Kirtland Community College
10775 N. St. Helen Road
Roscommon, MI 48653
989-275-5000
Principals of Microeconomics
Winter 2016
ECO-20200-60
Instructor
JamesCzarskiEd.S
Course Description: This course will examine the functions of individual decision making of firms and consumers, market structures, market failures, and the role of government within the economy.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: ENG-10303.
Recommended Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (Social Science Credit)
Method of instruction: This course will be delivered entirely online. A good, reliable internet connection is essential to success in this course. The primary source of information is your textbook. This will be supplemented with audio and video files provided through Canvas. There will be an online quiz over each chapter. You will be expected to participate in online discussion of this material. In addition, you will write a research paper on a company of your choice.
Text: Microeconomics 5th edition. R. Glenn Hubbard and Anthony Patrick O’Brien
Course Objectives
- Develop basic economic literacy.
- Enabling students to understand and interpret economic events making headlines.
- Provide a solid grounding in economic theory
- Enabling students to understand how limited resources are utilized most efficiently, the strategic behavior of consumers and firms, the costs and benefits of globalization and methods of assessing economic performance.
- Sharpen student’s analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Prepare them for a myriad of career opportunities available in private sector companies, non-profit and international organizations, and the government at all levels and educational institutions.
- Students will make use of tools developed in this course to analyze current events.
- Locate and use library reference materials pertinent to economics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of scarcity, efficiency, opportunity costs, supply and demand, utility,costs, profit maximization, and the four major types of industry: Perfect Competition, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly and Monopoly.
- Utilize the course vocabulary in written work, which demonstrates mastery of the rules of grammar, proper punctuation and sentence structure.
A note about online study: Please do not use internet explorer for you internet browser. We recommend using Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to avoid issues with uploading your information. Please contact our online help team at for assistance.
The reading for this course is extensive and it will be the most important assignment you have. Because much on this class is online it is up to you to read, study and understand the material from the book (including diagrams, graphs and charts). While discussion, audio and video files will supplement this material, it will not replace reading the book. Make sure you get into the habit to check the weekly modules.
Grading System
This course is based on standard University grading. The number of assignments and scoring may be changed at the discretion of the instructor. All late work, regardless of the reason, will lose 20% of the possible points if turned in within seven days of due date. After seven days, late work will receive no credit.
A 100 – 94%
A- 93 – 90%
B+89 – 87%
B86 – 83%
B-82 – 80%
C+79 – 77%
C76 – 73%
C-72 – 70%
D+69 – 67%
D66 – 63%
D-62 – 60%
E<60%
Quizzes must be completed by 11:59pm Sunday of the week they are due. After that time they will no longer be available. Similarly, each phase of the research paper must be submitted by 11:59pm Sunday of the week it is dueor points will be deducted. Detailed instructions for the research paper are contained within Canvas. They can be found in the Module in which each phase is due.
Discussion assignments consist of one initial post and two replies. Every post should have at least one quote and cite the book or another scholarly source. Include references used at the end of each post. Discussion should be dispersed throughout the week. Your initial post should be by Wednesday and your two replies by Sunday evening at 11:59 p.m. All writing should follow APA format.
Participation:
Participationis measured by the student’s interaction and contribution with the course and other students as demonstrated through active involvement on the discussion board. A student’s contribution must add value to the course. A discussion board posting is determined to be of substance by containing information that supplements, contradicts, questions, or furthers discussion on a subject area contained in the course. Additionally, it is expected that student participation reflects critical thinking and good grammar.
Research Paper
Your research paper will consist of three phases. Each phase must be submitted by 11:59pm Sunday of the week it is due or points will be deducted. If any part is late, regardless of the reason, it will lose 20% of the possible points if turned in within seven days of due date. After seven days, late work will receive no credit. Detailed instructions for the research paper are contained within Canvas. They can be found in the Module in which each phase is due.
All writing should follow APA format.
Communication: Canvas is the preferred forms of communication. You can also send me e-mail. If you do, keep a copy of your correspondence as proof in case it doesn’t reach my mailbox. I will check my email daily, but please allow 24-48 hours for a response.All assignments should be submitted through Canvas. Try to complete your assignments early in the week so that if you have problems I will have time to address your issue before the deadline.
Financial Aid:Failure to submit coursework to instructor, to attend scheduled class/meeting sessions, or failure to take required quizzes/exams may delay disbursement of financial aid. Refer to the syllabus for each class you are taking for detailed course requirements.
Ethical Conduct:This instructor requires the highest level of honesty, integrity and professionalism from everyone all the time. Any infraction will be dealt with in a strict manner the first time. No excuses will be accepted, no second chances given. It is expected that all students have read the student policy and procedure handbook and understand it. Student rights, responsibilities and regulations are also published in the college catalog.
