Course Syllabus MACRO ECONOMICS
Course and Number:
ECON 2301
Course Title:
PRINCIPLES OF MACRO ECONOMICS
Course Schedule/location:
TBA
Required Course Materials
Textbook: : Economics for Today, 5th edition, by Irvin B.
Tucker; ISBN: 0324689926 [this should be the soft back
version available in the bookstore, but hardback versions
may exist at other sources: ISBN:
0324408013
ISBN-13: 9780324408010 ] note: 6th edition is out, but we use 5th.
Textbook’s website:
http://websites.swlearning.com/cgiwadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=0
324408013&discipline_number=413
OTHER RESOURCES: Online research and Articles will
be used; handouts may be given from time to time. You will be
expected to go online and find, evaluate and utilize statistical
data, studies and articles
for the paper and for you
participation in the class.. Finding and discussing relevant
data/articles is part of the learning process. You will likely
need a calculator unless you are extremely good at doing math
in your head!
Instructor’s Name:
Dr. Pamela Cameron
EMAIL ADDRESS
PAMELA.CAMERON@HCCS.EDU
Alternative E-mail Address:
PJCameron@COMCAST.NET.
Availability:
Before/After class or by Arrangement , OFFICE HOURS: TBA . To
the extent schedules allow, I am always willing to stay after class or
meet as early as possible---- for any student who requires or
requests it. I normally will be available 30-45 minutes before each
class. If available , I will come to the classroom and you can meet
me there to ask questions.
Course's Catalog Description and Prerequsites:
“ECON 2301 Principles of Macroeconomics
Prerequisites: Must be placed into
college-level reading and be placed
into MATH 0308 (or higher) and be
placed into ENGL 0310/0349 (or
higher) in writing.
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Macroeconomics examines the fundamentals
of the American economy as it relates to
social welfare. Emphasis is on basic concepts
and theories as they affect domestic and
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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.”
Course's Description: Macroeconomics examines the fundamentals of the American economy
( the overall economy) and its relationship to social welfare. Emphasis is on basic economic
concepts, such as supply and demand, aggregate supply and demand, and fiscal/monetary
policy theories as they relate to the economy (domestic and international markets.) To
pass this course you must understand the basic supply and demand concepts and be able to
apply those concepts to real world situations. This course integrates behavioral social
sciences to achieve solutions to real world problems.
Macroeconomics includes understanding: supply and demand theory, aggregate supply and
demand theory/ concepts, as well as inflation, unemployment, and other economic
measurements such as GDP; the student who succeeds in this course MUST understand and
be able to apply both fiscal and monetary policy. Core Curriculum course.
OBJECTIVES INCLUDE.
1.Demonstrate knowledge concerning business cycles
2.Demonstrate knowledge of concepts dealing with monetary and fiscal policy
3.Explain how to manipulate the aggregate supply/aggregate demand model of
the macroeconomy
4.Explain unemployment and inflation data and how that data is computed.
5.Manipulate the basic supply and demand concepts.
III. Course Meeting Days, Times and Location, Connect Link for each class:
ECON 2301-1 (61296) Prin Eco-Macroeconomics (Lecture)
TuTh 7:00PM - 8:30PM West Loop Center Jan 18, 2011-May 15, 2011
http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/p_cameron_econ_2301-1_61296__prin_ecomacroeconomics_tth_7-830_pm
ECON 2301-10 (61726) Prin Eco-Macroeconomics (Lecture)
TuTh 9:30AM - 11:00AM Scarcella Science & Technology Jan 18, 2011-May 15, 2011
http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/p_cameron_econ_2301-10_61726_prin_ecomacroeconomics___tuth__930am_-_1100am_
ECON 2301-11 (61728) Prin Eco-Macroeconomics (Lecture)
TuTh 11:00AM - 12:30PM Scarcella Science & Technology Jan 18, 2011-May 15, 2011
http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/p_cameron_econ_2301-1161728_prin_ecoMacroeconomics_tuth_1100am_-_1230pm
ECON 2301-62 (67014) Prin Eco-Macroeconomics (Lecture)
Sa 9:00AM - 12:00PM Alief Center, Rm B.126 Jan 18, 2011-May 15, 2011
http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/p_cameron_econ_2301-62_67014_prin_ecomacroeconomics_lecture_
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SUMMARY TABLE: ALL POINTS ARE SUMMARIZED HERE
ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON A 1,000 POINTS POSSIBLE:
DATE DUE IS
APPROXIMATE
TESTS [60%]
All dates are subject
to change
TEST ONE : Supply and Demand Chapters 1- 4, including appendix plus chapt.
