Syllabus
Spring 2003
Western Kentucky University
Gordon Ford College of Business - Department of Economics
Economics 465 - Regression and Econometric Analysis
465.001/465G.001 MW 1:25-2:40 GH 439
INSTRUCTOR
Prof. Michelle W. Trawick
GH 411
745.8803
michelle.trawick@wku.edu
OFFICE HOURS
MWF 8:30a-10:00a, M 3:00p-4:00p, W 3:00p-4:00p, and by appointment.
TEXTS
Studenmund, A. H. Using Econometrics: A Practical Guide, 5th Edition, Addison Wesley Longman, 2001.
REQUIRED MATERIAL
Simple Calculator
Access to an internet connection
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Access to SPSS
PREREQUISITE COURSES
ECON 306
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
Description–Presents the use of statistical methods in measuring and testing economic relationships. Emphasizes the
use of ordinary least squares in estimating single equation models. Topics included are dummy variables, lagged
variables and such problems as autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity and identification. (WKU
Catalog Issue 2001-2003)
Objectives--This course will provide students with the fundamental tools needed for estimating basic econometric
models. Students should leave the course with the ability to formulate a question; gather, decipher, and troubleshoot
data needed to answer the question; and estimate then test their theoretical predictions.
ATTENDANCE/GRADING/CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Students are expected to attend class regularly and be prepared for class discussions. There will be no explicit score
for attendance or class participation. However, it has been my experience that students who attend class and
participate in class discussions perform better in their courses.
The final grade for this course will consist of quiz/homework grades, two midterm exams, a project, and a final
exam. Your evaluation will depend upon your ability to answer analytical and conceptual problems. Please keep in
mind that exam and quiz scores will not be curved.
Grades are assigned using the traditional 10-point scale with rounding up at 0.5. For example, someone with an 89.5
has earned an “A” and someone with a 59.5 has earned a “D.”
Category
QZ/HW
Exam 1
Exam 2
Project
Final Exam
Date
Various Dates
Wednesday, 2/12
Wednesday, 3/19
Due Monday May 5 by 12 pm
Friday, May 9 at 1 pm
Weight
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
1
!The dates for Exam 1 and Exam 2 are tentative. Should there be a need to adjust the schedule, students will be
informed with as much advance notice as possible. If classes are canceled for some reason, assume the exam will be
given at the next available class meeting.
!Quizzes, which may or may not be announced, will be given throughout the semester. There will be no make-up
grades on a missed quiz for any reason. If you are absent, you will be assigned a zero for that quiz. Again, your
attendance is very important. Homework assignment are due within the first 15 minutes of class (as judged by
my watch). I will drop your lowest quiz score for the semester.
!There will be no make-up exams given. If a timely and reasonable excuse is provided by you and accepted, you
may allow your final exam to count 40% of your score rather than 20%. This would allow you to “make-up” your
zero on the exam. In effect, you would have a zero on this exam until you take the final. Please keep in mind that
your definition of a timely and reasonable excuse may not be my definition of a timely and reasonable excuse.
!Some of your assignments may be based on “Cooperative Learning.” That means, you would work and learn in
teams. Please be aware that your grade would be a group grade.
!It is your responsibility to obtain class notes and assignments given during your absence. Do not expect me
to “re-lecture.”
!Please note: although you do not receive an explicit score for attendance and class participation, I reserve the right
to adjust a student’s letter grade either upward or downward, depending on the student’s attendance and class
participation.
!I expect your behavior in the classroom to be respectful of your fellow students and myself. If you are
unable to refrain from sleeping or disturbing the class (e.g., talking), please stay at home. Otherwise, you will
be asked to leave. In addition, either turn off your cell phones or set them to silent.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion
of the coursework in which the act is detected or a failing grade in the course without possibility of withdrawal. The
faculty member may also present the case at the Office of the Dean of Student Life for disciplinary sanctions. A
student who believes a faculty member has dealt unfairly with him/her in a course involving academic dishonesty
may seek relief through the Student Complaint Procedure. (WKU Catalog Issue 2001-2003)
PROJECT
You are asked to formulate a research question, gather and analyze the appropriate data, and test and interpret your
results. Basically, you will be writing an academic research paper. This project is a two-person, team assignment.
Each team will make a short in-class presentation the last week of class. The final assignment is due Monday, May
5 by 12 pm. No late assignments will be accepted.
BLACKBOARD WEB PAGE
You will be able to access handouts, homework assignments, grades, and announcements for the course on
Blackboard as they become appropriate. Most documents will be in pdf format. The address for is:
http://ecourses.wku.edu/ You should be able to follow the instructions for logging into your “My WKU” page from
there. If you have any questions, please let me know.
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STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
“Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for
this course must contact the Office of Student Disability Services, Room 445, Potter Hall. The OFSDS telephone
number is (270)745-5004 V/TDD.
Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation
from the Office for Student Disability Services.” -Office for Civil Rights
KEY DATES
January 21–last day to drop course without a grade. Last day to change from audit to credit. Last day to add.
March 6–last day to drop with a “W’. Last day to change from credit to audit.
COURSE MATERIAL AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
WEEK
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
1/13-15
Introduction and Begin Review of
Regression Analysis: Ch. 1.
Simple Linear Regression: Chs. 1 & 2
1/20-22
UNIVERSITY CLOSED
Multiple Regression: Ch. 2
1/27-29
Using Regression Analysis: Ch. 3
Using Regression Analysis: Ch. 3
2/3-2/5
The Classical Model: Ch. 4
The Classical Model: Ch. 4
2/10-12
Finish Material and Review
EXAM 1
2/17-19
Review Exam. Hypothesis Testing: Ch. 5.
READ CH. 11
Hypothesis Testing: Ch. 5
2/24-26
Hypothesis Testing: Ch. 5
Specification: Independent Vars: Ch. 6
3/3-5
Specification: Independent Vars: Ch. 6
Specification: Functional Form: Ch. 7
3/10-12
Specification: Functional Form: Ch. 7
Multicollinearity: Ch. 8
3/17-19
Finish Material and Review
EXAM 2
3/24-26
3/31-4/2
SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review Exam. Multicollinearity: Ch. 8
Serial Correlation: Ch. 9
Serial Correlation: Ch. 9
Heteroskedasticity: Ch. 10
4/14-16
Heteroskedasticity: Ch. 10
Time-Series Models: Ch. 12
4/21-23
Time-Series Models: Ch. 12
Time-Series Models: Ch. 12
4/28-30
Presentations
Presentations
4/7-9
FINAL EXAM
FRIDAY, MAY 9 @ 1 PM
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