Austin Community College
Department of Economics
ECON 2301
Principles of Macroeconomics
Name: Shirin Murrassa-I-Khuda
Course Name: Principles of Macroeconomics
Course Number: ECON 2301
Section Number: 043, Synonym: 07025
Class Hours: MW 7:30 - 8:45 am
Class Room: 136, Building WWD1, Westwood High School
Office Hours: MW 8:46-9:15 am, Room-136, building: WWD1, Westwood High School.
Special office hours: Only by appointment at Room 1104, Adjunct Faculty Offices, Bldg 1000, Austin Community College, Cypress Creek, 1555 Cypress Creek Rd, Cedar Park, Texas, 78613.
Office Phone: 223-1790 Ext 26443. Please call 223-8132, leave a message with Rachel and she will contact me if you need to leave me an urgent message.
Email: smurrass@austincc.edu. Email is the best way to reach me.
Website: http://www.austincc.edu/smurrass/
Blackboard: Go to http://www.austincc.edu/ and click on blackboard option on the left of the screen to login to blackboard. Username is first letter of your first name and your ACCeID after that. Password and ACC email is listed in the registration documents for this class. Check http://www.austincc.edu/acceid/faq.php for ACCeID and Password related questions. If you need additional help with login to Blackboard call help desk at 223-4357 during regular office hours. At any point in time, if you have problem in accessing blackboard contact help desk and get it fixed. If it does not get fixed, please bring it to my attention in class or email me about the issue.
Course Description: Principles of Macroeconomics deals with consumers as a whole, producers as a whole, the effects of Fiscal Policy (government spending and taxation policies) and the effects of the Monetary Policy carried out by the Federal Reserve Bank. Macroeconomics is concerned with unemployment, inflation and the business cycle.
This course will teach you macroeconomics, problems in an economy and tools to manipulate the economy. This class will help you to develop and improve your analytical, problem solving, writing skills and team work.
Textbook: Required: Macroeconomics, by Roger A. Arnold, 9th Edition (South-Western College Publishing, 2008). ISBN 032478550X, Study Guide (Optional) 0324785534
Back Ground Requirements for Students: Microeconomics or Economics knowledge covering the concepts of demand/supply, resources, scarcity, opportunity cost, production possibilities frontier is a plus for this class. If you do not have this economic concepts then please read Chapter 1, Appendix A of Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 on your own. This will enable you to understand topics covered in the class better. Required MS Word knowledge to type your research paper. MS Excel to make graphs for your research paper/group presentation. (Knowledge of copy and paste graph or table from Excel to Word). Basic Math/Statistics, and graph skills is a plus for this class. (Simple algebraic equation and how variables sign changes when they change side. Understanding the concept of percentage.)
Course Rationale: This course is meant to give students insights into the dynamics of our national economy. The knowledge gained in the course will make students better informed citizen and allow them to follow the debates over national economic policy reported in the news media. This course is also a foundation course that will prepare students to be successful in upper division finance, marketing, business administration, economics, government and social work courses.
Common Course Objectives/Student Outcomes as established by the economics department.
Students who complete this course will be able to understand:
-the meaning of unemployment and inflation data and how the data is collected and computed;
-the meaning and components of the Nation Income Accounts, especially GDP;
-the meaning of Business Cycle and its phases;
-and to manipulate the basic Aggregate Supply, Aggregate Demand model of the macro economy;
-how fiscal policy operates, its tools, and its advantages and drawbacks;
-how a fractional reserve banking systems works;
-how monetary policy operates, its tools, and its advantages and drawbacks.
Instructional Methodology: The instructional methodology involves lectures and discussion. I will use Power Point slides white board and internet for instructions. Please read your assigned chapter before each class. Reading the assigned chapter prior to the class will help greatly in understanding, grasping well the concepts, issues as well as solving problems both in and out of the class room for the course. Class participation is highly encouraged. Feel free to ask questions in class. If you have questions outside of class and office hours, please email me with your problem. I will schedule a time to meet with you at Cypress Creek Adjunct Faculty Offices, Room 1104.
Student Requirements: Calculator, Textbook, Pen, Pencil, Eraser for In Class assignments, Quizzes and Exams. Students are required to submit homework in a separate handwritten/typed sheet. Homework should be submitted on the dates assigned in the class schedule. You are responsible to collect your homework assignments from blackboard. If you cannot access it please email me at: smurrass@austincc.edu. Don’t miss submitting homework(s), in class(es), quiz(zes), exam(s), as there is no makeup. You are responsible for turning your In class, Homework, Quiz and Exam to me. You will sign in a “sign in sheet” for each in my class list when you turn in these things to me in class.
