ACNT 2375 – Advanced Theory and Problems in Accounting
Fall 2009
Section: 43844
SAC Tuesdays Room 1318 6 - 8:40 PM
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. Course Credit: 3-3-0 – 3 credit (lecture) hours
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. Any student who does not meet the prerequisite will be dropped from the class.
Textbook/Computer Skills :
Accounting Research: Tools and Strategies, (7th Ed), Thomas R. Weirich, Thomas C. Pearson, Natalie Tatiana Churyk ISBN: 978-0-470-50697-4 Paperback 256 pages, John Wiley & Sons (This textbook will be needed for classes beginning on 10/13/09.)
Effective Writing, A Handbook for Accountants (8 Ed), Pearson Publisher, Claire May/Gordon S May, 0136029086 Suggested Retail Price $ 50.67 (This textbook will be needed for classes beginning on 8/25/09.)
Basic computer skills utilizing the internet, spreadsheets, word-processing and presentation software are required for this course. Generally, all assignments are to be prepared on the computer and presented in a format that would be acceptable in a business environment. Access to computers is available in the library at any ACC campus.
Instructor Information:
Campus: SAC
Room: 1313.4
Times: Tuesdays 5 - 6 PM, other office hours, via e-mail or Blackboard Discussion Board, or by appointment
Phone: 223-9216
E-mail: sammons@austincc.edu
URL: http://www.austincc.edu/sammons
Blackboard: http://acconline.austincc.edu/
Texas State Board Of Public Accountancy:
Austin Community College has received the designation of Qualifying Educational Credit for CPA Examination by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board). This course qualifies as one of the 30 required upper-level accounting courses. However, for this course to be counted, the student MUST have completed a bachelor's degree PRIOR to taking this course. If this course is completed before a bachelor's degree is awarded, the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy will not accept it. Please review the information on our web site http://www.austincc.edu/accting/cpainfo.php. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and comply with the requirements of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.
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
SCANS Competencies:
The term scans is an acronym for the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. The U.S. Secretary of Labor commissioned a task force in 1990 to examine the demands of the workplace. The commission’s first report, “What Work Requires of Schools”, identified what employees need to know and be able to do in order to succeed in any occupation.
The following SCANS competencies are incorporated into this course:
USE INFORMATION SKILLS – EVALUATE RELEVANT INFORMATION
Identifies need for data, obtains them from existing sources or creates them, and evaluates their relevance and accuracy. Completely performing the tasks of acquiring data and evaluating information includes posing analytical questions to determine specific information needs: selecting possible information ad evaluating its appropriateness: and determining when new information must be created.
APPLY THINKING SKILLS – USE PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
Recognizes that a problem exists (e.g., there is a discrepancy between what is and what should or could be): identifies possible reasons for the discrepancy: devises and implements a plan of action to resolve it: evaluates and monitors progress: and revises plan as indicated by findings.
INTERPRET AND COMMUNICATE INFORMATION
Determines information to be communicated: identifies best methods to present information: converts information to desired format: and conveys information to others through a variety of means including oral and written presentation.
Instructional Methodology:
The class meetings are highly interactive. Students present papers and cases. They also discuss assigned reading and provide feedback to peers. Points are awarded for participation during these class meetings according to the degree of preparedness and the level of participation. Both written and oral communication activities will be assigned and graded.
Students use Word, Power Point, database research, journal article research, and flowchart preparation in this course.
Course Rationale:
The goals and objectives of this course prepare students for (1) completing degree requirements, (2) obtaining or improving job skills, (3) qualifying for a business or accounting job, (4) working as an entrepreneur, (5) fulfilling personal goals, and/or (6) understanding financial statements and the basic accounting process.
ACC Policies:
Austin Community College policies for Academic Freedom, Scholastic Dishonesty, Student Discipline, Students with Disabilities, and Grade Changes 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,). Electronic devices may not be use for exams unless specifically authorized by the instructor. 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” (Student Handbook).
Grade Change Policies: Click on this link to view the policy. (Student Handbook -- page 28)
Course Policies:
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.
Withdrawal Policy: The instructor may withdraw a student for lack of progress. Lack of progress includes: if the student has missed more than 3 days of class and has not discussed the reasons for missing with the instructor (in person, during office hours or during an appointment). The last day to withdraw from this course is 11/23/09.
Inclement Weather: If class is canceled due to icy conditions, go to Blackboard to locate a make up assignment.
Course Grading:
This is a capstone course, thus, it is your opportunity to work with knowledge acquired in other accounting and business courses. Grading is based on your performance. Your work is expected to be submitted timely and to be professionally prepared. If you submit work that is not your own, you will earn an F in the course.
