Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics (Econ 2301)

                SYLLABUS & COURSE OUTLINE 

FALL 2011-STAFFORD REGULAR START 16 weeks 

ECO 2301- Macroeconomics-Fall 2011 

 16 Week Lecture course –

I. Instructor's Name:  Ed Hume

Brief instructor bio:

I have earned an M.A. in Economics from Texas Tech University, and am A.B.D.  In addition to teaching at HCCS, I am a full-time instructor at Wharton County Junior College and also teach at University of Houston – Downtown.

In addition to teaching, I also provide consulting expertise in the energy industry.

 

II. Office Location and hours:

Location:  Classroom

Times        Days                      Room

5:00 – 5:30 Mon, Wed          Learning Hub 224

OR by appointment

Preferred contact method:  [email protected] or [email protected]

E-mail: Enter Your E-mail :  [email protected] or [email protected]

Phone Number: 281-243-8517 (WCJC office number)

 

Associated websites  and textbook:  

Textbook:  

On Line Subscription:

Required: Textbook’s website -this site is an invaluable tool to help you begin to discover economics !

 

Department website:

http://learning.swc.hccs.edu/courses/social-behavioral-sciences/economics-homepage/

Please look at the department website for additional useful and fun economics related websites.

Required:

Textbook:  

On Line Subscription:  Aplia (comes with 2 semester access and is included with book purchased at the bookstore OR they can buy directly from the publisher at their website)

STUDENT DISCOUNTED WEBSITE FOR BOOK:
http://www.cengagebrain.com/micro/hccecon2301/2302

 

Purpose of the Course:

 

 The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with a necessary theoretical and analytical background to enable him/her to develop basic understandings of the major areas of interest in macroeconomics.  The student, upon completion of this course, will have a sufficient foundation in macroeconomics to undertake future economics courses.  Of equal importance, the student will develop skills to recognize, understand and respond to the economic issues that surround one in everyday life.

 

The course will begin with the development of basic economic tools, such as the problem of scarcity, the market system as a means to solve the economic problem, supply and demand analysis and the role of the government in economics.  Once the basic tools are mastered, we will delve into topics such as National Income Analysis, Aggregate Supply and Demand, Keynesian Economic Theory, Basics of Money, Banking and Monetary Theory, and time permitting, the role of international trade.

 

Expectations:

 

The student is expected to have read all assigned materials prior to class and to be prepared to move forward at that time.  Please feel free to ask questions and/or bring up relevant topics for discussion.  Given the nature of this material, it is imperative that the student does not wait until the last minute to prepare for class/exams.  The material we will cover in this class tends to build upon itself.  Therefore, students who do not develop the basic fundamentals at the beginning of the class may well be lost for the semester.

 

While I cannot predict their occurrences, it can be expected that events of interest to this class will occur during the semester.  Unfortunately, these events will not necessarily align themselves with the upcoming week's lecture.  However, I expect the student to keep up with what is going on in the business world on a daily basis.  Look for such events as congressional/presidential legislation, tax proposals and other topics of interest such as Federal Reserve activity, changes in interest rates, etc.

 

Course's Catalog Description and Prerequsites:

 Macroeconomics examines the fundamentals of the American economy as it relates to social welfare. Emphasis is on basic economic concepts and theories as they affect domestic and international markets. This course integrates behavioral social sciences to present solutions to real world problems. Macroeconomics includes measurements of GDP, fiscal and monetary policy. Core Curriculum course.

This course will help you to understand the kinds of markets businesses operate in as well as how firms maximize profits subject to constraints. There are many real world applications of this course in game theory, industrial organization, environmental economics, anti-trust law and other areas.

The only prerequisite for this course is the equivalent of MATH 0306 which does not mean you have to have taken the course if your scores on placement tests or other credentials allowed you to register for the course. If you feel you do not have these necessary skills, please talk to me today.

Grading:

 

There will be four exams each worth 15% of the grade and a comprehensive final worth 20%, and

Aplia,20%. If you have missed three or fewer classes on I will substitute the grade on the Final for the lowest exam grade.

 

If a student must miss an exam for a reason the instructor finds valid, and can verify the reason for the absence i.e., a doctor’s report, obituary notice, etc., the student will be allowed to take a make-up exam.  No other options will be offered.

 

NOTICE: Please be aware that students who take a course for the third time or more must now pay significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities.  At HCC it is an additional $50 per credit hour. Also, the state of Texas has passed a new law limiting new students to no more than six withdrawals throughout their academic career in obtaining a baccalaureate degree.  If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test-taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.  Your success is very important.

 

 

Attendance and Drop Policy:

 

 Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis.  Attendance will be taken and absences noted.  If a student is not present when attendance is taken, she/he will be counted as absent.  No exceptions.  If a student leaves prior to the end of a class, he/she will be marked as absent.   However, attendance will not be considered when assigning final grades.  The instructor will not drop students who are not attending class.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate withdrawal.  Students who do not attend class and do not withdraw will be assigned an F for the semester.  

 

Scholastic Integrity Statement

 

Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity.  Cheating in any form, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated.  Students found to be cheating will be assigned an F for the course, and their names forwarded to the appropriate scholastic authorities.

 

 

Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System

 

At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston EGLS₃ -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System

Community College Student System online near the end of the term.

 

ADA Statement

Any student with a DOCUMENTED disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide ONLY the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.   If you have any questions please contact the counselor, Becky Hauri at 713-718-7909 (Southwest campus) as soon as possible to make the necessary accommodations. The counselor will inform instructors on the recommended accommodations. If you still have questions contact Donna Price at 713-718-5165.

The information in this publication will be made available in large print, taped or computer-based format upon request.

Should you receive such a request, the office of Disability Support Services at your college has the expertise and equipment necessary to accommodate it.




HCC CAMPUS CLASSES ONLY:

If you have a physical handicap that necessitates assistance during a building evacuation, contact the instructor on the first day of class and a buddy will be assigned to you. This buddy along with the instructor and security personnel will assist you in the unlikely event of a building evacuation.

 

Tentative Reading Schedule^[1]

 

Week No.	Date	Assignment
	Aug  29 – Sept 2	Introduction, Chapter 1
One	Sept   5 - 9	Labor Day, Ch. 1 - 2
Two	Sept 12 - 16	Ch. 3
Three	Sept 19 - 24	Ch. 3, 4
Four	Sept 26 - 30	Ch. 7, Exam 1, Ch. 1 - 4
Five	Oct 3 - 7	Ch. 7, Ch. 6
Six	Oct  10 - 14	Ch. 6, Ch. 9
Seven	Oct  17 - 21	Ch. 18, Exam II, Ch. 6, Ch. 7
Eight	Oct  24 - 28	Ch. 9, 10
Nine	Oct 31 – Nov 4	Ch. 10, Ch. 8
Ten	Nov   7 - 11	Ch. 8, 11 Exam III, Ch. 9, 10, 8
Eleven	Nov  14 - 18	Ch. 12, 13
Twelve	Nov  21 - 25	Ch. 13, Thanksgiving
Thirteen	Nov  28 - Dec 2	Ch. 14, Ch. 15
Fourteen	Dec   5 - 9	Exam IV, Ch. 24 - 27, Ch. 18
Fifteen	Dec  2 - 15	Finals
Note:  Reading assignments are subject to change.  Instructor will notify class of changes.

 

 

 

---

^[1]

 The instructor retains the right to modify the syllabus as needed.  Any modifications will be announced in class.