ECO 2023 - Principles of Microeconomics
Spring 2016

CRN 11047 meets from 6:30 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. each Monday in Marieb Hall 200

Bradley K. Hobbs, Ph.D. BB&T Distinguished Professor of Free Enterprise Lutgert College of Business Department of Economics and Finance Phone: 590-7162 (Voice Mail available 24/7) E-mail: bhobbs@fgcu.edu home page: http://faculty.fgcu.edu/bhobbs/ Office: Lutgert Hall 3366 Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and by appointment.

A course syllabus is your primary reference for the course. It represents the "rules of the game", so to speak and it spells out what the professor expects from you and what you should expect from your professor. If you have a question concerning the workings of the course, turn to this reference first. After that, if you want clarification or have a question which you feel is not adequately addressed: Ask. By virtue of remaining in this course you have provided your implicit agreement with the policies and procedures laid out in this syllabus.

 

Official Course Description:
ECO 2023 - Principles of Microeconomics - 3.00 credits.
This course analyzes the individual components of an economic system. Special emphasis is placed on decision-making by individuals and by firms. The major market structures of competition and monopoly are covered and variations of these market structures are explored. The supply and demand model is introduced and used extensively to explain individual and firm behaviors in markets. An introduction to issues in international trade and finance are also part of this course.

Prerequisites: None formally, though MAC 1105 is strongly encouraged. There will be mathematics at the algebra and below level.

Hobbs' Course Description:
Microeconomic theory is the primary foundation for all other neoclassical economic theory including most of macroeconomics. Microeconomic theory provides insights into the behavior of both individual and collective actors (firms) in markets. This course is probably the most important core course in an economics curriculum and will require extensive outside work on your part.

The strength of this course is that it will provide you with an insight into how economists analyze practical problems which present themselves to policy makers in the real world. We will develop a "set of tools for analysis" which you will be expected to apply in a practical manner. The materials in this course are used extensively in economics, financial economics and all businesses at the higher levels of decision making.

What we will attempt to do in this course:

Economics is ultimately about problem-solving. We are asked to provide logical, well thought-out answers to complex questions. To do this we must strip the problem down to its essential assumptions, arguments, and conclusions and then critically analyze each of these. I do not expect you to master problem-solving in this course. I do expect that you will greatly increase your proficiency at problem-solving and that you will master the tools needed to hone that skill. The reason for this emphasis is that the conditions under which economic analyses are carried out changes constantly. Therefore, the answers themselves are not transferable. What is transferable, fundamental, and constant is the method of economic analysis which we will develop. The ability to apply the method to varying situations and to make the results of the analysis clear is what gives value to economic analysis.

There are basically three progressive steps in learning that I am interested in: acquisition, retention, and transfer or application. In this course, the cumulative assessments - the examination - will require you to apply the concepts which you have learned. Application is impossible without acquisition and retention. In the economists' jargon, acquisition and retention are "necessary conditions" for success in this course, but they are not the "sufficient condition." The "sufficient condition" is the ability to apply what you have acquired and retained to a broad range of problems and situations. This last step is referred to as transfer or application.

ECO 2023 Learning Outcomes

LCOB Learning Goals (EPCK) Graduates will:	Learning Objective (Measurable Outcomes) Graduates will:	Course Learning Outcomes	Method of Assessment
Understand the business environment.	Demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues. Demonstrate knowledge of global factors influencing business. Explain the importance of environmental responsibility.
Be effective problem solvers.	Solve business problems using analytical tools.	1. Identify the basic economic problem. Describe such concepts as scarcity, opportunity cost, and choice. 2. Examine markets and price determination. Explain the determinants of supply and demand; describe and calculate comparative advantage, utility, and elasticity; and discuss price ceilings and floors. 3. Develop theories of the firm. Explain and calculate revenues and costs.  Discuss marginal analysis and market structures. 4. Analyze factor markets. Utilize factor markets to examine wages, rents, interest, profits, and income distribution. 5. Evaluate the role of government in a market economy. Discuss the role of government in public goods, maintaining competition, externalities, taxation, and income distribution.	MEL & exams.
Be effective communicators.	Deliver effective oral presentations. Prepare effective written reports.
Have interdisciplinary business knowledge.	Understand main concepts and definitions in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and operations management. Integrate knowledge across business disciplines.

