CAMERON: SYLLABUS & COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION TO ECON FALL
2012
SECOND START {16 weeks Lecture} Econ 2302
Class
Class Title
Enrolled Days & Times *rooms
ECON
2302-
Principles of MICRO
Economics (Lecture)
31
I. Instructor's Name:
TuTh 5:00PM - West Loop
7:00 PM
004
Class
Dates
SEPT 25
2012Dec 13,
2012
PAMELA CAMERON, B.S., M.A., PhD.
II. Brief instructor bio: Welcome to the class! Dr. Cameron is a highly experienced professor, having
taught undergraduate and graduate economics (and statistics) at the University of Oklahoma, the
University of Phoenix and here at HCC. She is also an experienced business person. She was the
President of, and partner in, a well-known Economics consulting firm in the Washington, D.C. area. She
has chosen to teach because of a desire to share that experience, and help her students compete in the
market for the best, and highest paying, jobs. She is only too glad to answer any and all of your
questions. So, please, pull up your chair and enjoy learning about how markets operate, and how those
markets affect you.
Office Hours:
2:30 –3:30
6:45 - 7:00
6:00 – 7:00
TTH Learning HUB
TTH West Loop
Mon Learning HUB
room 208
room 001
room 208
Please fill free to ask and I will try my best to accommodate you. It has been my experience
that most students will try to see their instructor either before or after class and this is fine, as
long as I am not rushing off to another class. Or, if none of the above works for you, email
me and we will set up a time. More importantly, please feel free to ask any question at any
time during your class.
Preferred contact method: E-mail: Pamela.Cameron@hccs.edu
AND
Alternate contact method: pjcameron@comcast.net .
75th Percentile Starting Pay: $56,100
Years for 75th Percentile to Reach $100K: 7 to 9
“Economics is more than the study of money. In this discipline, you also learn about history,
sociology and political science -- all of which affect economics at the micro and macro level.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, "rising demand for economic analysis in
virtually every industry” should result in good job prospects for economists, especially in
IIa What will a degree in Economics get you?
Page 1 of 12
management, scientific and technical consulting services. Earners in the 75th percentile can
expect to make $126,000 a year after 10 to 12 years.” http://careerservices.monster.com/yahooarticle/100K-jobs-by-college-major
III. Course Meeting Days, Times and Location: See page 1.
IV. Course's Catalog Description and Prerequisites:
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
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.
ECON 2302 Principles of Microeconomics*
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)
Microeconomics examines the fundamentals of
the American economy as it relates to business
and individual welfare. Emphasis is on basic
concepts and theories as they affect domestic
and international markets. Microeconomics
includes cost and production decisions and
discusses the role of competition, monopolies
and oligopolies. Core Curriculum Course.
*Both Micro and Macro are copied from the HCC catalog. You are in a course that covers
Micro,.
V. CATE none apply to this course
Course format is mostly lecture, with the
objectives given below. The instructor will, through lectures from the text, examples from the
news, by working problems on the whiteboard, and other digital and non-digital techniques
convey the theory and its application. We will discuss current events in class and you will be
responsible for anything which we cover in class.
VI. Format of course, objectives and methods:
Page 2 of 12
Main Course Objectives
1. Understand and be able to apply the concepts of supply and demand and market
equilibrium, what causes a change in supply or demand or equilibrium, and be able to
show all this graphically. Be able to draw the supply/demand graphs and use them to
explain what happens to price and output when there is a change is either supply or
demand.
2. Describe and be able to apply the concept of elasticity, particularly the price elasticity
of demand. Be able to use the formulas to calculate elasticity and use the calculated
values to analyze the impact of elasticity on variables such as revenue. Be able to
explain how elasticity effects supply and demand curves.
3. Explain the characteristics of market behavior in both perfectly and imperfectly
competitive firms. You must understand the differences between Perfect Competition
and Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly or Monopoly. You should be able to draw
and explain how firms in each of these industries set price and output, and the
implications for efficiency.
`4. Explain and identify production costs and how they behave in the short and long run.
Understand how government attempts to control and prevent monopolistic power
through anti-trust laws and regulation—and be able to describe the results and the
limitations. Includes profit maximization conditions.
5. Understand and explain the theory of consumer behavior including, but not limited to
income constraints, indifference curves, conditions for utility maximization.
