TROY UNIVERSITY
ECAMPUS
Eco 2252
Principles of Microeconomics
COURSE SYLLABUS
Term 1, 2010
August 9 - October 10, 2010
For any course syllabus posted prior to the beginning of the term, the instructor reserves the right to
make minor changes prior to or during the term. The instructor will notify students, via e-mail or
Blackboard announcement, when changes are made in the requirements and/or grading of the course.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
INSTRUCTORS: CHANGE ALL INFORMATION IN GREEN TO YOURS -- AND DELETE THIS
NOTE!!! YOU NEED TO CHANGE: 1) INSTRUCTOR INFO, 2) FOOTER NAME, 3) ELECTRONIC
OFFICE HOURS ON PAGE 2.
<Your name here>
<your title and location>
<your mailing address>
<contact phone number(s) here>
Email: <troy email account here>
Students: Please put ECO 2252 in the subject line of any emails sent to the instructor
INSTRUCTOR EDUCATION
See the instructor's biography under the Faculty menu button in Blackboard.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED
REQUIRED:
1. McConnell, Brue, and Flynn. Microeconomics, 2010, McGraw-Hill Learning
Solutions, ISBN 007-741-3784 (custom textbook, 18th edition)
2. Electronic Microeconomics Study Guide Access Card, ISBN 007-741-3768 (code
gives access to the study guide and homework manager housed in Blackboard)
3. A simple calculator for solving numerical problems.
NOTE: This is a new edition for Term 1. Students must buy both the textbook and study
guide. The study guide & homework manager cannot be purchased anywhere else but MBS.
Please note the following:


The textbook provider for the eCampus of Troy University is MBS Direct. The Web site for
textbook purchases is http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/TROY.HTM
Students should have their textbook from the first week of class. Not having your textbook will
not be an acceptable excuse for late work. Students who add this course late should refer to the
“Late Registration” section for further guidance.
ADDITIONAL READING

Required: As listed in the course schedule assignment section and in the discussion section.
Specific weekly reading assignments from the textbook can be found in the Assignments handout
posted in Blackboard. Handouts and/or links to lecture notes are also provided in the Course
Materials section for each weekly module.
Page 1 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>

Recommended: Students are encouraged to explore the textbook website. When you see a "web
button" symbol in the text, this means there are links available at the text website on that topic.
These links provide interactive graphing exercises, worked problems, or provide anecdotes or
examples about the history of various concepts.
LATE REGISTRATION
Students who register during the first week of the term, during late registration, will already be one
week behind. Students who fall into this category are expected to catch up with all of Week #1 and
Week #2's work by the end of Week #2.* No exceptions, since two weeks constitutes a significant
percentage of the term's lessons. Students who do not feel they can meet this deadline should not
enroll in the class. If they have registered, they should see their registrar, academic adviser,
CTAM/eArmyU representative, or Military Education officer to discuss their options.
Also note that late registration may mean you do not receive your book in time to make up the work
you missed in Week #1. Not having your book on the first day of class is not an excuse for late work
after the deadlines in the Schedule.
* Check with your instructor before automatically assuming you have an extension – we provide PDF
copies of the Week 1 textbook chapters so there is no excuse for not starting in immediately on the
work regardless of when you sign up for the class. Extensions will not automatically be granted.
ELECTRONIC OFFICE HOURS
<provide days/times you are available for students to contact you, as well as a list of methods>

You can also post questions in the Course Questions and Answers section in the discussion forum
in Blackboard. I check that forum daily during weekdays, but for more immediate and personal
assistance, you should contact me via phone or email.
Troy instructors are required to respond to student messages within 24 to 48 hours.
PREREQUISITES
None.
ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES
The student must possess the knowledge and skills of a high school graduate and the capability to
perform on a college level. Knowledge of basic mathematics, such as multiplying and dividing fractions
and using percentages, simple algebra, and the ability to read and construct graphs, is assumed.
Students who feel they do not possess the needed graphical skills should work through the tutorial
listed in the “Useful Websites” section of this syllabus.
STUDENT EXPECTATION STATEMENT




