INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS WEB PAGE
Dr. Jac Heckelman
110 Carswell Hall
758-5923
email: heckeljc@wfu.edu
Office hours: open (or by appointment)
ECN
150 is a one-semester introduction to economics. It is intended as a primer
for students who wish to have a basic understanding of important economic concepts,
and provides fundamentals for the intermediate sequences in microeconomics and
macroeconomics. In this course you will learn to think analytically and develop
graphing skills to display ideas. We will also concentrate on developing economic
literacy by discussing journalistic articles and through writing assignments.
BOOKS
Mankiw, Principles
of Economics (4th Edition)
Hamermesh, Economics is Everywhere (2nd Edition)
GRADING
3 Section Exams: 25% each
Homework: 15%
Participation: 10%
HOMEWORK
Chapter problem sets are to be taken on-line at the
Aplia website. Additional tools and practice can be utilized there
as well and practice quizzes here can be repeated to prepare for upcoming exams. Instructions for Aplia registration are found here.
Dates for homeworks, in-class assignments, and exams will be announced (once)
in class as we progress. The dates will also appear on the Aplia page. NOTE: Aplia does not accept late homeworks. Answers to the graded questions are made available as soon as the due date time passes and the site will not count any attempts after this. Be sure to complete the assignments on-time. The homework average for this portion will be a combination of the the Aplia scores and completion rate of the assignments. There is no excuse not to have a 100% completion rate. Computer problems or other personal issues can arise from time to time so do not wait until the last minute. Credit for Aplia assignments after the due time is not possible for any reason.
There will be an opportunity for extra-credit by attending any one screening of the Economics Film Series and writing a 2-3 page
summary of the film, concentrating on its economic content and significance. This is not meant to be a pure plot summary of the entire film. Be sure to include your perspective on the economic themes in the film. You must sign-in at the screening to receive credit for the paper. The extra-credit will only have an impact on a borderline final grade. Only one extra-credit paper will be accepted.
PARTICIPATION
Specific issues will be discusssed in class. It is imperitive to keep up in
the assigned readings. Readings are listed on the syllabus portion below and also on the Aplia site.
For the Hamermesh chapter readings, students are to prepare responses to any two vignettes of their choosing. Students
will be called at random (?) to read their selected vignette and present their response. For the
on-line readings marked by *,
students will be called on to present the main points from
the reading, and to answer questions, then general class discussion will follow. Students are to prepare a one page summary of the reading, and a one or two paragraph defended reaction (i.e. agreement or disagreement with the concepts within the context of course material).
These assignments may or may not be collected. To receive credit if collected, students must TYPE their responses and hand in at the end of that class, identifying each of their responses by the particular vignette number. Alternatively, students may also email their responses in an attached file PRIOR to the start of that class. Emailed assignments received after the start of class will not be counted.
Active participation does not mean merely attending class on a regular basis. Students are expected to contribute to the classroom environment by asking and answering questions and actively participating in discussions.
All cell phones are to be turned off before entering class. Any cell phone that rings during class will be taken away.
READING LIST
KEY:
Mankiw textbook (Chapters)
Hamermesh (Chapter)
readings available on-line
Chapter 1 Ten Principles of Economics
Chapter 2 Thinking Like an Economist
Chapter 2 Appendix Graphing: A Brief Review (responsible on your own)
Chapter 3 Interdependence and Gains from Trade
Chapter 20 (20.1 - 20.11)
Chapter 4 Market Forces of Demand and Supply
Chapter 2, 3
Chapter 5 Elasticity and its Application
Chapter 6 Supply, Demand and Government Policies
EXAM 1
Chapter 7 Consumers, Producers, and the Efficiency of Markets
Chapter 6 (6.1 - 6.15)
Chapter 8 Application: The Costs of Taxation
Chapter 19 (19.11 - 19.18)
Chapter 10 Externalities
Chapter 11 Public Goods and Common Resources
Chapter 18 (18.1 - 18.8)
Great Gas-out
Chapter 19 Earnings and Discrimination
Chapter 22 Frontiers of Microeconomics
EXAM 2
Chapter 23 Measuring a Nation's Income
Chapter 24 Measuring the Cost of Living
Chapter 25 Production and Growth
Chapter 26 Saving, Investment and the Financial System
Chapter 27 The Basic Tools of Finance
The name is bonds
Index definitions
Why Does the Government Patronize Us? *
Proposal Borders on the Ridiculous *
Chapter 28 The Natural Rate of Unemployment
Stand Up to Corporate Giant *
Don't Blame Walmart *
EXAM 3
