Syllabus for Economics 2100

Honors: Economics and Society, Section 04H

CRN#: 81048

Professor:Chris Clark Fall 2015

Lectures:Section 04H: 8:00-8:50 a.m. Monday,Wednesday, and FridayAtkinson 105

Office:Atkinson Hall 415

Phone:445-2588Email:

Website:

Office Hours:Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Monday andWednesday 10:00 – 10:50 AM

Or by appointment

THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR NON-BUSINESS MAJORS ONLY.

Course Objectives

The key objectives of this course are to give you an understanding of how economists think and how the economy works. I will attempt to teach you how markets function and what occurs when they don’t function properly. We will examine the decision making process and how individuals make choices given their constraints. We will also examine how the government intervenes in markets and why. Upon the completion of this course is my hope that you will be able to apply economic reasoning to real world problems and better understand how the world around you works.

Required Text and Materials

The required text for the course is:

Economics & Society, by Edwin G. Dolan. (5th Edition. Custom text. paperback. Horizon Textbook Publishing. ISBN 9781618828187).

You are also expected to choose two of the following four books that you will read and answer questions about:

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.

SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.

Think Like a Freak: The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brainby Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.

The Why Axis: Hidden Motives and the Undiscovered Economics of Everyday Lifeby Uri Gneezy and John List

Topics and examples form these books are going to come up naturally in class. I will mention them when I feel it is appropriate, but you should mention them if I don’t. For example, if we are discussing discrimination in the labor market and I don’t mention an example from one of the books that you remember, then you should bring it up. Later in the semester you will be writing a memo about one of the topics you found interesting in one of the books you read. I will also ask questions about these books on the exams.

Articles from The Wall Street Journal, other newspapers, magazines, etc will be assigned and discussed throughout the semester. You will find that the outside articles we read will help you immensely in understanding the real-world applications of the economic analysis that we learn in class.

Course Outline

  1. The Economic Way of Thinking – Chapter 1
  2. Supply and Demand the Basics – Chapter 2
  3. Economic Theory Markets and Government – Chapter 4
  4. Supply, Demand, and Elasticity – Chapter 3
  5. Taxation – Various Chapters
  6. In Search of Prosperity and Stability – Chapters 8, 9, and 10
  7. Monetary Policy – Chapters 11 and 12
  8. Fiscal Policy – Chapter 13
  9. Other topics as time and interest allow

Evaluation Criteria

Your final grade for the course is based on the distribution below. Your grade is determined on a standard 100 point scale. A: 90% to 100%, B: 80%-89%, C: 70%-79%, D: 60%-69%, F: 59% and below. Grading in the course will be based upon in class quizzes, two midsemester exams and a final exam. Exam questions will reflect information and ideas presented both in lecture and the assigned readings. (Please do not ask me to calculate your grade for you during the semester. You have all the information you need to do that yourself in the following table.)

Task / % of Course Grade
Quizzes / 15%
Memos / 10%
Exam I / 25%
Exam II / 25%
Final Exam / 25%

Exams

There will be two midsemester exams and a final exam. The dates for the exams are shown in the schedule on the last page of the syllabus. If you need to reschedule the final exam because of a conflict, you need to submit your request in writing (email is acceptable) to me two weeks in advance. I will provide calculators that you may use on the exam. If you arrive late on the day of an exam and another student has already turned in their exam you will not be allow to take the exam and you will receive a grade of zero.

Concept Quizzes

During the semester I will give approximately 13 concept quizzes. Of these 13 total quizzes, only the 10 highest scores will count. Since approximately three assignment grades may be dropped, I DO NOT GIVE “MAKE-UP” QUIZZES. Concept quizzes will cover material from the preceding week of class lectures, reading assignments, or questions from practice assignments.

Policy Memos

You will complete two memos. The first will be on a current event of your choosing, and the effect or effects of this event on a market. The second memo will involve the books you choose to read and will be described at a later date. Here is a detailed explanation of the first memo assignment. You must turn in your memos via turnitin.com.