This course is presented in weekly modules and has specific due dates for assignments and
exams. Students are not permitted to work at their own pace but must meet the deadlines
specified in the syllabus and on the weekly assignment handouts.
Students who have travel or other obligations which may conflict with deadlines are expected to
complete work in advance. If this is not possible, extensions must be arranged with the instructor
before the deadline. Extensions are not automatically granted and may require written
documentation which is acceptable to the instructor.
The student is expected to participate every week and to remain in contact with the instructor and
class via email or other communications means, by participating in the discussion forums,
submitting assignments and taking exams, by the dates listed in the syllabus.
This is an internet course so students are expected to have reliable and regular access to a
computer and the internet. If your computer and/or internet connection is broken or unavailable
Page 2 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>


you are expected to find an alternate source such as a library, internet café, or hotel. This is your
responsibility. "Computer problems" are not an acceptable excuse for late work.
Students are expected to check their emails daily and the announcements in Blackboard at least
every 48 hours.
NOTE: You are responsible for complying with the requirements of this syllabus. You should also
read all postings on Blackboard as these posts describe, in detail, course requirements, study aids
available, and due dates for quizzes, exams, and assignments. Grades are assigned based on
achievement, not effort. Each student enters this course of instruction with zero of a possible 100
points towards their final grade and earns points for mastery of required skills. I am ready and
available to provide assistance; however, you are ultimately responsible for your academic
achievement.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Microeconomic theories of value, production, distribution of income, and basic international economic
analysis.
PURPOSE (COURSE OBJECTIVES)
To provide familiarity with the basic microeconomic theories and principles that applies to
everyday life. Included are such concepts as consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and
fundamental international analysis. Prerequisite for admission into upper-level business
courses. A choice of ECO 2251 or ECO 2252 is required for the ASB Business Administration
minor.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Understand and explain scarcity, opportunity cost, and choice.
2. Describe the methodological approach of economics.
3. Use elementary consumer behavior theory to explain the role of prices and markets
in a capitalistic economic system.
4. Demonstrate the mechanics of price and output determination in a market setting,
including the concept of elasticity.
5. Demonstrate the effects of price ceilings, price floors, and excise taxes on market
prices and quantities.
6. Explain and use basic concepts of production and costs.
7. Explain, characterize, and predict firm behavior in each of the four market
structures: pure/perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic
competition.
8. Distinguish among the sources of market failure in a market economy, and explain
he role and limits of government in correcting market failure.
9. Explain marginal resource productivity and how it relates to the firm's demand for
resources.
10. Explain the principles of comparative advantage and gains from trade.
11. Analyze the effects of tariffs and quotas on market prices and quantities.
RESEARCH COMPONENT
No additional research component required, other than what is mentioned above.
THREE USEFUL WEBSITES FOR THIS COURSE
See the External Links section in Blackboard.
Page 3 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
eCAMPUS COURSES AT TROY UNIVERSITY
All eCampus courses at Troy University utilize Blackboard Learning System. In every eCampus
course, students should read all information presented in the Blackboard course site and should
periodically check for updates—at least every 48 hours.
SITE MAP FOR YOUR BLACKBOARD COURSE SITE
To obtain a site map to enable the student to navigate through the Blackboard course site, please go
to the Blackboard course site and click on the Start Here button found on the left side of the computer
screen.
TROY EMAIL
Effective July 1, 2005, all students were required to obtain and use the TROY e-mail address that is
automatically assigned to them as TROY students. All official correspondence (including bills,
statements, e-mails from instructors and grades, etc.) will be sent ONLY to the troy.edu (@troy.edu)
address.
 All students are responsible for ensuring that the correct e-mail address is listed in
Blackboard by the beginning of Week #1. E-mail is the only way the instructor can, at least
initially, communicate with you. It is your responsibility to make sure a valid e-mail address is
provided. Failure on your part to do so can result in your missing important information that could
affect your grade.
Your troy.edu e-mail address is the same as your Web Express user ID following by @troy.edu.
Students are responsible for the information that is sent to their TROY e-mail account. You can get to
your e-mail account by logging onto the course and clicking “E-mail Login”. You will be able to forward
your TROY e-mail to non-Troy e-mail (e.g., Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, etc.) accounts. You must first
access your TROY e-mail account through the TROY e-mail link found on the Web site. After you log
in to your TROY e-mail account, click on “options” on the left hand side of the page. Then click on
“forwarding.” This will enable you to set up the e-mail address to which you will forward your e-mail.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Even though this is an on-line distance learning schedule, the requirements and expectations are
equal to that of the same in-class course. It is assumed that students have already considered the
challenges of an on-line course and will complete the necessary quantity of course work with the level
of quality expected to consider the requirements successfully met. ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE
MET IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A GRADE IN THIS COURSE.
1. Upon Enrollment:
 Order the text and study guide immediately; delays due to not ordering course materials




upon your date of enrollment will not be an excuse for late assignments.
Check your email address in Blackboard and ensure it is not listed as none@none.com and
that it is set to your TROY email account. If it isn't listed or the address listed is incorrect,
update it immediately. This is your responsibility.
Read all material in the Course Policies folder in Blackboard as well as the course syllabus.
Do the Entry Assignment. All students must complete this timed, 20 minute homework
assignment to verify that they have read and understand the syllabus and course policies.
Students who do not complete this required assignment by the deadline will receive a zero for
one-third of their Week 1 discussion grade. The exercise is located in the Week 1 Assignments
folder in Blackboard.
Complete the paraphrasing exercise. This is a timed, 20 minute exercise on proper
paraphrasing and citation. Students should read the information at the links provided in the
Week 1 Assignments folder prior to answering questions. Students who do not complete this
required assignment by the deadline will receive a zero for one-third of their Week 1
discussion grade.
Page 4 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>

