Economics 202: Microeconomics

Fall 2008

Instructor: Gene McKay III
Phone: Office:  269-965-3931, ext. 2517
Office Hours:
Online:

Hours will be posted on the course website.

It is best to contact me via the course discussion board or email.  I will respond to email within two working days. 

Email messages are checked daily Monday - Friday during the semester.  My email address is mckayg@kellogg.edu

Course Prerequisites:   None
Textbook

Required:   Schiller, Bradley R. (2008)  The Economy Today, 11th edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin. 
ISBN # 978-0-07-351126-9

Online Course Features and Requirements Number of tests:   3  of which  3 must be proctored. 

Required on campus sessions:   none

Special labs or practicum:  none

Number of assignments:  5 learning assignments,  5 discussion forum postings, 1 current event project, 1 reflection paper

Estimated time per week:  4-6 hours per week

Group interaction required:  Forum discussions, postings and responses.  No other group activities.

Scheduled activities or self paced:  Postings and responses to forum discussions are required weekly.  The rest of the course is self paced with suggested dates for the completion of quizzes and tests subject to semester time frames.  There is a specific due date for the current event project.

Requirements: 

Students must have access to the following:

  • Equipment:  You will need a computer that is able to access and interact with the Web. For best results, a Pentium or PowerMac with a 56 Kbps or faster modem and 256 MB or more of RAM should be considered the minimal system.
  • Software:  You will need one of the following Internet browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher; Firefox; Mac users may use Safari or Firefox.
  • Internet connection: Home users need Internet access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers a reliable connection to the Internet.

Other requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader is recommended

Course Site: http://bb.kellogg.edu
Course Description This course includes a study of supply and demand analysis, costs of production, the nature and structure of U.S. industry, resource pricing, and current microeconomic issues.  Current microeconomic issues include labor economics, urban and rural problems, income distribution, labor unions, anti-trust problems, and international economic issues.
Course Goal To develop a basic understanding of the U.S. economy as it affects individuals and business, along with related microeconomic issues.
Competencies 1. Explain basic economic theories and understand their application to economic policy issues.

2. Identify and explain basic economic terms and methods used to measure economic activity.

3. Explain the role of supply and demand within the U.S. economy.

4. Identify factors that affect the demand for goods and services.

5. Explain the costs of production and their impact on employment and capital decisions.

6. Investigate the types of market structures and how they impact business activity and profit.

7. Examine the impact of regulation and deregulation on business.

8. Determine the role of labor, its impact and costs related to business and production decisions.

9. Explore the policy options related to taxation and transfer payments.

10. Examine the role and characteristics of financial markets.

11. Assess the impact of the global economy and its impact on domestic economic policy.

Grading

5 learning assignments @ 10 points each = 50 points

5 learning activities/forum postings @ 10 points each = 50 points

2 proctored exams @ 100 points each = 200 points
(lowest test score is dropped)

1 current event project @ 50 points = 50 points

1 reflection paper @ 200 points = 200 points

Total points possible = 550 points

Grading Scale

Total Points                   Percentage                                Grade

514 - 550                       94 – 100%                                 A

492 - 513                      90 – 93%                                  A-

476 - 491                       87 – 89%                                  B+

454 - 475                       83 – 86%                                  B

437 - 453                       80 – 82%                                  B-

421 - 436                       77 – 79%                                  C+

399 - 420                       73 – 76%                                  C

382 - 398                       70 – 72%                                  C-

366 - 381                       67 – 69%                                  D+

344 - 365                       63 – 66%                                  D

327 - 343                       60 – 62%                                  D-

000 – 326                      00 – 59%                                  F

 
Computer Access at KCC It is assumed that students enrolled in this course have at their disposal appropriate equipment and software to complete the course work and communicate with other students.  If there are problems with your equipment and/or software, it is possible to come the KCC's Campus and use the open computer lab in the Learning Resource Center.  See KCC's web site for campus maps and lab times. 
Online Submitting Materials Students will be expected to use e-mail attachments and the blackboard site for this class to submit materials. 
ADA Statement Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability.  KCC is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

 


Last modified:  April 01, 2008 by Linda Younglove © Copyright 2003,  Kellogg Community College.  All rights reserved.