CAMERON: SYLLABUS & COURSE OUTLINE
MICROECONOMICS
SPRING 2014
SECOND START {12 weeks Lecture} Econ 2302
Micro
TuTh 3:00PM 5:00PM
81026 Econ
2302-20
West Loop Center Rm Pamela
002
Cameron
02/08/2014 05/11/2014
You must read the syllabus, then print out and sign the last page of this document. You are
required to turn in the signed page before the first test, or you will not be allowed to take the
Test.
I. Instructor's Name:
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.
II. a
Office Hours:
5:00 - 7:00
TTH West Loop
room TBA
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.
9:00 – 9:30
II. b
TTH SCARCELLA
room W115
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.
II.c
What will a degree in Economics get you?
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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
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. Rooms assignments are posted in the
building.
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 Micro course this
semester.
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
VI. Format of course, objectives and methods:
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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.
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, the distinction between a
change in demand and a change in the quantity demanded, a
change in supply and a change in the quantity supplied, 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 the role of elasticity in the supply and
demand analysis.
3. Discuss how government attempts to control and prevent
monopolistic power through anti-trust regulation and describe
the results.
4. Explain and identify production costs and how they behave
in the short and long run. Explain profit maximization behavior
in firms. Explain the behavior of consumers in a market, and
how this behavior leads from utility maximization to demand.
5. Explain the characteristics of market behavior in both
perfectly and imperfectly competitive firms, the difference in
results and how this relates to productive and allocative
efficiency.
VII. Associated websites and textbook:
Textbook: 1. Textbook: Arnold, Roger A. ECONOMICS 10E ISBN-13: 978-0-538-45285-4; ISBN10: 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. ]
2. 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”.
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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.
3. 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.
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-behavioralsciences/economics-homepage/ Please look at the department website for additional useful and
fun economics related websites.
VIII. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK : Arnold, Roger A. ECONOMICS 10E ISBN-13: 978-0-53845285-4; ISBN-10: 0-538-45285-4, SOUTH-WESTERN Cengage Learning
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. IF you go to the Learning Web, you will also find some
sample old exams that will also provide you with practice problems.
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. This is both school policy and the policy of the instructor.
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
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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
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).
XII:
BASIC RULE: IF IN DOUBT, PUT IT IN QUOTES AND CITE IT. Avoid the very
appearance of evil. IF you are caught with your eyes on another’s test, your test will be taken up, without
discussion, and given an immediate zero.Your name and the offense will be reported to the Assistant
Dean for whatever other penalties that may apply. At minimum,, cheating will get you a zero on the test
or graded assignment. And, it is the prerogative of the instructor and/or the Assistant Dean 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 may be, and most likely will be, dropped if you miss the more than 6 class hours. 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
is 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.
XIII.b 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
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ahead of time and we agree on a policy for you. Arriving late disturbs the class. Getting up
and leaving during a class is the same as arriving late and will be counted as an absence
unless there is an emergency which is discussed with the instructor prior to class.
XIV. WITHDRAWAL POLICY: You may withdraw online prior to the ‘Last Day to
Withdraw’ ; which for this semester is 3/31 at 4:30. PLEASE email your instructor if you drop, or
risk confusion at the end of the semester.. After the drop date, no W’s can be given. ALL STUDENTS
WILL BE ASSIGNED THE GRADE OF A, B, C, D, F . The grade of I will only be assigned to a student
under very extraordinary circumstances. A grade of FX has been introduced by HCC and, if
assigned, has the same effect as an F.
XV. LEGAL NOTICES: 1.
(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
LEGAL LIMIT IN TEXAS
2. 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.
XVI. 1. 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.
2. Tests and Final Exam: There are 3 equally weighted exams (250 pts.), and the ‘final’ is
just 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. APLIA:
will count 250 points.
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3. 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, 3-hole punch sized sheet of paper to each test. You may write anything you wish on
that paper. Save your cheat sheets so you can use them to develop the cheat sheet for the last (third) test.
