Agricultural Economics 105
Introduction to Agricultural Economics
Spring 2013
Instructor:
Ariun Ishdorj
Office: 345 Agricultural and Life Sciences Building (AGLS)
Phone: (979) 845 - 6322
E-mail: aishdorj@tamu.edu (All emails should have the subject: AGEC 105)
Office Hours: T and R 11:00-12:00 p.m. or by appointment
Teaching Assistants:
Name: Lu Fang
Office: AGLS 393
E-mail: flapply@neo.tamu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12-2pm
Lectures:
Name: Maria Perez
Office: TBA
E-mail: mpperez@neo.tamu.edu
Office Hours: TBA
Tuesday and Thursday 12:45-2:00p.m.,
Heep Center (HPCT) Room 101
Review sessions: Every Tuesday, 7:30-9:00 p.m., AGLS 115
Textbook:
Introduction to Agricultural Economics, Fifth Edition, Prentice-Hall, 2010.
Authors: Penson, Capps, Rosson and Woodward.
Objective:
Most people, if asked, would say that economics has something to do with money, business or the
stock market. However, while economists do deal with each of these topics, the field itself is much
broader. Economics is the social science that studies how people make decisions under conditions of
scarcity – i.e., given constraints on their income, time, resources, etc. Microeconomics focuses
specifically on the decisions of individuals, households, and firms. (Macroeconomics, in contrast,
studies aggregate consequences of these decisions as typically measured by unemployment rates,
inflation, economic growth, etc.) This course will introduce you to the study of micro and macro
economics as it relates to the nation’s food and fiber system.
What are the objectives of Agec105, in particular? To some extent, it depends on the student.
Some of you will continue your study of economics beyond (maybe far beyond!) this course. For
you, Agec105 will provide an important foundation for every other economics course you will
take. Some of you will begin and end your formal study of economics with Agec105. For you,
the goal is to introduce some concepts and some simple analytical tools that will help you make
sense of the contemporary economic policy issues we all read and hear about in newspapers and
on television news broadcasts. Needless to say, understanding economic policy issues is an
important prerequisite of responsible citizenship.
Course Web Site:
Lecture slides will be posted on Elearning (http://elearning.tamu.edu), however, in a series of
installments over the course of the semester. You should be able to review them at least a day or two
before they are presented in class. Keep in mind that the slides are intended to be outlines, not
complete lecture notes. I suggest that you print your own copy of the slides, three to a page, before
each lecture. Bring them to class and use the extra space to add your own notes during lecture.
Practice problems will be posted on Elearning to help you prepare for the exams.
Exams:
There will be three in-class exams and one comprehensive mandatory final exam. You will be
permitted to drop the lowest score of your three in-class exams. All exam questions will be multiplechoice. Bring a No. 2 pencil and a scantron to the exams. Make-up exams will be given only in
exceptional circumstances or for university excused absences. Rules regarding university excused
absences can be found at http://student-rules.tamu.edu/. Any student with prior knowledge of a
university excused absence must contact me as soon as so we can arrange a solution.
Tentative exam dates:
Thursday, February 14
Thursday, March 28
Thursday, April 25
Final Exam:
The final exam is comprehensive and will be given according to the university exam schedule on
Wednesday, May 8, 8:00-10:00am in HPCT 101.
Quizzes:
There will be six in-class quizzes during the semester. They will be given at the beginning of each
specified class period and will last no longer than 20 minutes. Each quiz is worth 25 points. The
lowest two quiz grades will be dropped. No make-ups will be given for quizzes, except for
university-excused absences.
Tentative quiz dates:
Tuesday, January 29
Tuesday, February 12
Tuesday, March 5
Tuesday, March 26
Tuesday, April 9
Tuesday, April 23
Extra Credit:
To encourage you to attend class occasional pop quizzes will be given. Maximum of 30 extra credit
points can be accumulated throughout the semester.
Grading Scale:
You can estimate your grade at any time by dividing your total points earned (make sure to include
extra credits) by the total points possible at that point in time and multiplying by 100. We use the
following guide in assigning grades: 90-100 percent is an A, 80-89.99 percent is a B, 70-79.99
percent is a C, 60 to 69.99 percent is a D and less than 60 percent is an F.
Course grades will be based on the following items and weights:
4 Quizzes
2 In-class Exams
Final Exam
Total
100 points
200 points
100 points
400 points
25%
50%
25%
100%
Students with Disabilities:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this
legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that
provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability
requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students
with Disabilities in Cain Hall, Rm. B118, or call 845-1637.
Academic Integrity
For many years Aggies have followed a Code of Honor, which is stated in this very simple statement:
An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do.
Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment
to uphold the Honor Code, the accept responsibility for learning and to follow the philosophy and
rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations,
research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of
the Texas A&M University community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.
For additional information, please visit: www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor.
On all course work, assignments, and examinations at Texas A&M University, the following Honor
Pledge shall be preprinted and signed by the student:
“On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received
unauthorized aid on this academic work.”
____________________________________ ____ ______________________
Student’s Signature
Date
____________________________________ ____ ______________________
Student’s Printed Name
UIN