 Textbooks
The required materials for this course are outlined below.

The first step is to purchase the entire course package at the FGCU bookstore. The ISBN 978-1-319-036065 for the packaged product we are using and includes: (1) a loose leaf (unbound 3-hole punch) version of the print textbook, (2) the Access Card for LaunchPad which is your online homework system. You are be expected to have a print copy of the textbook in all class meetings.

This package is based upon Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok’s Modern Principles: Microeconomics, Third Edition. If you choose to continue in this course, purchase this package immediately because your LaunchPad homework starts immediately. We have worked very hard with MacMillan Publishing to get you the cheapest package possible. You are responsible for having all of these course materials. I am not responsible for, nor can I help you solve, any problems with your purchase if you attempt to bypass the instructions above. I've seen wrong books, wrong study guides, illicit software codes, among other problems. Caveat Emptor!

Additional course materials are on Canvas. It is important that you use both platforms because the integration is not seamless!

Once you have created your account, you will find FGCU and this course. You may be asked for a Key Code. If so, this will always be the five-digit FGCU CRN number for your course (e.g., CRN 12345 would be 12345, CRN 98765 would be 98765.)  I am often running multiple sections of this course so be sure to enter your CRN number if asked for a Key Code - otherwise you just signed up for the wrong course. You will then be required to pay for the course. This is where you will enter the LaunchPad code that is packaged with the bookstore's textbook package. Do not enter credit card information unless you want to be charged twice.

NOTE: You can sign up immediately and will have a two-week grace period of access to the LaunchPad Homework and the Cowen and Tabarrok e-Book. You will get immediate access to an e-book embedded within LaunchPad but you cannot use an e-Book in the classroom: See my Electronics Policy below.

If you have problems, and problems will inevitably occur with technology, the solution is to contact Support at LaunchPad for help. They will be able to assist you but you cannot expect them to answer you immediately. Give them a few hours to get back to you. They are dealing with a lot of students nationwide in the first few days of each semester.  Also note that if you wait until the last minute Murphy's Law will inevitably grab you and remind you of itself. Start early is my advice.

Spring 2016 - IMPORTANT DATES:
Academic Calendar for the Spring 2016 Semester

I will add speakers as they are scheduled. You can increase your class participation score by attending these speaking events. There will only be a couple of these events and they will be announced at least two weeks in advance.
Classes begin on Wednesday, January 6
IMPORTANT!!! By January 13 you must go to CANVAS and complete the Syllabus Quiz. The State of Florida will not recognize you as being enrolled and your financial aid will be held up if you do not do this!!!
Martin Luther King Day (No Classes) Monday, January 18
Examination 1- TBA
Spring Break (No Classes) Monday, March 7 through Saturday, March 12
Examination 2 - TBA
Last day to Drop/Withdraw, Tuesday, March 22
Last day to Drop/Withdraw without Academic Penalty is Friday, October 31
Last Day of Classes is Monday, April 25
Final Examinations are scheduled from Tuesday, April 26 through Saturday, April 30
Final Examination for this class is 5:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29

Final Examination Scheduling and Policy
Final Examination for CRN 80610 - Your final Examination will be held Friday, April 29 in our classroom from 5:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Your continued enrollment in this course beyond the Drop-Add period indicates that you have the Final Examination time blocked out on your schedule. If you cannot make the final examination then go ahead and drop the course now and sign up for a section that has a Final Examination time that fits your schedule.

Grading Policies

Grading Scale:
The University allows assignment of grades on a +/- system. I support that form of grading and keep all final grades in that format. Because a "C" is considered the top grade for a student to progress I have extended the range of a "C" to include what is traditionally the "C-" range.