Post an introductory bio post and reply to at least two other students in the Discussion Board.
This is worth another 1/3 of your Week 1 discussion grade. Make sure your post your initial bio
by Saturday; replies can be made through Sunday of Week 1.
NOTE: To ensure that students understand how to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser, the
entry and paraphrasing assignments will be timed and delivered using this required software.
The time limit per question will be the same as what will be used in the proctored final exam.
See the Tech/How To button in Blackboard for a download link and more information on how
to install and use this required software.
2. Online Discussion: Participation in on-line learning activities is required during specific periods
via the course Discussion Forum in Blackboard. You must actively participate every time a topic is
posted – there are no "optional" discussion assignments in this class. Content will be assessed
according to the criteria listed in the Information section on Discussion Threads. Please read this
document so you understand what is expected of you. Posts made after the weekly deadline will
not receive any credit or be graded.
NOTE: The premise for a discussion group is to provide a venue to supply your input, using
relevant economic theory, and provide discussion opportunities to other students. To submit all
your discussion requirements at the last minute – just before the due date/time does a disservice
to your fellow students as they do not have an opportunity to respond/address your
comments/criticism. As a result, your essays should be posted no later than Saturday evening
each week, although replies can be done anytime up until the Sunday (11:59pm Central) deadline.
Essays posted on Sundays will be subject to a 10% late penalty; essays or replies submitted after
the Sunday deadline will not be graded at all.
3. Graded Homework: Each week there is one graded homework assignment that must be
completed in Blackboard consisting of 30 multiple choice questions covering all chapters assigned
that week. Though the homework is untimed, it must be accessed using Respondus Lockdown
Browser. When you submit the assignment, you will get a score and some feedback about what
you got wrong. If you are unhappy with your grade you may repeat the homework one more time
(before the weekly deadline) to try to get a higher score. The best score counts. Students who do
not complete the homework before the weekly Saturday deadline (11:59pm Central) will receive a
zero on any unanswered questions. Questions are randomly drawn from pools, so each attempt
will be different. These assignments are in the Study Guide/HW button so you must have a study
guide access code in order to access them. Make sure you purchase one as soon as you sign up
for the course since the first assignment is due the Saturday of Week 1.
4. Tests: There will be four timed multiple-choice tests that you must take in Blackboard. The tests
are unproctored, but they must be taken using Respondus Lockdown Browser. There is a 5% per
minute (or portion thereof) point deduction if you go over the time allotted. Tests will be available
online at the beginning of the week they appear on the attached schedule and will become
unavailable at the start of the next week (Sundays, 11:59pm Central). All tests are counted
towards your grade; none will be dropped. All graded tests must be accessed using the Respondus
Lockdown Browser, rather than other browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. See
Blackboard for details on how to download and install this required software.
5. Final Examination: Students are required to take a PROCTORED two-hour final examination
presented electronically via Blackboard during Week 9. This comprehensive, closedbook/closed-notes exam will consist of multiple choice questions covering all learning
objectives in this course. The only materials you will be allowed to take into the testing center will
be a simple calculator with no text storage capability -- no telephones, books or notes are
permitted. Blank scratch paper may be provided by your proctor, but this must be given to the
proctor before you leave the testing center. There is a 5% per minute (or portion thereof) point
deduction if you go over the time allotted. This special exam will be accessed in a different course
link in Blackboard than our regular course shell. Proctors must be approved by eCampus. See
Blackboard for further information about this test, its location in Blackboard, the proctoring
system, and deadlines for submitting forms to eCampus.
Page 5 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
STUDENT/FACULTY INTERACTION