Format:

1. The title should simply be the name of the market you believe is being affected by the current event. For example, "The Gasoline Market" is a good title and "Oil Scare in the Middle East" is a bad title.

2. The first paragraph should contain a summary of an article (from a website, magazine, newspaper, etc).

3. The second paragraph should explain what you think will happen to the supply and demand in ONE specific market that is affected by the events described in the first paragraph. For example, did supply increase, decrease, or stay the same? DO NOT attempt to discuss multiple markets. Focus on the one in your title. You should also avoid discussing the labor market. For example, if you find yourself writing about the “supply of jobs”, then you should find another topic.

4. The final (third) paragraph should explain how the changes in supply and/or demand affected the price and quantity in that market.

5. You must provide a link (or proper MLA citation IF it is not available online) for the article you summarized in your first paragraph at the bottom of the page.

This memo should be a maximum of ONE PAGE long. If the memo goes over one page for any reason then I will ONLY grade the material on the first page. For example, if your memo is one and one half pages long and your third paragraph and your citation are on the second page, then you will receive NO CREDIT for those portions of the paper. Make sure your paper does not exceed one page when you submit it. This is to help you learn to make your points in a concise and coherent article. Students are often prone to rambling on written reports (something potential employers hate); this page limit/format is meant to help break that habit.

These memos will not be accepted after the due date/time.

Makeup Exams

I DO NOT GIVE “MAKE-UP” EXAMS. If you miss an exam due to an excused absence the weight assigned to that exam will be shifted to the final exam. For example if you miss Exam I, you will not be able to take exam I and the final would now be worth 50% of your grade (25% from exam I + original 25% for final). If you miss an exam with an unexcused absence you will receive a zero for the exam. The University defines the following as excused absences: illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student's immediate family; death of a member of the student's immediate family; University sponsored trips; or major religious holidays. In each foreseen case, written verification will be required at least one week before the scheduled exam and permission to miss an exam must be secured before the scheduled exam time unless the cause of the absence is unforeseen. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM FOR AN UNFORESEEN REASON YOU SHOULD CONTACT ME AS SOON AS YOU ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL ME. IF YOU ARRIVE LATE TO TAKE THE EXAM AND ANOTHER STUDENT HAS ALREADY TURNED IN THEIR EXAM AND LEFT THE ROOM YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE EXAM.

Returning Exams and Appeal Procedure

Anyone feeling that a dispute exists after the grading of an exam may submit a written grievance. This grievance should identify the item in dispute and arguments supporting the student's position. The appeal should be stapled to your exam and must be submitted within two class periods following the return of the assignment. I agree to prepare a written response to the student's grievance within two class periods from receipt of the grievance.

Cheating

Cheating is in no way tolerated at Georgia College and State University. Anyone caught cheating will be penalized severely. The minimum penalty is an "F" for the course. I require two stipulations to reduce the potential for cheating. You may not wear a hat with any sort of bill in front during exams and you may not have your cell phone out during the exam. Disciplinary procedures and appeals will follow the process found in the GCSU Undergraduate Catalog.

Course Expectations

  • Being Prepared: Students are expected to read assigned material prior to class and participate in class discussion and activities. Do not be afraid to participate because of the size of the class and if you have a question, never let it go unanswered. If you do not get an opportunity to ask your question during class, stop by during my office hours or feel free to contact me via electronic mail. Being prepared also means going through the notes from one class period before coming to the next class period. If you look at the new material at least once within forty-eight hours of first seeing it, you will learn the material more thoroughly and studying for the exam will be easier.
  • Being in Class: I will not take roll; however, consistent attendance is essential for acceptable performance in the course. Many students find economic concepts difficult to grasp. Missing class will only make the process of absorbing this material more difficult. I will also present material in class that may not be found in the text. If you find yourself falling behind or you are having problems with the material, I encourage you to come to me for assistance. My posted office hours list the times that you are guaranteed to find me in my office. However, if you have a conflict, you may arrange a meeting time outside of office hours.
  • Being Courteous:

1)If you do plan to attend class, be on time and do not leave until class is dismissed. Late arrivals and early departures are very disruptive to your fellow students and to me!! If you have a long walk to get to this class from another, let me know in advance. If nature calls so loudly that you must answer, please leave and return to the classroom as quietly as possible.

