Course and Number:
Course Title:
Course Schedule/location:
Required Course Materials
ECON 2302
PRINCIPLES OF MiCRO ECONOMICS
TBA
Textbook: Textbook: The Economy Today, 12 edition,
Bradley R. Schiller (you can use the 3 hole punch version available at the bookstore or the hardbound full edition or the paperback splits as long as it is the 12 th edition and includes
Connect). ISBN Number: 0077398149
On Line Subscription: McGraw Hill Connect- This is necessary to complete homework assignments and to help you, the student better understand the course . You are given a code to register when you buy the Connect. You would then use the link given above/below to get into the class where you do your homework.
Required: Textbook’s website -this site is an invaluable tool to help you begin to discover economics ! http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0077247418/student_view0/index.html
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.
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!
Instr uctor’s Name:
EMAIL ADDRESS
Alternative E-mail Address:
Dr. Pamela Cameron
PAMELA.CAMERON@HCCS.EDU
PJCameron@COMCAST.NET.
1

Availability:
Before/After class or by Arrangement , OFFICE HOURS: 2-5 TTH in
208 of the Learning Hub. 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 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)
Format of course, objectives and methods:
Course format is mostly lecture, with the objectives given below. The instructor will, through lectures from the text, examples from the news, and by working problems on the whiteboard, 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, 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 Monoply.
You should be able to draw and explain how firms in each of these industries set price and output. Be able to discuss and answer questions about antitrust legislation and how that relates to market structure/behavior.
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
2

`4.
Explain and identify production costs and how they behave in the short and long run..Student must understand the rule for firm profit maximization, the relationship between cost and revenue and how this differs with different industry structure.
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_eco-
Macroeconomics_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_
SUMMARY TABLE: ALL POINTS ARE SUMMARIZED HERE
ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON A 1,000 POINTS POSSIBLE:
DATE DUE IS
APPROXIMATE
POINTS
TESTS [60%]
All dates are subject to change
600
TEST ONE : Supply and Demand Chapters 1- 4, including appendix plus chapt.
19 elasticity. Depending on circumstances, all of 19 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. )
Week 4 most likely but could be 5
200
TEST TWO chpts. 19, 20, and 21 THURSDAY
MARCH
200
TEST THREE: chpts. 22-25
All tests will consist of 2 essay or short answers and approx.. 25 multiple choice.
Except the last test may be all multiple choice.
Last Day of Class 200
3

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 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
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.
Tests will consist of 2 short answers and approx..
25 multiple choice, except test 3 will have not short answer.
40%
April 21
400
200
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 is to analyze the All-Wheel-Drive market using the supply and demand model. 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.
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.
. 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 redo’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.
I will take the best
10 of 12 homeworks. You get 3 chances on each question.
You may be withdrawn if you have 7 hours or more in absences .
ARRIVING LATE
TO CLASS
PENALTY
2 POINTS.
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. )
200
4

Total
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 < 60%
NO ETRA CREDIT,
NO LAST MINUTE
NEGOTIATIONS…
……………….
THE TIME TO
THINK ABOUT
YOUR GRADE IS
NOW!!!!
1000
YOU ARE EXPECTED TO READ ALL OF THE SYLLABUS. ALL SECTIONS MAY
NOT BE READ ALOUD. NEVERTHELESS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS
MATERIAL
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
5

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.
_________________________________________________________________________________
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 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
6

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 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
7

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 4 th 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 5 th
Google ‘free plagiarism check’ and you will find plenty of them.
time, you can
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
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
8

$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.
- 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 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.
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.
9

15. PAPER INTRUCTIONS : THESE ARE NOT RECOMMENDATIONS, THEY ARE
REQUIREMENTS!
S:
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.
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.
10

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!
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.
11

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.
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
12

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.
* 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
13

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
14