Students participate in the course by submitting required assignments, participating in online
discussions in Blackboard, and taking assessments by the deadlines listed in the syllabus and on
the weekly assignments handouts.
Course materials will be provided to enhance the students’ learning in the class; however,
students are encouraged to e-mail the instructor at any time when questions arise or clarification
is needed about any subject matter.
As instructor, I will communicate on the Blackboard.com Announcement page and/ or via e-mail. I
generally respond to all e-mails within 24 hours (Mon-Thurs) and 48 hours (Fri-Sun), unless
students are notified via e-mail and an announcement in Blackboard.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Although physical class meetings are not part of this course, participation in all interactive learning
activities is required. Missed assignments and exams will receive a zero. Students who miss three
weeks worth of assignments (homework, discussion threads, and/or exams) without an acceptable
excuse (see Make-Up Work Policy below) will be given an FA, or failure for non-attendance, and will
need to retake the class.
MAKE-UP WORK POLICY
Missing any part of this schedule may prevent completion of the course. If you foresee difficulty of
any type (i.e., an illness, employment change, etc.) which may prevent completion of this course,
notify the instructor as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in failure for an assignment
and/or failure of the course. See “Attendance,” above.
If I have not heard from you by the deadline dates for assignments, exams, or forums, no
make-up work will be allowed (unless extraordinary circumstances existed, such as hospitalization).
Requests for extensions must be made in advance and accompanied by appropriate written
documentation if the excuse is acceptable to the instructor. "Computer problems" are not an
acceptable excuse.
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY
Missing any part of the Course Schedule may prevent completion of the course. If circumstances will
prevent the student from completing the course by the end of the term, the student should complete a
request for an incomplete grade.
Note: A grade of incomplete or “INC” is not automatically assigned to students, but rather must be
requested by the student by submitting a Petition for and Work to Remove an Incomplete Grade Form.
Requests for an incomplete grade must be made on or before the date of the final assignment or test
of the term. A grade of “INC” does not replace an “F” and will not be awarded for excessive absences.
An “INC” will only be awarded to student presenting a valid case for the inability to complete
coursework by the conclusion of the term. It is ultimately the instructor’s decision to grant or
deny a request for an incomplete grade, subject to the policy rules below.
Policy/Rules for granting an Incomplete (INC):

An incomplete cannot be issued without a request from the student.

To qualify for an incomplete, the student must:
a. Have completed over 50% of the course material and have a documented reason for
requesting the incomplete. (50% means all assignments/exams up to and including the
mid-term point, test, and/or assignments.)
b. Be passing the course at the time of their request.
If both of the above criteria are not met an incomplete cannot be granted.

An INC is not a substitute for an F. If a student has earned an “F” by not submitting all
the work or by receiving an overall F average, then the F stands.
Page 6 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
This is a distance learning class. It is not a “correspondence course” in which a student may work at
his or her own pace. Each week there will be assignments, on-line discussions, and/or exams with due
dates. Refer to the schedule at the end of this syllabus for more information.
METHOD OF EVALUATION




Discussion Board Participation:
Module Tests (4 in all):
Homework (Study Guide)
Final Examination (comprehensive):
10%
40%
25%
25%
of
of
of
of
the
the
the
the
course
course
course
course
grade
grade
grade
grade
Note: Grades are based solely on the items listed above. There is no additional extra credit work given
or assigned in this class. Students who wish to do well need to do the practice work recommended
each week in the assignments handouts before completing any graded assignments. Due dates for all
graded assignments are listed on the last two pages of this syllabus.
ASSIGNMENT OF GRADES
All grades will be posted in the student grade book in Blackboard and will be assigned according to the
following or similar scale. Grades are based on the Weighted Total shown in Blackboard at the end of
the course:
A
B
C
D
F
Postings:
FA:
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
59% and below
I post grades in Blackboard, in the Gradebook.
“FA” indicates the student failed due to attendance. This grade will be given to any
student who disappears from the course for three or more weeks. See the
Attendance section of this syllabus for additional information.
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments must be submitted by the deadlines stipulated on the last two pages of this syllabus.
Study guide homework is submitted in the links in the Study Guide button in Blackboard. Tests are
automatically submitted in the Assignments tab in Blackboard when you click the "submit" button after
completing each assessment. Responses to weekly discussion topics can be done by clicking on the
“submit” buttons when in the course Discussion Forum in Blackboard. Arrangements for extensions
must be made in advance and may require written documentation.
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE & INSTRUCTIONS




Study guide homework, discussion topics, and exams are available for a specific time period only.
See the Course Schedule in the back of this syllabus for the dates each is available.
All tests are delivered on-line via Blackboard and are in multiple-choice format. Links to all graded
assessments except the final examination are in the Assignments section.
All graded tests during the term are unproctored but must be taken with the Respondus Lockdown
Browser. Course integrity on these will be maintained by applying strict time limits on the exams,
and providing exams that are randomly generated from test pools. Students will not receive the
same test questions.
The final examination in this course is proctored. See Blackboard for more information on how to
submit a proctor form, when the forms are due, and what the regulations and format are for this
required exam. This special exam will be given in a different location in Blackboard than the
regular course shell used for all other assignments.
Page 7 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>