19 elasticity. Depending on circumstances, chapter 5 may also be included.
(sections may be taken out of order. You are expected to attend class, and to
be responsible for all, but only, material discussed in class. )
TEST TWO: Inflation, Unemployment, GDP, Aggregate Demand , Aggregate
Supply, the Aggregate Demand multiplier, and Fiscal Policy . Chapters 5,, 15, 1621…… (some sections of some chapters may be skipped, or taken out of order)
TEST THREE: Fiscal Policy , Money and Banking and Monetary Policy. You must
be able to apply Aggregate D/S concepts to Fiscal Policy. And Monetary Policy
Chapters 21-26
Week 5
POINTS
600
200
Moved to Tues.
Feb. 22
THURSDAY
MARCH
200
Last Day of Class
200
You are responsible
for knowing test
policy and test
dates., and for
checking the no. of
absences you have
by ‘last day to drop’
Nov. 12
Tests
will
consist
of 2
short
answers
and
approx..
25
multiple
choice,
except
test 3
will
have
not
short
answer.
40%
400
All test will consist of 2 essay or short answers and approx.. 25 multiple choice.
IMPORTANT: Missing a test: If a student misses a test, the last test will count twice.
No exceptions (eg you may not substitute Test Two if you missed Test One. One
test grade is not dropped.)
No make-ups on tests or any other written assignment will be given. No exceptions.
You do not get to drop the lowest test grade. You may not use your phone for any
reason on a test.. If you leave the room during a test, your test will be taken up and
your grade will be based on your responses up to this point. If it is an emergency
see me, PLEASE.
You may bring one 81/2 x 11 in. piece of paper (cheat sheet) with you to a test. You
may not use anything else, including your phone. Everything else must be stored
under your desk for the duration of the test. No one leaves once the test starts.
OTHER REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS * see details below
PAPER TOPIC: This paper is an Application of the models you will be studying:
primarily Aggregate Supply and Demand, etc. You will be applying Aggregate S/D
concepts to events in the real world. Your job in this paper is to find out what the
state of the economy is, and what impact the fiscal policy since the Obama
administration took office has likely had on the economy . You will be reading the
opinion of others and you will follow up by finding and reviewing the Macro economic
data discussed in those article. For example, if you read an article discussing the
changes in the unemployment rate and the article attributed those changes to the
fiscal policy of the current administration, you go to the BLS and find ‘BEFORE AND
AFTER’ unemployment data and see for yourself. Then you would include your table
of unemployment data in your paper and discuss what was said and what is in the
table (ie how do you interpret the unemployment data in your table.?) See the
Syllabus within for more information on writing a paper. Please note, that this means
you must begin your research early .You have many resources available to you.
See below. .
Homework CONNECT The Connect Homework assignments are designed to
provide you with the necessary incentive to read the Chapters and attempt a
few problems BEFORE you come to class and hear the lecture. That way you
can ask questions and we can focus on the areas where you are having
problems. So check your Connect at least 2 times a week. Theses homeworks
will appear and disappear, and once they are gone they are not brought back.
April at start of
class.
I will take the best
10 of 12
homeworks. You
get 3 chances on
each question.
200
200
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ATTENDANCE: At several places within this syllabus, you will note that
attendance requires that you be in your seat by the time I finish taking role.
After week one, anyone not seated by that time will be penalized two points.
