Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor
Dr. Jennifer Davidson
402-472-3805
Hawks Hall 525G, Economics Department
Office hours by appointment, call or email anytime. I generally respond within 12 hours and certainly within 24 hours. We can jump on a Zoom video conference or make an appointment to do so if you like.
No Financial Cost Tutoring. Make an appointment with Donnie. Details
- Reminder when on campus: UNL mask requirement policy!
Course Description
Introduction to economic reasoning and methods. Consumer choice, resources, decision making under constraints, supply, demand, markets, economic welfare analysis, measurement, prices, employment, money and interest rates. Economic policy and limitations are evaluated. Credit towards the degree cannot be earned in both ECON 200 and ECON 211 and/or ECON 212.
Course Prerequisites
- For Non-CoB students only; 12 credit hours; Letter grade only.
- Econ 200 fulfills the Economics requirement for the minor in business administration for non-business students and is part of a six course sequence for the minor.
- Credit towards the degree cannot be earned in both ECON 200 and ECON 211 and/or 212.
Course Objectives
Ace Outcomes
This class satisfies the requirements for ACE outcomes:
- ACE 6: Use knowledge, theories, and research methods appropriate to the social sciences to understand and evaluate social systems or human behaviors.
- ACE 8: Use knowledge, theories, and analysis to explain ethical principles and their importance in society.
Our basic method is to model the behavior of consumers and producers with supply and demand, and how they interact in a market setting (Outcome 6). We will also discuss the equity and efficiency of market outcomes, and what role, if any, there is for government in markets (Outcome 8).
Canvas Information
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.
- The URL to access Canvas is: http://canvas.unl.edu
- For Canvas, passwords, or any other computer-related technical support contact the IT Help Center.
- Phone: 402-472-3970
- Website: http://mysupport.unl.edu/
- Submit a support ticket: mysupport@unl.edu
The Canvas site for this class will be used extensively. Homework assignments, and various other class-related materials will be posted on the site. I will correspond through the announcement feature and/or email. You are responsible to have notifications enabled and/or to check this regularly so you do not miss any important information regarding the class.
Textbook & Required Materials
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The required course materials (CONNECT) for this course will be delivered through UNL’s Inclusive Access Program. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE ANY MATERIALS PRIOR TO COMING TO CLASS! Navigate to the McGraw Hill menu item on the left to set up. Details here.
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This program is offered through the UNL Bookstore to ensure that students receive the best price available for their course materials. Inclusive Access allows you to access to the CONNECT from the First Day of Classes and begin working on your assignments immediately. To access your materials, on the first day of class, login to CANVAS and access your course. When you click on an assignment you will be prompted to enter your email/personal information and will then be granted access to CONNECT. You will not be asked for payment when you sign in. Instead, a charge will be placed directly on your student account by the bookstore after the add drop period. If you drop the course within the add drop period, the charge for materials will be credited to your account. If you would like to purchase an optional print loose-leaf text, they will be available in the bookstore.
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- Required: Connect Master Access for Principles of Economics, Asarta & Butters, Copyright 2018.
- Optional: I recommend the print companion. A copy of the loose leaf version is available for purchase directly through Connect via the student view or at the UNL bookstore. Details to purchase directly from McGraw Hill for $25.
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We will use ProctorU for online exam proctoring. ProctorU is available 24/7. There is a $6 per exam fee associated with this service that you will be expected to cover.
- We will watch two full length documentaries. These videos are often streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime, on a free site like PBS.org, or available for rent through Amazon at $3.99.
Graded Materials
Connect Assignments
There are weekly assignments through McGraw Hill Connect. To access the assignments you must register for our Connect course. This will automatically be accomplished by clicking on the first assignment titled Fundamentals - Videos. From here you can purchase an access code directly from McGraw Hill. If you have any technical issues or questions on Connect, please call Connect directly at 800-331-5094.
Connect Assignments have three parts: Videos(optional), Learn Smart, and Problem Sets: In this course there are three types of assignments that go with each topic, short explanatory videos (optional), Learn Smart, and problem sets. All will be accessed through Canvas and done on the Connect site. You will first complete the video assignments where you will be introduced to the topic and answer a few multiple choice questions related to the video. Then you will complete the Learn Smart assignment. Learn Smart is an adaptive learning engine that introduces you to the topic and helps build a basic understanding. Grades for Learn Smart will be based on completion. For example, if you complete 100% of the Learn Smart for the Demand topic you will receive a total of 5 points. If you complete only 70% of the Learn Smart for the Demand topic you will receive 3.5 points (70% of 5). There will be one Learn Smart for each topic.
The problems for each topic are practice example problems. Grades for the problems will be based on accuracy. You will have two attempts at each problem within the homework. Your grade from each homework will be based on your highest score.
Yellowdig
Yellowdig is an online social media type site designed for discussion around current events. We will use this as our primary tool for student connection and to find/apply economics in the real world. You will find detailed instructions on posting and points when you click on Yellowdig in Modules.
Analysis/Reflection Assignments - 2 Documentary, 1 Reading
You will watch two documentaries and do a chapter reading. You are to write a 300-400 word reflection on the each assignment. You can discuss what you learned, what made you angry, if you noticed any biases, and any economic content you noticed, etc. There is no right or wrong here. Grading will be based on a well thought out, well written paper. That said, from your writing I must be able to tell that you watched the video and/or read the assignment; be sure to refer to what’s in the documentary/reading. These videos are often streaming on Netflix or available for rent through Amazon at $3.99. The reading is posted as a pdf. Due dates and movie titles are noted in the course timeline.
Exams
Throughout the semester there are three (3) exams. The last exam is not comprehensive. Please see timeline for exam dates.