	A 100.0% to 93.0%	A- 92.9% to 90.0%
B+ 89.9% to 87.0%	B 86.9% to 83.0%	B- 82.9% to 80.0%
C+ 79.9% to 77.0%	C 76.9% to 70.0%	C- No such grade in my rubric. You need a "C" to move forward in the College of Business.
D+ 69.9% to 67.0%	D 66.9% - 63.0%	D- 62.9% to 60.0%
	F below 59.9%

Graded Assignments:

Graded Assignments	Percent of Final Grade	Coverage	Date Due
Class Participation Grade	15%	Homework is assigned on the LaunchPad web site and it will provide the major component of your Class Participation Grade. All course assignments are posted to LaunchPad. We may also have in-class Pop Quizzes which will be included in this grade. They will be weighted as one homework assignment. Pop quizzes are triggered by two things: (1) any violation of the course electronics policy, and (2) being obviously unprepared for class meetings. Special Events my be offered that will positively impact your Class Participation Grade. Instructions for Special Events are below this table.	As assigned on the LaunchPad web site
Celebration of Learning 1 will cover class notes, textbook readings, homework, and any other assigned readings. This examination counts for 25% of your grade.	25%	Textbook: Cowen & Tabarrok Examination will cover Chapters 1-7 (Chapter coverage is subject to change based on course pace.) Each textbook chapter has a Chapter Outline and a set of Learning Objectives that will be used to guide your studying and to build examinations. Use them! See LaunchPad for readings and assignments for class and outside of class. Handouts - See LaunchPad . If there is an indication that it is Worksheet or In-Class Activity be sure to print it and bring it to class. SAMPLE EXAMINATION	Examination 1 Monday, February 15 (Day and chapter coverage are subject to change based on course pace.)
Celebration of Learning 2 will cover class notes, textbook readings, homework, and any other assigned readings. This examination counts for 25% of your grade.	25%	Textbook: Cowen & Tabarrok Examination will cover Chapters 7-13 8 -14 (Chapter coverage is subject to change based on course pace.) Each textbook chapter has a Chapter Outline and a set of Learning Objectives that will be used to guide your studying and to build examinations. Use them! See LaunchPad for readings and assignments for class and outside of class. Handouts - See LaunchPad . If there is an indication that it is Worksheet or In-Class Activity be sure to print it and bring it to class.	Examination 2 Monday, March 21. (Day and Chapter coverage is subject to change based on course pace.)
Celebration of Learning 3 is COMPREHENSIVE. It will cover class notes, textbook readings homework, and any other assigned readings. The final exam covers all course chapters with slightly heavier relative weight to the chapters covered since Examination 2 (i.e., more questions from those chapters.) This examination counts for 35% of your grade.	35%	Textbook: Cowen & Tabarrok Tentative Chapters 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 plus additional chapters will be covered depending upon time (21, 22, 23) Each textbook chapter has a Chapter Outline and a set of Learning Objectives that will be used to guide your studying and to build examinations. Use them! See LaunchPad for readings and assignments for class and outside of class.   Handouts - See LaunchPad . If there is an indication that it is Worksheet or In-Class Activity be sure to print it and bring it to class.	Final Examination (Chapter coverage is subject to change based on course pace.) CRN 11047 is Friday, April 29 in our classroom from 5:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Grading - Specific Instructions and Policies

LaunchPad - READ THIS PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN THIS COURSE ON LaunchPad
LaunchPad is your homework and also the major depository for class resources. The purpose of LaunchPad is to learn the materials for each Celebration of Learning (examination.) LaunchPad lists all Graded Homework assignments and their due dates. Stay abreast and read carefully. You can take each Graded Homework up to 3 (three) times with a time limit of 60 (sixty) minutes per take. LaunchPad has numerous other class resources in it such as "Learning Curve" (an adaptive quiz module by chapter), the e-book, and a Chapter Review. Use these as course study aids. There may also be "Your Turn" active-learning exercises (see below for full instructions on these.)