Take a seat and come see me after class so that I can get your name and not
mark you absent. The college handbooks states that students with 6 or more
hours of absences may be dropped. I may drop anyone with 7 hours or more
in absences, so come and talk to me if you think you have or will have more
absences than that. If you know you cannot be seated on time you must come
see me within the first week. If you are late, please enter quietly and take the
nearest seat.
You may be
withdrawn if you
have 7 hours or
more in absences .
ARRIVING LATE
TO CLASS
PENALTY
2 POINTS.
. If you know you cannot be seated on time for some pre-existing, legitimate
reason you must come see me within the first week. If you are late,
please enter quietly and take the nearest seat.
PLEASE READ All papers must be typed, double spaced, clear, with graphs or
charts clearly labeled: WITH A COVER SHEET giving names, date, class specifics,
and topic... TWO Points will be lost for failure to adequately document or reference
ideas and text, for typographical errors, for any sentence that does not make sense,
and for the use of poor grammar. PLAGIARISM will not be tolerated. See within for
definition of plagiarism. There is no reason for plagiarism or typos given the FREE
TUTORING, FREE PLAGIARISM CHECK, AND THE FREE PROOFING OFFERED
BY THIS COLLEGE. NONE WILL BE TOLERATEDED. Any paper submitted which
is not on topic will be given an automatic zero ( 0 ). No re-do’s, so ask questions
early and get started early. NO LATE PAPERS will be accepted. NO
EXCEPTION. Paper s are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Not 30
minutes later and not by email after class. Everyone in this class has family, work,
or other personal problems similar to yours. You have ample notice of the topic and
all other requirements within this syllabus, so you can get the paper finished early in
case problems come up that make the deadline a problem. I will work with anyone
who asks for help and who is trying. However, little can be done if your questions are
not addressed until the week the paper is due.
The time to think
about these things
is well before the
due date. No extra
credit is given and
no extra time will be
given. (there is no
distinction between
‘excused’ and
‘unexcused’
absences. )
Total
1000
YOUR FINAL GRADE WILL BE BASED ON 1,000 POINTS.
900-1,000 POINTS A
90%-100%
800-899
B
80%-89%
700-799
C
70%-79%
600-699
D
60%-69%
< 600 POINTS
F
NO ETRA CREDIT,
NO LAST MINUTE
NEGOTIATIONS…
……………….
THE TIME TO
THINK ABOUT
YOUR GRADE IS
NOW!!!!
< 60%
YOU ARE EXPECTED TO READ ALL OF THE SYLLABUS. ALL SECTIONS MAY
NOT BE READ ALOUD. NEVERTHELESS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS
MATERIAL
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Expected Outcomes and Course Goals: see also the handbook
A. Economics related- By the end of the semester the student should be
able to: identify causes of changes in supply and demand, differences
between changes in supply/demand and changes in the quantity
supplied/demanded; how to determine points of equilibrium in markets for
individual goods and services as well as aggregate markets, to
understand the concept of Elasticity and how it is use in market
situations…, to understand macroeconomic goals and methods by
which they may be achieved; this involves being able to explain and
analyze both fiscal and monetary policy; to be able to describe in
detail what types of policies would be pursued by different schools of
macroeconomic thought; and time permitting, to describe certain types of
international interactions (eg
free trade)
in the macro and
microeconomic policies of the United States and other nations.
The rest of this section is common to all classes. You are required to
know how to read, write and research in English. If you are uncertain as
to your abilities in these areas, please see your counselor and
investigate remedial and other courses available to you.
