ECON-201: MICROECONOMICS - SYLLABUS
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY- DISTANCE EDUCATION
Prerequisites: None.
Instructor: Dr. H. Gholami
Term: Spring Term I, 2009
January 5- February 28, 2009
Please read this syllabus very carefully and pay attention to the weekly assignments (assignments
mean quizzes, exams, weekly reading, Term paper, and Discussion Forums), and other issues
related to this course. Keep in mind that it’s the responsibility of student to check the
announcement section of the Backboard and other communication media on a regular basis
(preferably on a daily basis).
Meeting Day and time: This is an online course and the assignments are designed on a weekly basis.
Each week starts at 6:00 pm (all times in this syllabus is based on Eastern Standard Time, EST) of
every Thursday and ends no later than 5: 59 pm of the following Thursday EXCEPT for the first week
which class starts on Monday January 5 (first day of Spring Term I, 2009) and ends at 5:59 pm on
Thursday January 8.. Please see the details of the weekly class schedule assignments under the caption
“Weekly Class Schedule” at the end of this syllabus.
E-mail: gholamih@campbell.edu
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Course Description: A study of the individual business firm, with emphasis on an analysis of demand,
supply, and costs; production and pricing under various market conditions; allocation of economic
resources and determination of the shares of the national income paid to the different factors of
production. Prerequisite: None.
Text: David N Hyman, Microeconomics, Interactive 6th Edition (this text is NOT
available at the Campbell University book store. For more information read the
following under caption “About Text”).
Criterion: This can be purchased from Campbell University bookstore (main campus).
Criterion will be used for term paper only. Also, you will need to have access to
Microsoft Word.
About Text: This is an interactive online text that you MUST subscribe to in order to
have access to the course materials, take the exams and quizzes (this text is NOT
available at the Campbell University book store). To subscribe to the text you must
log on to http://dotlearn.com and sign up for the course on line. To sign up for this online
course, you need the following information.
Course ID
Econ201
Class Name
Microeconomics
Class Key
GHOL1125
All the chapters referred to in the reading assignment schedule below are online chapters
of this interactive Hyman text.
The online content (available at http://dotlearn.com) includes the core text and sidebars
(i.e., applications and global issues), as well as the interactive elements---active graphs,
“hot” key words linked to an online glossary, interactive simulations, and more. In
addition, the site provides full study guide supplements for students.
The text is designed to support learning among students with varied learning styles.
Reading is uninterrupted by “boxed” material, allowing students to focus on
understanding core principles. Major concepts are reinforced by animated graphs and
dynamic hands-on explorations that support students’ intuitive understanding of the
principles. And the study guide quizzes and exercises are always one click away,
encouraging students to routinely check their understanding of newly covered material.
The student subscription price for the online materials is $39.95; the optional bound text
is $17.95 for a total cost of $57.90. Students are strongly recommended to order the hard
copy as well. One advantage of having the hard copy in conjunction with the online
materials is that students can read the text materials without having an access to Internet.
All the chapters referred to in the reading assignment schedule below are online chapters
of this interactive as well as hard copy of Hyman text, Macroeconomics.
Instructions for accessing course materials at dotlearn.com (courtesy of
dotlearn.com)
Go to http://dotlearn.com . To register and subscribe to the course materials, enter the
Class Key GHOL1125 in the entry field, where it says “Enter the class key from your
instructor.”
You must register individually to have your name appear on the course gradebook. All
students are required to register to receive class materials (text, study guide,
announcements, grade retrieval, and other services).
You’ll first be asked to create a username and password. Next, you’ll get instructions on
how to pay the subscription fee (i.e., credit card, personal check, money order, or
voucher). Once you’re registered and subscribed, you can login using your username and
password. (YOU DO NOT USE THE CLASS KEY AGAIN…EVER!)
Once you’ve registered and paid, your name will be automatically entered to the class
roster and you’ll have access to the class materials from your own home page, called My
Locker. From your locker you’ll be able to access the class and study guide materials, as
well as receive instructor announcements, gradebook results, and other course-related
information. Clicking on My Locker always returns you to your home page.
To access the online text, click the Class Materials button that appears at the top left of
your My Locker home page. You’ll be given a dynamic table of contents. Clicking on
the Chapter you want will reveal the sections of that chapter. Click Preview to start at the
beginning of the chapter. You can also jump directly to a specific chapter section by
clicking on the section name.
When you scroll down the text for each chapter, you’ll see the following buttons in the
right margin:
Explore It! – These are computer simulations designed to help you master basic course
concepts.
Solve It! –These are computer-generated exercises to help you test your mastery of the
concepts.
Principles in Practice – These are applications of economic theory.
Global Economy – These are discussions of international issues relating to applications
of economics.
Highlights – This is a convenient summary of the chapter.
Also, most boxed graphs have Play buttons that give you audio narration and animation.
The Study Guide button will take you to practice multiple-choice tests, graphing
exercises, key term reviews, flash cards, and highlights (chapter summary).
