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Macroeconomics Econ 251-060 Online (could include other section numbers such as 004) Bart Womack, Associate Professor of Economics |
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The only thing that keeps you from living in a third world environment is the economic system that surrounds you. Many talented people in the world cannot remove themselves from poverty because of the poorly constructed economic system that surrounds them. The goal of studying economics is to learn what crucial elements contribute to your ability to enjoy a high standard of living and those that do not. In Macroeconomics we will look at big-picture items including supply and demand, the danger of price controls, the role of government in free markets, international trade, international finance, currency exchange rates, purchasing power parity, the balance of payments, elements of long-run economic growth, inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, economic models explaining changes in the business cycle, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and the money supply. The application of economics to the financial markets is stressed along with economic indicators. |
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You need basic math, reading and writing skills. You also need to be able to work independently and to manage your time well. Formal prerequisites include Reading 095 or Accuplacor Cutoff Reading score of 58-80. English 099 or Accuplacor Cutoff English score of 85 -120. Math 096 or Accuplacor Cutoff Math score greater than 61 Algebra. |
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The course begins Monday, August 24, 2009 and ends December 16, 2009. |
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Bart
Womack – Associate Professor of Economics and Finance |
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Students taking this course will be using an internet site called “Aplia” to reinforce concepts and will do graded homework there but will do other work and take exams at the SJC course website - so you will be using two internet sites for this course.
You will need the following materials to complete this course successfully: · A reliable, modern computer with the ability to use all items at the Aplia course web site and the SJC course web site. · A high speed Internet connection. · Course Text - Macroeconomics by Krugman & Wells – 2nd Edition · Access to the Aplia internet course site – see below I strongly advise you to wait until you have a Microsoft Word and good Internet connection before taking this course. |
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Will I have to meet face-to-face with the instructor or other students?
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Our one and only face-to- face meeting is an
optional course orientation: · If you live within driving distance of SJC, I've scheduled an in-person orientation for Room 1200b on Friday, August 28 at 5:30 PM. During the orientation, you will learn how to log in and navigate through the course's online classroom, stressing both internet sites used in the course. |
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Will the course be hard for me?
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This can be a difficult course whether it’s taken online or in the classroom. During the semester you will need to read 15 chapters from your textbook, complete homework for each chapter, and take a timed exam after each chapter. You will also complete a project oriented to interpreting economic indicators. The best reinforcement tools come from homework you complete at the Aplia site as well as the self test you should try before taking the exam. PowerPoint presentations, flashcards and practice at mastering your understanding after each chapter are also available.
Points will be earned from 15 chapter exams (65%), 1 project (20%), and chapter homework assignments (15%). |
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You will need to spend as much time on this online course as you would in any other course. On-line courses aren’t easier. In fact, many students find them more difficult because you don’t have the regular face-to-face instructor contact and the support of other students. This means that students attempting a distance class must have superior motivation if they are to succeed in any distance course because of the lack of personal contact provided by the instructor. |
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Not really. Chapter exams begin right away and fall 1 week apart, so you can’t dely in getting fully integrated into the course. You need to read a chapter, move through concept and application reinforcement exercises and then take the chapter exam. You can work ahead in the course. The Due Date represents the latest date any assignment or exam can be completed or turned in. |
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How will we communicate during the course? |
Most communication will occur through email at my email address: Womackb@sanjuancollege.edu. My phone number is 505-566-3303 if you need to talk to me directly. You need to send me your best email address and preferred phone number. Be sure your email address has your name such as “Jim Smith <Jsmith23@mysanjuancollege.edu>” Otherwise I cannot email you. |
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What do I need to do if I decide to take this course?
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The course space is limited. If you enroll and then don’t participate, or drop the course early on, you will deprive another student (who may not have other options for completing the course) of this opportunity. If you are serious about taking the course online, follow these steps:
1. Register for the course.
2. Most students will want to buy their text at the Aplia site because it is cheaper than buying the text from the SJC bookstore. The cheapest option is to use the electronic version of the text supplied by Aplia (once you have gained access to the Aplia course site). You can also order a printed text from Aplia at the same site for an additional charge. Your total costs even with the printed text from Aplia will not be higher than buying the text separately from the SJC bookstore. So you get a good deal at the Aplia site. You can also purchase your text at the San Juan College Bookstore but you must also purchase a card that allows you to gain access to the Aplia course site. The card is an extra charge – so this is the more expensive option. Below is a set of instructions that will get you started:
Aplia Student Registration and Payment Instructions
Course Name: Womack, Macroeconomics (Krugman), Fall 2009 Start Date: 08/24/2009 Instructor: Bart Womack Course Key: 3PYZ-6SW8-2Z2L
You can begin working on your homework as soon as you register!
Registration
If you have never used Aplia before...
1. Connect to http://www.aplia.com. 2. Click the New Student link and enter your Course Key: 3PYZ-6SW8-2Z2L. Continue following the instructions to complete your registration.
If you have used Aplia before...
1. Connect to http://www.aplia.com.
2. Sign in with your usual e-mail address and password and enter your Course Key when prompted: 3PYZ-6SW8-2Z2L. If you are not prompted for a new Course Key, click the Enter Course Key button to enroll in a new Aplia course. Enter your Course Key when you are prompted.
* You will have different payment options after you register for your course. If you choose to pay later, you can use Aplia without paying until 11:59 PM on 09/13/2009.
Payment
Option 1: Digital Textbook with Aplia Access
From Aplia: Purchase access to your course from Aplia's website for $80.00 USD.
From Bookstore: Purchase an Aplia Access Card from your campus bookstore.
Option 2: Physical Textbook with Aplia Access (also includes digital textbook)
From Aplia: Purchase access to your course for $80.00 USD and a physical book for $50.00 USD from Aplia's website.
From Bookstore: Purchase an Aplia Access Card and a physical book together as a bundle from your campus bookstore.
* If you purchased an Aplia Access Card from a bookstore, enter the Access Card's payment code on Aplia's website as payment for your Aplia course.
* You will have access to your digital textbook up until the end of this course. Note - exams begin right away and fall 1 week apart so don’t dely getting fully integrated into the course! |
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¯ What is this course? ¯ What are the prerequisites? ¯ When does this course begin and end? ¯ Who is teaching this course? ¯ What materials will I need ? ¯ Will I have to meet face-to-face with the instructor or other students? ¯ Will the course be hard for me? ¯ How much time will I have to spend per week on this course? ¯ Can I go at my own pace? ¯ What do I need to do if I decide to take this course? ¯ |
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