Basic Intellectual Competencies in the HCCS core curriculum: As a core
curriculum class various assignments in this class including tests, written
term papers, and online homework problems designed to facilitate the
student’s ability to accomplish the objectives. To do this you must be able to
read and write in the English Language, be competent to do some research
on the computer and to be able to use email to get messages which faculty
may send from time to time, and you must be sufficiently competent in
mathematics to do simple Algebraic problems, for example. Please review
the problems at the end of the chapters and make sure you have the
necessary background (do not wait until the night you are studying for the first
test to figure this out.) Classes and tutoring are available if the problem is
diagnosed early enough.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Policies and Procedures
________________________________________________
1. GRADES: STANDARD
The student should prepare for each class by reading all the relevant material (which
includes assigned as well as material that may not be specifically assigned.) Your
Connect Homework is designed to make sure you do this. All performance assessments
are based on achievement, not effort. Showing up, taking the tests, and turning in
assignments is not enough. The assignments and tests must reflect a good
understanding of the material/topics covered. It is the responsibility of the student to
come to class prepared each week and to ask questions in those areas where the student
feels he or she does not understand the material fully. Your understanding and your
5
ability to communicate that understanding must be at the university level, see the quote
below. Please feel free to ask questions in class. Your instructor is there to answer your
questions and help you understand the principles of economics.
“The Texas Legislature has mandated that Texas community colleges and universities develop
and create a Core Curriculum. The legislature intended that successful completion of the courses
included in a college or university’s Core Curriculum would produce academically competent
students whose course of study is educationally balanced and comprehensive in scope. Houston
Community College System (hence HCCS) students are able to choose from courses in the
Course Curriculum that are consistent with a number of degree plans and university transfer
options. If students complete the HCCS Core Curriculum, state-supported colleges and
universities must accept all of the courses in the Core Curriculum in transfer. Please see the
catalog and the schedule for the elaboration. “ [please note this also means you are expected to
perform at the university level in these courses]
2. GRADING: All assignments are listed in the summary above at pages 3-4. All achievable
points are listed in this table.
Written work will be evaluated for content (demonstration of understanding of the material
and the ability to apply those concepts to the situation described in the topic), organization,
readability and clarity. No credit can be given if the sentence makes no sense. Points will be lost
for typographical errors, misspelled words, and poor grammar. It is expected that the writing
submissions of students are to be of high quality. The mechanics of the papers or work turned in
will be evaluated as well as the content. Therefore, it is advisable to read, reread and then proof
your paper again before handing it in. Remember: Free tutoring, Free Proofing, and Free
Plagiarism checks mean there is no excuse for a sub-par paper. Make sure each sentence has a
subject and a verb and says what you want it to say. You are at the University level now and will
be graded accordingly. Microsoft's Word has a program under 'tools' that will do a spell check and
grammar check. Please take advantage of this tool.
YOUR HCC WEBSITE OFFERS MANY HELPFUL TOOLS. USE THEM! THEY ARE
FREE. There is a free Economics lab [tutoring] that meets on Saturday. There are plagiarism
checks and online paper proofing services available free . So there can be no excuses. The
sources of these free services are given below.
Regarding the tests YOUR CELL PHONE must be turned off. Your answers must be clear
and complete. Critical thinking and the critical thinking process is at the heart of this course.
Students should explain how they reached their conclusions as well as what conclusions were
reached on any problems given on the tests.
Your thought process in arriving at a given
conclusion is very important, so be clear and expressive. It is important that you demonstrate an
understanding of the material as well as the ability to apply or utilize that material in real world
situations. This means you will be required to draw the relevant graph, fully label it, and explain it.
SO, DON’T ASK IF A GRAPH IF NEEDED. THE ANSWER IS YES.
As noted in the table, each 200 point test will have 2 essay or short answer questions and
about 25 multiple choice (give or take a few ). No makeups are given. If a student misses test one
or two, test three will count twice.
3. FEEDBACK
Written comments are provided on each assignment (papers and homework) turned in. Pay
close attention to any area where you may have lost points. If you don’t understand my
comments, feel free to ask during or after class. .
4. FORMAT: All papers or reports must be typed, double-spaced, with a cover sheet which
includes the Student’s names, the Class time/day (e.g., 9:30 MW) and a description of the
assignment (topic) as well as the date due---all clearly visible. SEE the prior table. All graphs,
charts or exhibits must be clearly labeled; and all variables or symbols defined. No credit can be
6
given for a graph or a series of numbers if there is no heading and no labeling to tell the reader
what was intended or how the reader should interpret the numbers or the graph. A significant
number of points will be lost for failure to follow the required format.
