APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
111
FCS 2600 Family Economics
Instructor: Dr. Sammie G. Garner
Office:
104A LS Dougherty
Phone:
828-262-2663
E-mail: garnersg@appstate.edu
Office hours: 9:30-10:30 AM W, R
2:00- 3:00 PM T, R
2:00- 3:00 PM M, W
Course Description: A study of the management of human and material resources designed to
develop competence as consumers of goods and services in a modern society.
Course Objectives:
Understand and apply the household production function concept.
Analyze the social and economic effects of resource limitations within a global perspective.
Analyze the outcomes of community and region capacity building.
Develop strategies for using technology to maximize resource allocation for achieving family
well-being.
Analyze the allocation of human and material resources to consumer and producer roles.
Analyze the interrelationship among all household economic decisions.
Develop an integrated planning approach encompassing the entire life cycle.
Understand the complexity of the marketplace and the effects on decision-making.
Analyze the balancing of risk and return in household economic decisions.
Text: French, D. & Heffernon, M. Personal Finance, an Interactive Applications Approach.
Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2010.
Supplementary Readings: see topical outline
Requirements:
Assignments Assignments must be submitted on time at the beginning of class and must be
typed/word processed. Most assignments will be submitted electronically through ASULearn.
Chart must be in print or pen: no pencil. Note that the detailed descriptions of all assignments
are posted on ASULearn under “Assignments.” Students who rely solely on the overview of
assignments included on the syllabus will be “clueless” regarding the required details.
1. Complaint letter Choose a current (real life!!) consumer grievance and write a legitimate
letter of complaint. Refer to http://www.consumeraction.gov/viewpdf.shtml for complaint
information and specifically for the sample complaint letter. Refer to
http://www.consumeraction.gov/ for how to get started with a consumer complaint. Hand in the
letter (2 copies), complaint documentation, and an addressed and stamped envelope for mailing.
I will mail your letter. Refer to topical outline for due date. Refer to ASULearn for essential
additional assignment detail.
(15%)
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2. Stock investing From an Internet source, a newspaper or other stock listing, select $75,000
worth of stock. Choose 4 to 5 different stocks that are familiar to you. Assume a 4%
commission for acquisition costs. Count the commission as an additional cost beyond the
$70,000. Follow the performance of your stock choices on a weekly basis using print sources
such as a newspaper and/or an Internet source such as the following:
http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/home.asp (Note stock quotes source and
“investing basics” – scroll down.)
http://money.cnn.com/markets/ (stock quotes and related info)
http://smartmoney.com/ (stock and investing/personal finance info)
Report your stock purchases, track and analyze your stock performance, and calculate the gains
and losses for the semester time period using the chart given. The objective is to give you
exposure to accessing and understanding stock market information and behavior. Whether you
gain or lose money on your investments does not affect your grade. The point is to learn more
about investing. Refer to ASULearn for additional required details regarding this assignment.
This assignment may be done in pairs (you and an investment partner from the class).
(15%)
3. Read and Reflect Periodicals/journal/Internet annotations (5)
Students are required to read 5 sources related to a topic of your choice taken from the course
syllabus. Sources must be current, meaning within the most recent 12 months publication or
posting date. Articles must be scholarly and longer than one page. Three of the 5 must come
from each of these three sources: JOURNAL of FAMILY and CONSUMER SCIENCES,
CONSUMER REPORTS, and the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Credit will not be given for
sources older than 12 months or for articles one page or shorter in length. Refer to topical
outline for due date. Each reading has a maximum point value of three. Refer to ASULearn for
additional required details regarding this assignment.
(15%)
Class attendance and participation. Students are required to attend class periods, to be
prepared to ask questions and to interact with each other concerning the subject matter and
related assignments. The point is to BE ON TIME AND ON TASK. Cutting class more than
2 times is considered excessive. Students who cut excessively will be asked to drop the course.
Class participation accounts for 10 percent of the final grade and is based on in-class work,
assigned worksheets, and pop tests. Class worksheets will also be given for outside class work.
There is no make-up option for in-class activities.
Class time is restricted to class discussion, presentations, and related activities. Students are
expected to attend and participate in all class sessions. Class is canceled only if the University
has canceled classes. In other cases, I will send you an E-mail message regarding any change in
class meeting time.
