Syllabus Dual Credit Elsik

I.  ECO 2301- Macroeconomics

II.  Instructor's Name: Ross vanWassenhove, PhD

Office Location and hours: before/after class on site

Location: Elsik High School                 Times: 7:30-9a TT

Preferred contact method:  email

E-mail: ross.vanwassenhove@hccs.edu

II. Required:

Textbook: Economics for Today, 5^th edition, by Irvin B. Tucker

ISBN:  0324408013
ISBN 13: 9780324408010

OR SOFTCOVER HCC EDITION

III. Required: Textbook’s website http://websites.swlearning.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=0324408013&discipline_number=413

 

IV. Course's Catalog Description: 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.

V. Expected Outcomes and Course Goals:

A.     Economics related- By the end of the semester the student should be able to: identify causes of changes in supply and demand, to identify points of equilibrium in individual goods and services markets as well as aggregate markets and the market for loanable funds; describe macroeconomic goals and methods by which they may be achieved; explain the components of fiscal and monetary policy; describe in detail what types of policies would be pursued by different schools of macroeconomic thought; describe certain types of international interactions in the macro and microeconomic policies of the United States and other nations.

 B.     General Literacy- Basic Intellectual Competencies in the HCCS core curriculum: As a core curriculum class various assignments in this class including tests and quizzes (both in class and take home) will be designed to facilitate the students ability to accomplish the following goals:

Reading: Reading material printed in the English language with the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed and other media including: Books, periodicals, documents and web-based references.

Writing: Writing skills (in the English language) to be developed include the ability to produce clear, correct and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion and audience. In addition knowing correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process.

Speaking: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion and audience.

Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

Critical thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both quantitative and qualitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one application of critical thinking.

Computer literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems and possibilities associated with the use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.

Methods of attaining these goals:

Reading- Assignments from textbook and outside sources will be of sufficient rigor to meet college standards and are designed to improve student comprehension of difficult material by expanding student’s vocabulary. Tests, quizzes and special assignments will be designed to partially measure this ability.

Writing- Students will write in class and/or on tests, quizzes and special assignments and part of the grade on these assignments will be based on whether they write clear, grammatically correct prose.

Speaking- Grammar and vocabulary will be evaluated in student special assignments. Speaking skills will be developed as a secondary goal. In class participation will be encouraged through the use of the Socratic method.

Listening-Students will be evaluated on lecture materials as well as films or in class demonstrations. Feedback will be provided regarding student's ability to actively listen in the form of special assignment grades, quiz and test grades.

Critical thinking:  Problem solving is one application of critical thinking that will be used in the course. Analysis of written and spoken communication is tool in attaining critical thinking proficiency and will be used in this class.

Computer Literacy- Computers will be used to present material. Computer-based assignments will be completed and certain basic components of web-based searches and/or spreadsheet applications will be taught.

 

VI.          Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend each class without exception. It is requested that students first contact the instructor should any extraordinary problem occur. HCC policy is that a student MAY be dropped from a course after 6 class hours have been missed. YOU WILL BE DROPPED IF YOU MISS ALL OR PART OF 5 CLASSES (2 day a week courses) or 3 classes (1 day a week classes).

It is essential that the student does not take a casual attitude toward course attendance and participation. Student absences are HIGHLY correlated with LOW grades. COME TO EACH CLASS PREPARED TO DISCUSS THE MATERIAL FOR THAT DAY. FAILURE TO BE PREPARED WILL AFFECT YOUR COURSE GRADE.

 

 

VII. A. Evaluation: Final semester grade is determined by the completion of the following:

            Category I: Tests & Final Exam-75 %

Each Test (including the final) is 25 % of your grade and the lowest test is dropped. If you miss ONLY ONE test, that is the test which is dropped. If you miss 2 (two) or more tests, you need to drop the class. You have missed too much material to receive a passing grade.

Category II- Quizzes, homework, classroom participation, papers, in-class assignments, group assignments, presentations and other assignments approved by HCC-25 %

Classroom participation includes attendance as well as verbal participation in class including, but not limited to: Answering the instructor‘s questions, being alert and awake for each class period and refraining from inappropriate classroom behavior.

Inappropriate classroom behavior includes, but is not limited to: Talking in class, touching or attempting to touch another student, throwing any object at any time, interrupting the instructor or another student, being unprepared for class by not bringing necessary materials to class.