There will be no make-up exams. Exams will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. You have 65 minutes to complete each exam. You may use scratch paper, a calculator (not your phone) and an 8 ½ x 11 one sided sheet of notes for each exam. Your scores will be posted in Canvas. Please visit my office hours, call me, or email me to set up a Zoom appointment go over any missed problems, questions, etc.
Exams will be online from the comfort of your home and will be proctored using ProctorU. More details on using Proctor U can be found below.
Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in an F for the course as well as a letter written to the Dean of Students which could result in the students(s) being expelled! All parties involved will be considered cheating.
ProctorU Test Proctoring
ProctorU is an online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home. ProctorU is available 24/7. Creating a ProctorU account is simple. You should do so before you need to take your exam. There is a $6 per exam fee associated with this service that you will be expected to cover.
In order to use ProctorU, you will need a high-speed internet connection, a webcam (internal or external), a Windows or Apple operating system, and a government issued photo ID. ProctorU strongly recommends that you visit http://go.proctoru.com after creating your account to test out your equipment prior to your exam. Simply click on the “Test My Equipment” button located at the top of the screen. Please make sure that you are using the current version of your browser and have downloaded the ProctorU extension for Chrome or Firefox.
Additionally, please visit and review the Proctor U Student Guide and the College of Business Student Guide for additional information. Please feel free to direct any questions to the test taker support team via the live chat within your ProctorU account.
Grading Policies
| Assignment Category | Total Point Value |
|---|---|
| Three Exams - 100, 100, 100 points | 300 |
| 17 Learn Smart Assignments in Connect – 5 points each | 85 |
| 17 Homework Problem Sets in Connect – 5 points each | 85 |
| 3 Reflections – 15 points each | 45 |
| Yellowdig | 80 |
| Course Total | 595 points |
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 97.00 – 100.00% | A+ |
| 93.00 – 96.99% | A |
| 90.00 – 92.99% | A- |
| 87.00 – 89.99% | B+ |
| 83.00 – 86.99% | B |
| 80.00 – 82.99% | B- |
| 77.00 – 79.99% | C+ |
| 73.00 – 76.99% | C |
| 70.00 – 72.99% | C- |
| 67.00 – 69.99% | D+ |
| 63.00 – 66.99% | D |
| 60.00 – 62.99% | D- |
| There will be no rounding in this class, if you get an 89.9999999999999999999% that will still be a B+ and there will be no exceptions to this. Do not waste your time at the end of the semester emailing me to consider rounding up your score as it will not be done. | |
Course Outline Details
In this 15 week course, you will be responsible for one to two economic topics most weeks. Weeks run from Monday to Monday (except finals week ends on Wednesday) All assignments for the week are due the closing Monday of the week at 11:59pm. Make sure to refer to and follow the course timeline. Each topic will include two assignments in Connect: videos(optional), Learn Smart, and homework problems. In addition to the Connect assignments, you will have 3 exams, 3 short documentary reflection assignments, 1 short reading reflection assignment, and current event/interactions/posts in Yellowdig.
Economics is a subject that builds upon itself so if you do not understand something in the beginning I encourage you to seek help form me, a classmate, or a tutor when needed. Stay up on the material. Do not put it off until the week of the exams.
No Late Work Accepted!
| Work Week | Connect Topic | Assignments Due |
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Week 1 Aug 17 - 24 |
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Week 2 Aug 24 - Aug 31 |
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Week 3 Aug 31 - Sept 7 |
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Week 4 Sept 7 - 14 |
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Week 5 Sept 14 - 21 |
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Week 6 Sept 21 - 28 |
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Week 7 Sept 28 - Oct 5 |
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Week 8 Oct 5 - 12 |
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Week 9 Oct 12 - 19 |
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Week 10 Oct 19 - 26 |
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Week 11 Oct 26 - Nov 2 |
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Week 12 Nov 2 - 9 |
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Week 13 Nov 9 - 16 |
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Week 14 Nov 16 - 23 |
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Week 15 Nov 21 - 25 |
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Course and University Policies
Accessibility Support
The University strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options privately. To establish reasonable accommodations, I may request that you register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). If you are eligible for services and register with their office, make arrangements with me as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations so they can be implemented in a timely manner. SSD contact information: 117 Louise Pound Hall.; 402-472-3787
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is essential to the existence and integrity of an academic institution. The responsibility for maintaining that integrity is shared by all members of the academic community. The University's Student Code of Conduct addresses academic dishonesty. Students who commit acts of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action and are granted due process and the right to appeal any decision.
College of Business students are held to the standards set by the UNL Student Code of Conduct. In the Student Code of Conduct, acts of dishonesty are specified as, but not limited to: cheating, fabrication or falsification, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, falsifying grade reports, impermissible collaboration, or misrepresentation to avoid academic work. The penalties for academic dishonesty will be severe and may range from receiving a failing grade on the test or assignment, failing the course in which academic dishonesty took place, or the possibility of expulsion from the university.
Writing Support
The Writing Center can provide you with meaningful support as you write for this class as well as every course in which you enroll. Trained undergraduate and graduate peer consultants are available to talk with you about all forms of communication. You are welcome to bring in everything from lab reports, presentations, and research papers to cover letters, application essays, and graduate theses and dissertations. Writing Center Consultants can work with you at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and organizing your ideas through polishing a final draft.
In 2020-21, there are two ways you can connect with a Consultant: Online (a real-time, video conversation) and eTutoring (email feedback). To learn more about these options and view video tutorials, please visit https://www.unl.edu/writing/online-writing-center-services. Sign up any time by visiting unl.mywconline.com. For more information about the Writing Center, please visit unl.edu/writing.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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