Please model scholarship, consideration and courtesy:
1. Talk when it is “your turn.” Avoid side conversations that distract others and inhibit learning.
2. Water bottles are fine. Avoid bringing other beverages and/or food to class unless you are
treating the whole class.
3. Be alert, focused on the class material, and prepared to participate.
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4. You will not need a computer in class. Do not bring one without first checking with your
instructor.
5. Shut off electronic devices (iphones, Blackberries, cell phones, etc.) during class time or set
them on mute/vibrate.
Tests Two tests and a final comprehensive exam will be given. Refer to study questions for
review. Test format includes multiple choice, true/false, matching and short answer. Students
should focus their preparation on reviewing class notes, textbook material and assigned
supplementary readings.
Grading The final grade is affected as follows:
Test I, II, exam
Assignment 1, 2 & 3
Class participation points
15% each = 45%
15% each = 45 %
10%
Content, grammar, punctuation, neatness, organization and creative problem solving are major
grading criteria. All assignments must be typed (charts may be written in pen or typed, no
pencil). Computer word processing and spreadsheet use is strongly encouraged. Assignments
are due at the beginning of class. Work submitted at the end of class, later in the day, or later in
the semester is judged to be late. A late penalty of 5 points per day late is applied.
Note that work handed in late will be penalized 5 points for each day late. Integrity violations
including plagiarizing are handled according to the Appalachian Academic Integrity code. Refer
to http://www.judicialaffairs.appstate.edu/files/documents/academic_integrity.pdf Students are
expected to follow this code.
Grade scale: 93 and above=A
90-92=A87-89=B+
83-86=B
80-82=B77-79=C+
73-76=C
70-72=C-
67-69=D+
63-66=D
60-62=D-
Methods of teaching/learning: lecture and discussion, case study analysis, audiovisual
presentations, ad analysis, self-testing, computer assignments, large and small group activities,
and projects.
Projects must be done for this course exclusively (refer to Appalachian Integrity Code) and
should not overlap or repeat any work or project done at any time for another course or
assignment. Consultation with your instructor is encouraged.
Academic Integrity As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an
atmosphere of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of
each other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an
Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and will
oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the Academic
Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site:
www.studentconduct.appstate.edu.
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Religious observances: Students who plan to miss class for religious observances must follow
the University policy for such events. Refer to
http://www.academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources-forms Students must be allowed a
minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observances. Students are
responsible for requesting excused absences for religious observances required by the faith of a
student. Instructors are responsible for complying with this requirement. In classes in which
attendance is taken and/or penalties are applied for student absences, instructors must document their
compliance with the religious observance policy by tracking student excused absences for religious
observances.
Special needs: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an
accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Office of Disability
Services, 222 D.D. Dougherty, 262-3053/262-3056 (TTY) as early as possible in the term.
"Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for
individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking
accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The
Office of Disability Services (ODS) at http://www.ods.appstate.edu/ or 828-262-3056. Once
registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and
appropriate accommodations."
Weater related information:
http://stormready.appstate.edu/winter-storm-ready
Syllabus: Note that this syllabus is a planning document and is subject to change and revision
during the course of the semester. Note also that assignment details are only summarized in the
syllabus, and that the required details are described on ASULearn under “Assignments.”
Date
Lecture Topic and Readings (*F & H refers to authors of text.)
Jan. 11
Course introduction
Consider: Do the rich own the world?, Are Americans overworked?,
What is a sustainable lifestyle?, What is “enough?”
The family as an economic unit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jan.18, 20
What is the time value of money? –read and prepare to discuss F&H, ch. 1
Opportunity costs, capacity building and human capital development
Stock purchases statement due (columns 1-5, part of assignment #2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jan. 25, 27
The economy, inflation & the CPI - read and prepare to discuss these websites:
http://stats.bls.gov/cpi/cpifaq.htm
How to complain using a complaint letter (assignment #1)
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 1
Financial planning - read and prepare to discuss F&H, ch. 2
What is your money personality?
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/personalfinance/money_personality/index.p
hp
Take this quiz and bring the results (printout) to class today for discussion
and to hand in.