NOTE: If you have questions or problems accessing the material we suggest you first
refer to Help or FAQs. If you continue to have a problem, please, click the “support” or
“Contact Us” links or e-mail us directly at support@dotlearn.com. (Please do not contact
your instructor with site-related questions or problems.)
Supplementary Reading Resources:
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y
y
Wall Street Journal
Business Week
Money Magazine
Learning Outcomes: upon successful completion of this course, it’s expected that
students should be able to master the following objectives:
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Know what economics is about and how a market economy functions
Explain the difference between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
Understanding of Production Possibility Curve, Opportunity cost and trade-off
A thorough understanding of supply and demand
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Understanding of elasticity, consumer choice and budget constraint.
Know how firms make decision based on limited resources they have
Knowledge of different costs: Total costs, Fixed Costs, Variable cost and
Marginal cost and Total revenue versus Marginal revenue.
Understanding of different market structure such as competitive, monopoly,
monopolistic and oligopoly markets.
Be able to apply the Microcosmic concepts to different areas social activities.
Understanding of input market and how the national income is distributes among
different factors of production.
Expectations of Students: It is expected that students participate in all phases of this course that is
taking the exams, quizzes, reading assignments, participating in Discussion Forum, Internet projects,
etc… on the specified due dates as they appear on this syllabus.
All students are subject to the academic integrity and behavioral expectations of the
University.
Formatting Requirements: Here is the formatting requirement for all assignments that is Term Paper,
reading assignments, etc: Font size 12, double space, and margins are to be 1 inch from each side.
Grading Criteria: Submission of all graded items is required to pass the course
Mid Term Exam
20%
Final Exam
20%
Two Quizzes
20%
Weekly Reading Assignments (see the table at the end)
15%
Term paper (see below)
15%
Discussion Forum (see below)
10%
100%
NOTES:
• Exams and quizzes will be mainly in multiple choice and available at dotlearn.com website on
their due dates (see the table at the end of this syllabus).
• You are required to read the assigned chapter (s) per week (see the table at the end of this
syllabus). Then, your reading per should be summarized approximately to one page per chapter
(Note, if your weekly reading assignment is more than one chapter, your chapter summary should
be close to two pages). Your weekly reading chapter summary assignments should be sent to me
as a regular email to: gholamih@campbell.edu. (Do not attach file).
• Term Paper: students are required to write one term paper, 6 pages (excluding title page and
references or citations). You can choose any topic of interest as long as it relates to this course
and, of course, the study of economics. You should use at least three (3) references but not more
than five. Your references or citations should be from academic journals, books (journals and
books are available at Campbell University Libraries) and Internet website. Furthermore, you
cannot use more than two citations from Internet website. Do not use too many quotes per page.
Your quotation should not be too long just filling the page. Finally here is some other information
with respect to the term paper: Font size 12, double space, and margins are to be 1 inch from each
side. Due date: no later than February 19 (see the table at the end). Additional information will
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be provided inside Blackboard and, of course, if asked.
Discussion Forum: there will be four discussion forums (including the first week “introduction”).
They will be available according to their due dates (see the table at the end of this syllabus) on
Blackboard under “Discussion Board”.
No make up exam. However, under an excruciating circumstance (extreme emergency situation),
make up exam may be allowed if student can provide a valid document for reason being “absent.”
If agreed, then, the missed exam may be rescheduled in a specific day and time (remember that
this is an online course and if something is posted it will not remain there forever).
Finally, Good Luck to you all and I hope we will have a wonderful term.
CAMPUS REQUIREMENTS
Campbell University’s Statement of Purpose: Campbell University is a university of the liberal arts,
sciences, and professions which is committed to helping students develop an integrated Christian
personality characterized by a wholeness that includes: a method of critical judgment; an appreciation of
our intellectual, cultural, and religious heritage; and a sensitive awareness of the world and society in
which they live and work with persons.
This course is consistent with the aforementioned purpose and provides students a positive environment
for learning.
ADA Statement: Students with documented disabilities who desire modifications or accommodations
should contact the Office of Student Support Services located in the University’s Hight House.
Attendance: Campbell’s attendance policy states that regular attendance is mandatory. Students may
miss only 15% of classes. Any student missing more than 15% of classes may fail the course due to a
lack of attendance.
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Classes meeting 1 time per week – 1 class per 9 week term
Classes meeting 2 times per week – 3 classes per 9 week term
Classes meeting 3 times per week – 4 classes per 9 week term
Students who are aware that they will miss a class should inform the instructor before class.
Grading Policy: Official grades are issued for each student at the end of each term. Students will be
graded by the letter grade system shown below.
A – 90 –100
D – 60 – 69
Excellent
Below Average
B – 80 – 89 Good
C – 70 – 79
F – Below 60 Unsatisfactory
Average
Inclement Weather: Campbell University’s policy is to remain in operation during periods of inclement
weather. If extreme or emergency weather develops, the University will work through those situations as
they develop. (Each campus will insert its own inclement weather procedures and notification methods).