You may leave space in the paper and draw in all of your necessary graphs. All
graphs, charts or exhibits must be discussed (tell the reader what is shown in the
graph/chart/exhibit) and WHY THAT GRAPH/CHART/EXHIBIT IS IMPORTANT.
You
must use headings and you must have an executive summary up front. All of this is
discussed in the ‘Paper” section of this syllabus.
5. A. DOCUMENTATION OF SOURCES: IMPORTANT all sources, as well as, quotes MUST
BE DOCUMENTED.
Online or web sources must be documented so that the reader of the
paper could go immediately to the relevant page on the web. If not, penalties will be taken for
failure to properly document. Test your reference using the exact chain provided in your footnote
or reference to see if that takes you to the exact page being discussed. If I go to your reference
and cannot find that quote or that idea, it will be a considered plagiarism or AT MINIMUM there
will be A LOSS OF SEVERAL POINTS.
5. B. PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is not enough to document quotes.
Credit must be given for ideas as well as quotes. Additionally, it is not enough to ‘re-vamp’ or
restate an existing work. All work must be either original or credited (i.e., credit given for nonoriginal work.)*** Plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 (zero) on any work found to have been
plagiarized. A paper found to be plagiarized in its entirety will result in an F for the course and
may lead to additional penalties from the College. REMEMBER, FIVE OR MORE WORDS
TAKEN FROM ANY SOURCE, WHETHER THE SOURCE IS COPYRIGHTED OR NOT, MUST
BE IN QUOTATION MARKS [“…”] AND MUST ALSO BE CITED, OR IT IS PLAGIARISM.
***You must always submit work that represents your original words or ideas. If any words or
ideas used in a paper or assignment do not represent your original words or ideas, you must cite
all relevant sources and make clear the extent to which such sources were used. Words or ideas
that require citation include, but are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, whether
copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communication when the content of such
communication clearly originates from an identifiable source. By the way, your roommate is an
identifiable source. Academic dishonesty could involve 1) having a tutor or friend complete a
portion of your assignment, 2) copying an assignment from a friend or other source, as well as (3)
using information from online information services without proper citation.
For the 4th time: PLEASE RUN YOUR PAPERS THROUGH A PLAGIARISM CHECK
BEFORE SUBMITTING IT. PLEASE GO TO http://swc2.hccs.edu/e-tutor/ or use any of
the free online plagiarism checks. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HELP you can also go
to HCCS.askonline.edu and find tutoring help, which includes a review of your paper that
likely will question your paragraph or sentence structure. And, for the 5th time, you can
Google ‘free plagiarism check’ and you will find plenty of them.
6. ATTENDANCE: (a) Attendance will be taken shortly after the Class Time. HCC policy is that a
student may be dropped if they miss 6 hours.. I can and will drop you if you miss more than this
(7 hours); so if you are absent more than four times (regular start; 11/2 hour classes) or the
equivalent for (second start or evening classes) come and see me immediately. If you arrive
after the roll is taken, you will be counted tardy and penalized 2 points for each occurrence. When
you must come in late, please take the first available seat quietly!!! If you must leave to take an
emergency call please return to the closest available seat.
Again, it is your responsibility to
keep up with the number of absences you have. If you have any questions about it, come and
see me before or after class or during hours. The teacher will not remind you of the number of
absences
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7. PHONE POLICY
You must turn your cell phone off, unless you are expecting an
emergency and you have discussed the matter with your instructor. It is the policy of HCC and of
the Instructor that your cell phones must be off during class and during tests.
8. LATE ASSIGNMENTS: No late papers or homework will be accepted, irregardless of the
reason for being late. There are no exceptions, so try to get your paper in even if you are going
to miss a class. There is plenty of time as you already have your topics and can start as soon as
school begins. Additionally, all students have family, work , social commitments, etc., and yet they
manage to get their papers in on time. It would not be fair to these students to make exceptions
for you.