Simply stated;DO YOUR OWN WORK. If you choose to help another student, it is your responsibility to provide real help. Do not just give answers, show your work or loan them your work. This would constitute academic dishonesty. Anyone caught cheating will be given a zero for that activity and be subject to further action at the option of the instructor. If for some reason you have a question or due to special circumstances are unsure of the right thing to do, it is your responsibility to contact your instructor and ask before you act.
Plagiarism is representing the work of other persons as one’s own, including but not limited to the use of work by others and information downloaded from the Internet. The use of another person’s words, ideas or information without proper acknowledgement, whether done intentionally or through carelessness, is also plagiarism. The student should seek guidance from the instructor about acceptable methods to be used to acknowledge the work and ideas of others.
Free Tutoring:The Tutoring Center, located in the Library, provides FREE tutoring to currently enrolled KCC students, or more information stop in the Library, email the Tutoring Center at , or call 989.275.5000 x 246.
Tentative Schedule
Week 1: 1/11 to 1/17
Read Chapters 1
Discussion: introduce yourself 10 points
Quiz Chapters 120
Week 2:1/18 to 1/24
Read Chapter 2
Propose topic for research paper 5
Chapter 2 Quiz20
Week 3:1/25 to 1/31
Read Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Quiz20
APA Format Quiz10
Week 4:2/1 to 2/7
Read Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Quiz20
Participate in Discussion20
Week 5:2/8 to 2/14
Read Chapters 5
Research paper phase 1Due20
Quiz Chapters 520
Week 6:2/15 to 2/21
Read Chapters 6 & 7
Quiz Chapters 6 & 730
Week 7:2/22 to 2/28
Read Chapters 8
Participate in Discussion20
Quiz Chapters 820
Week 8:2/29 to 3/6
Read Chapters 9
Quiz Chapters 920
Participate in Discussion20
Week 9:Spring Break3/7 to 3/13
Week 10:3/14 to 3/20
Read Chapters 10 & 11
Quiz Chapters 10 & 1130
Week 11:3/21 to 3/27
Read Chapter 12
Chapter 12 Quiz20
Research paper phase 225
Week 12:3/28 to 4/3
Read Chapters 13
Quiz Chapter 1320
Participate in Discussion20
Week 13:4/4 to 4/10
Read Chapters 14
Quiz Chapters 1420
Participate in Discussion20
Week 14: 4/11 to 4/17
Read Chapters 15
Participate in Discussion20
Quiz Chapters 1520
Week 15:4/18 to 4/24
Read Chapter 16
Research paper Due50
Quiz Chapter 16 20
Week 16:4/25 to 5/1
Read Chapter 17
Chapter 17 Quiz20
Discussion: Course reflection 10
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Total570 points
Students with Disabilities: Kirtland Community College is committed to making reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities in reaching their academic potential. If you have a disability which may impact your performance, attendance, or grades in this course and require accommodations, you must first register with Disability Services. ( The Disability Services Coordinator is responsible for coordinating classroom accommodations and other services.Accommodations cannot be provided unless you are registered with Disability Services. For additional information contact the Student Success Center at 989-275-5000, ext. 280 or email .
Statement of Compliance: It is the policy of Kirtland Community College that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, disability, physical proportions, sexual orientation, marital status, or genetic information be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service, or in employment. For information, or to register a grievance, contact the Director of Human Resources, Room 226 ADM Building, 10775 N St Helen Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653, 989-275-5000 x 271 or 239.
Sexual Misconduct: Kirtland Community College is committed to providing an educational environment free of sexual misconduct by students, employees, or any persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, engaged or present under the care, authority, and jurisdiction of the college. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, non-consensual sexual intercourse or contact, sexual or sex-based harassment, sexual coercion, dating or domestic violence, voyeurism, or stalking. Any person who believes they are a victim of sexual misconduct, or who observes what they believe to be an act of sexual misconduct, within the jurisdiction of Kirtland Community College, is urged to immediately inform a responsible employee of the college, or file a Behavioral Intervention (BIT) Report at or call Kirtland Public Safety at 989-275-5000 x 355.
Class Cancellations:We encourage you to sign up with our Rave system so you will be notified of cancellations. If you do not have a cell phone, you may still get voice calls on a land line phone. If you have a cell and have an unlimited texting plan, we suggest you sign up for text messaging.Cancellations are also posted in the Urgent Announcements section in Mykirtland, on Facebook, Twitter and posted in designated areas in campus buildings. If you are enrolled in courses at Kirtland, you are already automatically enrolled to get alerts through your Kmail.Instructions on how to enroll in getting voice calls or text message alerts can be found by going to this web site: you need help setting up Rave you can contact ITS at 989-275-5000
Technical Support:
- Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning, eLearning Department at 989-275-5000 ext. 500 Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm or email
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