Incomplete Work: It’s highly recommended that students complete all the required course assignments
(i.e., exams, reports, etc…) by the end of semester. However, an incomplete grade of “I” will be given
only with valid document, under excruciating circumstances, and in conjunction with the cooperation
of Director of Distance Education and the guidelines provided by the Campbell University Catalog.
Internet/Email Requirements: Students are expected to regularly monitor their Campbell email
account. Important information or instructions may be emailed to these accounts.
Missed Classes: Scheduled class assignments (tests, quizzes, etc.) may be re-scheduled or made-up with
a prearranged, and with a valid excused absence (burden of proof is on you).
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is any use of another person’s words or ideas without giving proper credit to the
person from whom you borrowed the words or ideas. Plagiarism is the theft of intellectual property.
Plagiarism includes the following:
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Failing to cite properly any direct or indirect quotation(s) from professionally written materials
(books, journal articles, etc.) student papers, projects, presentations, etc.
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Submitting as your own work a paper, project, or presentation that you did not compose (that is,
write, compile, draw, etc.)
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Allowing another person to write your paper or develop your presentation or assignment.
Students who plagiarize will be subject to failing the assignment and/or failing the course. Additional
sanctions may be imposed by the Campus Director. See the Extended Campus Student Handbook for
further information.
Turnitin.com: “Turnitin.com” is a web-based service that provides online reviews of written material to
judge if it has been copied from another source. Turnitin.com is used to evaluate the possibility of a
student plagiarizing or cheating on written material. The instructor may require students to submit
written work in an electronic format for the purpose of utilizing the Turnitin.com service.
Weekly Class Schedule: All the required assignments MUST be submitted accordingly per their due
dates. This is an online class, every week starts at 6:00 pm of every Thursday and ends no later than 5:59
pm of the following Thursday EXCEPT for the first week which class starts on Monday, January 5, and
ends at 5:59 pm on Thursday January 8. You are required to take the exams and quizzes on
dotlearn.com website. All weekly chapter(s) reading summary assignments should be sent as a regular
email (No attachment) to me at gholamih@campbell.edu . However, Discussion Forum (DF) should be
posted on Blackboard. All assignments must be submitted on or before their due dates, otherwise penalty
(exception may be considered for week 1) will be applied (3 points penalty per day. Penalty is effective
immediately after 6:01 pm of every Thursday till 5:59 pm of following day which is Friday for day one.
The second day penalty starts from 6:00 pm on Friday till 5:59 on Saturday, etc.).
Here is the weekly class schedule.
WEEKS
Reading, discussion forum and other assignments, if any.
Week 1
Post a brief introduction of yourself under Discussion Board on
Jan. 8
Blackboard and confirm that you have read the entire syllabus. Also,
read chapter 1 and email me a brief summary of your reading on
Chapter 1 (Approximately one page).
Read chapters 2 and 3 and email me a brief summary of your
Jan. 15
Reading on these chapters (approximately two Pages). Also,
Respond to Discussion Forum 1 (DF1) on Blackboard. Also,
Work on term paper
Read chapter 4 and chapter 5, and email me a brief
Jan. 22
summary of your reading on these chapters (approximately, two
Pages). Quiz 1 on chapters1 and 2. Also, work on term paper.
Week 2
Week 3
Due Date
Week 4
Read chapter 6 and email me a brief summary of your
Jan. 29
Reading on this chapter. Mid-Term Exam on Chapters 3, 4, and 5.
on term paper.
Week 5
Read chapters 7 and 8 and email me a brief summary of your
Reading on these chapters (approximately Two pages). Respond to
Discussion Forum 2 (DF2) on Blackboard. Also, Work on term
Paper.
Read chapters 9 and one half of chapter10 and email me a brief
summary of your reading on these chapters (approximately two
Pages). Work on term paper.
Read the remaining of chapter 10 and chapter 12 and email me a
brief summary of your reading on these chapters (approximately
Two pages). Quiz 2 on Chapters 7, and 8. Also, respond to
Discussion Forum 3 (DF3). Term Paper (keep in mind that this is
The last week for term paper to be submitted)
Read chapter 13 and one half of chapter 17. Email me a brief
summary of your reading on these chapter (approximately two
Pages). And prepare for final exam. Final Exam Will be on
Chapters 9, 10 and 12.
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Feb. 5
Feb. 12
Feb. 19
Feb. 26
Note: Students are required to submit all their assignments and respond to the Discussion Forum before
or on due date (I strongly recommend you that be punctual and do your assignments as early as possible
rather than waiting to the last minute). When responding or commenting to a posting or some thing else,
please be mindful of Internet Etiquette meaning be very polite, respectful, and your issue must be
related to this course (class). Late assignments including the Discussion Forum will not be accepted
unless there is a valid and justifiable reason. Some points will be deducted even in this case. Instructor
reserves the right what is reasonable and justifiable.
Professor reserves the right to change the syllabus.
Finally, I wish you all a wonderful term.