VII. Associated websites and textbook:
Textbook: Textbook: Arnold, Roger A. ECONOMICS 10E ISBN-13: 978-0-538-45285-4; ISBN-10:
0-538-45285-4, SOUTH-WESTERN Cengage Learning [ (you can use a3 hole punch version if
available at the bookstore or the hardbound full edition-which covers macro and micro-- or the paperback
splits as long as you also purchase the Aplia). Online purchase from the publisher [South-Western
Cengage Learning, www.cengagebrain.com ] is likely to be more affordable than the same purchase from
the bookstore. ]
On Line Subscription: -APLIA www.cengagebrain.com. This is necessary to complete homework
assignments and to help you, the student, better understand the course material . 20% of your grade
comes from the homework assignments on Aplia. You are given a code to register with Aplia when you
buy the APLIA. You would then use the link provided by the Instructor to get into the class where you
do your homework. Note, you must first register with Aplia, and after you are registered, you can then use
the link provided in the Syllabus . The Syllabus is on the Learning Web, and that link is on the HCC
homepage, right hand side, under “CONNECT”.
Remember this homework system is designed to force students to read the material BEFORE they come
to class and hear the lecture. Please check the website at least twice weekly for homeworks that are due,
as they will expire and cannot be brought back. Repeat: once the homework has expired, it will not be
made available again . Caution: Although each homework will be available to you for several weeks,
Aplia only notifies you when the homework is about to expire. This does not leave you time to bring
your questions to class for help prior to finalizing the homework.
Page 3 of 12
APLIA:Note from the publisher: “The students can get the book (printed 3 hole version) AND Aplia (2
semester access) for CHEAPER THAN (not ONLY the bookstore) but the cost of APLIA alone. This is a
GREAT savings and CHEAPER than used books and Aplia ! Use the microsite given below.
The course link is : Course Key: XB2M-RTXL-VU8Y
DIRECT TO STUDENT MICROSITE: http://www.cengagebrain.com/micro/hccecon2301/2302
* Cengage Learning Technical Support - 1-800-354-9706”
Department website: http://learning.swc.hccs.edu/courses/social-behavioral-sciences/economicshomepage/ Please look at the department website for additional useful and fun economics related
websites.
How to access your Aplia course
Fall 2012 Econ 2302 micro Second Start
Instructor: Dr Pamela Cameron
Start Date: 09/25/2012
Course Key: XB2M-RTXL-VU8Y
Registration
Aplia is part of CengageBrain, which allows you to sign in to a single site to access your
Cengage materials and courses.
1. Connect to http://login.cengagebrain.com/
2. If you already have an account, sign in. From your Dashboard, enter your course
key (XB2M-RTXL-VU8Y) in the box provided, and click the Register button.
If you don't have an account, click the Create a New Account button, and enter
your course key when prompted: XB2M-RTXL-VU8Y. Continue to follow the onscreen instructions.
Payment
Online: Purchase access to your course (including the digital textbook) from the
CengageBrain website.
Bookstore: Purchase access to Aplia from your bookstore. Check with the bookstore to find
out what they offer for your course.
After paying, you will have the option to purchase a physical book at a discounted price. If
you choose to pay later, you can use Aplia without paying until 11:59 PM on 10/14/2012.
Page 4 of 12
VIII. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK : Arnold, Roger A. ECONOMICS 10E ISBN-13: 978-0-53845285-4; ISBN-10: 0-538-45285-4, SOUTH-WESTERN Cengage Learning
Department website: http://learning.swc.hccs.edu/courses/social-behavioral-sciences/economicshomepage/ Please look at the department website for additional useful and fun economics related
websites.
VIII. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK : Arnold, see above
IX. LAB TIMES- This course has no lab, but the APLIA assignments are practical problems
similar to test questions that give the student practice with applications of economics. You, the
student will find them to be very useful.
X. 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 computerbased 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.
XI. BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM
1. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED. You must turn your phones off. No texting, no leaving to take
a call.
2. If you cannot avoid being tardy, please take the closest available seat.
3. Other: Verbal participation in class is expected. You are expected to have read the
material and be able to answer the instructor’s questions. Being alert and awake for each
class period goes without saying. And, the department cordially asks that you refrain
from inappropriate classroom behavior which 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 and snoring.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic
dishonesty are not only violations of the college system and the rules of this class, but are
unethical and unprofessional. Students engaging in any form of academic dishonesty are subject
XII:
Page 5 of 12
to immediate dismissal from the program. You are expected to be familiar with the College's
Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog and student handbook. Students are
responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements.
Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a
student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
• Copying from another students’ test paper;
• Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
• Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
• Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that work in one’s own written work offered for credit. Five or more words copied from ANY
source, must be in quotations and must be cited or it is plagiarism.
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F
in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or
dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook).
BASIC RULE: IF IN DOUBT, PUT IT IN QUOTES AND CITE IT. Avoid the very
appearance of evil. This means avoid those things that even appear to be cheating, Remember, cheating
will get you a zero on any graded assignment. And, it is the prerogative of the instructor to bring the
cheating to the attention of the Dean for further action.
XIII. ATTENDANCE POLICY: HCC policy is that a student MAY be dropped from a course
after 6 class hours (12.5% of the class time ) have been missed. The policy in this class is that
you will be dropped after you miss the fourth class. If you miss 5 classes, you have missed over
20-25% of the lectures. If you anticipate any major problems with attendance, see your
instructor immediately and get the situation resolved. Student success is enhanced by regular
class attendance. Each day in the class in important and being in class on time is critical to
achieving success. I want you to succeed in this class and it is important to me, but it must be
important to you as well.
I will take attendance shortly after the start time for your class. Students not seated by the time I
finish taking role will be counted absent. No excuses unless you see me ahead of time and we
agree on a policy for you. If you are tardy, please enter quietly and take the first available seat.
PLEASE CONTACT THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE TO DROP
ANY CLASS and email your instructor or you may withdraw online. After the official final drop date, no
W’s can be given. Check your HCC calendar for dates. After that date ALL STUDENTS WILL BE
ASSIGNED THE GRADE OF A, B, C, D, F or I. The grade of I will only be assigned to a student under
XIV. WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
extraordinary circumstances. A grade of FX has been introduced by HCC and, if assigned, has
the same effect as an F.
Page 6 of 12
(c)
Except as provided under rules adopted under Subsection
(d), an institution of higher education may not permit a student to
drop more than six courses, including any course a transfer student
has dropped at another institution of higher education, under
circumstances described by Subsection (b).
(d) The governing board of an institution of higher
education may adopt a policy under which the maximum number of
courses a student is permitted to drop under circumstances
described by Subsection (b) is less than the maximum number of
courses that a student may drop under Subsection (c).
Senate Bill 1231
XV. NOTICE: Legislation on Dropping Courses: 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 this has been an additional $50 per credit
hour. Also, the state of Texas has passed a new law limiting 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 depends on you. If you are considering
dropping because you are afraid you are not going to get an A, then please think it through
carefully. Econ is a Core course and the legal changes discussed above were designed
specifically to provide a ‘disincentive’ to drop for that reason. See the calendar at HCCS.edu for
drop dates.
XVI. GRADING POLICY- Computation of Final Course Grade: Your grade is based on a
total of 1,ooo points. If your total points add up to: 900- 1000 points ,your grade will be A; 800-899
points ,B; 700-799 points , C; and 600-699 points , D. Below 600 points will be an F.
Tests and Final Exam: There are 3 equally weighted exams (250 pts.), and the ‘final’ is one of the
three. But the final is different in that 1), it is comprehensive, and 2), it has no written component. It
will likely be an online test. The other 250 points come from your homework. TESTS will be part
written and part multiple choice. Tests 1-2 will have two short answer or written questions, and
approximately 30 multiple choice. The final will be multiple choice only. You may bring a single, letter
sized sheet of paper to each test. You may write anything you wish on that paper.
Homework: 250 points Homework will come from Aplia . Each graded homework will count 20
points I will take the highest 13 grades out of a total of 15..(yes, I know it adds up to more than 250) You
need both an Aplia code (comes with any new book) and a course code (which I have to give you). See
Section VII above for purchase details . Aplia is required . DIRECT TO STUDENT MICROSITE:
http://www.cengagebrain.com/micro/hccecon2301/2302;
Course Key: XB2M-RTXL-VU8Y
* Cengage Learning Technical Support - 1-800-354-9706”
Page 7 of 12
XVII. Course requirements: Other than the basic mathematics and the ability to use the
computer for research , there are no additional course requirements. For homework you will be
given or assigned problems or articles and asked to apply what you have learned to these.
