Econ 20B: Basic Economics II
Brian C. Jenkins
University of California, Irvine
September 24, 2015
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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Instructor Contact Information
Office: 3133 SSPA
Office Hours:
Primary: Wednesday 2 – 3pm
Secondary: Wednesday, 1 – 2pm
Other days/times by appointment.
Email: bcjenkin@uci.edu
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Websites
There are three primary web resources for this course:
1
Main:
http://www.briancjenkins.com/teaching/fall2015/econ20b/
2
Aplia:
http://login.cengagebrain.com/course/BJAE-36T9-9CKK/
3
ELC: https://eee.uci.edu
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Textbook
Textbook: Economics 20 A/B Custom Edition for UC Irvine, (7th
edition) by N. Gregory Mankiw. Cengage Learning. The custom
edition is bundled with access to the online homework tool Aplia.
The custom edition is cheaper than regular hardcover edition,
but is not able to be resold.
You may also use Principles of Economics or Principles of
Macroeconomics also by Mankiw.
Regardless of which version you choose, you must have paid
access to Aplia in order to complete the homework
assignments.
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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Administrative
Attendance: I will not be taking attendance. I will do my
best to make coming to class worthwhile. Any material that I
cover in class could certainly be included on an exam.
Academic Integrity: I take it seriously and you should too.
Any instances of academic misconduct that I or the TAs
uncover will be reported to Dean’s office.
Review the university’s policies at: http://honesty.uci.edu/.
Students with Disabilities: You must submit documentation
from DSC to me within the first two weeks of the quarter and
you must inform me at least one week in advance of each
instance for which an accommodation will be required.
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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Exams and Grading
Your grade will determined by your performance on homework
assignments and exams.
The respective weights of the components of you grade are:
Homework:
Discussion:
Midterm Exam 1:
Midterm Exam 2:
Final Exam:
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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15%
10%
20%
20%
35%
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Exams and Grading
Homework will be completed using Aplia.
Assignments will always be due at 11:45pm on Fridays.
Refer to the “Aplia - Student Registration Instructions”
document available on the course website for details on
registering, etc.
I will drop your the lowest of your Aplia assignment grades.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you complete all
assignments on time.
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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Exams and Grading
All exams are combination multiple choice and free-response.
Two midterm exams:
Thursday, October 22
Thursday, November 19
No make-up exams: I will automatically replace your lowest
midterm exam grade with the final exam grade if it helps you.
Final exam: Tuesday, December 8, 8 – 10am.
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Discussion Sections
Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) will work practice
problems, answer your questions, and may occasionally
present new material.
Expect between 5 and 8 short quizzes to be administered in
discussion.
You may attend as many discussions as you like, but you must
be present in the section for which you are registered to
receive credit for the quiz that day.
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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Economics Learning Center
A new initiative called the Economics Learning Center (ELC).
The ELC is a tutoring center where you should expect to find:
1
A place where students in Econ 20A, 20B, and 100A may join
their colleagues to review lecture notes, discuss assignments,
study for examinations, and in general, do economics.
2
A trained staff of graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) and
undergraduate Peer Tutors (PTs) trained specifically to
facilitate discussion and collaboration among students that use
the Center.
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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Economics Learning Center
If you are working the Aplia homework assignments, studying
for an upcoming exam, or just going over you lecture notes,
then the ELC will be a great place to find your peers working
on similar activities.
The ELC is located in 165 Social Science Tower (SST) and is
open Monday through Friday.
Check out the ELC website for more information:
https://eee.uci.edu
Brian C. Jenkins University of California, Irvine
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FAQ
Q: “I’m on the waitlist, will I be able to take the course?”
A: I honestly have no idea.
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FAQ
Q: “I’m on the waitlist, can you enroll me? I heard that there is
some sort of override number.”
A: Enrollment for this class is set by the registrar based on the
number of seats. I have no authority to override the
enrollment cap for this class.
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FAQ
Q: “The only discussion sections that have space conflict with
my schedule. Can you add me to one of the discussion
sections that are full?”
A: Again, enrollment caps for this class – and discussions – are
set by the registrar based on the number of seats. I have no
authority to override the enrollment caps for this class or the
discussion sections.
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FAQ
Q: Can I meet you in your office during regular office hours?
A: Yes! That’s why I have scheduled them!
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FAQ
Q: “I have a question about the course. Where is your office?
When is the exam? Is the exam multiple choice? How do I
get an answer?”
A: In order:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Listen up in class.
Read the emails that I and and your TA send to you.
Read the syllabus.
Email your TA or ask him or her in person.
Email the course instructor or ask him after class.
Do not rely on your peers for information that will affect your
grade.
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FAQ
Q: I have a question about economics. Can I ask you after class
or in your office during office hours?
A: Yes! Please!
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