Course Evaluation/Grading System: There will be 3 Exams, 3 Homeworks, 3 Quizzes, 6* or less In Class works. There will be no makeup homework, in class work, quizzes or exams. Only under special circumstances makeup exams can be taken later or earlier than the specified exam day. Special arrangements have to be made with me depending on the time of the issue's occurrence. If you are sick and cannot take the exam on the day of the exam, you would need a “doctor’s note” and “receipt of the visit” as documentation. I will arrange for a makeup test for you at a later date that works for you (late exam have to be taken within next two class days of the previous exam with the exception of the final exam. Final exams can only be taken earlier. No late finals accepted). However, the questions on the exam might be different than one taken on the exam day by other students. If you want to take the exam earlier then contact me and tell me the reason and document it and I will arrange an earlier exam for you. For early exams, please let me know at least two weeks before you plan to take the exam so I can prepare a special exam for you. Every student in the class earns 1% extra credit point for their overall academic good behaviors during the semester. Only if they are having behavioral issues I will not assign them the extra credit 1% with their grades. Every student in the class will earn 1% extra credit for class participation-(please participate), and will earn 5% for full class attendance during the semester. Do not miss out this extra credit points as they help to push up your grades one grade level.
Research paper topic---
“Compare current economic crisis of the United States of America with Great Depression (similarities and dissimilarities in cause and solution). Please give arguments for/against the solution provided by the current government and state your solution to the problem”.
Cypress Creek Library: Check Cypress Creek Library Reserve for articles: either
* search by instructor- Murrassa-I-Khuda, Shirin
http://alicat.austincc.edu/search/p
* search by course: Econ 2301
http://alicat.austincc.edu/search/r
Library Location: 1555 Cypress Creek Rd Cedar Park, TX 78613 Phone: 223-2030
Library Hours: http://library.austincc.edu/loc/
4 categories in Reserve: 2 hours checkout/copier
Some of these papers are from the internet and rests are copies from books.
Grading Points Distribution Tables
|
Grade on |
Numbers |
Points Each |
Total Possible Points |
Average |
Grade Percentage |
|
Exams |
3 |
100 |
300 |
300/3 = 100 |
75% |
|
Homework |
3 |
25 |
75 |
75/3=25 |
5% |
|
Quiz |
3 |
10 |
30 |
30/3=10 |
5% |
|
In Class work |
6* |
10 |
60 |
60/6=10 |
10% |
|
Research Paper |
1 |
10 |
10 |
10/1=10 |
5% |
Exams will be mixture of multiple choice, True/False and Fill in the Gaps, Questions with short answers, graphs, and math problems. Exams will take up one full class hour. Exam closed book and notes. Exams will be based on lectures, textbook, and in class works, homeworks, and other handouts given in the class.
Homework will be assigned from the textbook’s “Questions and Problems” and “Working with numbers and graphs” section or on concepts from the textbook. I will provide the homeworks at blackboard. If you have problems accessing it please email me at: smurrass@austincc.edu.
In class work will be done in groups of two students. Each group will turn in one in class group work with the group members name listed at the top. Absent students will miss in class work. There might be six or less in class work depending on class performance.
Extra Credit Points Distribution Tables
|
Grade on |
Points |
Points |
Points |
Points |
Points |
Points |
Grade Percentage |
|
Attendance |
5 for full attendance |
4 for one missed class |
3 for two classes missed |
2 for three classes missed |
1 for fourth missed class |
0 for fifth missed class |
5% |
|
Class Participation |
1 |
|
Ask questions, participates in class discussions |
1% |
|||
|
Overall Behavior |
1 |
|
No misbehavior for the course reported during the semester |
1% |
|||
|
Group Presentation |
5 |
Content (2), Well Researched (2), Presentation Style(1), Points = 5 |
3% |
||||
Group Presentation will be done in Groups of 2 Persons. Topic and Groups need to be finalized by 5/5/10.
