Economics B1 Dr. Michael Harvath
Principles of Macroeconomics Office H35
Email - Office Phone No. 395-4064
Web Page – Fall 2017 CRN – 71525
Course Description
An introduction to the principles of economic analysis and decision making from the viewpoint of the individual consumer, worker, and firm. Emphasizes the price system allocation of resources and income, supply and demand analysis, the structure of American industry, and applications to current economic policy and problems. Prerequisite: Testing
at math level -1 prior to transfer or Math BA.
Required Book
We are using Principles of Microeconomicsby OpenStax, a provider of free online textbooks. If you google openstax and microeconomics, the first link should take you to the book. The bookstore should have printed copies for $33.50 if you desire a printed version.
Grading
There will be 272 total points possible in this class. There are two midterm exams and a final exam each worth 64 points. An additional 80 points come from 9 quizzes worth 10 points each, with your lowest quiz score dropped. The grading scale is 87.5% and above is an A, 75%-87.5% is a B, 62.5%-75% is a C, 50%-62.5% is a D, and below 50% is an F. The exams and quizzes will be based both on lecture material presented in class and assigned textbook readings. There will also be 18 pointsextra-credit homework assignments. The homework points count towards your point total but do not raise the grade scale. Missed unit tests must be made up by Thursday of the 2nd week after the original test in my office. If this is not done, the test will count as a 0. The make-up tests will be different (and harder) than the original test
Classroom Conduct
No eating in the classroom.
No unnecessary talking during class.
Attend class sessions on time.
All cell phones and computers are to be put away during class lectures unless express
permission has been given by the instructor.
If you wish to drop the class, you are responsible for doing that. If you just stop comingto
class, you will receive an F.
Test Policy
Students may not have a cell phone out during a test. A student with a cell phone on hisdesk
or in his hand during a test will receive a 0 on that test, even if he is not using it when it is
noticed.
Office Hours
M 11:05-11:30 a.m., T 3:10-5:55 p.m., Th 11:05-12:55 p.m.
Student Services Statement
“Students with disabilities needing accommodation, including those who had an IEP in high
school, should make requests to Disabled Students Programs and Services in CSS 10 (661-
395-4334) or in Delano in DST 1001 (661-720-2000). All requests for accommodations
require appropriate advance notice to avoid a delay in services. Please discuss approved
accommodations with me so we can work together to ensure your access and success at BC.”
Course Student Learning Objectives Statement
1. Utilize the concept of scarcity to explain economic trade-offs, opportunity costs, and
rational behavior.
2. Calculate and interpret measures of elasticity.
3. Demonstrate how markets function and what happens in the presence of market
failures.
4. Analyze production and costs of the firm.
5. Demonstrate how firms attempt to optimize their objectives in response to price
signalsunder a variety of market structures in the short and long-run.
Program Student Learning Objectives Statement
1 . Economics students will be able to explain the nature and functioning of the market
system.
2 . Economics students will be able to define criteria for assessing efficiency in the
provision of goods and services.
3 . Economics students will investigate and assess the operation of economic institutions.
4 . Economics students will be able to evaluate alternative policies intended to enhance
economic outcomes.
5 . Economics students will develop competence in quantitative methods and computing
methods.
6 . Economics students will be able to conceptualize and analyze problems using the tools
of economic theory and communicatethe results.
The following is an introduction to the Habits of the Mind program at Bakersfield College
How will you succeed at BC this semester? What determines success is not circumstance, but habit. Habits of Mind, It’s POSSIBLE at BC has many free tools intended to help you accomplish your goals in school. Only you can overcome the challenges you face this semester and in life. Start out successfully with these steps:
Visit the Habits of Mind website:
Download the app for Habits of Mind at Bakersfield College for power in your palm.
Ask for help, do the work, and refuse to quit.
Success takes energy, planning, and strategies for both the expected challenges in school as well as the unexpected twists life can take. Ask your professor for more information. Now is the time to develop new habits.
Required Supplies: Nine scantron 815s and three scantron 882s.