Course Syllabus

 

                                                             

     Instructor- Angela Thurman | email- angela.thurman@my.tccd.edu  |  P  817-515-8023

TCC MACRO Syllabus Fall 2nd 8 2021.docx 

Course Description:

This course is an analysis of the economy as a whole including measurement and determination of Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, national income, inflation, and unemployment. Other topics include international trade, economic growth, business cycles, and fiscal policy and monetary policy. Required for business and economics majors.

Course Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain the role of scarcity, specialization, opportunity cost, and cost/benefit analysis in economic decision making.

2. Identify the determinants of supply and demand; demonstrate the impact of shifts in both market supply and demand curves on equilibrium price and output.

3. Define and measure national income and rates of unemployment and inflation.

4. Identify the phases of the business cycle and the problems caused by cyclical fluctuations in the market economy.

5. Define money and the money supply; describe the process of money creation by the banking system and the role of the central bank.

6. Construct the aggregate demand and aggregate supply model of the macro economy and use it to illustrate macroeconomic problems and potential monetary and fiscal policy solutions.

7. Explain the mechanics and institutions of international trade and their impact on the macro economy.  

8. Define economic growth and identify sources of economic growth.

9. Critical Thinking Skills: Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, synthesize, and perform inquiry and analysis of economic systems and market models by

a. determining optimal resource allocation;

b. identifying key variables that drive economic activity;

c. categorizing pertinent and relevant topics in the news related to environmental and economic systems.

10. Communication Skills: Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally, visually, and/or in writing using mathematical and economic terminology by

a. analyzing and interpreting graphs;

b. illustrating the solution steps to solve equations and/or economic models.

11. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts in making informed conclusions by

a. evaluating economic models;

b. writing and solving equations for application problems.

12. Social Responsibility: Demonstrate social responsibility by

a. demonstrating an ability to consider, discuss, and reflect upon the application of the course material to various aspects of life;

b. examining economic theories of personal and social responsibility.

---

Course Content:

1. Fundamentals of economic thinking
2. How markets operate
3. Measuring the economy
   1. National output and productivity
   2. Price level
   3. Business cycle
   4. Unemployment
4. Modeling the business cycle
5. Monetary system
   1. Money creation and banking
   2. Role and function of central banks
   3. Money demand and velocity
   4. Inflation
6. The financial system
   1. Saving
   2. Investment
   3. Role of interest rates
7. The role of the government in the macro economy
   1. Stabilization policy
   2. Deficit and debt
   3. Fiscal and monetary policy
8. Economic growth and development
9. Balance of payments and trade

---

Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Principles of Macroeconomics from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-30-1 

You have several options to obtain this book:

• View online (Links to an external site.) 
• Download a PDF (Links to an external site.) 
• Order a print copy (Links to an external site.) 
• Download on iBooks (Links to an external site.) 

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

---

Syllabus:

ECON-2301 Principles of Macroeconomics

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT MASTER SYLLABUS

General Outline- Dates can be found on the Course Calendar

 

 

Instructor:   Angela Thurman

Contact:      angela.thurman@my.tccd.edu

 

 

You must complete the Introductory Discussion Board (this is NOT a written DB, it is a FLIPGRID, the link is in the DB section of BB) by the listed due date in order to be counted as “participating” in this class!  Not turning in assignments will lead to your being counted as absent for that grading period.  This class moves QUICKLY- don’t fall behind because it is very difficult to catch up!  Plan on doing a little work every day and you will be fine.  If you are not comfortable filming yourself, feel free to simply do audio or film your pet, plant, whatever makes you comfortable!

Attendance is based on completion of EXAMS- if an EXAM is NOT completed, the student will be counted as absent for that period, even if you have completed all of the other assignments. 

Required Supplies:

 Textbook- OpenStax Macroeconomics edition 2, the book is FREE, you do NOT have to buy a copy, it is availble online as a link on BB.

Publish Date:

Oct 11, 2017

Print:

ISBN-10: 1-947172-38-7

ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-38-8

Digital:

ISBN-10: 1-947172-39-5

ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-39-5

iBooks:

ISBN-10: 1-947172-50-6

ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-50-0

If you want to purchase a hardcopy, you can do so through the TCC Bookstore or off of Amazon or off the OpenStax website- cost is $40. 

Solid internet connection- if your connection is not dependable, you may access the computer labs at any TCC Campus

 

Your computer must have a microphone and a camera for exams

 

Other suggested supplies- basic calculator

 

I am here to help you be successful but you must reach out to me!  Let me know if you are having problems!  Let me know if you have a work or family conflict that is affecting your performance- give me this information BEFORE it becomes a problem, not after you have already missed multiple assignments! My goal is to have all students have a successful semester so let me know when you need my help!

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An analysis of the economy as a whole including measurement and determination of Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, national income, inflation, and unemployment. Other topics include international trade, economic growth, business cycles, and fiscal policy and monetary policy. Required for business and economics majors.

 

COURSE TYPE

Academic Core

 

COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course goals and learning outcomes support the Foundational Component Areas defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Course goals are linked to the respective Core Curriculum Competencies: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical and Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility. Specific competencies are identified in designated course goals and learning outcomes.