2)Please avoid carrying on private conversations during class. This behavior shows disrespect for your classmates who would like to hear the lecture and it can have a negative impact on the learning experience of the entire class.

3)Please turn off all cell phones, etc. If you are unable to turn off these electronic devices, please have them on mute or leave them at home. It is very disruptive to your peers and to me to have a cell phone ring during class.

Religious Observance Policy

Students are permitted to miss class in observance of religious holidays and other activities observed by a religious group of which the student is a member without academic penalty. Exercising of one’s rights under this policy is subject to the GC Honor Code. Students who miss class in observance of a religious holiday or event are required to make up the coursework missed as a result from the absence. The nature of the make-up assignments and the deadline for completion of such assignments are at the sole discretion of the instructor. Failure to follow the prescribed procedures voids all student rights under this policy. The full policy and prescribed procedures are found at:

Assistance for Student Needs Related to Disability

If you have a disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility. Disability Services, a unit of the GCSU Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, can assist you in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support in developing appropriate accommodations to ensure equal access to all GCSU programs and facilities. Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may assist you in meeting the requirements. For documentation requirements and for additional information, we recommend that you contact Disability Services located in Maxwell Student Union at 478-445-5931 or 478-445-4233.

Student Opinion Surveys statement

Given the technological sophistication of Georgia College students, the student opinion survey is being delivered through an online process. Your constructive feedback plays an indispensable role in shaping quality education at Georgia College. All responses are completely confidential and your name is not stored with your responses in any way. In addition, instructors will not see any results of the opinion survey until after final grades are submitted to the University. An invitation to complete the online opinion survey is distributed to students near the end of the semester. Your participation in this very important process is greatly appreciated.

Academic Honesty (I will be using Turnitin software to check your work for plagiarism.)

The integrity of students and their written and oral work is a critical component of the academic process. All written work submitted in this course will be individual work unless otherwise instructed. The submission of another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined on pp. 64-67 in the Undergraduate Catalog. Remember that allowing another student to copy one’s own work is considered cheating. Also see the student Honor Code at the website:

Fire Drills

Fire drills will be conducted annually. In the event of a fire alarm, students will exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. Learn the floor plan and exits of the building. Do not use elevators. If you encounter heavy smoke, crawl on the floor so as to gain fresh air. Assist disabled persons and others if possible without endangering your own life. Assemble for a head count on the front lawn of main campus or other designated assembly area. For more information on other emergencies, please visit

Everything Else:

Semester Calendar

Fall 2015
Monday / Wednesday / Friday
August 17 / August 19 / August 21
August 24 / August 26 / August 28
August 31 / September 2 / September 4
September 7
No Class
Labor Day / September 9 / September 11
September 14 / September 16 / September 18
EXAM 1
September 21 / September 23 / September 25
September 28 / September 30 / October 2
October 5 / October 7 / October 9
October 12
FALL BREAK
NO CLASS / October 14
(October 15th is the last day to drop.) / October 16
October 19 / October 21 / October 23
EXAM 2
October 26 / October 28 / October 30
November 2 / November 4 / November 6
November 9 / November 11 / November 13
November 16 / November 18 / November 20
NO CLASS Conference in New Orleans
November 23
NO CLASS Conference in New Orleans / November 25
THANKSGIVING
NO CLASS / November 27
THANKSGIVING
NO CLASS
November 30 / December 2 / December 4
December 7
Final Exam: Wednesday, December 9, 2015
8:00AM-10:15 AM

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