In LaunchPad each homework constitutes a grade. You will get to drop your lowest three scores and this includes ones you skip.
Late homework in LaunchPad earn a score of "0". Do not take the LaunchPad homework lightly because it represents 15% of your final course grade.

Here are the browser and platform requirements for LaunchPad . Mobile devices are not supported.

You have three options to enroll in the course: a code that comes with a new book, purchase access online, or a 21-day temporary access. There is a notification bar within LaunchPad that will inform them how many days of access you have remaining if you choose to pay later. All three options provide instant access to the eBook. Your registration options are explained here in a video if anything confuses you.

You must register with one email address/user name. When the student moves from 21-day temporary access to purchased access, there will be no changes to their current work, grades, etc. within the course as long as they continue to use their original user name/email. If students try to game the system and to receive another 21-day temporary access by using a separate email address/user name, all previous work and grades will not transfer.

For the 21-day temporary access which, once again, includes the e-Book choose the option "I need to pay later." (see the image below.) If you choose this option, then within the next 21 days LaunchPad will need to be either: (1) purchased online or (2) you will have to enter the access code that comes with the bookstore copy you bought.

Be aware of this fact: if you purchase a book from a source other than the FGCU bookstore it will likely not have the LaunchPad access code you need and you will have to purchase this access code from LaunchPad online. Factor that into your pricing!

Here is a 1-minute video tour of LaunchPad:
https://cmg.screenstepslive.com/s/MacmillanMedia/m/LaunchPadIM/l/251172-do-you-have-a-video-that-shows-my-students-how-to-use-launchpad

Here is the LaunchPad student user manual:
http://cmg.screenstepslive.com/s/MacmillanMedia_StudentHelp/m/LaunchPadSM

To register for the course go to: 
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/cowentabarrokmicro3e/2846867

If you have problems registering, purchasing, or logging in, please contact Customer Support. You can reach a representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: through the online form or by chat. Or from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. EST, 7 days a week by phone at (800) 936-6899.

Your Turn - Active Learning Exercises
In many LaunchPad sections you will see a file or maybe two which will start with "Your Turn - _________ " I am using these as handouts and as active-learning exercises in class so: (1) print them out, (2) read them, and (3) work them before class. If you do not: (1) print them out, (2) read them, and (3) work them before class they become passive learning exercises and are unlikely to do you much good. You need to be an active participant in your education. Bring these to class and be ready to work in small groups.

Pop Quizzes
We may also have in-class "Pop Quizzes" which will be included in this grade. They will be weighted as one homework assignment. Pop quizzes are triggered by two things: (1) any violation of the course electronics policy, and (2) being obviously unprepared for class meetings.

"Special Events"
"Special Events" are activities held outside of the class meeting time. Special events are designed to engage you intellecually outside of the classroom which is a part of university experience and life. Participation in each individual "Special Event" will raise your Class Participation Grade by 2.5%. There is no penalty for not participating - these can only help your Class Participation Grade. Most of them are speakers who we have invited to the university. "Special Events" are open to all students who can attend and they require a one-page Word Document Reflection Paper. The writing prompt is simple: "What I learned that I did not know before this lecture."  The response is strictly limited to one, typed page. To earn credit you must (1) hand in a hard copy in our regular class meeting within one week of the scheduled event, and (2) send the document to me in an email ar bhobbs@fgcu.edu as confirmation.There are no individually assigned "extra-credit" assignments similar to these Special Events. What is made available to one student, is made available to all students.

Celebrations of Learning (Examinations):
Each Celebration of Learning (examination) covers a specific set of readings that are listed in the course outline and in the table above. Options for examination questions include: multiple choice, short answer, true/false/defend and essays. Where essays are required, I will provide space on the examination for your answer.

The examinations are closed book. Students are required to show a photo ID (FGCU ID, Driver's License, or Passport) to take any examination. Calculators will be checked (see approved calculators below.) All examinations are the property of the instructor and are not returned to students. The examinations can be reviewed with the instructor during office hours. Students may be assigned or reassigned seats for exams.