.XVIII. Student Learning Outcomes: As stated in section VI.
XIX. INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:
Instructional Objectives : to enable my students to meet all of the Objectives described in the
Section above. This includes lecturing and working with students to help them achieve
success by tutoring, mentoring and providing clear lectures and assignments that are
productive.
XX. MAKE-UP POLICY: Late work is not acceptable. As an adult and a dedicated college
student, it is your responsibility to complete your assignments on time. Make-ups are not
allowed: No make-ups will be given for Homework assignments or tests. Students missing
exams one or two will have exam three count twice. There is no makeup for exam 3. Be
there or lose 250 points.
XXI. COURSE CALENDAR:
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,
or for Force Majeure.) It is expected that the chapters be read prior to the class meeting to which those
chapters correspond. The purpose of homework is to force students to read the material before they come
to class and hear the lecture on a given topic, as well as to provide sample or practice questions in
preparation of the tests. Always check at least twice a week to see if you have a homework due.
Calendar dates will be ‘best guesses’ and subject to change, except for the final test.
FALL 2012
CALENDAR AND Class Schedule
ECON 2302 micro ss all dates are subject to change
Week/class Date
Tests/review Topic/Coverage/Comments
ininii
1/1
Aug. 27/28 wwwws
1/2
Aug. 29/30
2/1
Sep. 3 / 4
2/2
5/6
3/1
Sep. 10/11
3/2
4/1
12/13
Page 8 of 12
Sep. 17/18
`
-
Approximate day for review
4/2
19/20
5/1
Sep. 24/25
5/2
26/27
6/1
Oct. 1 / 2
6/2
3/4
7/1
Oct. 8/9
Approximate date for 1st exam.
.
7/2
10/11
8/1
Oct. 15/16 .
8/2
9/1
9/2
16/17
Approximate
date for 2nd
eexexam/
Oct. 22/23 .
24/25
10/1
Oct. 29/30 .
10/2
11/1
oct31/nov1
11/2
Nov. 5/6
7/8
12/1
Nov. 12/13 .
12/2
14/15
1114/15
Nov. 19/20 .
13/1
13/2
14/1
14/2
Approximate date for review.
21/22
.
Thanksgiving Holiday begins w/ night classes
Nov. 26/27 .
28/29
Ester Break
rd
15/1
15/2
16/1
Dec. 3 / 4
5/6
Review/test
ter
Sense
Organs
3 16:
Exam;
250
points chap.s
hapter 16: Sense Organs
Finals Week : no tests this week. All tests are 1 hour and
given during the last class period.
Use the blanks above to fill in your own notes/info.
Page 9 of 12
XXII. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1 You will be graded on your demonstrated understanding of the material. Showing up and
taking the tests is not enough. You must understand the material and be able to apply the
theory to real life situations and hypothetical situations.
2 Start reading chapters now. Bring your questions in to the class and we will discuss them.
Please. . As discussion concerning your assignments will be ongoing during the class, you may
ask questions about the projects any time during the semester. Your questions are welcomed,
and as you are probably not the only student wanting the information, your questions may help
others as well.
3
You may bring one notebook sized piece of paper to each test. You can write on both sides,
and put anything you want on that paper. What you can’t do is use your neighbor or your
phone. Any question about it, and I will pick up the paper and it will automatically be
assigned a zero grade.
4. TARDINESS EMPHASIZED: If you must arrive late, please enter quietly and take the
nearest seat available so as to minimize the disruption to the class. Continued disruptions
and you will be withdrawn from the course. See section XIII for more information. After
week 2, those not seated by the time we finish the role will be counted absent..
5. EXTRA CREDIT POLICY: Forget it. It doesn’t exist. Everyone has problems and other
demands on their time. You are no exception. I will not do for one, what is not done for
everyone. That is blatantly unfair to the students in the class.
XXIII. HCC Core Curriculum Statement: "For information regarding HCC's Core Curriculum,
see P. 46 of the HCC Catalog. For information about HCC's Social Sciences Exemplary
Educational Objectives, see P. 59-60 of the HCC Catalog."
