Course Description

Economics provides a useful perspective and set of tools for analyzing and interpreting the world around us. Economics 201, a microeconomics course, focuses on the small subsets of the economies, such as individual consumers, producers, and governments. We examine the decisions made by these groups, and we will use a variety of frameworks for analyzing such decisions, including supply and demand, utility/profit maximization, and game theory. We will explore in detail how markets function, and understand how, in theory, markets lead to efficient outcomes through perfect competition. We will then loosen some assumptions to see how markets operate under more realistic conditions, including monopolist, oligopolist, and monopolistically competitive frameworks. We will also explore other conditions under which markets fail, i.e. lead to inefficient outcomes, such as when there are externalities, public goods, or imperfect information. 

We will be using the online learning management system called Canvas, which can be accessed at https://bc.instructure.com .  You should use your BC login and password.  (For example, my login is grace.robbings as set by the BC network.)  If you have any problems with accessing your account, you should contact the Help Desk. http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/helpdesk/students/

Canvas is where you can find access to our learning material, video lectures, supplemental readings, discussions boards, quizzes, and homework.

Textbook

The textbook we will be using for this course is written by Timothy Taylor provided under a Creative Commons License. “Creative Commons (Links to an external site.) develops, supports, and stewards legal and technical infrastructure that maximizes digital creativity, sharing, and innovation.” Specifically, our textbook uses a CC-BY license. 

The textbook can be read online here http://cnx.org/contents/aWGdK2jw@11.302:JgDXaOLP@11/Introduction or use the "Textbook" tab on the left hand navigation

You can also download a pdf version of the book from https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/principles-of-economics/get or use this copy PrinciplesOfEconomics-LR.pdf

If you choose to purchase a physical copy of the textbook, you could find Taylor's Principles of Microeconomics textbook on Amazon.com for around $30. (http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Microeconomics-OpenStax-College/dp/1938168240/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451869668&sr=8-1&keywords=openstax+college+microeconomics)

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to: 

• help in creating a positive learning environment. 
• log into the classroom daily (at least 4 times per week) and keep up to date with all messages and announcements. 
• know and meet the deadlines for all assignments and exams.  Please note that no make-up assignments or exams are offered! 
• come for extra help before small misunderstandings become major learning gaps. 
• gain access to the internet.  Students should maintain access and cope with any technology problems, including viruses, that involve your own machine or software. 
• know BC’s policies on withdrawing and other quarterly commitments
• complete their own work and be familiar with Student Code of Conduct at Bellevue College, especially with respect to cheating, stealing, and plagiarizing. 

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on the following weights: 

Reading Comprehension - 10%

We will be using a free, online, open source textbook available at http://cnx.org/contents/aWGdK2jw@11.302:JgDXaOLP@11/Introduction. There will be a number of readings assigned each week, and they are all available through the website listed above (free), through a downloadable pdf of the textbook (free), or through a physical copy of the textbook (purchased by the student). There are two assignments with each reading, a reading assignment of comprehension questions (which are graded on effort as well as accuracy) and a reading response discussion board (which are graded based on substance and depth). The Reading Comprehension assignments are designed to help students focus on the most important concepts from the textbook readings. Think of them as a study guide for the readings. I would recommend reviewing the questions before reading the textbook, viewing the video lectures, and then answering the questions. More information about the structure and grading of these assignments can be found at the start of each assignment. In general the reading comprehension questions are due on Friday evening at 11:59pm. You can find links to the assignments in the learning module for each week, or you can go to the “Assignments” tab in the left-hand navigation to see a list of all assignments to date, or you can see the assignments on the "Calendar" at the top right hand corner of Canvas.

Reading Response Discussion- 10%

We will be using a free, online, open source textbook available at http://cnx.org/contents/aWGdK2jw@11.302:JgDXaOLP@11/Introduction. There will be a number of readings assigned each week, and they are all available through the website listed above (free), through a downloadable pdf of the textbook (free), or through a physical copy of the textbook (purchased by the student). There are two assignments with each reading, a reading assignment of comprehension questions (which are graded on effort as well as accuracy) and a reading response discussion board (which are graded based on substance and depth). The Reading Response Discussion assignments are designed to get you thinking about and connecting the new information from the class with your existing knowledge, as well as benefiting from the connections your peers have made. More information about the structure and grading of these assignments can be found at the start of each assignment. In general the discussion board requires one post by Friday evening at 11:59pm and another post by the following Monday at 11:59pm. You can find links to the assignments in the learning module for each week, or you can go to the “Assignments” tab in the left-hand navigation to see a list of all assignments to date, or you can see the assignments on the "Calendar" at the top right hand corner of Canvas.