Assignments/homework or paper will not be accepted via email except from a student that
cannot make the class and sends the assignment prior__ to the meeting time of the class. .
This means you may not miss the class and email the paper to the instructor later that day.
The instructor will not request or remind students of missing or late assignments. As adult
college students, this is your responsibility.
9 INCOMPLETES
Incompletes will be given only in extra-ordinary situations. Missing a
final or not turning in an assignment is not a basis for getting an Incomplete in the course,
unless the cause was truly unusual.
10. EXTRA CREDIT: FORGET IT.
It doesn’t exist. No extra credit will be given.
11. NOTICE: Students who take a course for the third time will face significant tuition/fee
increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities (currently that penalty is
$50/hour). 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. There is Economic tutoring
provided free to students. This tutoring is usually held in STF2 on Saturdays. You will be notified
of the time and classroom as soon as that information is available. Note also that depending on
when you entered the college/university system, you will only be allowed so many withdrawls.
After that, you will be asked to leave.
12. 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
is 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.
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.
13 MISC: If I forget, please also remind me to remind the class to turn all cell phones off (or mute
them) during class. It is rude to take calls during class. If a true emergency exists, please sit by
8
the door, so you can leave quietly, and let the professor know in advance that it may be
necessary to leave. Otherwise, do not look at your cell phone.
14. Classroom Behavior If you arrive late, or if you must get up and leave the classroom
for any reason, be sure to enter, leave or reenter very quietly, taking the closest available seat.
IF you KNOW you will need to leave before the class is over, please take a seat near the
door, regardless of where you usually sit. Entering or leaving the classroom causes disruption,
and prevents students from being able to concentrate on what is being said. IN addition,
disrupting a class while any teacher is trying to lecture is very bad manners in addition to being
disruptive. So keep such instances to a minimum. Please turn your phones off and do not get up
and leave to take a phone call unless it is a true emergency.
Also, talking among your selves is disruptive and will not be tolerated.
These kinds of disruption [talking, arriving late, texting during class, or leaving to take a phone
call] are not appreciated by students who have paid good money and wish to learn something....
You may be asked to leave if you are disrupting the class. Sleeping in class may also be
disruptive. If you must sleep, please do so at home, other students notice this behavior and the
amusement causes a lack of concentration on the part of all students, and thus on the part of the
teacher as well. If the disruption continues, a student may be withdrawn. Again, it is your
responsibility to keep up with the number of absences you have. If you have any questions
about it, come and see me before or after class or during hours. The teacher will not remind you
of the number of absences.
_____________________________________________________
15. PAPER INTRUCTIONS : THESE ARE NOT RECOMMENDATIONS, THEY ARE
REQUIREMENTS!S:
SUBJECT: Application of Aggregate Supply and Demand model to the current economic
situation. This is an application of Aggregate S/D concepts to events in the real world. You
gain the „real world‟ knowledge by reading articles online and listening in class. Specifically,
start by summarizing and analyzing the „fiscal policy‟ and „monetary policy‟ changes
(policy changes) enacted since President Obama took office. This means you must first
define the theory and be able to explain it in your paper (theory section). It also means you
must start now by going online to read articles and to find data/info which are relevant. You
will inevitably find words you do not understand, articles that are not clear to you, or perhaps
be unable to find certain data. Bring these questions to class and I will help you clarify these.
Also, it will benefit the rest of the class if we discuss these concepts in class. So please feel
free to ask any question.
MECHANICS: There is no word limit. The paper should be however long it needs to be for you to
get the job done, and no longer.
I will read and comment on an outline, but I cannot pre-read any paper. If I did it for one, I would
have to do it for all.
Style is up to the author, however, whether you use MLA type footnotes or some other
style, you must document ALL cites and sources clearly. References/CITES are required for each
number that you did not personally develop. A reference is also required for each quote and for
ideas used which are not your own.
You must have at least 20 sources cited on your Reference Page.
You may not cite Wikipedia as a source.
You must use Headings and sub-Headings. SEE BELOW.