XXIV. MENINGITIS : IMMUNIZATION REQUIRED FOR SPRING REGISTRATION
Texas Senate Bill 1107 passed in May 2011, requires that new HCC students and former HCC
students returning after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester who are under the age
of 30 are required to present a physician-signed certificate showing they have been vaccinated
against bacterial meningitis. Beginning with Spring registration, November 7, students will have
to satisfy this requirement prior to enrollment. For more information and a list of exemptions
please go to http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/admissions-registration-center/new-student-generaladmissions-steps/submit-meningitis-documentation.
The new legislation regarding the Meningitis immunization requirement stipulates that the
vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to the start of class. Students registering for a
regular term class beginning January 17 must have received the vaccination on or before January
Page 10 of 12
7. Students receiving the vaccine after this Saturday, January 7 will have to enroll in classes for
the second start session.
XXV. FREE SERVICES!
*FREE TUTORING on campus will begin with second start. I will email you as soon as I
know the time and location. Also, see http://swc2.hccs.edu/e-tutor/ . Online help is also
available. See “FREE PROOFING”.
*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.
www.hccs.askonline.edu.
To use Askonline, log in using your HCC student e-mail account name (W-number)and
password . Those who have never logged into the e-mail system or have not used it in more
than four months should call Customer Support at 713-718-8800 during regular business
hours and request a student e-mail password change. To find your W-number click here.
HCC offers a Password Management System that allows you to change your password at
any time over the Web. Once you have your e-mail account and password information, go
to www.hccs.edu/pm and answer a few security questions. Should you need further
assistance resetting your password, please call Customer Support at 713-718-8800.
For other problems, e-mail us at hccaskonline@hccs.edu and explain the problem
thoroughly. DO NOT send essays or other work to this e-mail address. They will NOT be
tutored.
Askonline tutoring is offered to all current HCC students who want help with their HCC
assignments. Send all papers as attachments in Word (.doc or .docx) or .rtf format. Tell us
what
the
assignment
is
when
you
submit
work.
Copied-and-pasted papers, with or without attachments, cannot be processed because they
can freeze the system. The estimated turn-around time for essays and papers is 36 - 48
hours. In order to help everyone, we can only look at papers TWICE. After that, you need
to work with what we give you and revise the papers so your teacher is grading your work,
not
ours.
Your
patience
is
appreciated.
To get an e-mail or text message as soon as a tutor has finished working on your paper or
question, click on Enable Alerts in the top right-hand corner to enable this time-saving new
feature. Often in-person tutoring at one of the HCC campuses is also helpful. Click here for
Find-A- Tutor
Helpful link for library: http://resource.library.tmc.edu/circ/docs/memberregisform.pdf
HELP FOR ONLINE STUDENTS http://smartipantz.perceptis.com/hccs/content/
; Links provided to help
student get into their online course, etc.
http://smartipantz.perceptis.com/hccs/Content/ShowContent.aspx?id=154 this one has pdf files as well as other
media to help online students, and links to other help topics
Page 11 of 12
XXVI. Below is a document which you must print out , fill in, and sign .
INSTRUCTIONS: Please print this page, fill it in (or you can fill it in, then print), sign it and bring it
to class no later than the fourth class. You will need this in order to take the first test. It simply
ensures that you are on the right path. Although we will go over the Syllabus on day one, some
students will not be in class that day, and others will simply have forgotten. If you have not
familiarized yourself with the Syllabus, there is a chance you will miss important deadlines, not be
able to go into your Aplia homework, etc. Your grade will reflect this. My goal here is to help
ensure that you will do as well as you can, and not suffer because of failure to follow instructions.
STUDENT’S NAME: ______________________________________________
STUDENT’S ID : __________________________________________________
NAME AND NUMBER OF THE CLASS :_______________________________
TIME AND DAY CLASS MEETS:______________________________________
By signing this document and returning it to the Instructor I certify that I have:
1. downloaded the Class Syllabus from the Learning Web and read the Syllabus in its entirety.
Thus, I take full responsibility for knowing what is expected of me.
[ Go to HCC HOME PAGE, click on Course Syllabi/Faculty CV under “CONNECT’

Student System Sign In

HCC Email

Course Syllabi/ Faculty CV / Learning Web

Online Courses ] and,
* click here
2. read the instructions and registered for Aplia. I understand that Aplia offers a free 2-week
registration if I need time before paying.
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT _________________________________________
DATE OF SIGNATURE
Page 12 of 12
_________________________________________