Application Assignments - 20%

These activities are designed for the application of economic concepts and theories to real world examples. These assignments will vary each week and will be submitted in Canvas on Tuesday evenings at 11:59pm. (Please note that your instructor has office hours for the majority of the day on Tuesdays so that you will be able to contact her with your questions before the application assignments are due.) Some will be discussion boards, some will be calculation based assignments, some will be writing assignments, depending on the material for the week. You can find links to the assignments in the learning module for each week, or you can go to the “Assignments” tab in the left-hand navigation to see a list of all assignments to date, or you can see the assignments on the "Calendar" at the top right hand corner of Canvas. Since the assignments are peer reviewed, you must submit the assignment by the deadline in order to review a peer's assignment and have your assignment reviewed. 

Peer Review of Application Assignments - 10%

The peer reviews serves two purposes: (1) you will learn even more by reviewing the solutions and coaching your peers on areas of strength and weakness (you learn most when you're teaching others), which will help you identify your own areas of strength of weakness, and (2) you will receive some feedback from peers on your assignments more quickly than the instructor could do for the entire class of students by herself. After the deadline for the application assignment has passed, you will have access to the solutions (page or video). Provide feedback on your peer's work based on the solutions. You can find your peer's assignment by opening your own application assignment and clicking on the "Peer Review" tab on the right hand side. You can also see the assignment in your "To Do" list as you log into the course. 

Exams 1 & 2 - 30%

The two midterm exams will be completed in Canvas. They are comprised of multiple choice and essay questions based on a news article. The midterm exams are due at the end of the fourth and eighth weeks of the quarter. There are many ungraded practice quizzes found in each module to help you prepare for the multiple choice questions on the midterm and final exams. The application assignments and online discussions will help you prepare for the essay questions on the exam. 

Final Exam - 20%

The final exam will be completed in Canvas. It is comprised of multiple choice and essay questions. The final exam is due during the Final Exam period as designated by Bellevue College. There are many ungraded practice quizzes found in each module to help you prepare for the multiple choice questions on the midterm and final exams. The application assignments and online discussions will help you prepare for the essay questions on the exam. 

Preventing Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty occurring when students use information or material from outside sources without properly citing them. This is grounds for disciplinary action. It is your responsibility to understand plagiarism and its consequences. Plagiarism occurs if:

• You do not cite quotations and/or attribute borrowed ideas.
• You fail to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks.
• You do not write summaries and paraphrases in your own words and/or do not document your source.
• You turn in work created by another person.
• You submit or use your own prior work for a current or past course, or work from one current course in another course without express permission from your professors.  This may also be considered academic dishonesty.

In order to help identify (and therefore hopefully avoid) plagiarism, we will be using a service called turnitin.com, which checks your written work against other sources to check for originality.  You can check your originality score after you submit your written work in Canvas. 

If it is determined that you have plagiarized or engaged in other forms of academic dishonesty, you will fail the assignment and possibly the course, despite points earned through other work. Acts of academic dishonesty are reviewed for disciplinary action. 

Please see the following Writing Lab link for more information regarding plagiarism:  http://bellevuecollege.edu/writinglab/Plagiarism.html

Campus Resources

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a disability or learning challenge for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact us as soon as possible. 

If you are a person who requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire, earthquake, etc, please meet with your individual instructors to develop a safety plan within the first week of the quarter.

If you are a student with a documented autism spectrum disorder, there is an additional access program available to you. Contact asn@bellevuecollege.edu or 425.564.2764. ASN is located in the Library Media Center in D125.  www.bellevuecollege.edu/autismspectrumnavigators/ (Links to an external site.)

The DRC office is located in B132 or you can call our reception desk at 425.564.2498. Deaf students can reach us by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110. Please visit our website for application information into our program and other helpful links at www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc (Links to an external site.)

The Writing Lab – D204-d            

http://bellevuecollege.edu/asc/writing

Monday – Thursday                8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday                                      8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday              11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Writing Lab is a place where you can work on developing college-level writing skills. As a student, you can receive personalized feedback on your writing for class, college applications, or short personal correspondence. Tutors can listen to your ideas and help you develop strategies to see and avoid significant errors.

Students can drop in any time the Writing Lab is open as well as make an appointment. We recommend visiting the lab at least two days before a paper is due. A tutoring session is a 35-minute, face-to-face conversation to discuss your writing. The tutor will not fix your paper but will work with you to identify areas to revise independently.  

Math Lab (Academic Success Center)

Students who are enrolled in a math class can stop by D-207 for help on math related problems. 

Academic Tutoring (Academic Success Center)

Drop-in or individual tutoring may be available for students with a grade of C or below.  Please stop by D-204 to ask about eligibility and/or to apply.  There is a Business and Economics Study Center located in C207K which offers economics and business students drop-in help.

MCS – Multicultural Services

MCS has a very friendly staff who can answer any questions or provide help in a variety of areas.  They can help you plan to complete college successfully, help you with financial aid application process, help you select classes, connect you with campus resources, help you talk with instructors, connect you with community resources that can help you with food, transportation, and temporary housing challenges, and generally support you in overcoming non-academic and academic challenges.  They are located in the B-building above the bookstore. 

