920:053
PRINCIPLES OF MACRO-ECONOMICS, 3 credits:
An introduction to the economizing problem and economic institutions. National
income determination, monetary and fiscal policy, global economic issues.
Fall 2009 - Course Outline
F. Abraham - CBB 217, phone: 273-2412, e-mail: F.ABRAHAM@UNI.EDU
Class Hours: 10:00 MWF, CBB 109
Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 MWF, 10:30-11:30 TTh and by appointment.
Web Page: www.cba.uni.edu/abrahamf/macro
This course is designed to introduce you to the basic concepts and tools of economic analysis and
theory. To this end, we will be using a textbook that is clearly written and easily understandable,
allowing you to learn economics. I will attempt to serve as a catalyst rather than an impediment to the
education process, but you will be responsible for your own learning. If I can help you at any time,
please feel free to contact me.
There will be nine tests throughout the term and a final exam. Each test will consist of 20 multiple
choice questions, will be completed in 30 minutes, and will be graded at that time. No make-up tests
will be given and only your highest eight test scores will be counted toward your grade. All tests will
be given only at the scheduled time. After the 4th test, and every test thereafter, a distribution of scores
will be posted showing your score, rank in the course, and "shadow" grades. These "shadow" grades
are unofficial estimates and are not binding on my part.
The final exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and everyone, without exception, must take
the final exam at the scheduled time. It will be a comprehensive exam over only the textbook material
covered since the beginning of the term. At the end of the semester, the entire class will be curved on
the basis of total points earned in the course and A through F grades will be distributed. However, you
must earn a minimum of 112 points to pass this course. Borderline grades will be influenced by
attitude, attendance, and class participation. While attendance is not mandatory, you miss class at your
peril.
In addition to the above tests, I reserve the right to give so-called "pop quizzes" at any class period,
without advance notice. The points awarded on these tests will be included in your point total for the
course and there is no make-up of missed pop quizzes.
Cheating on tests, including but not limited to passing of answers, copying, cheat sheets, etc. will be
dealt with harshly. Punishment may include course failure, UNI expulsion if possible, and execution
where appropriate.
Even though we are living in a sophisticated age, simplicity can still be a virtue. Calculators are
allowed to be used for tests but they must not be programmable and be limited to basic functions with
only a numeric display. Headphones and music players are not allowed in class. Cell phones must be
TURNED OFF and put away at all times.
Recognizing the globalization of the U.S. economy, we will study international economics in unit 9.
However, we will integrate a discussion of the global impact of domestic policies and the
interdependence of the world's economics into our study of all major topics.
Ethical behavior and social justice are addressed in this course primarily by investigating various social
programs, the income distribution at a macro level and how labor is compensated at the micro level.
Whenever appropriate, personal and professional ethical standards will be included in our discussion.
Poverty programs, the income tax system, and the returns to land and capital investments are used as
vehicles in this discussion. The location of plants and other productive assets offshore to take
advantage of low labor costs, and the issues of dumping, environmental pollution and the costs of
regulation are all utilized to enhance students awareness of ethical and distributive justice concerns at
the macro level.
We will view the text as an aspiration level, although additional material will be distributed from time
to time to supplement your study. We have a great deal of ground to cover this term and at times we
will be going rather rapidly through difficult material. In order to expedite our progress, you will be
asked to read the appropriate text chapters before we discuss them in class. This is imperative to a
successful term. There is an optional workbook that accompanies the text and if you anticipate trouble
in this course, I strongly suggest that you purchase it. Again, if you have any problems, I will be happy
to help you if I can.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Course Repeat Policy
Students enrolled in a College of Business Administration (CBA) course at the beginning of the second
week of the Fall 2008 semester, will not be allowed to register again for the same course until the end
of advance registration for Spring 2009. Students who wish to re-register for a course may place their
name on a waiting list. Registration accommodation will depend on course openings after the
completion of Spring 2009 advance registration. Summer session is excluded from this policy.
Adopted by the CBA Faculty Council
03/31/93
ADA Policy
“The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from illegal discrimination
for qualified individuals with disabilities. Students requesting instructional accommodations due to
disabilities must arrange for such accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS
is located at 103 Student Health Center, and the phone number is 273-2676.
Additional Assistance
If you have trouble in the course, I encourage you to utilize the Academic Learning Center’s free
assistance with writing, math, reading, and learning strategies. UNI’s Academic Learning Center is
located in 008 ITTC. Visit the website at http://www.uni.edu/unialc/ or phone 319-273-2361 for more
information.
Textbook:
McConnell, Campbell R. and Brue, Stanley L., Economics, 18th edition, (McGraw-Hill: New York).
ISBN #0-07-337569-1
Optional:
Study Guide to Accompany McConnell & Brue's Economics 18th edition, by W.B. Walstead & R.C.
Bingham, McGraw-Hill. ISBN#0-07-336880-6
Course Outline - Fall 2009
August 24-Sept 2
September 4
September 9-16
September 18
September 21-28
September 30
Oct. 2-7
October 9
October 12-16
October 19
October 21-Nov. 4
November 6
November 9-11
November 16
November 18-30
December 2
December 4-9
December 11
Chapters 1, 2, 5 (pp. 96-99)
Test 1: Chapters 1, 2, 5 (pp. 96-99)
Chapters 3, 6 (pp. 113-119)
Test 2: Chapters 3, 6 (pp. 113-119)
Chapters 2 (pp. 34-39), 4 (pp. 72-78)
Test 3: Chapters 2 (pp. 34-39), 4 (pp. 72-78)
Chapters 4 (pp. 78-88), 17 (pp. 363-371)
Test 4: Chapters 4 (pp. 78-88), 17 (pp. 363-371)
Chapters 24, 26
Test 5: Chapters 24, 26
Chapters 27, 28 (NOT pp. 568-571) 30
Test 6: Chapters 27, 28 (NOT pp. 568-571) 30
Chapters 31, 32
Test 7: Chapters 31, 32
Chapters 33, 35 (pp. 714-723), 36
Test 8: Chapters 33, 35 (pp. 714-723), 36
Chapters 37 (NOT pp. 750-754), 28 (pp. 568-571), 38
Test 9: Chapters 37 (NOT pp. 750-754), 28 (pp. 568-571), 38
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 4, 5:00 p.m.:
October 30, 5:00 p.m.:
December 14, 10:00 a.m.:
July 13:
Last day to drop without a "W"
Last day to drop without an "F"
Final Exam
My Birthday