The Blackboard automatic time clock is the official timekeeper and sole arbiter of any time limit
disputes. Substantial point deductions are made if the student overruns the time limit for the
exam. See the exam instructions for the time limit and how the overrun deductions are calculated.
Specific instructions are posted in the FAQ section and in a handout in the Information section as
to how to deal with problems such as a lost connection, error messages, etc. while taking exams.
Please print these out to refer to in case you run into difficulty while taking an exam so you know
what to do!
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Students must have:
 A reliable working computer that runs Windows XP or Windows Vista.
 A TROY e-mail account that you can access on a regular basis (see "TROY email" above)
 E-mail software capable of sending and receiving attached files.
 Access to the Internet with a high speed connection (cable or DSL preferred).
 A personal computer capable of running Internet Explorer 6.0 or above, or current versions of
Firefox. Students who use older browser or browsers that are not certified to work with Blackboard
versions will have compatibility problems.
 Microsoft WORD software. (I cannot grade anything I cannot open! This means NO MS-Works, NO
Wordpad, NO Wordperfect)
 Virus protection software, installed and active, to prevent the spread of viruses via the Internet
and e-mail. It should be continually updated! Virus protection is provided to all Troy students
free of charge. Click on the following link https://it.troy.edu/downloads/virussoftware.htm and
then supply your e-mail username and password to download the virus software.
 Students must have a copy of Adobe Acrobat’s Reader, which may be downloaded for free at
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.
 RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER: See Blackboard for more information on how to
download, install, and use this special browser. The link is in the Tech/How To button.
Internet Access


This is an on-line class. Students must have access to a working computer and access to the
internet. Students can use the TROY computer lab, a public library, etc., to insure they have
access.
“Not having a computer” or “computer crashes” are not acceptable excuses for late work.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION:
If you experience technical problems, you should contact the Blackboard Online Support Center. You
can do this in two ways. First if you can log onto the course simply look at the tabs at the top of the
page. You will see one entitled, “Tech Support.” If you click on this tab, you will see the information
below. You can click on the “Blackboard Support Center” link and receive assistance. If you cannot log
onto the course, simply contact the center by calling toll free the number listed below. Assistance is
available 24 hours a day/7 days per week.
Blackboard Support Center
Blackboard Online Support Center for Troy University provides Customer Care Technicians who are
available to support you 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Call 1-800-414-5756 for live assistance.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your coursework or with features in Blackboard that
are generating errors, please click the link here: http://www.troy.edu/bbhelp.
Page 8 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
NON-HARASSMENT, HOSTILE WORK/CLASS ENVIRONMENT
Troy University expects students to treat fellow students, their instructors, other TROY faculty, and
staff as adults and with respect. No form of “hostile environment” or “harassment” will be tolerated
by any student or employee.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Troy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access
to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not
discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will
be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision
of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, including appropriate
contact information, can be found at the following link:
http://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy2003.htm
HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
The awarding of a university degree attests that an individual has demonstrated mastery of a
significant body of knowledge and skills of substantive value to society. Any type of dishonesty in
securing those credentials therefore invites serious sanctions, up to and including suspension and
expulsion (see Standard of Conduct in each TROY Catalog). Examples of dishonesty include actual or
attempted cheating, plagiarism*, or knowingly furnishing false information to any university
employee.
*Plagiarism is defined as submitting anything for credit in one course that has already been submitted
for credit in another course, or copying any part of someone else’s intellectual work – their ideas
and/or words – published or unpublished, including that of other students, and portraying it as one’s
own. Proper quoting, using strict APA formatting, is required, as described by the instructor. All
students are required to read the material presented at:
http://troy.troy.edu/writingcenter/research.html



