The American Economy
Temple University
Econ 0858 Sec. 5
Fall 2013
Class Time: TuTh 9:30 - 10:50
Classroom: Ritter Hall 105
Instructor: Brian Glassman
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. I can meet outside of office hours by appointment only.
Instructor Email: (best way to reach me)
Office: Ritter Annex 848
Phone: (215) 204-5450
Text:
Guell, Robert C. Issues in Econoimcs Today, 6th Edition. (earlier editions are fine)
Bonello, Frank. Lobo, Isobel, Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Economic Issues, 15th Edition.
Course Description: Should the federal government more forcefully engage health care issues, or are its current obligations a hidden time bomb facing the federal budget? Should we be concerned about the outsourcing of U.S. jobs? Is the minimum wage too low, or will increases in the minimum simply lead to greater unemployment? Students will engage these and other pressing issues write position papers advocating specific actions that governments or firms should take, and debate these recommendations. While economic theory is not the centerpiece of this course, students will learn enough economic theory to be able to discuss policy in an informed manner. They will also be introduced to important sources of "economic" information, from government web sites to major publications. The American Economy is a US Society Gen/Ed course.
Notes on Exams: There will be a total of two exams (including the final). Make-up exams are permissible only with formal evidence of a legitimate excuse and it is YOUR responsibility to notify me BEFORE the exam. If you notify me after the class has taken the exam you should expect a heavy penalty. If you notify me after the exam has been handed back to the class you should expect a zero.
Letter Grades and Points:
A = 100-93 A- = 92-90
B+ = 89-87 B = 86-83 B- = 82-80
C+ = 79-77 C = 76-73 C- = 72-70
D+ = 69-67 D = 66-63 D- = 62-60 F = 59-0
Disability Accommodation:
Both Temple and I are committed to making education easily available to all students who are interested in learning and willing to study. Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss his/her specific needs as soon as possible.
Grading
Class Attendance (5%)
This class will be discussion and presentation heavy. You must be present for these discussions and presentations in order to learn what I expect of you from this class. Please conduct yourself in an appropriate fashion, and leave all distractions outside the classroom (no cell phones, no texting, no laptop with internet connection, no talking, etc…). Treat everyone in the class with respect and come prepared to discuss economics.
Participation (5%)
Opportunities to participate in class discussions will arise every week. Take advantage of these opportunities to contribute to the class.
Student Presentations (20%)
You and a partner will pick an economic issue of relevance today and give about a 15 minute presentation of the issue to the class.
Policy Statements (40%) – 2 statements worth 20% each
We will be having 8-10 discussions on issues facing the American Economy throughout the semester. You are to come prepared to discuss these issues. You will also choose 2 issues to write 3-4 page policy statements about.
Take on the role of an economic advisor to a government policymaker. Your grades will be a function of your economic reasoning in support of the economic position, regardless of what that position is. Your argument must be based on what you can prove or show using data, economic theory, and previously done studies. Your argument should not be based on what you think should be the policy. For more detail regarding your grading I direct you toward the Rubric.
Take Home Midterm (15%)
The midterm will be posted on a Monday and it will be due on Thursday. This is designed to make sure that you are keeping up with the material and have grasped the concepts from the first half of the course.
In-class Final (15%)
The final will be based on the material covered after the midterm. This will include all material covered in class (required readings, class discussions, etc…).
Topics Chapters (Guell)
Principles of economics ch. 1
Supply and Demand ch. 2
International trade ch. 17, ch. 19
Non-existent markets - Market for kidneys
Price ceilings: rent controls
Price Floors: agriculture and minimum wage ch. 30, ch. 31
Illegal markets ch. 21
6 challenges of macroeconomics ch. 6, 8, 11, and 12
1) Economic Growth
2) Unemployment
3) Inflation
4) Business Cycle
5) Budget deficit
6) Trade deficit
Fiscal policy ch. 9
Monetary policy ch. 10
The Great Recession ch. 13 and 14
Important dates
Monday, October 7th – Midterm assigned
Thursday, October 10th – Midterm due
Tuesday, October 29th – 1st policy statement due
Tuesday, Dec. 3rd – 2nd policy statement due
Tuesday, Dec. 3rd – last day of classes
Thursday, Dec. 12th, 8:00 am – 10:00 am - Final Exam
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