9
You must have an executive summary a k a ‘summary and conclusion’ section right up
front.
Instructions:
Write from an outline. Let me repeat that, because it's really helpful: write from an outline. I
know of no one who can reel off a coherent paper more than one or two pages long without
some kind of strategy.
You must use Headings and sub-headings. This will ensure your reader knows exactly where
you are going with your thoughts and is the basis for your outline.
. You must include an executive summary at the beginning. Since it is a summary, it cannot
be written until your paper is done.,
Note: Draw your Aggregate Supply and Demand graphs before the changes discussed in
your paper---and any individual market supply and demand graphs you feel are relevant. Start
with equilibrium and then show the changes that are expected to occur or that you think have
occurred. All on one graph. If you bring up your results to class, we can discuss them and
you will be able to „proof‟ your results in a sense.
You do not have to use 'real' price level and real GDP or quantities in your graphs.
Describe what happened and why, referring to your graph. Label all axes and lines. Define
your symbols. Be sure to explain any differences between a movement along a supply or
demand curve (change in quantity demanded or supplied) and shift of the aggregate
demand/supply curve. Be prepared to discuss this assignment in class.
Remember that a graph, or a table of data is totally meaningless unless you discuss it [ie
tell how it is relevant to your research or your theory] in your paper.
You may leave space and pencil in your graphs. Points will be lost for each failure to label,
for each failure to define symbols, and for each failure to discuss the significance of any
quote you use.
Long quotes and the use of many quotes tells the reader that you do not understand the
quote or the issue being discussed. Therefore, do not use quotes of more than two sentences,
and no more than two quotes per page,
Executive/Summary. Don't even try to write the introduction until after the rest of the paper
is written. Only then will you really know what it was you said, and be able to summarize it.
Your paper must have a cover sheet which contains your name and other class information,
eg the class [eg. Econ 2301 TTH at 9:30 am) information, and the semester in addition to the
title .. 10 points will be lost for failure to provide a cover.
The paper must be double spaced so that I have room to give comments.
Two points will be lost for every misspelled word or grammatical error. Three points for a
sentence that makes no sense. Proofing eliminates the possibility of losing points in this
manner.. And, its FREE!
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AT MINIMUM YOU WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS IN YOUR PAPER
You may need or want sub=headings or, even, additional headings. But, the following are
required..
I. Executive Summary This is a „summary and conclusion‟. Summarize the important parts.
This should be no more than a page or page and a half double spaced.
II. Statement of the Problem: here you develop and summarize the topic , what are you trying
to accomplish? What was the assisgnment?
III. Research and Theoretical Models Used.
I would put Research Method as IIIA and Theory as IIIB. This section should discuss
how you addressed the problem: here you discuss what you researched and how.
The next section would discuss the theory AD/AS ie the theoretical models you used
and how they work (mainly aggregate supply and demand model, what assumptions went
into the model, etc.)
Your assumptions are important. Every slope has a cause. You must also tell your
reader what, “fiscal and monetary policy‟ are. Remember to explain using references to your
graphs.
You might want to include other research you conducted, like your research into
inflation, growth, leading or lagging economic variables, etc.
Note: Draw your Aggregate Supply and Demand graphs before the changes discussed in
your paper---and any individual market supply and demand graphs you feel are relevant. Start
with equilibrium and then show the changes that are expected to occur or that you think have
occurred. You do not have to use 'real' prices and quantities in your graph. Describe what
happened and why. Label all axes and lines. Define your symbols. Be sure to explain any
differences between a movement along a supply or demand curve (change in quantity demanded
or supplied) and shift of the aggregate demand/supply curve. Be prepared to discuss this
assignment in class.
Remember that a graph, or a table of data is totally meaningless unless you discuss it
in your paper.
***You may leave space and pencil in your graphs. Points will be lost for
each failure to label, for each failure to define symbols, and for each failure to discuss
the significance of any quote you use. Long quotes and the use of many quotes tell
the reader that you do not understand the quote and will cost you points also.