 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Explain the role of scarcity, specialization, opportunity cost, and cost/benefit analysis in economic decision making.
2. Identify the determinants of supply and demand; demonstrate the impact of shifts in both market supply and demand curves on equilibrium price and output.
3. Define and measure national income and rates of unemployment and inflation.
4. Identify the phases of the business cycle and the problems caused by cyclical fluctuations in the market economy.
5. Define money and the money supply; describe the process of money creation by the banking system and the role of the central bank.
6. Construct the aggregate demand and aggregate supply model of the macro economy and use it to illustrate macroeconomic problems and potential monetary and fiscal policy solutions.
7. Explain the mechanics and institutions of international trade and their impact on the macro economy.
8. Define economic growth and identify sources of economic growth.
9. Critical Thinking Skills: Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, synthesize, and perform inquiry and analysis of economic systems and market models by
   a. determining optimal resource allocation;
   b. identifying key variables that drive economic activity;

c. categorizing pertinent and relevant topics in the news related to environmental and economic systems.

10. Communication Skills: Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally, visually, and/or in writing using mathematical and economic terminology by
    a. analyzing and interpreting graphs;
    b. illustrating the solution steps to solve equations and/or economic models.
11. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts in making informed conclusions by
    a. evaluating economic models;
    b. writing and solving equations for application problems.
12. Social Responsibility: Demonstrate social responsibility by
    1. demonstrating an ability to consider, discuss, and reflect upon the

application of the course material to various aspects of life;

2. 2. examining economic theories of personal and social responsibility.

 

Student success is measured by a variety of assessment techniques aligned with course goals and learning outcomes. Individual faculty members are responsible for designing evaluation instruments to measure student mastery of course goals and learning outcomes and indicating the nature of such evaluation instruments in the instructor’s class requirements.

Each student’s semester grade will be determined by the following:

       Discussion Boards:                                            20%

       Quizzes:                                                               20%

       Exams:                                                                 60% 

       Total:                                                                   100%

 

DISCUSSION BOARDS: There will be 6 DISCUSSION BOARDS, one for each Unit.  

For each DB, you are required to post one post responding to the video and/or question posed. Your post must be at least 150 words and take a position with reasons why you are taking the position you are taking.  I am not grading on your position, I am interested in your view point, why you have it and your “proof” or background that led you to your view.  You then must also respond to TWO OTHER posts with replies ADDING TO THE DISCUSSION of at least 150 words for each post. If you have any questions on what I am looking for in a discussion post, EMAIL ME BEFORE POSTING! If you do NOT make the word count, you will NOT receive full points. 

Quizzes:  There will be 21 Quizzes of which your lowest 4 (four) scores will be dropped.  The quizzes are also over textbook content but will require you to put your knowledge to work in real life situations.  You will have 3 attempts to complete the quiz and the highest score will be the one counted. 

*All assignments are due at 11:59 PM

*All assignments are open and can be completed early

*Once the due date has passed, the assignment will be closed and can not be accessed or viewed

*The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to due dates or this schedule

*DB is a Discussion Board

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives, missing two exams will be reason to be dropped.

Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy:  Attendance is taken by means of a student’s participation in required class elements, such as discussion boards, quizzes and exams. 

 

Grading Scale	Course Average	Course Grade
	89.5% or higher	A
	79.5% to 89.4%	B
	69.5% to 79.4%	C
	59.5% to 69.4%	D
	59.4% or less	F

 

STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

This is a fast moving course and it is your responsibility to be aware of due dates and to turn in your assignments on time.  Late assignments will not be accepted- stay on goal!!  Make yourself reminders!!  Put due dates in your phone/computer/etc.

Failure to complete any assignment due to computer issues is NOT an acceptable excuse.  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have enough time to complete an assignment AND have a secure internet connection.  

ISSUES WITH GRADES need to be addressed directly with your professor within TWO WEEKS of receiving the grade.  

There may be material covered on the exams that is not covered in quizzes.  It is the student’s responsibility to read the assigned chapters and be comfortable with all assigned material before each exam.

Participation includes, but is not limited to, participating in class discussions boards and answering questions posed by the professor and/or your peers relating to the class.

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

Any student with a documented disability needing academic accommodations is required to contact the Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) Office located on each campus to schedule an appointment with the Coordinator of SAR. All discussions are confidential. Because SAR accommodations may require early planning and are not provided retroactively, students are encouraged to contact SAR as early in the semester as possible. SAR is responsible for approving and coordinating all disability-related services. TCC professors will honor requests for accommodation when they are issued by SAR.

 

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

Students are responsible for adhering to the TCCD policy on scholastic dishonesty as stated in the online student handbook at www.tccd.edu. 

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.

RESOURCES

For additional information regarding the student handbook, academic calendar, course evaluations, attendance policy, SCANS skills, Core Competencies, etc., see www.tccd.edu.

Responsible Employee:

I am designated as a Responsible Employee when it comes to reporting Sexual Misconduct. That means I am required by law required to report sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking against a student or employee to the Title IX Coordinator. TCCD cares about the safety of our employees and students and has created this requirement because interpersonal violence in all forms is unacceptable, and we’re committed to holding perpetrators accountable and keeping reporting parties safe. Your privacy is of utmost importance and this college district will do everything to keep all reports private and only share with those who need to know as provided by law, policy and regulation.

Confidential Reporting Option - verbiage:

If you desire that details of the incident be kept confidential, you should speak with on-campus counselors or off-campus rape crisis resources, who will maintain confidentiality. Campus counselors are available to help you free of charge.