer problems 2,3 |
Nov 3 |
|
Chapter 12 |
Page 407, Answer problems 1,2,3 |
Nov 8 |
|
Chapter 13 |
Page 439,440, Answer problems 4 |
Nov 10 |
|
Chapter 14 |
Page 476,477, Answer problems 2,4 |
Nov 17 |
|
Chapter 15 |
Page 506-507, Answer problems 7,8 |
Nov 22 |
|
Chapter 16 |
Page 539, Answer problems 1,2 |
Nov 24 |
|
Chapter 17 |
Page 561, Answer problems 1,2,3 |
Nov 28 |
|
Chapter 18 |
Page 603, Answer problems 3 |
Dec 1 |
|
Chapter 19 |
Page 636, Answer problems 1,2,3 |
Dec. 5 |
ASSIGNMENT ONE
Chapter 4, Page 132, 133 – Internet Connection – Comparing Tax Information Sources. Please complete this assignment by filling in the table after reviewing the Web sites.
This assignment is 25 points.
This assignment is due October 7, 2009 for 12 week session.
ASSIGNMENT TWO
Chapter 7, Page 240 – Financial Planning Case – Financing Sue’s Hyundai Excel. Please complete this assignment by answering questions 1 -4.
This assignment is 25 points.
This assignment is due October 21, 2009 for 12 week session.
ASSIGNMENT THREE
Chapter 13, Page 442. Financial Planning Case – First Budget, Then Invest for Success! Answer all five questions on page 443.
This assignment is 25 points.
This assignment is due November 16, 2009, for 12 week session.
ASSIGNMENT FOUR
Chapter 18, Page 605. Financial Planning Case – Planning For Retirement. Answer all 5 questions on page 605.
This assignment is 25 points.
This assignment is due December 2, 2009 for 12 week session.
All Assignments must be placed in the
assignment drop in blackboard by
DISCUSSION BOARD
PARTICIPATION (100 points)
You are expected to read the Chapters and participate in the bulletin board discussions. In order to earn the full 100 points you must participate in all bulletin board discussions. Discussion topics will be established throughout the class. To earn points you must participate by either stating your comments to the topic (that I provide) or responding to your classmates’ posts. Comments should be well thought out and in complete sentences. You should check the bulletin board at least twice a week for any bulletin boards that may be established in order to discuss a topic. More information about bulletin board discussions will be provided in Blackboard.
EXTRA CREDIT
When you take your exam you may earn an additional 10 points per exam by
completing the following assignment. (One article for each exam)
Read an article concerning some aspect of Introduction to Financial Advising. The article must relate to a topic that is covered in the text. Summarize the article in 1-2 pages, state which chapter and topic it relates to, and attach a copy of the article to your summary. This will be due on the day you take your exam. Please place it in the digital drop box and provide enough information about where I can find the article.
You will be suitable articles in Business magazines or on Web sites related to Introduction to Financial Advising. The best place to find articles is at the ACC online library. Go to http://library.austincc.edu/help/offcampus.htm and follow the instructions at http://library.austincc.edu/help/offcampus2.htm. If you want to use Web videos go to http://www.martinlindstrom.com and watch one of his videos about branding and write a summary just as you would for a written article.
CLASS
OUTLINE/CALENDAR FOR FALL 2009
12 week Class Schedule September 21 – December 13, 2009
This outline will keep you on schedule.