Examination Penalties - Each of the following failures reduces your examination score by 1 percentage point.
1. Failure to put your name and roster number on your Scantron.
2. Failure to put your name and roster number on your Examination.
3. Marking the wrong version of the examination on your Scantron.
4. Handing in damaged or altered Scantron sheets which are unreadable.

Scantron Forms
You must bring Scantron forms to all examinations. Use Pearson NCS Test Sheets 100/100, Form No. 95679. These are the full-page sheets which are available at the Book Store. Bring a BLANK Scantron form to each examination - do not write your name on it - I may collect them from you and redistribute them at the beginning of the examination. Each Scantron form must be in clean, readable, uncrumpled form suitable for scanning. NOTE: You will be required to put your Examination Version on the Scantron. The test bank numbers the Versions: 1,2,3. The Scantron "Version Key" is in the top left hand corner of the Scantron and it is organized alphabetically: A,B, and C. Therefore: A=1; B=2; and C=3.

Missed Examinations or Assignments:
A student must complete the exams at the scheduled times on the scheduled dates or provide written documentation of an Authorized Absence or Excused Absence (FGCU Catalog p.39). An Authorized Absence is due to participation in a sponsored activity that has been approved in advance by the program director and the appropriate student affairs officer. An Excused Absence is due to other causes, such as illness, family emergency, death in the family, or religious holiday. A student seeking an Excused Absence must obtain documentation such as a physician's statement, accident report, or obituary.

If you miss an examination due to an Authorized Absence or an Excused Absence I must have a email or phone call before or during the assessment event - simply not showing up earns a grade of "0" on on any examination or assignment. My email is bhobbs@fgcu.edu and my phone number is 590-7162: voice messaging is available at all times. Where I have been notified as explained above, the points for the missed examination will be calculated as the average of your other two examination scores. If you miss two or more examinations you will receive a grade of "0" on both of them and you will receive an "F" in the course.

A missed Final Examination will: (1) lead to an assigned grade of "incomplete" so long as I am contacted prior to the examination as noted above, and (2) require you to take a makeup examination and complete the examination prior to the university's deadline for making up an incomplete. It is your responsibility to contact me and coordinate the process of the makeup examination and the grade change. All incomplete's not completed by the university's deadline automatically become an "F".

Assignments other than examinations (e.g., papers and presentations) lose 10% or one letter grade per day. If a group presentation is required your failure to participate in it earns you an automatic "0" for the presentation portion of that assignment.

Late quizzes or LaunchPad homework's earn a score of "0".

Examination Grade Challenge Policy:
When an exam is handed back we will go over it in class and you will hand it back in during class. Once the examination is handed back to you there is a one-week cooling-off period. Then you can make an appointment with me to come by during office hours and challenge my grading but be prepared. At two weeks after the examination is returned to you, grades on all examinations and assignments are finalized.

Assigned Readings:
There may be assigned readings in this course. In order to have an effective class discussion you must: (1) read the article prior to the class meeting, (2) be prepared to both ask and answer questions on the reading and, (3) bring your copy of the article and your notes on it the class meeting. All course assignments including readings are posted to LaunchPad .

Group Work:
Research in the area of learning has substantiated the positive effects of group study. When carried out with serious effort the returns to group study can be great for all members of the group. I would strongly encourage you to form study groups and set a weekly meeting time to discuss this course. I would ask that you assist each other; treating the study group as a cooperative experience rather than a competitive one. I have no problem with groups working together on the homework assignments.

Unless explicit permission is given (such as homework assignments above), all work handed in must be done alone.  You are welcome to discuss and work together but when you "put pencil to paper" it must be your own work.  To do otherwise will be regarded as an act of academic dishonesty.