TriO

The TriO program provides extensive academic support, personal assistance, and financial aid guidance for students who qualify (first generation college students, low-income students, or students with a documented disability).

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCE DIVISION

Spring  2011

Bellevue College’s Affirmation of Inclusion

BellevueCollege is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and discrimination. We value our different backgrounds at BC, and students, faculty, staff members, and administrators are to treat one another with dignity and respect.

The college’s “Affirmation of Inclusion” is in line with the principle of free speech in a free society: we have the right to express unpopular ideas as long as we don’t show disrespect for reasonable people who might believe otherwise.  In an online course, you will be expressing ideas through the medium of the course site rather than face to face in the classroom.  In that case, these expectations refer to the courtesy with which you communicate with one another through e-mails and e-discussions. Part of this respect involves professional behavior towards the instructor, colleagues, and the class itself. 

Cheating, Stealing, and Plagiarizing* and Inappropriate Behavior

Cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (using the ideas or words of another as one’s own without crediting the source) and inappropriate/disruptive behavior are violations of the Student Code of Conduct at BellevueCollege.  Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to: plagiarizing material from the Internet and posting rude or personal attacks in discussions.  When you are in doubt about any behavior, please consult your instructor.  In addition, you may wish to review the general applicable rules of cyberspace, such as in the Core Rules of Netiquette.    The instructor reserves the right to remove posted messages, and downgrade assessments as a result of these types of behaviors.   The instructor can refer any violation of the Student Code of Conduct to the Vice President of Student Services for possible probation or suspension from Bellevue College.  Specific student rights, responsibilities and appeal procedures are listed in the Student Code of Conduct, available in the office of the Vice President of Student Services, link to Student Code.

Incomplete

If a student fails to complete all the required work for a course, an instructor may assign the grade of Incomplete (“I”).  It is the student’s responsibility for maintaining contact and adhering to the agreed-upon actions.  Vista class sites, and material, may not be directly accessible after the end of the quarter so it important to make arrangements before the quarter ends.  The student must complete the coursework by the end of the next quarter, or receive the assigned letter grade (usually an “F”).  There is a standard form that instructors have access to in their instructor’s grade briefcase.

F Grade

Students who fail a course will receive a letter grade of "F.”

Final Examination Schedule

Please refer to the syllabus at the start of the quarter for additional details and contact the instructor directly for any clarifications.  A student who is not in compliance with the scheduled format may forfeit the right to make up the examination.  If, for illness or some other circumstance beyond the student's control, the student is unable to be in compliance with any scheduled examination and has contacted the instructor on a timely basis, the student may be permitted to take such examination at a time designated by the instructor.

Withdrawal From Class

Academic Year: College policy states that students must formally withdraw from a class by the end of the seventh week of the quarter (Registration Office, B125).  If a student has not withdrawn by that date, an appropriate letter grade will be assigned for the course.

Summer Quarter: College policy states that students must formally withdraw from a class by the end of the fifth week of the quarter (Registration Office, B125). After the sixth day and through the end of the fifth week of the quarter, the “W” grade will become part of the student’s transcript record.

Check Enrollment Calendar Deadlines, Refunds/Withdrawals, for additional details.  As with most enrollment deadlines, it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of these dates and act accordingly.

Hardship Withdrawal (HW)

From page 9 of the current course catalog, 2008-2009 online catalog, HW indicates a withdrawal request made because of extenuating circumstances after the official withdrawal period is over.  The student must contact the instructor to request this withdrawal option, or the faculty member may initiate the contact.  No points are calculated into the grade-point average. Students may also contact the Enrollment Services office BEFORE grades are assigned in cases of hardship.

Students Who Require Disability Accommodations:

Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) link to DRC.  The office is located in B132 (telephone 425.564.2498 or TTY 425.564.4110, email drc@bellevuecollege.edu).  Students will need to establish their eligibility for accommodation.  The DRC office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter or contact your online instructor directly by email. Students who require accommodation in a course should review the DRC accommodation letter with each instructor during the first week of the quarter. 

Distribution of Grades

Students should access their grades through the BC Web site.  Any returned material should be accessed prior to the end of the quarter.   After the end of the quarter, Vista class sites may not be accessible by students.  Individual instructors may use non-Vista tools for recording and maintaining the students’ progress.  Questions about grades assigned should be initially directed to your instructor.

Submission and Returning of Papers, Assignments and Assessments:

Specific guidelines for taking exams and submitting assignments are published in the syllabus.  Please contact instructor at the start of the quarter for any clarifications.

*If you are accused of cheating, stealing exams and/or plagiarism, there is a Bellevue College Student Discipline and Appeals Procedure (the right to due process) which you may pursue.  Contact the office of Division Chair (D110), the Vice President of Student Services (B231A) or the Associated Student Body (C212) for information regarding the appeals process.

Course Calendar

The most up-to-date information about the course schedule and assignment deadlines can be found on Canvas. However, to give you a sense of how we will move through the quarter: