Class Time: 6:00 PM – 9:40 PM
INSTRUCTOR: MICHAEL C. PETROWSKY
Associate
Professor of Economics
SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
OFFICE: ROOM 4259 (NORTHRIDGE CAMPUS)
TELEPHONE: 512 - 223 - 4044
EMAIL:
OFFICE
HOURS: Mon/Wed: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Round Rock Campus) Rm. 259
Tues/Thurs: 11 AM – 12:00 PM (Round Rock Campus) Rm. 259
Mon/Wed: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Cypress Campus) Rm. 2231
2.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Principles of Macroeconomics deals with consumers as a
whole, producers as a whole, the effects of government spending and taxation policies,
and the effects of monetary policy carried out by the Federal Reserve. Macroeconomics
is concerned with unemployment, inflation, and the business cycle.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT OUTCOMES: Students who complete
this
course will be able to understand:
* the meaning of unemployment and inflation data and how that data is collected
and computed.
* the meaning and components of the National Income Accounts, especially GDP.
* the meaning of the business cycle and its phases;
* how to manipulate the basic Aggregate Supply, Aggregate Demand model of
the macro economy.
* how a fractional reserve banking system works.
* how monetary policy operates; its tools, and its advantages and drawbacks.
COURSE RATIONALE: This course is meant to give students insight into the dynamics
of the national economy. The knowledge gained in the course will make students better
informed citizens and allow them to follow the debates over national economic policy
reported in the news media. The course also provides a foundation that will prepare
students to be successful in upper division finance, marketing, business administration,
economics, government, and social work courses.
INSTRUCTOR PHILOSOPHY:
1. State and local governments are the customer.
2. Merit based. Grades are earned by the student, not given by the instructor.
3. Attendance is expected since the course is heavily subsidized by state and county
tax dollars.
4. Economics is important!
5. With proper focus and discipline, everyone can master economic principles.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: Principally lecture/discussion, with
Socratic underpinnings. Some films may be shown; some emphasis on
problems/applications. Some group work where it is appropriate.
HOW TO BEST USE YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
1. Identify those specific areas in the text and/or lectures you find confusing.
2. Bring those items to me for assistance. Your office visit is welcomed!
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS:
1. The Macroeconomy Today, by Bradley Schiller. 11th Edition.
2. Five scantron sheets. (882-E). Available in bookstore. No.2 pencil, eraser.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS:
1. Two or three colored pencils and a ruler.
2. MACROECONOMICS, Bar Chart, Academic Outline
3. Barron’s EZ-101 Study Keys; Cliffs Quick Review; REA Super Review
4. STUDY GUIDE FOR THE TEXT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. OR,
5. Use of web page self tests encouraged.
There are five in class unit exams in the course. Each exam will consist of approximately 35 multiple choice questions, will take approximately 75 minutes, and will be based on class and textbook material. Because of this, class attendance is critical for successful course completion. Exams are open book, open note.
* First Exam: Chapters 1- 4
* Second Exam Chapters 5, 6, 7
* Third Exam: Chapters 8, 9, 10
* Fourth Exam: Chapters 11, 12
* Fifth Exam: Chapters 13-15
Students must take at least four exams in order to receive a grade for the course. One of these four exams must be the fifth exam. If students take five exams, the lowest score on one of the first 4 exams will be dropped. Because of this, no make up exams are given and no retakes are allowed. In addition, THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT WORK IN THIS COURSE. During exam periods, all electronic devices, including cell phones, are to be put away. Students will be given at least two day’s notice before an exam is given.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Class attendance is expected and roll will be taken. You are allowed one absence for this course. An absence in excess of this amount will result in a 5 percent grade reduction for the course. (If you had a term average of 80, it will be reduced to 75.) Three absences will result in a final letter grade reduction for the course. A telephone call or an email is not an excused absence. Students are also expected to be on time for class. Students that are chronically late may be asked to either withdraw from the class or to make other arrangements.
FINAL EXAM DATE
The final exam for this course is scheduled for Monday,
July 6th. THERE
ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
Office for Students with Disabilities
Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate disabled students. 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 before the start of the semester.
MAKE UP EXAMS
As previously indicated, there are no make up exams in this course because only four exam scores will be counted in the final grade. No retakes are allowed.
TUTORING
Each ACC campus has Learning Labs along with tutoring. Students are encouraged to use this service.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
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 including problems and practice sets.
WITHDRAWALS
If you decide to drop the class, remember that it is
necessary forms with the Registrar. Failure to do this could
result in
failing grade for the course. New, Incoming Students: Please be aware of
the new state requirement governing withdrawals.
SYLLABUS REVISION
Every attempt will be made to follow the course outline and requirements. Should time be a problem, some material and requirements may be omitted.
CLASSWORK
1. The assignments for the entire semester are indicated on the “Course Outline.” You should complete the study of the assigned material before coming to class.
2. It is suggested that you read each chapter three times. Assignments assume a minimum of 6 to 9 hours of preparation per week.
3. Many
of
4. See
the attachment, “12 Things You Can Do To Successfully Complete this Economics
Principles Course.”
GRADING SCALE AND SYSTEM*
TASK POINTS
Four Unit Exams, 100 Points Each 400
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS EQUALS 400 points
POINTS EARNED GRADE PERCENTILE
368 to 400 A 92 -100
328 to 367 B 82 – 91.99
272 to 327 C 68 – 81.99
224 to 271 D 56 – 67.99
Below 290 F
NOTE: These grading scales will be strictly implemented. There is no extra credit.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Beginning Assignment Topic
June 1 Chapter 1 Definition of Economics
Chapter 2 Production Possibilities
Chapter 3 Demand & Supply
Chapter 4 Efficiency, Market Failure
June 8 Chapter 5 GDP, National Income Accounting
Chapter 6 Unemployment
Chapter 7 Inflation, Business Cycles
June 15th Chapter 8 Aggregate Demand & Supply
June 22 Chapter 9 The Consumption Function
Chapter 10 Macro Equilibrium
Chapter 11 Fiscal Policy
Chapter 12 Deficits & Debt
June 29 Chapter 13 Money and Banking
Chapter 14 The Federal Reserve, FILM
Chapter 15 Monetary Policy
July 7 Fifth Exam Last Class
·
For those students who need their final grade
quickly: On final exam day, if you give me a stamped, self-addressed postcard,
I will send
· The Fifth Exam is final – there are no retakes under any circumstances.
Michael C. Petrowsky
Faculty, Economics
STUDENT
CONTRACT – ECONOMICS 2301
I have received the syllabus for the course Principles of Macroeconomics. Course
requirements were explained. The instructor also explained the requirements concerning
attendance, class participation, makeup exams, and course reading obligations. I
understand that my successful completion of this course (that is, an A or B grade) will
normally require consistent, timely, classroom attendance as well as a minimum of 9 to
12 hours of preparation per week. I understand the time requirements for this course, and I
have completed the "Time and Academic Demands Schedule," with the understanding that
work and other outside obligations are not an excuse. I further understand that excessive
absence, lateness and scholastic dishonesty can result in the instructor withdrawing me
from the class and/or in my receiving a failing (‘F”) grade for the course.
I understand that the fifth exam is required, and that it is scheduled for July 6th.
_____________________ _______________
Printed Student Name DATE
_____________________
Signature
_____________________ _________________
Section TIME
STUDENT RECORD FOR ECONOMICS 2301
SECOND EXAM _________________
THIRD EXAM _________________
FOURTH EXAM _________________
FIFTH EXAM _________________
TOTAL POINTS ____________******
NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to keep test and homework records for the
duration of the course.
***** Points will be reduced if attendance requirements are not met.