AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE – ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

ACNT 2375 ADVANCED THEORY AND PROBLEMS IN ACCOUNTING (3-3-0).

Read the following information and the Spring 2010 Syllabus. Send the required e-mail to mailto:sammons@austincc.edu to obtain permission to enroll in this course. If you have any questions, contact Sheila Ammons via e-mail or phone (512 223-9216).

Students are asked to read this information and communicate with the instructor before enrolling in the course. The reasons for this procedure include:

This is a student-led course. Attendance is critical because students make presentations and discuss material during each class meeting. Students are asked to work independently and professionally.

This is an accounting research and communication course. Students are asked to research professional databases to determine solutions to cases. This research requires knowledge of accounting and auditing concepts (obtained in the prerequisite courses), critical thinking skills, and good written and oral communication skills. The course material allows students to improve their research, critical thinking, and communication skills. The assignments allow students to apply accounting and auditing concepts.

Students are asked to read journal articles, review materials from the AICPA, FASB, IASB, and SEC, and research GAAP and GAAS databases. Students are then asked to summarize their findings into their own words. All students must understand that plagiarism is addressed in the ACC Student Handbook. The act of plagiarism will result in either a grade of zero on the assignment or an F in the course.

The required e-mail includes the following:

I have taken the following upper-level accounting courses: (list the courses)

I understand the requirements of this course and am ready to take the course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

As a capstone experience, students use case studies, database research and group projects to apply knowledge obtained in previous accounting courses. Case studies incorporate governmental, audit, internal control, accounting information system and financial accounting issues.

Prerequisites: Student must have completed a minimum of 20 hours of upper level accounting coursework. Students who are completing the AAS - Accounting Specialist degree must take this course during their last semester. Course

Type: W

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Research:

· Identify the appropriate research questions

· Identify key search terms for use in performing electronic searches through large volumes of electronic data

· Search through electronic data to find required information to reach conclusions or make decisions

· Identify the appropriate authoritative guidance in applicable financial reporting frameworks and auditing standards for the accounting issue being evaluated

· Devise and implement a plan of action appropriate for a given problem (case study or business simulation)

· Apply professional skepticism, which is an attitude that includes a questioning mind and a critical assessment of information or evidence obtained

· Develop logical conclusions through the use of inductive and deductive reasoning

· Apply knowledge of professional standards and laws, as well as legal, ethical, and regulatory issues

Communication:

· Apply effective accounting writing principles, including organization, clarity, and conciseness

· Prepare documents and presentations that are concise, accurate, and supportive of the subject matter

· Describe work performed and conclusions reached in a manner that enhances the oral or written communication

· Review written and oral communication of peers

COURSE TEXTS:

Textbook:

Accounting Research, Weirich, 2010, Wiley, 9780470506974, Retail Price $57,95 Effective Writing, A Handbook for Accountants (8 Ed), Pearson Publisher, Claire May/Gordon S May, 0136029086 Suggested Retail Price $50.67

Other Resources:
RIA Checkpoint	ACC students have 24/7 free access to RIA Checkpoint for Accounting, Auditing, and Tax.
FASB, AICPA, SEC, and IASB web sites	Students can use resources from these sites. Students will have free access to the new FASB Codification via an ACC license.
ACC Library web site	Students have 24/7 free access to professional journals.

COURSE METHODOLOGY:

The methodology includes:

· Lecture – There will be lecture on material from the required texts and materials from the FASB, SEC, IASB and AICPA websites.

· Research – Students need to understand how to research financial accounting cases using databases from the FASB, SEC, IASB, AICPA and other sources. Students must determine the correct research issues, perform the research, and submit the findings of their research.

· Case Studies and Business Simulations – Students will be asked to prepare various forms of oral and written communication to respond to case studies and business simulations.

· Peer Review – Students will provide a review of the oral and written presentations of their peers. The review will include both the technical and communication aspects of the presentation.

· Exams – Students will be asked questions about the material covered in class. Students will also be asked to complete cases and other business simulations. These exams are closed book and administered on campus in a proctored setting. Appropriate research tools will be provided. Students will be graded on both the technical and presentation aspects of their answers.

Last Revised: 11/24/09