SYLLABUS AND GRADING POLICY
Last four numbers of student ID:
User Name and Password:
You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these words you will not be able to access the course materials. The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page of your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password please go to this page and read the instructions: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm, to receive further assistance.
In the box below please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:
Text, Author, Publisher:
In the box below type: I have the textbook for ECON 1 or I will have it by ________.
Email Updates:
One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization. In the box below type the following information: As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.
Office Hours:
My on-line office hours will be announced in the Instructor Area of the Discussion Group. My office hours will be expanded as needed. Students are also encouraged to e-mail the instructor for an on-line chat time if specific problems of concerns arise.
In the box below type: I understand the instructor's office hours will be announced in the Instructor Area of the Discussion Group. I also understand I can email the instructor for an online chat time if specific problems of concern arise.
E-Mail:
Identification: Students are requested to properly identify all e-mail to the instructor.
Addresses: Please note identifying information within your E-mail. I have several students a semester and teach more than one course. Don’t assume I will know who you are by the E-mail tag. hotstuff123 may not be enough to let me know its you!
Assignments: Identify all assignments by the number of the assignment. Ex. "Assignment #1". As I receive several E-mails during a course this will allow me to identify and properly respond to your e-mails in a timely fashion. If E-Mail is not properly identified there are no guarantees that it will be answered in a timely fashion.
Response Time: I will respond to all student E-mails within 48 hours. This does not mean that I will have all your questions answered or that I will bail you out of a problem if you have procrastinated. Nevertheless, I generally have a fast response turn-around time.
Specific Concerns:
If a problem arises please add "Urgent" to the subject line so that I can sort through assignments, examination, student correspondence, etc. in a timely fashion. I will respond to these types of concerns as immediately as possible. Please be respectful of my time and do not unnecessarily mark "Urgent" on assignments or other correspondence that is not. Repeat offenders may experience a grade reduction for abuses of this type.
In the box below type: I understand the rules of email messages for this class and agree to abide by them. Further I realize that not following these rules may result in a grade reduction.
Official Course Description:
Scarcity and economizing problems. American capitalism; mechanics of individual prices; nature and method of economics; the price system; economic relationships of government, households and business. National income, employment, and fiscal policy, money, monetary policy and growth. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU
General Course Description:
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. To help the beginning economic student comprehend the principles essential for understanding the basic economizing problem, specific economic issues, and government policy alternatives. 2. To help the student understand and apply the economic perspective and to reason accurately and objectively about economic matters. 3. To promote a lasting student interest in economics and the economy and the political institutions of change.
2. To help the student understand and apply the economic perspective and to reason accurately and objectively about economic matters.
3. To promote a lasting student interest in economics and the economy and the political institutions of change.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Communicate the applicability of fiscal and monetary policies in macroeconomic decision making. Assessment method(s): Essay examinations and case studies; objective exams 2. Assess how markets are impacted by policies implemented by agents of both the private and public sectors. Assessment method(s): Essay examinations, case studies, and current event reporting 3. Identify and have a general knowledge of various economic schools of thought and their relevance to public policy Assessment method(s): Case studies; problem solving
1. Communicate the applicability of fiscal and monetary policies in macroeconomic decision making.
Assessment method(s): Essay examinations and case studies; objective exams
2. Assess how markets are impacted by policies implemented by agents of both the private and public sectors.
Assessment method(s): Essay examinations, case studies, and current event reporting
3. Identify and have a general knowledge of various economic schools of thought and their relevance to public policy
Assessment method(s): Case studies; problem solving
From the course objectives and student learning outcomes listed above, list the one that interests you the most and tell me why it interests you.
Regular Effective Contact:
Because this is an on-line course there are no class meetings. In order to monitor progress in this course it is absolutely necessary that students participate in all assignments and discussions. Examinations for this course will be proctored in the Library at Barstow Community College and at Ft. Irwin. Student identity must be verified by photo identification to whomever is giving the examination. If the student cannot attend the test site for an examination the student must find an instructor-approved proctor. Approved sites include libraries or education centers. Students must check the Instructor's posting area at least once a week. ALL STUDENTS UNABLE TO TAKE THE FINAL AT THE BARSTOW COLLEGE COMPUTER LABS OR AT BARSTOW, FT. IRWIN CAMPUS MUST NOTIFY ME DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF THE COURSE, AS IT TAKES WEEKS TO SET UP PROCTORING WITH OTHER COLLEGES.
In the box below type: I understand that if I require a proctor for any of my tests, that I must make arrangements with the instructor during the first week of class. Further I understand that I must participate in all assignments and discussions. Finally, I understand I must check the instructor's posting area at least once a week.
Make-Up Policy/Exam:
There are two examinations for this course. Students may make-up a maximum of one (1) exam during the semester. Make-up exams will need to be arranged through approved proctors. This includes the examinations for time. Should a make-up be required it will be necessary for YOU to meet the schedule constraints of the proctor of my choice. MAKE-UPS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOTIFIED THE INSTRUCTOR IN ADVANCE.
In the box below type: "I understand that examination make-up's will only be allowed for students who have notified the instructor IN ADVANCE. I further understand there are no make ups available for the discussion group.
Exam Policy:
For examination purposes, students will be responsible for any/all material in the course text, lecture notes and/or discussion chats. Please note that material in the lecture may be different than that in the text. If unable to log on for a discussion, contact another student for information pertaining to that day's discussion material.
