Economics 202- 084 / 097 (Online)
Principles of Microeconomics
Spring 2014
Professor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Rob Blackstock, Ph.D.
CAB 329
257-2311
rblackst@latech.edu
In order to help the University save money during these times of financial
hardship, I will not return a long distance phone call. The very best way to
communicate with me is through email.
Textbook: Principles of Economics by N. Gregory Mankiw
We will be using an online text / study / homework service provided by the
textbook manufacturer titled Aplia Online. You may purchase the online
text and service directly from the website or through the bookstore (slightly
cheaper if you buy direct).
AN IMPORTANT CHANGE IN APLIA!!!! Please be aware
that you now have the option to buy your Aplia access for
either one (1) or two (2) quarters. If you are only taking
one Econ class, or if you have already completed Econ 201,
then choose the single quarter option when signing up &
purchasing. If this is your first Econ class and you still must
take Econ 201, then choose the two quarter option.
NOTE: If you buy the book in the Tech Bookstore, be aware
that they only sell the double quarter option. Single
quarters must be purchased through the Aplia website.
When you register for Aplia, DO:
1. Use your Tech email address. If you do not use your
Tech email address when registering for Aplia, you will
receive no points for homework assignments.
2. No Payment is due for three weeks, so sign up today!
3. The course key and instructions for registration will be
available on Moodle on the first day of class.
Course Objectives: Microeconomics is the study of resource allocation. We will
learn how individuals and businesses make choices given the scarce resources
available to them.
Grading:
a. 2 exams 100 points each
b. Final exam 100 points
c. Daily Aplia
Your final exam will be cumulative!!!
Your final grade will be the total points you’ve earned divided by the total number of
possible points. For example, there are 2 tests at 100 points each and a final at 100
points for the class total of 300 points. If you have earned a total of (say) 214
points, then your grade would be 214 / 300 = 71.3%. Ten percent of your grade will
come from written communication.
Be forewarned: I do not round up grades at the end of the quarter. If your final
grade is 89.9%, then you will receive a B. No exceptions
Grading will be based on the ubiquitous 10 point grading scale.
Missing an exam / quiz / homework / etc. will result in a zero grade unless the
student presents a valid, University approved excuse. The excuse must be
presented in writing and be signed by the appropriate figurehead (for example,
athletes must bring excuses signed by coaches or other official athletic personnel…
all excuses will be verified by the professor. Yes, I actually call and verify).
If you miss an assignment / exam and have presented a valid, university
approved excuse, then your final exam grade will be re-weighted to count
for the missing work. I do not give make-ups.
ONLINE
As this is an online class, our communication will be primarily through email. You
will view daily lectures online. Each presentation will have a separate web address
which I will post on Moodle.
Make sure that you check your LaTech email daily! Instructions on how to
automatically forward Tech email to your normal account will be posted on Moodle.
Testing will be through Aplia Online. Tests can only be taken on the tests days
shown on the Course Calendar.
To ensure that you have access to your work, you must email to me three locations
at which you can access the internet (my dorm, my girlfriend’s apartment, the
college of business lab; these are just some examples. THREE SEPARATE PHYSICAL
LOCATIONS using three different computers). Please see the course calendar for the
due date!!! In fact, to ensure that I receive the list, I am making this a graded
assignment and it is worth 10 points.
As this is an online class it is imperative that you have internet access at all times
(hence the three locations). “My computer broke,” or “the internet was out” are NOT
acceptable excuses for not completing your assigned work.
Any questions emailed to me will be answered within 24 hours. If the question is
especially good, I may remove your name and return the answer to everyone in the
class.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
Please note that I am not technical support. If you are having problems, please
contact the LaTech Help Desk < http://helpdesk.latech.edu/>.
Note: People who use AOL may face specific problems. If you are unable to access
the daily lectures, call the help desk for more information.
Academic Integrity:
The Honor Code Statement
Being a student of higher standard, I pledge to embody the principles of academic
integrity.
Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty may
result in a grade of zero on the assignment(s) and / or dismissal from the class with
a grade of “F”.
Students with Special Needs:
If you need special accommodations or arrangements, please contact the
Coordinator of Services for Students with Special Needs at 257-3036.
Syllabi Changes
The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus throughout the course.
However, if that occurs the new syllabus will be distributed to the class before the
change is made, will be posted on Moodle and will be posted on the COB website.
NOTE
"All students should enroll in the Louisiana Tech Emergency Notification System and
keep their contacts current on BOSS.
In the event of an emergency closing the Tech campus, students are directed to the
off-campus Louisiana Tech Moodle site for all course communication and for the
continuation of course work. Information on class continuation will be available
within three days of the closure."
See Moodle on the first day of class for Aplia registration instructions.
Louisiana Tech University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.