Grading System
A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F Below 60
Course outline/Calendar: Tentative Class Schedule
|
Date |
Day |
Lecture |
Chapter Titles |
|
1/20/2010 |
W |
Syllabus, Course overview and Background evaluation |
|
|
1/25/2010 |
M |
Chapter 6 |
Macroeconomic Measurements Part II: GDP and Real GDP |
|
1/27/2010 |
W |
Chapter 6, Homework I |
Macroeconomic Measurements Part II: GDP and Real GDP |
|
2/1/2010 |
M |
Chapter 5 |
GDP Macroeconomic Measurements Part I: Prices and Unemployment |
|
2/3/2010 |
W |
Chapter 5, Chapter 7 |
GDP Macroeconomic Measurements Part I: Prices and Unemployment, Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply |
|
2/8/2010 |
M |
Chapter 7, |
Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply |
|
2/10/2010 |
W |
Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Homework I due, Homework I Review available on Blackboard |
Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, The Self-regulating Economy |
|
2/15/2010 |
M |
Chapter 8, Quiz |
The Self-regulating Economy |
|
2/17/2010 |
W |
Chapter 8, Quiz, Exam I related discussion. |
The Self-regulating Economy |
|
2/22/2010 |
M |
Exam I |
Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 |
|
2/24/2010 |
W |
Chapter 9 |
Economic Instability: A Critique of Self Regulating Economy |
|
3/1/2010 |
M |
Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Homework II |
Economic Instability: A Critique of Self Regulating Economy, The Federal Budget and Fiscal Policy |
|
3/3/2010 |
W |
Chapter 10, Chapter 11/12/13 |
The Federal Reserve System, Money and the Economy, Money and Banking, The Federal Reserve System, Money and the Economy |
|
3/8/2010 |
M |
Chapter 11/12/13 |
Money and Banking, The Federal Reserve System, Money and the Economy |
|
3/10/2010 |
W |
Chapter 11/12/13, Homework II due, Homework II Review available on Blackboard |
Money and Banking, The Federal Reserve System, Money and the Economy |
|
3/15/2010 |
M |
Spring break. Read for Exam/Quiz II |
|
|
3/17/2010 |
W |
Spring break. Read for Exam/Quiz II |
|
|
3/22/2010 |
M |
Chapter 14, Quiz |
Monetary Policy |
|
3/24/2010 |
W |
Chapter 14, Quiz, Exam II related discussion |
Monetary Policy |
|
3/29/2010 |
M |
Exam II |
Chapter 9, 10, 13,14, Parts of 11/12 |
|
3/31/2010 |
W |
Chapter 15 |
Expectation theory and Economy |
|
4/5/2010 |
M |
Chapter 15 |
Expectation theory and Economy |
|
4/7/2010 |
W |
Chapter 16 |
Economic Growth |
|
4/12/2010 |
M |
Chapter 16, Chapter 17 |
Economic Growth, International Trade |
|
4/14/2010 |
W |
Chapter 17, Chapter 19 |
International Trade, Globalization |
|
4/19/2010 |
M |
Chapter 19 |
Globalization |
|
4/21/2010 |
W |
Chapter 19, Research Paper Discussion |
Globalization |
|
4/26/2010 |
M |
Research Paper Discussion |
|
|
4/28/2010 |
W |
Research Paper Discussion, Chapter 18 |
International Finance |
|
5/3/2010 |
M |
Chapter 18 |
International Finance |
|
5/5/2010 |
W |
Chapter 18, Research paper due, Quiz, Exam III related discussion, Group presentation sign-up |
International Finance |
|
5/10/2010 |
M |
Exam III |
Chapter 15 -19 |
|
5/12/2010 |
W |
Group Presentation |
Team Presentation |
Exam Schedule
EXAM I: FEBRUARY 22
EXAM II: MARCH 29
EXAM III: MAY 10
Course Policies—
All the policies applicable to the course, class and grading are college level. You are enrolled in ACC's Early College Program.
Class Policy
No electronic device allowed in class. No texting, ipod or playing video games or any other kind of games or watching movies or internet browsing during normal class hour. Please turn your cell phones on vibration mode and if you need to take the call, please go outside and take the call. If you are late, try not to disturb the class when you enter. You will need a calculator to solve class problems; please do not use the cell phone calculator. I will not allow cell phone calculators in the exams.
Teaching Assistance
If you are having problems with the class, please see me with your concern before it gets too late in the semester. You can see me during my regular office hours or email me. I will meet with you in the Adjunct Faculty Offices of ACC located at Cypress Creek, Building 1000, Room1104. However, if you are having problems with other things beyond my control, you need to withdraw from the course rather than get an undesired grade at the end of the semester.
Academic Freedom
Everyone is encouraged to participate in class discussions. Differing viewpoints breathe enrichment of knowledge and generate new learning experience and may result in new theories for the future. Please participate in discussions and make the class lively with your thoughts and ideas.
Attendance
100% class attendance will earn you 5% of the total grade for the class as extra credit to push up your grade. If you miss one class you will get 4%, two classes you will get 3% and three classes you will get 2% and 4 classes you will get 1% and 5 classes you will get 0% as extra credit points. I will do the attendance at the beginning of the class, if you are late make sure I register your attendance for that day.
Incomplete
I will not give you an incomplete grade. So if you are having problems please withdraw before the withdrawal date yourself. Withdrawl date is April 26, 2010.
If any major incidence happens after the withdrawal date and you cannot continue with the class, please document the incidence and show me. To get an incomplete, you have to fill out an incomplete form and give it to me. Without filling the form an incomplete grades will not be given.
Please read the following note about withdrawals.
Withdrawals
Students are responsible for withdrawing themselves from this course. I will assign you the grade you make in the class including the extra credits, even if it is a "F" grade. Withdrawal Policy of Fall 2007 states that entering freshman is restricted to six non-punitive withdrawals for the whole of their undergraduate careers (while attending state colleges). The last day to withdraw from this course is April 26, 2010.
Scholastic Dishonesty
Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on exam or quiz, plagiarizing, 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.
Students with disabilities
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.
Class Handouts
I will provide you all with copies of chapter lectures at the beginning of each chapter lectures. In Class work, Quiz and Exams will be distributed in class.
Grades
Your class grades for homework, In class, Quiz and exams will be available at blackboard. I will assign you a letter grade for the class at the end of the semester. Your grades will be posted in blackboard after completion of the classes. If you need to check your grades earlier, please check with me in class or send me an email.