ECON 200 -  INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS Syllabus (Updated Sept. 22, 2012 )

Course Description

This is the first of the three economic principles courses offered at LCC and is a prerequisite for ECON 201-Microeconomics and ECON 202-Macroeconomics. In this introductory class the student is introduced to the basic tools and concepts used in modern economics. In particular, the course introduces the use of graphs, the importance of scarcity, the basic facts of the U.S. economy, the measurement of economic activity, the role of prices, supply and demand, and more. Time-permittng the course will briefly examine current economic conditions and policy debates.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to prepare students for future economics courses (ECON 201 and ECON 202) as well as to enable students to better understand and evaluate economic policy debates. It is my goal to make all of the material understandable and relevant. The objectives of the course for the student are:

1. to become comfortable with the basic economic tools, terms and concepts.

2. to better understand and evaluate economic issues and debates presented by politicians, policymakers, and economists in the major media.

3. to become prepared to take ECON 201 and ECON 202.

4. to begin to think "economically": There ain't no such thing as a free lunch!

Requirements

Attendance is not required and will not be used as criterion for grading. However, economics is a difficult class to learn purely by reading the text. Students who miss classes consistently score lower on exams. Assigned reading should be completed before the lecture.

Examinations must be taken at the scheduled time. Make-up exams will only be given under exceptional circumstances, and you must notify me before you miss the exam or as soon as possible in unforeseen circumstances. There will be three exams, two midterms and a final.

Homework and short quizzes may be given periodically. Late homework will not be accepted and quizzes may not be made-up.

Point Distribution*

Exam 1	approx. 100 points or  30% of grade
Exam 2	approx. 100 points or 30% of grade
Final Exam	approx. 150 points or 40% of grade

Grading* Students will be graded on a percent basis:

A+ 98% and above,	A 97 to 93%,	A- 92% to 90%
B+ 89% to 87%,	B 86% to 83%,	B- 82% to 80%
C+ 79% to 77%,	C 76% to 73%,	C- 72% to 70%
D+ 69% to 67%,	D 66% to 63%,	D- 62% to 60%
F 59% and below

All other grade options (Pass/No Pass, Incomplete, Audit) and dropping the class are the sole responsibility of the student. Incompletes will only be given at the written request of the student. The last day to drop with a full refund is the Friday of the first week of classes. The last day for all schedule changes is the Friday of the eighth week.

Required Text: A custom paperback text is available in the LCC bookstore for this class. The title is: Principles of Economics: Introduction to Economics. It is excerpted from The Economy Today, 13th Edition, Bradley Schiller, McGraw-Hill Irwin, (2013).

Additional materials distributed in class or available on the Instructor's webpage may also be assigned as required reading.

Disability Services: If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations through Disability Service. For more information, contact the Disability Services at (541) 463-5150 (voice) or 463-3079 (TTY), stop by Building 1, Room 218.

Equal Opportunity: LCC is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.  Lane is committed to equal opportunity in education and employment, affirmative action, diversity, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The college prohibits discrimination in admissions, employment and access to college programs, activities, and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, familial relationship, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, expunged juvenile record, or veteran status. This commitment is made by the college in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. For more information contact José Ortal, Director of Affirmative Action/Diversity/ Equal Opportunity, 463-5801.

Campus Construction: Lane campuses are being upgraded to improve the learning environment for students through local bond and state stimulus funding. Every effort is being made to minimize disruptions, which may include changed routes to classes, noise, dust, changed classrooms and access to services. Your patience and ability to be flexible are appreciated. To view construction projects by building, visit this web site: http://www.lanecc.edu/facilities/building.html  To report excessive noise or other construction-related issues that are negatively impacting your learning experience, contact your instructor.

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE:

Class meets:    MWF 10:00 Final is: 10:00 AM Mon. of Finals Week

MWF 12:00 Final is: 12:00 PM Mon. of Finals Week