Allocating & controlling financial resources: financial planning, budgeting
Read and prepare to discuss these websites:
http://www.youngmoney.com/money_management/budgeting/020809_06
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/FoodPlans/2010/CostofFoodAug10.pdf
http://www.quicken.com/ (example of personal money management software)
http://quicken.intuit.com/basic-money-management/index.jsp ( financial planning
information and videos)
Downsizing in a declining economy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 3
Personal financial institutions: checking, savings, other services
Interest rates: http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/checking-account/checkingaccount- results.aspx?local=false&prods=31&ec_id=m1016397
Review: http://www.aboutchecking.com/ (electronic banking)
Record keeping systems
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 8
The Overspent American: who decides what you want? What is “Affluenza?”
Read and prepare to discuss : http://www.consumerreports.org/main/home.jsp
Children and Money - read and prepare to discuss:

http://www.clevelandfed.org/learning_center/online_activities/great_minds_think/
index.cfm?DCS.nav=Local
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_school/teachers
Smart Money Quiz Show (interactive)
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/games/trainingcamp/
Household technology: production, consumption
http://www.economics.unimelb.edu.au/downloads/wpapers-00-01/759.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 10
Resource Development: lifestyle, family Composition, goals, education & career
http://www.smartmoney.com/smartmoneyTV/player.cfm?&content=lifestages
Read and prepare to discuss : http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/money_index.html
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Income and Wealth: What is financial freedom? What is wealth?
http://www.dallasfed.org/ca/wealth/index.cfm
http://www.dallasfed.org/educate/pubs/wealth_classroom/01_lesson.pdf
http://financial-freedom-made-simple.com/financial-freedom-article-theunderlying-belief-system.html
Resource choices and sustainability, your carbon footprint
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 15
Test 1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 17, 22
Managing credit – F&H, ch. 4
Credit: function, types, cost comparison, related legislation
http://www.federalreserve.gov/Pubs/shop/
http://www.bankrate.com/goocalb/default.asp?link=2
http://www.truthaboutcredit.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb. 24,
Housing: buying, renting, owning, financing – F&H, Ch. 3
Mar. 1
http://www.aba.com/aba/cgi-bin/howbigNT.pl
COMPLAINT LETTER DUE (instructor will seal it and mail it, your stamp)
http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_goback_seller.shtml
http://www.consumeraction.gov/viewpdf.shtml
Overview of annotations assignment #3.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mar. 3
Spending Wisely – F&H, ,ch. 5
Durable and nondurable goods: transportation
http://www.carinfo.com/
http://www.consumerreports.org/content/Special/Virtualdealer/opener.htm
http://www.nadaguides.com/
Consumer ethics
(Spring Break - March 7-11)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mar. 15, 17
Insurance – F&H, ch. 7, 8 and 9
Risk Management: insurance, self-insuring
http://insweb.com/
http://www.iii.org/insurance_topics/
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mar. 22, 24, Managing health care costs http://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/archives/?implementing-national-healthreform-in-north-carolina-3761
http://www.nciom.org/task-forces-and-projects/?aca-info
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mar. 29
Test II
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mar. 31
Investing – F&H, Ch. 11, 12, 13
http://beginnersinvest.about.com/cs/newinvestors/l/blbeginnerscorn.htm
http://www.free-financial-advice.net/investing-beginners.html
http://www.investopedia.com/university/stocks/stocks2.asp
Read and reflect article annotations due April 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Apr. 5, 7
Tax planning and obligations, F&H, ch. 6
http://www.moneycentral.msn.com (click on “tax” tab)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Apr. 12, 14 Estate matters: wills, trusts and retirement – F&H, ch. 15, 16
http://www.legalzoom.com/wills-state-requirements/north-carolina-will.html
http://www.ncbar.org/media/2592948/protectingyourassets.pdf
http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_wills_funerals_wills.shtml
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/english/at_home/life_events/retirement/
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/personalfinance/lifeevents/retirement/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Apr. 19,21 Consumer Protection, Rights
http://www.consumeraction.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Bill_of_Rights
STOCK MARKET REPORT DUE
Exam overview
(Easter holiday: Apr. 22)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Apr. 26
Family and consumer economics - a global perspective
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/video.shtml
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/EXTMDG/0,,menuP
K:7210622~pagePK:64168427~piPK:64168435~theSitePK:7210591,00.html
Course overview and reflection
(Reading Day – Apr. 28)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------May 3
FINAL EXAM (9:00 – 11:30 AM)
Exam will be given according to University exam policies. Refer to
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http://www.registrar.appstate.edu/calendar/fallexampolicy.html.
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