Note: Ch denotes chapter

Test 1 – Ch 1-3

Chapter	# of Multiple Choice Questions
Ch 1	9
Ch 2	9
Ch 3	10
Sum	28

The multiple choice questions constitute 70 %, there will be 3 Essay/Problem Solving questions worth 10 % each.

 

Test 2 – Ch 15-18

Chapter	# of Multiple Choice Questions
Ch 15	7
Ch 16	7
Ch 17	7
Ch 18	7
Sum	28

 

 

 

The multiple choice questions constitute 70 %, the total value of the Essay/Problem Solving questions section will be 30 %.

Test 3- Ch 19-21

Chapter	# of Multiple Choice Questions
Ch 19	9
Ch 20	10
Ch 21	9
Sum	28

The multiple choice questions constitute 70 %, the total value of the Essay/Problem Solving questions section will be 30 %.

 

Final Exam- Comprehensive

Final Exam		# of Multiple Choice Questions
1	Ch 1	2
2	Ch 2	2
3	Ch 3	4
4	Ch 15	2
5	Ch 16	2
6	Ch 17	2
7	Ch 18	3
8	Ch 19	3
9	Ch 20	3
10	Ch 21	3
11	Ch 24	6
12	Ch 25	6
13	Ch 26	6
14	Ch 28	6
		50

The multiple choice questions constitute 90 %, the total value of the Essay/Problem Solving questions section will be 10 %.

Because of the nature of Category II items, student absences may adversely affect these grades. Category II items may not be "made up". There is NO EXTRA CREDIT.  If a student misses one test, the final will count as the make up.   If you miss 2 tests, you will have missed a sufficient quantity of material such that I recommend that you drop. Missing more than one test will result in the course grade of F, (if you don't drop). Activities- Classroom activities will include: Lecture, economic simulations, quizzes, tests, films, outside speakers and other instructional methods approved by HCC.

VIII. Grading Policy

Computation of Final Course Grade:

If your average is: 90- 100 A; 80-89 B; 70-79 C; 60-69 D; Below 60 F

 Final Examination: Consult the Fall 2007 Credit Course Schedule.

 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.

 

NOTICE:  Students who repeat a course for a third or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities.  Please ask your instructor / counselor about opportunities for tutoring / other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.

 IX. Supplies/Necessary materials: Students should bring the following items to class daily: an alert mind, # 2 pencil, non programmable calculator (TI 30 SLR+ or the equivalent), pencils and pens of at least 2 different colors, a straight edge (ruler or protractor), graph paper (1/5 inch blocks or larger), the textbook, Scantron 882-ES and any other relevant materials requested in advance by the instructor. NO SIMULTANEOUS SHARING OF CALCULATORS IS PERMITTED. If you have completed the test and want to let someone else use your calculator, give it to me and I will pass it along to them.

 Academic Dishonesty: Cheating in this class is punishable by the assignment of the grade of F.  Any student caught cheating will be immediately dropped from the class with the grade of F, subject to the right of appeal as outlined in the student handbook. Cheating includes but is not limited to: looking on another student's paper, copying another student's work, plagiarism in any form, talking during any graded assignment, receiving or giving unauthorized information before or during a graded assignment.

Basic rule: Avoid the very appearance of evil.

Disruptive Behavior: Students who engage in disruptive/ harassing behavior (towards the teacher, other students or staff and employees of HCC) will be asked to cease such behavior. Should the behavior continue, the offending student would be required to leave the class and be dropped immediately. Students engaging in illegal activity will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

X. Instructional Topics/Tentative Schedule: (see textbook for specific chapter topics)(Note: Instructor reserves the right to alter this schedule to meet optimal teaching rates for student comprehension.) It is expected that the chapters be read prior to the class meeting to which those chapters correspond. Ch denotes chapter.

Week/Dates	Topics		Week/Dates	Topics
1	Overview &                                                                                    Ch 1		9	Ch 20
Aug 27-31			Oct 22-26
2	Ch 1 & 2		10	Ch 21 & Review
Sept 3-7			Oct 29-Nov 2
3	Ch 3 &                                                                                                     Appendix		11	Test 3 & Ch 24
Sept 10-14			Nov 5-9
4	Test 1 &  Ch 15		12	Ch 24 & 25
Sept 17-21			Nov 12-16
5	Ch 15 & 16		13	NO CLASS
Sept 24-28			Nov 19-23