Jack Robertson, C.T. Zlatkovich Centennial Professor of Accounting Emeritus, UT (retired after 33 years of teaching accounting and wrote auditing textbooks) stated in the Austin American Statesman on 7/10/06:
"The professorial task is to challenge students to think for themselves and to convey a sense of how journalism (or accounting) should be practiced in an ideal sense (e.g., “theory”). One way said: The world runs on theory, each person’s real working place is merely a special case."
I agree with Dr. Robertson and feel that students in the capstone course should be able to make judgments, design presentations, and reach conclusions with a minimum of instructor guidance. Adequate research resources are provided. Adequate computer resources are also provided at ACC campuses (libraries) if reliable resources are not available at students’ homes or offices. For this reason, 5 % of the course grade is based on presentations, professionalism, judgment and the ability to do the ‘job’ (assignments) with minimal directions and with the use of the proper research tools. This 5 % will be subjective and will be based on a grading rubric provided in Blackboard.
Details on assignments/grading criteria will be provided in Blackboard.
Submission Procedures:
Details will be provided in class and on Blackboard.
Make-Up Policies:
This is an interactive course and your attendance is critical. It is also critical that you be prepared for each class.
Late assignments will not be accepted. Two assignments can be submitted via e-mail (to sammons@austincc.edu) before the start of class (on the due date).
If you miss class on a presentation day, the make-up policy follows. On two occasions, a make-up assignment will be e-mailed to you after the missed class. Complete the make-up assignment and bring it to the next class meeting. The assignment must be completed using word processing or Excel. It must be neat, complete, and contain proper grammar and correct spelling. Be prepared to discuss your work with the class. If you miss more than two presentation classes, you will receive a zero for these classes.
If you cannot take Exam 1 on the scheduled date, the material will be tested on Exam 2. Exam 2 will count as 200 points. Exam 2 will cover the material for both the first and second exams.
| Grading Element | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | 50 | 5 % |
| Communication Counts: Oral Presentations (9/1 and 9/15) | 100 | 10 % |
| Communication Counts: Critique | 25 | 2.5 % |
| Communication Counts: Exam | 100 | 10 % |
| Research Module: Presentations | 100 | 10 % |
| Research Module: Critiques | 25 | 2.5 % |
| Research Cases: Presentations | 200 | 20 % |
| Research Cases: Critiques | 100 | 10 % |
| Major Cases: Presentations | 100 | 10 % |
| Major Cases: Critiques | 50 | 5 % |
| Research Module and Cases: Exam | 100 | 10 % |
| Subjective Review of Performance | 50 | 5 % |
| Total | 1,000 | 100% |
Course Calendar:
Date |
Activity | Assignment |
Due Date |
8/25 |
Introductions |
Exercises 1-2, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-5, 2-6* |
Oral presentations on 9/1 |
9/1 |
Communication Assignment Presentation |
Students will present their chapter 1 and 2 assignments |
Oral presentations on 9/15 |
9/8 |
Communication Matters: Effective Writing -- Chapters 7, 11 |
Exercises 7-1, 7-3, 7-5, 7-6, 7-7, 7-9, 7-10* |
Oral presentations on 9/15
|
9/15 |
Communication Assignment Presentation |
Students will present their chapter 7,11, and 15 assignments |
|
9/22 |
Review of chapters 1,2,7,11,15 Critique of student presentations |
|
Oral presentations on 9/22 |
9/29 |
Communication Matters Exam |
|
|
10/6 |
GAAP Research Presentations |
GAAP Research Presentation Critiques |
10/13 |
10/13 |
Research Module: |
|
|
10/20 |
Accounting Research Text -- Chapter 3 and 4 |
To be determined |
10/27
|
10/27 |
Research Module Presentations |
Written Critiques |
11/3 |
11/3 |
Accounting Research Text -- Chapter 5 and 6 |
To be determined Assign Research Cases |
11/10 11/10 |
11/10 |
Research Module Presentations |
Assign Research Cases |
|
11/17 |
Research Module Presentations |
Written Critiques Assign Major Cases |
11/24 (via Blackboard) |
11/24 |
Major Case Preparation (no formal class) |
|
Progress Report due via Blackboard on 11/24 |
| 12/1 | Major Case Presentations | Major Case Critiques | 12/8 |
12/8 |
Research Module Exam |
|
|
* Not all students will work each assignment. Assignments will be made based on student's prior course work and interest.
Last updated: 8/10/09