Students must properly cite any quoted material. No term paper, business plan, term project,
case analysis, or assignment may have no more than 20% of its content quoted from another
source. Students who need assistance in learning to paraphrase should ask the instructor for
guidance and consult the links at the Troy Writing Center.
This university employs plagiarism-detection software, through which all written student
assignments are processed for comparison with material published in traditional sources (books,
journals, magazines), on the internet (to include essays for sale), and papers turned in by
students in the same and other classes in this and all previous terms. The penalty for plagiarism
may range from zero credit on the assignment, to zero in the course, to expulsion from the
university with appropriate notation in the student’s permanent file.
Each student enrolled is expected to take his/her exams and quizzes individually without any
assistance from others. Receiving assistance from any other student(s) or person(s) on
assessments is a violation of this honesty policy (see below).
In Addition:
Your instructor reserves the right to reject any work submitted by you which appears to be of a type
or quality that is incongruent with what the instructor perceives to be your previously-demonstrated
comprehension of course materials. While your work is expected to improve over the term, work
which is of a quality entirely inconsistent with previous submissions or written communications will
cause your instructor to question whether the work is your own or represents that of someone else. If
this is suspected in the case of an exam or quiz, the instructor may require you to retake that quiz or
exam with a proctor.
LIBRARY SUPPORT
The Libraries of Troy University provide access to materials and services that support the academic
programs. The address of the University College Library Web site, which is for all University College
Page 9 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
and eCampus students, is http://uclibrary.troy.edu. This site provides access to the Library's Catalog
and Databases, as well as to links to all Campus libraries and to online or telephone assistance by Troy
Library staff. Additionally, the Library can also be accessed by choosing the "Library" link from the
University's home page, http://www.troy.edu.
FACULTY EVALUATION
In the eighth week of each term, students will be notified of the requirement to fill out a course
evaluation form. These evaluations are completely anonymous and are on-line. Further information
will be posted in the Announcements section in Blackboard.
HOW TO LEARN ONLINE
Troy University eCampus is designed to serve any student, anywhere in the world, who has access to
the Internet. All Distance Learning courses are delivered through the Blackboard Learning System.
Blackboard helps to better simulate the traditional classroom experience with features such as Virtual
Chat, Discussion Boards, and other presentation and organizational forums.
In order to be successful, you should be organized and well motivated. You should make sure you log
in to our course on Blackboard several times each week. Check all “announcements” that have been
posted. Start early in the week to complete the weekly assignment. You should also go to the
Discussion Board early in the week and view the topic and question/s for the group discussion
exercise. Make your “initial” posting and participate in the discussion. Begin reviewing for the exams
early in the term. Do not wait until the last minute and “cram” for these exams. You should review
the material frequently, so you will be prepared to take the exams.
eCAMPUS
The eCampus Center at Troy University is here to serve you and assist with any questions, problems
or concerns you may have. For assistance go to www.troy.edu/ecampus or send an email to
troyecampus@troy.edu. Please do not hesitate to contact the Distance Learning staff if you need
administrative assistance for any reason.
eArmyU STUDENTS only
Students in the eArmyU program should contact representatives of these programs, rather than
eCampus if they have inquiries or need technical assistance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION




Economics cannot be memorized. Similar to math, the concepts must be practiced and applied.
Read the textbook, listen to/review the narrated PowerPoint slides, do the assigned problems, and
try as many practice questions in the text and study guide as time permits. I strongly suggest
that you use the study guide regularly.
Don’t wait until the last minute to do your reading or take assessments without having done
the recommended questions or practice quizzes. If you give yourself time to absorb the material
slowly, your comprehension will improve substantially.
Read the study and exam tips handout at the course website (located in the “Information”
link). This will help you learn how to take an objective format exam and how to get the most out
of your study time.
Contact me if you are confused about something! Your success in this course is important to
me, so ask for help if you need it. Send me an email, call me, or post a question on the discussion
board. In an online class I cannot tell you are having difficulty – you have to take the initiative to
contact me. If you seek out my help early on before things become a problem it is usually easier
to sort things out.
Page 10 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
SORRELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS - MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Mission Statement
Through operations that span the State of Alabama, the United States, and the world, Sorrell College
of Business equips our students with the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies to become
organizational and community leaders who make a difference in the global village and global economy.
Through this endeavor, we serve students, employers, faculty, and Troy University at large as well as
the local and global communities.
Vision Statement
Sorrell College of Business will be the first choice for higher business education students in their quest
to succeed in a dynamic and global economy. Sorrell College of Business will create the model for 21st
century business education and community service.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Term 1, 2010
August 9 - October 10, 2010
Note: Though there are several holidays that fall within this term, we don’t adjust deadlines to account
for these in Distance Learning. If you don't wish to work on a holiday or on your vacation days, then
plan taking tests and doing your studies around these dates. If you are going on vacation, make
arrangements with me to give you assignments early so they are completed on time.
Deadlines listed are in Central Time as that is what Blackboard uses. If you live in a different time
zone deadlines are not adjusted for you so please do not ask. A good resource to help you convert
Central Time to your local time zone can be found here:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.
Note: Readings are primarily from the textbook. Student lecture notes and occasional handouts are
also available for download in the course materials section of Blackboard. Chapter & page numbers
refer to the Troy custom edition of the textbook referred to earlier in this syllabus.
WEEK
READING & OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
REQUIRED BLACKBOARD ACTIVITIES
Week 1
8/9 - 8/15
(Mon.-Sun.)
Introductory Topics