In the box below type: "I understand that it is my responsibility to take my examinations by the deadlines or my grade on the examination will be a zero, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Class Grading Policy
Assignments:
There are fifteen daily assignments worth ten (10) points each. Each question must be fully explained using information from class lecture, the text and the discussion (if applicable). Partial answers will receive partial credit only.
Assignments are due on the Monday after they are given. In other words you have one week and a few hours to turn in each assignment.
Dropped Students
Students – please send me your assignments and post your discussions at the beginning of the term ASAP. If you do not get your assignments in and discussions posted, according to California Law I have no other recourse but to drop you from the class. It may take me about 1 or 2 weeks to reinstate you back into the class, so please get your work to me immediately rather than taking your time. Thanx, Dr. Steve.
Discussion:
Discussion groups are vital to on-line courses. There are fifteen discussion questions for this course. Students are encouraged to follow instructions and thoroughly post information and answer the questions listed. Discussion session responses will be graded. A point value of five (5) is assigned to all discussions. Points for the discussions will be noted on the graded assignment for that week. Example, Discussion # 1's point value will be listed on the graded version of Assignment #1.
NEW DISCUSSION POLICY: I have just added a new feature that our new VP of Academics has asked us professors to add to our class discussions. I would like each student to add their own comments and make positive comments on 2 of your colleague discussions. I would like you to be as positive in your comments as possible. Negative comments don’t create a very healthy online experience so that is why all of your comments need to be of a positive nature. It has been found that those schools who get their students to post not only their very own comment but add comments to 2 or more colleague discussions have greatly increase their learning of the subject. So from now on I would like every student in our class not only to post up their own comment, but add 2 positive comments to 2 members of our class so as to enrich your economic discussion experience. Thanx for your co-operation. Dr. Steve
Make-up Provisions:
Discussion responses are due one week after they are assigned. Therefore the discussions the course must be posted on the Barstow College Message Board the due date on the front page of the course in order to receive credit and so forth for the rest of the semester.
There is NO make-up provision for the discussion credit. Either you complete it by the deadline or you get a score of 0. I visit the message board only once, the day after the discussion is due. If you have not posted, you get no credit and I do not return to the discussion page to check for late postings.
The last week works a little differently. All assignments and discussions will be due on Thursday as that is the last day of the semester.
Derogatory comments, swearing, cursing or other rude behaviors detract from the learning environment. They are not tolerated in the classroom nor will they be tolerated in discussion group. If this behavior is engaged the perpetrator’s grade will be substantially reduced.
Discussion participation is crucial to your success in ECON 1: Principles of Economics (Macro) because this course lends itself to discussion. It is very important due to the nature of the material that students become familiar with the different perspectives on the topics presented in this course. I WILL be popping in occasionally to add my comments to the group discussion.
In terms of discussion generally, differing points of view, disagreement and vigorous debate are welcome as these critical thinking activities enhance the learning environment and stimulate interest. Nevertheless, all communication must be respectful and tactful.
In the box below type: I understand the class grading policy and agree to abide by it. Further I realize the appropriate rules for posting to the discussion group.
Examinations:
There are two (2) scheduled examinations in this course. For more detail please see the course schedule.
Each examination is theoretically worth one hundred (100) points. However, the actual number of points possible on each test may vary slightly. It is estimated that there will be a total of two hundred (200) points possible on examinations.
In the box below type: I understand there are two scheduled examinations for this course, and that each exam is worth approximately one hundred points.
Grade Computation:
There are three hundred twenty-five (325) points possible for this course. Grades will be computed by taking the number of points that have been earned and dividing them by the number of points possible during the quarter.
Assignment Grade Format
A ~ Assignments or Discussions are thoughtful and show applications of course concepts by offering a variety of references of course concepts using references, outside sources and examples including personal experiences. Demonstrates strong thinking skills and grammar skills.
B ~ Assignments or Discussions are thoughtful and show application of concepts but could add more in depth discussion. Occasionally gives a reference to text or other sources and uses good language, concepts and grammar.
C ~ Assignments and Discussions show inconsistent thought and limited application of course concepts. Infrequent reference to text and outside materials. Often discusses mainly personal experiences without supporting text etc. when offering examples. Many grammatical problems can be found its written content.
In the box below type: I understand there are three hundred twenty-five points possible for this course and that grades will be computed by taking the number of points that have been earned and dividing them by the number of points possible during the quarter. I further understand that it is my responsibility to keep track of my points and so I will NOT ask the instructor to calculate my grade throughout the semester.
Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism is claiming as your own a paper, report, article, outline or speech which in whole or in part was prepared by someone other than yourself. Plagiarism can result in failure of the course.
In the box below type: I understand plagiarism is claiming as my own a paper, report, article, outline or speech which in whole or in part was prepared by someone other than me, and that committing plagiarism can result in failure of the course.
Outside Reading:
In the box type: I understand that students are encouraged to read about current economic issues and economic policy decisions. The college library and weekly newspapers and my own ideas are available to you too. Some other examples are Dateline, C-Span, CNN, and CNBC.
Syllabus Disclaimer:
A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when conflicts, emergencies or situations arise that necessitate a change. Students will be notified of any changes.
In the box below, I understand a syllabus is a general guideline for students to use in planning their time for a particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to adjust to the changes.
Disability Statement:
In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the OSS department.
After filling out this form, copy the confirmation page and send it via email to smcqueen@bcconline.com.