IMPORTANT COURSE ISSUES:

Electronics in the Classroom: One must focus to do university-level work in this field of study. USING ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING PHONES, I-PODS, TABLETS, LAPTOPS, RECORDING DEVICES ETC. IS PROHIBITED DURING CLASS MEETINGS. This includes the recording of class lectures or meetings unless required by Federal Legislation under the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA) with completed and signed FGCU paperwork. The required calculator for the Lutgert College of Business is the Texas Instruments BA II PLUS. I suggest that you buy one and start learning how to use it - this will make your FIN 3403 class much easier. The only allowable calculators in class are scientific, non-programable calculators. If you show up at an examination with a programmable or graphing calculator you will not be able to use it. The SUGGESTED CALCULATOR is the Texas Instruments TI-BA II Plus Financial Calculator. If you do not have a scientific, non-programable calculator and do not wish the purchase the course calculator you can use a cheap (under $10) non-programmable, standard-function calculator like this one. Failure to comply with this rule has the following consequence: Any infraction will lead to you being identified as the person responsible for the ensuing Pop Quiz that the entire class will take as a result of your decision to violate classroom rules. These quizzes will be included in your homework grade (Hat Tip to Professor Kerekes).

Cheating: Academic Honesty is your responsibility and ethical duty. Cheating is a rampant problem on college and university campuses today. As a social scientist, I think it says something quite interesting about our current culture -- or perhaps Glaucon, Adeimantus and Thrasymachus were right (see The Republic of Plato, Part II "Justice in the State and in the Individual", Chapter V, "The Problem Stated".) My attitude concerning academic dishonesty is simple: Cheating is not worth the potential consequences of getting caught nor the self-degradation which it involves whether you are caught or not. Apparently, some people care not about this. In a recent course I caught 10% of the class red-handed. So this gets really simple now for anyone who can't understand what I wrote above. If you are caught in an act of Academic Dishonesty you will be assigned an "F" for the entire course. Appropriate steps for dealing with scholastic dishonesty are spelled out in the Student Code of Conduct and these steps will be followed if this activity is revealed in your case. In the Student Code of Conduct "Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, forgery, misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification, multiple submissions, bribery, and/or theft of academic materials" all constitute plagiarism. These guidelines pertain to all work done in this class including take home assignments and graded homework. (You do have explicit permission to engage in group homework under the conditions outlined above.) So that plagiarism does not cause you to fail this course read the two following web sites: A Statement on Plagiarism Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid It

		Attendance Policy: "The discipline of colleges and universities is in general contrived, not for the benefit of the students, but for the interest, or more properly speaking, for the ease of the masters. Its object is, in all cases, to maintain the authority of the master, and whether he neglects or performs his duty, to oblige the students in all cases to behave to him as if he performed with the greatest diligence and ability. It seems to presume perfect wisdom and virtue in the one order, and the greatest weakness and folly in the other. Where the masters, however, really perform their duty, there are no examples, I believe, that the greater part of the students ever neglect theirs. No discipline is ever requisite to force attendance upon lectures which are really worth attending…” An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Book V, Chapter 1, Part f, Paragraph 15 Adam Smith
My attendance policy is laissez-faire. The translation from French is roughly "to allow to act". In other words, you are allowed to do whatever you want to do with regard to attendance: after all, only you can decide what your opportunity cost is. Whatever your proclivities for attendance might be, you are responsible for the materials of the course. My reason for this policy is two-fold. First, I am "old school" in this sense. I truly believe that institutions of higher education ought to be focused on one strategic mission: Education. I am ultimately focused on those students who are here to better themselves and learn content. Not all are so focused, and I want to avoid those who are unengaged, uninterested, and unwilling to take responsibility for their learning. They simply despoil our learning space. Second, I respect individual decisions and embrace the learning processes that emanate from both good decisions (e.g., taking college seriously as a scholarly opportunity) and bad decisions (e.g., extending adolescent debauchery with a 70% state subsidy.) Not that I have anything against debauchery! I just don't care to aid and abet yours. While aid and abet usually refers to legal acts, I am using it in the moral sense. Learning is a shared responsibility and as a result I won't be using valuable student office hours to redeliver the lecture because you chose not to come to class. Class lectures are, but, one way to learn - there are others. There are many things covered in class that are assessed in this course so you should definitely obtain a copy of class notes, handouts, cases, etc. from a fellow student should you decide to not attend the class. Finally, I should note that for nearly all students there is a high and positive correlation between class attendance and grades. I encourage you to be responsible and to fully participate in your education. I will take role daily for administrative purposes and, if need be, to explain to you why you are not doing so well in this course. Role is also required by "Coach" and the federal government for students who are getting federal loans/subsidies.

Studying for university-level courses

I expect students to spend 2-3 hours of work outside of class for every hour you are in class. This means attending class plus spending 6-9 hours on course work including readings, assignment and studying. For a 15-hour load this means 30-45 hours a week on your courses. A 2007 study by the National Survey of Student Engagement found that full time students self reported (thus, probably an exaggerated report) spending about 13 - 14 hours per week (for a 15-hour load). As I tell my college-enrolled kids, "This may sound like a lot but this is the easiest 30 hour a week job you'll ever have! So stop whining and get the most out of the vast array of resources a university provides you. We owe it to the taxpayers - who subsidize this endeavor to the tune of about 75%. We owe it to ourselves - to be all that we can be." According to this study, I am swimming upstream. But, swim, I must. Economics is intellectually challenging and rigorous. On the upside, Stinebrickner & Stinebrickner in 2007 find that studying an extra hour per week has the same effect on student achievement as a 5-point increase in your ACT scores. As part of the content of this course you need to watch a video series by Dr. Stephen Chew.  He is a professor and psychologist at Samford University and specializes in the cognitive bases of effective teaching and learning. Here is the link: How to Get the Most Out of Studying   Dr. Hobbs' Study Handouts For Principles Students: Also print these out and read them carefully. Study Handout #1: Studying for a Principles of Economics Course - The ARA Approach Study Handout #2: Studying for a Principles of Economics Course - Constructing a Set of Class Notes. Study Handout #3: Valuable Lesson in Learning There are questions from these on the Syllabus Quiz.

Sources : National Survey of Student Engagement. Experiences That Matter: Enhancing Student Learning and Success. Bloomington, IN: Center for Postsecondary Research, 2007. Stinebrickner, T. & Stinebrickner, R. "The Causal Effect of Studying on Academic Performance." Working Paper W13341. Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, Aug. 2007. (Thanks to Professor Linda Ray for these tidbits of truth.)   Need a Tutor? "The Center for Academic Achievement (CAA) offers academic support services for any FGCU student.  The services are at no extra charge to students and include: peer tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Student Success Workshops, and individualized academic coaching.  If you would like to participate in or learn more about these services, please visit the CAA in Library 103.  You may also email the CAA at caa@fgcu.edu or call at (239) 590-7906.  The CAA website is http://www.fgcu.edu/CAA/tutoring.html

State-Mandated and University-Required Regulatory and Control Statements

"The bureaucrat begins, perhaps, by doing only what he conceives to be his sworn duty, but unless there are very efficient four-wheel brakes upon him he soon adds a multitude of inventions of his own, all of them born of his professional virtuosity and designed to lather and caress his sense of power."
H.L. Mencken, On Politics: A Carnival of Buncombe (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1996 [1956]), pp. 278-279.

VERIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE IN CANVAS (V.A.C.though some might contend V.A.C.U.O.U.S)]
As of fall 2015, all faculty members are required to use Canvas to confirm a student's attendance for each course by the end of the first week of classes. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid. The confirmation of attendance is required for all students, not only those receiving financial aid.

General Education Program
This course qualifies as a General Education course in the Social Sciences subject area. The economic way of thinking relies heavily on the usage of critical thinking skills (the ability to link data, knowledge, and insight to make better decisions). Critical thinking is one of the four General Education competencies. All General Education courses are required to have a plan for assessing their students’ performance on at least one of those four competencies. To meet that requirement, there will be several questions on your final exam designed to assess your critical thinking skills. Those questions will be directly related to the economics content covered in your textbook and in class lectures.

Departmental Course Scheduling
Planning for and meeting all requirements of graduation are your responsibility.  Regularized course offering schedules are available from LCOB advisors, as are prerequisite sequences as described in the Catalog and degree program sheets, to assist students in the successful implementation of their plans. Course substitutions and prerequisite exceptions are only granted in exceptional circumstances clearly beyond the control of students and come through LCOB Advisors - not Professors. Lack of planning and poor planning are not exceptional circumstances.

Academic Behavior Standards and Academic Dishonesty
All students are expected to demonstrate honesty in their academic pursuits. The university policies regarding issues of honesty can be found in the FGCU Student Guidebook under the Student Code of Conduct and Policies and Procedures sections. All students are expected to study this document which outlines their responsibilities and consequences for violations of the policy. The FGCU Student Guidebook is available online at http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/judicialaffairs/new.html

Disability Accommodations Services
Florida Gulf Coast University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the university’s guiding principles, will provide classroom and academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities.  If you need to request an accommodation in this class due to a disability, or you suspect that your academic performance is affected by a disability, please see me or contact the Office of Adaptive Services.  The Office of Adaptive Services is located in Howard Hall, room 137.  The phone number is 590-7956 or TTY 590-7930.  In addition to classroom and campus accommodations, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to create their personal emergency evacuation plan and FGCU is committed to providing information on emergency notification procedures. You can find information on the emergency exits and Areas of Rescue Assistance for each building, as well as other emergency preparedness materials on the Environmental Health and Safety and University Police Department websites.  If you will need assistance in the event of an emergency due to a disability, please contact Adaptive Services for available services and information.

Student Observance of Religious Holidays
All students at Florida Gulf Coast University have a right to expect that the University will reasonably accommodate their religious observances, practices, and beliefs. Students, upon prior notification to their instructors, shall be excused from class or other scheduled academic activity to observe a religious holy day of their faith. Students shall be permitted a reasonable amount of time to make up the material or activities covered in their absence. Students shall not be penalized due to absence from class or other scheduled academic activity because of religious observances. Where practicable, major examinations, major assignments, and University ceremonies will not be scheduled on a major religious holy day. A student who is to be excused from class for a religious observance is not required to provide a second party certification of the reason for the absence.

The eight questions you should never ask your professor

Just for fun ;-)

If you were to ask me any one of these, my standard responses follow.

1. Will I miss anything by not being in class tomorrow? Of course you will miss something by not being in class, unless I am already wasting my time and yours.
2. May I hand in this assignment late? Deadline. Think about the word dead; and then the word line.
3. Is this good enough for full credit? You are a university student and should be developing that assessment yourself. This is how it works: You hand it in. I grade it.
4. Since I got such a poor score can I resubmit it? I neither "give" grades nor do I "fail" students. Every score - poor and depressing or glorious and wonderful - that I record, you earned. So, own it. I certainly applaud students who do poorly and then go back to learn from their mistakes on examinations, but your initial grade stands.
5. Is there anything I can do for extra credit? You aren't doing so well on the regular credit. I'd hate to load you up with anything extra.
6. Will this be on the examination? Perhaps. Anything we cover or that is assigned in this course is fair game.
7. Are you busy? I sure am! I have a galloping career that involves teaching, service, and research. However, I have a duty and an obligation to respond to your inquiries and concerns. I went into teaching because I liked it and I would be happy to help serious students. I have set office hours aside for this purpose and will make appointments outside of office hours.
8. "I knew the material; I just don't test well." Yes, I know, I graded your examination. Realize that you must also be able to communicate your knowledge. There are three steps on the road to understanding a corpus body of knowledge: acquisition, retention, and application. You may also be overestimating how well you know the materials because you have stopped too early in this process. See this link! And this one!

NOTE: The schedule and coverage in this course are subject to change in the event of changing circumstances. Procedural aspects of the syllabus are set in concrete.

Web page Last Updated on April 19, 2016

© FGCU 1997. The framework and images are those of an official FGCU web page.

© Bradley K. Hobbs, Ph.D. 2001. All written portions of this work are those of Bradley K. Hobbs and his alone.
Intellectual property rights are claimed over my intellectual product (Read "Capitalism" by Ayn Rand.)