|
Month/Day Schedule |
Assignment |
|
Sept. 21 |
First Day of Class |
|
Sept. 23 |
Chapter 1 |
|
Sept. 28 |
Chapter 2 |
|
Sept. 30 |
Chapter 3 |
|
Oct. 5 |
Chapter 4 |
|
Oct. 7 |
Chapter 5 |
|
Oct. 12 |
Chapter 6 |
|
Oct. 14 |
Chapter 7 |
|
Oct. 19 |
EXAM ONE |
|
Oct. 21 |
Chapter 8 |
|
Oct. 26 |
Chapter 9 |
|
Oct. 28 |
Chapter 10 |
|
Nov. 2 |
Chapter 11 |
|
Nov. 4 |
Chapter 12 |
|
Nov. 9 |
Chapter 13 |
|
Nov. 11 |
EXAM TWO |
|
Nov. 16 |
Chapter 14 |
|
Nov. 18 |
Chapter 15 |
|
Nov. 23 |
Chapter 16 |
|
Nov. 25 |
Chapter 17 |
|
Nov. 30 |
Chapter 18 |
|
Dec. 2 |
Chapter 19 |
|
Dec. 7 |
Prepare for final |
|
Dec. 9 |
FINAL |
INSTRUCTOR CLASS
POLICIES
v Missed Exams – If you miss an exam you have 48 hours to contact me and arrange to take the exam as soon as possible. You will then have 5 days to take a make-up exam. The final must be taken at the scheduled time. There is no make-up for the final.
v Student Withdrawal Policy – It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from this class. If you are unable to complete this course due to illness, moving, etc., please officially drop or you will receive an F. Remember that November 23, 2009 is the last day to officially drop.
v Assignments
will not be accepted late. Academic work
submitted will be your thought, research, or self-expression. Absolutely no Plagiarism.
v Counseling services are available to help you with a variety of needs, if you need more information please don’t hesitate to ask.
v Office hours are posted outside my door and on my web page at http://www.austincc.edu/ina. Ask if you need help. I am here to help you!
v All students must take the final, no exceptions.
DEPARTMENTAL COURSE/CLASS
POLICIES
Departmental policies
for Incompletes, Attendance, and Withdrawal are as follows:
Incomplete Policy: An incomplete (I) will be granted to a student in rare circumstances. Generally to receive a grade of I, a student must have completed all examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have personal circumstances that prevent course completion that occur after the deadline to withdraw with a grade of W.
Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend classes. Non-attendance will have an impact on the student’s grade.
Austin Community
College Policies for Academic Freedom, Scholastic Dishonesty, Student
Discipline, and Students with Disabilities are as follows:
Academic Freedom Statement: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
Scholastic Dishonesty Statement: Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. “Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper, projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32). Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an F in the course and/or expulsion from this institution.
Student Discipline Statement: Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC’s policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook.
Students With Disabilities Statement: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester. Information is in the Student Handbook.
RULE OF THREE: Per state law, effective Spring 2006 any student taking a class for the third time or more may be charges an additional $60 per credit hour unless exempted. We call it the Rule of Three.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has mandated that all publicly funded higher-education institutions will not receive funding for courses a student takes for the third time or more. Without the state funding for those affected classes, ACC will charge additional tuition to pay for the cost of the class. The new “Rule of Three” tuition costs will not apply to developmental courses, Continuing Education courses, special-studies courses in which the content changes each time, or other selected courses. For additional information go to http://austincc.edu/admiss/ruleofthree/
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR RECEIVING A “W” IN A COURSE: The Texas Legislature has now, for the second session in a row, instituted some substantial consequences for students who withdraw from courses. Students have traditionally thought of a W as a non-penalty grade, thus it is very important that students understand the direction that the state is going about withdrawals so that they can avoid substantial negative consequences later.
The consequences instituted by the state in 2005 are that, for most courses, if a student enrolls for the course for the third time, the student will have to pay substantially more tuition for the course.
In 2007, the state declared that, for incoming freshmen in Fall 2007 and later, there will be a limit of six W’s overall in the student’s college career.
http://www.austincc.edu/withdraw/WithdrawalInformation.php
LINKS
Learning Resource Center Home Page
Student Handbook, http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/acaguides.php
Academic Testing Center Website, http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
Distance Learning Help Line, 1-512-223-8026, Toll free
1-888-223-8026 or dl@austincc.edu.
Distance Learning Help Line is open 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.
A link to the Course Master Syllabus with SCANS competencies is at
http://www.austincc.edu/mkt/mastersyl/busg1304.htm
Return to Ina’s Main page at http://www.austincc.edu/ina