Textbook: Chapters 1 and 2,
including Chapter 1 appendix

Graphing tutorial (see below)

Read weekly assignments handout

Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due by Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Post bio in discussion forum

Complete Homework #1
Note: The math appendix to chapter 1
is required. Try the self-test & graphing
tutorial using the link in the Week 1
folder.
Due by Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Reply to at least two other students in
discussion forum

Complete entry assignment

Complete paraphrasing exercise
* Homework questions are randomly drawn
from pools so students will not get the same
questions. You may repeat the homework if
you wish to get a higher score. The best
score of all attempts will be counted.
Page 11 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
WEEK
Week 2
8/16 - 8/22
(Mon.-Sun.)
Week 3
8/23 - 8/29
(Mon.-Sun.)
Week 4
8/30 - 9/5
(Mon.-Sun.)
Week 5
9/6 - 9/12
(Mon.-Sun.)
Week 6
9/13 - 9/19
(Mon.-Sun.)
Week 7
9/20 - 9/26
(Mon.-Sun.)
READING ASSIGNMENTS
REQUIRED BLACKBOARD ACTIVITIES
Markets & US Economic Sectors

Textbook: Chapters 3 and 4

Read weekly assignments handout
Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Complete Homework #2
Elasticity, Consumer & Producer
Surplus, and Consumer Behavior

Textbook: Chapters 6 and 7

Read weekly assignments handout
Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due by Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Post Discussion Essay #1 in discussion
forum

Complete Homework #3
Production, Costs, and Pure
Competition
 Textbook: Chapters 8 & 9

Read weekly assignments handout
Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Complete Homework #4
Pure Monopoly, Monopolistic
Competition, and Oligopoly

Textbook: Chapters 10 & 11

Read weekly assignments handout

Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due by Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Post Discussion Essay #2 in discussion
forum

Complete Homework #5
Demand for Resources, Natural and
Energy Economics
 Textbook: Chapters 12 and 13

Read weekly assignments handout

Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Complete Homework #6
Public Goods, Externalities; Public
Choice Theory and Taxation
 Textbook: Chapters 14 and 15

Read weekly assignments handout

Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due by Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Post Discussion Essay #3 in discussion
forum

Complete Homework #7
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Test #1 (covers material in Weeks 1 & 2)
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Reply to at least two other students in
discussion forum
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Test #2 (covers material in Weeks 3 & 4)
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Reply to at least two other students in
discussion forum
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Test #3 (covers material in Weeks 5 & 6)
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Reply to at least two other students in
discussion forum
Page 12 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
WEEK
Week 8
9/27 - 10/3
(Mon.-Sun.)
Week 9
10/3- 10/9
(Sun - SAT)
READING ASSIGNMENTS
REQUIRED BLACKBOARD ACTIVITIES
The US in the Global Economy,
International Trade

Textbook: Chapters 5 and 17

Read weekly assignments handout

Try recommended problems in book
and read documents in Course
Materials button in Blackboard.
Due Saturday 11:59pm Central time:

Complete Homework #8
Review material from entire course
Due SATURDAY at 10:00pm Central

Proctored final examination **
No extensions will be given. This exam must
be taken with a proctor in a pre-approved
location.
Exam opens 6am Central Sunday
Exam closes 10pm Central Saturday
Due Sunday 11:59pm Central time:

Test #4 (covers material in Weeks 7 & 8)
** You will not be able to access the final exam without using a pre-approved proctor. See
Blackboard for more details and instructions on how to get a proctor approved. It is YOUR
responsibility to file forms by the deadline as approvals can take several weeks. Your
instructor does not control the proctor approval process nor do they have access to the final
exam. Contact eCampus if you have questions.
Page 13 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
TOPICS COVERED ON FORMATIVE FINAL EXAMINATION:
The test consists of questions selected at random from pools on each of the learning
objectives listed on page 3. Areas included are as follows:
1.
Understand and explain scarcity, opportunity cost, and choice.
 definition and sources of scarcity
 define and measure opportunity cost
 differentiate between categories of scarce economic resources
 understand the production possibilities model and law of increasing opportunity cost
2.
Describe the methodological approach of economics.
 understand nature of the economizing problem
 differentiate between microeconomics and macroeconomics
 distinguish positive from normative analysis
 use marginal analysis to explain decisions
3. Use elementary consumer behavior theory to explain the role of prices and
markets in a capitalistic economic system.
 know the fundamental questions all economies must answer
 understand the role of markets and prices
 understand the law of diminishing marginal utility and why it occurs
 be able to use the utility maximizing rule
 know the reasons why demand curves slope downward
 understand and use the concepts of consumer and producer surplus
4.
Demonstrate the mechanics of price and output determination in a market
setting, including the concept of elasticity.
 understand the laws of demand and supply
 know the determinants of demand and supply and how changes in non-price
determinants shift the curves and change equilibrium price and quantity
 differentiate between quantity demanded and demand, quantity supplied and supply
 understand how market equilibrium is determined: conceptually, graphically and in a
table
 calculate and interpret elasticity using the midpoint formula, i.e., price elasticity of
demand and supply, income elasticity, and cross elasticity)
 understand the determinants of price elasticity of demand
 understand the role of elasticity in determining total revenue when price changes
5.
Demonstrate the effects of price ceilings, price floors, and excise taxes on
market prices and quantities.
 determine the impact of price ceilings and floors on quantity demanded and supplied
 understand the role of elasticity in determining the efficiency loss of taxes
 understand how elasticity influences tax incidence (who pays the most)
Page 14 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
6.
Explain and use basic concepts of production and costs.
 understand the difference between explicit and implicit cost, as well as accounting
and economic profit
 differentiate between the short and long runs
 explain and calculate marginal, average, and total product
 understand the law of diminishing returns and reasons for changes in marginal
returns
 calculate, explain, and understand graphs of total, average, and marginal costs
 understand economies and diseconomies of scale and their sources
7. Explain, characterize, and predict firm behavior in each of the four market
structures: pure/perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic
competition.
 recognize market structure based on characteristics
 use the total and marginal approaches to output and price determination
 understand the breakpoint and shutdown points
 determine the profit-maximizing (or loss-minimizing) points in the short and long
runs using a graph, a table, or conceptually
 explain productive and allocative efficiency
 understand what price discrimination is
 understand how and why monopolies are regulated
8.
Distinguish among the sources of market failure in a market economy, and
explain he role and limits of government in correcting market failure.
 understand the difference between public and private goods
 understand what positive and negative externalities are and how to correct for each
 explain the concepts of asymmetric information, the adverse selection problem, and
moral hazard
9.
Explain marginal resource productivity and how it relates to the firm's demand
for resources.
 understand what marginal revenue product is and how it is calculated
 know the determinants of resource demand
 know how one determines the optimal use of resources
10. Explain the principles of comparative advantage and gains from trade.
 calculate and use comparative advantage to explain specialization in trade
 understand and calculate the gains from trade
 differentiate between absolute and comparative advantage
 discuss the economic basis for trade
11. Analyze the effects of tariffs and quotas on market prices and quantities.
 understand the difference between a tariff and quota
 evaluate the economic impact of tariffs and quotas
 discuss the arguments for and against protectionism
Page 15 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>
Chapters included in the Required Custom Textbook
1) Troy
Chapter
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Chapter Title
Limits, Alternatives, Choices
The Market System and the Circular Flow
Demand, Supply, and Market Equilibrium
The US Economy: Private and Public Sectors
The US in the Global Economy
Elasticity, Consumer Surplus, and Producer
Surplus
Consumer Behavior
The Costs of Production
Pure Competition
Pure Monopoly
Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly
The Demand for Resources
Natural Resource and Energy Economics 4)
Public Goods, Externalities, and Information
Asymmetries
Public Choice Theory & the Economics of
Taxation, 5)
Health Care, 6)
International Trade
2) Microeconomics
18th ed. (non-custom)
Chapter Number
3) eBook or
Economics (18th ed.)
Chapter Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
16
17
17
21
23
21
37
Notes:
1) Troy's custom edition does not contain all the chapters included in the "full" text or
national microeconomics split editions. Chapters have been renumbered as listed.
2) If students buy a used, non-custom microeconomics split, these are the corresponding
chapter numbers. These chapter numbers are not for the "brief" edition, but for the
normal microeconomics split (contains more chapters).
3) If students use an ebook (such as what is included in Connect) or buy a used copy of the
full economics text (containing both macro and micro), these are the corresponding
chapter numbers.
4) This chapter is not tested on in the formative exam, but it is included in Test #3.
5) Entire chapter is included in Test #4. Only the section on Tax Incidence and Efficiency
Loss is specifically tested on the formative final exam.
6) This chapter is optional for instructors to cover. It is not included in the eCampus Eco
2252 course nor is it on the formative final exam.
Page 16 of 16
Eco 2252 10/T1
<your name here>