IV. Findings and conclusions: Here you describe the outcome of the model applications( eg
this is the interpretation of the „after‟ situation in your „‟before and after‟ graphs.) Discuss
your graphs and what the means. Also here you combine the other research results on such
things as forecasted GDP, leading and lagging macro variables etc. with your model‟s results
and/or how these relate to your conclusions. Remember, that the AS/AD model gives you
inflation, output (growth) and employment information. Compare the before and after, you
do not need to use „actual‟ numbers. You may use symbols or hypothetical numbers in
describing your outcomes, but remember to identify/define them. You may also leave space
and draw in your graphs neatly. You do not need to use the computer to draw your graphs.
Conclusions are your own, but you will need to back them with your findings.
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V. Summary; here you summarize your findings and discuss the policy implications or
ramifications (eg on the future economy_ This section will also be used and useful to write
the section I (Summary and Conclusion) .
OTHER POINTS
1.
Stick to the subject. IF, for example, the subject had been monetary policy over the
past ten years, do not give a history of the Federal Reserve, regardless of how
interesting you might have found that history to be. Stick to the POLICY and make
sure you go back ten years (definitions, trends of economic variables, etc, are all
relevant, but personal histories, or how the FED came into being is not.) Remember
that a paper that is written about something other than the topic will result in an
automatic zero.
2.
The important points should appear at least twice or maybe 3 times: once in the
introduction, again in the body of the paper (where you explained it in detail), and
finally in the conclusions (where you gave and explained the implications of this
„point‟).
3.
Think about the Economic theory that will be incorporated. Look at the textbook and
the objectives of the chapters. Think about where and how you will introduce graphs
to illustrate your point. You will need graphs to illustrate the theoretical part.
REPEAT: Remember that graphs are meaningless unless they are labeled and
discussed.. All numbers and charts must be sourced. If in doubt about how to label,
just look at how your text deals with labeling of graphs. Label all axes and lines.
Define your symbols or you will lose at least 2 points for every symbol used and not
defined. . Never assume that the reader knows what you meant. Always explain it.
4.
I repeat, because this is important. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. This will get you
an automatic zero on the paper. Don‟t‟ forget that five or more words from any
source must be in quotations [ “…” ] and cited or it is plagiarism. The best rule of
thumb: just give credit where credit is due. FREE plagiarism check guarantees this
will not happen.
5.
Remember, as stated above, no late papers , No matter what the excuse. So, have it
ready early.
6.
It is your responsibility to read this syllabus and make sure you have properly
addressed the topic given and have written the paper in proper form, and have turned
it in on time.
7.
Remember that your reader (i.e. me, in this case) is not a mind reader. Your professor
can only give credit for what is written and demonstrated in the paper—not for what
you meant to say or show. No excuses.
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FREE SERVICES! FREE!
*FREE TUTORING on campus will begin in February.
*FREE PLAGIARISM CHECKS are available online – at HCC askonline, and online
generally (just use your search engine to find one._Finally,
*FREE PROOFING of papers is also available at askonline. So, there is no excuse for a
bad paper.
HELPFUL SOURCES:
Some good websites for finding data series on GDP, Unemployment Rates,
INFLATION, business cycles and other economic variables:
. http://www.econlib.org/library/sourcesUS.html#now
. http://www.usa.gov/
www.BLS.gov
www.FED.gov
www.hccs.askonline.edu
http://swc2.hccs.edu/e-tutor/
You can find current articles in the Houston Chronicle by going to www.chron.com .
This is FREE!. You may not access the archives, however, without a subscription.
You can use your parents subscription number, if they subscribe. Or, go to any other
major paper. CNN also provides free articles as does the Wall Street Journal.
.In general, Your Textbook is where you should start for information. Use it to find
information on Fiscal Policy and how it works (the Theory section of your paper) as
well as to find out what your text says about the Great Depression. Remember to
source any data used. And, remember to discuss the data and its significance to
your topic.
ON WRITING A COLLEGE PAPER:
See “Armando's Paper Writing and Presentations Page”
http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/termpapr.html
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/howto.html
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