4. APLIA is an online program which provides sample questions (practice) for the student to
work.. You will have 12 – 15 homework assignments on Aplia, and I will take the best 10 out of the
12-15. Each of the homeworks will be worth 25 points. You will have several weeks to work most, but
not all, of the homeworks. When these homeworks expire, they will not be brought back for any
reason. You have plenty of time, so do them early. That way if something comes up, you will have them
completed. Also, please note: Alpia notifies you when the homework is about to expire. If you wait until
that time to start your homework, you will not have an opportunity to bring your questions to class. You
may print out any homework question and bring it to class for help before finalizing your homework.
But, not if you leave it until the last minute. I am happy to answer any question (in class or during office
hours)—even if we have not discussed that topic yet.
Note: On occasion you will be required to do a homework on topics which have not been
discussed in class yet. This is necessary. As with all homeworks, to do the assignment you will need to
read the chapter. IF you are having trouble after reading the relevant chapter, you have 2 options. 1.
Bring the question to class and we will discuss it. Or, 2, Use the Aplia tutorials.
From the Aplia website: "During this course, to complete certain assignments, you will be required to access a new
website dedicated to students and instructors of economics. To access the website, you need to register for an
account with Aplia at http://econ.aplia.com. In the first week OR TWO of class, YOUR INSTRUCTOR will provide
you with a course key so that you can register.” http://learning.hccs.edu/
Please register on the website within 24 hours after the instructor has passed out the course key. IF you cannot
pay at that time, APLIA offers a free 2- week access so that you do not have to miss any homeworks. Everyone
gets to miss several homeworks, so it is not a problem if you do miss one or two at the beginning. These
homeworks are not brought back, however.
HCC EMAIL ADDRESS REQUIRED You will receive your course key in an email from me. That means you must
know your HCC email address and password, and you must check it routinely during the semester. If you do not
know your password, or you do not know your HCC email address, you will have to go online to your HCC site—
where you register for classes, or visit the enrollment office [or call tech support at 713 718 8800.] Your HCC
address is the one assigned to you when you registered , unless you have changed it. This you can do online at
Any time.
XVII. Course requirements: Other than the basic mathematics and the ability to use the
computer for research and Aplia, there are no additional course requirements. See section IV on
requirements.
.XVIII. Student Learning Outcomes: As stated also in section VI.
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, the distinction between a
change in demand and a change in the quantity demanded, a
change in supply and a change in the quantity supplied, 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.
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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 the role of elasticity in the supply and
demand analysis.
3. Discuss how government attempts to control and prevent
monopolistic power through anti-trust regulation and describe
the results.
4. Explain and identify production costs and how they behave
in the short and long run. Explain profit maximization behavior
in firms. Explain the behavior of consumers in a market, and
how this behavior leads from utility maximization to demand.
5. Explain the characteristics of market behavior in both
perfectly and imperfectly competitive firms, the difference in
results and how this relates to productive and allocative
efficiency.
XVIIII. 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: NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN. INSTEAD, TEST 3 WILL COUNT TWICE.
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 makeups 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. You must have a very
good and verifiable reason showing you were unable to take test 3 – otherwise, missing test 3
costs you 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 Aplia 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.
PLEASE NOTE; THERE IS NO SEPARATE ‘FINAL EXAM’ YOUR TEST 3 WILL BE
THE LAST TEST YOU TAKE.
XXII. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
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1
Important . 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
AGAIN. Cheat sheet. You may bring one regular, 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.
5. EXTRA CREDIT POLICY: Forget it. It doesn’t exist at the university or professional level..
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 other 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. For Example, Students
registering for a regular term class beginning January 17, 2012 must have received the
vaccination on or before January 7. Students receiving the vaccine after this Saturday, January 7
will have to enroll in classes for the second start session.
XXV. FREE SERVICES!
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*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.
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
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_________________________________________