Economics of Social Issues – Spring 2011 - Economics 2337-001 MWF 9:00 – 9:50 Room 239 Business Building Instructor: Ronnie Liggett, MBA, CPA Office: 318 Business Bldg. Office Hrs: MWF 10-11am, W 11:50-12:20 Phone: Office (817) 272-2635 Mailing Address: Economics Dept., Box 19479, UTA, Arlington, TX 76019 E-mail: [email protected] Material Required: Text: The Economics of Public Issues, 16th Ed., Miller Handouts / Readings / Postings - TBA Course Goal and Content : The goal of this course is to use economics as a window to observe social behavior and analyze pertinent social issues. A broad range of issues will be addressed to facilitate an understanding of the role of economics and its relationship to cultural development and social policies. In addition, class time will be spent discussing relevant current issues which arise, whether economic, social, or political. Attendance: Roll may be taken at each class. Students are expected to attend and participate in discussions. A seating chart will be used. If you regularly miss class, I will assume that the class is not very important to you. In addition, there will be a significant amount of material provided through lecture notes during class. You are responsible for these lecture notes. A note on class discussions – be aware that certain topics and issues may be controversial and stir the emotions of some students. Accordingly, please show respect for your fellow students and instructor, and refrain from soapbox displays. Testing: Test format will generally be a combination of multiple choice, true-false, and short answer. Students will be expected to show some competency in organizing and presenting short answer material. In addition, some graphing will be required. Scantrons will be required – Form 882E. Student Learning Outcomes: The student will be able to explain and discuss the course content as noted in the course and subject outline and demonstrate their knowledge of course material through examinations, quizzes, and class discussions. Grading: Tentative Dates Chapters Expected To Be Covered Test 1 - 100 pts Feb 11 1-6 Test 2 - 100 Mar 9 8-13 Test 3 - 100 Apr 11 15-16, 20-23 Test 4 - 100 - FINAL EXAM May 11 – 9 am 24-30 The above is in addition to lecture notes and handouts. Total Possible Points = 400 Grading Scale: A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 59% and below Course Breakdown: The above is a tentative schedule of material for each test. This schedule is subject to change. In addition, outside material may be assigned and/or discussed in class. The student will be responsible for this material. Extra Credit: Generally there is no formal extra credit. On occasion I might give a pop quiz or some other assignment. These are unannounced and might occur at anytime. There is NO MAKE-UP should you miss these. Disclaimer Regarding Syllabus: I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as the semester progresses. Students are responsible for being aware of these changes. Make-up Exam Policy: All students are expected to take the tests at the assigned time (not early or late). If for some reason you must miss a test, you should notify me beforehand. Make-up tests are for extenuating circumstances only. If a make-up is approved by the instructor, it will be given AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER DURING THE WEEK BEFORE FINAL EXAMS AND MAY CONSIST OF ESSAY QUESTIONS. Laptop Computer: Any laptops brought to class are to be used strictly for this class. I reserve the right to ask that laptops be turned off if there is any abuse in this area, i.e., surfing the web during class, shopping, e-mailing, etc. Other Course Content and Objectives: In various ways, the course will incorporate use of the basic intellectual competencies, i.e. – reading, writing and expression, speaking, listening and absorption of ideas, and critical thinking. Additionally, on a smaller scale, some computer literacy may be beneficial in the research and acquisition of additional information for topic areas appealing to the student or assigned by the instructor. The course will also examine and critique economic systems as they pertain to public policy and the current social and political environment as well as the historical development of some of these policies with a focus on possible solutions to issues of concern.E-Mail: E-Mail is to be used for academic purposes. Do not use e-mail to forward jokes or political views. Any harassing or profane e-mail will be reported to campus authorities and subject to disciplinary action. The following is a general course outline of topics and material to be covered - chronology may be different: Economic Growth / Basic Principles & Laws 1. Bureaucratic Decisions – FDA, Ethanol, and their Impact on Market Behavior. 2. Rich & Poor Nations 3. Supply & Demand Topics – Exa. Slave Redemption in Sudan, Use of Water, Drugs, Smoking & Prohibition The Business Cycle / More Supply & Demand and Labor Markets 1. Understanding Employment & Recessions – Economic History, What is a Recession? 2. Scarcity – Water Use 3. Price Controls – Rent Control & Minimum Wage 4. Smoking & Smuggling 5. Immigration Issues Fiscal Policy and Market Structures 1. Government Spending 2. Tax Issues – Exa. The Myths of Social Security, Tax Structure in America 3. National Debt Issues 4. Oil / OPEC/ Cartels 5. Mortgage Crisis International Issues / The Environment / Crime 1. Economics of Crime & Punishment 2. International – Exa. The Opposition to Free Trade, Understanding Free Trade 3. The Environment – Exa. The Trashman and Bison, Greenhouse Economics and Smog 4. The Graying of America Important Dates: Jan 17 – MLK Holiday Jan 18 – First Regular Class Day for UTA Students Mar 14-18 – Spring Break Apr 1 – Last Day for undergraduate Drops Apr 11-15 – Business Week May 6 – Last Class Day May 9-13 – Final Exam Week Grade Grievances: You have one calendar year from the date the grade is assigned to initiate any grievance. The normal academic channels are department chair, academic dean, and the Provost. Drop Policy: The instructor is not responsible for dropping you from class if you quit attending! It is the student’s responsibility to complete the course or withdraw from the course in accordance with University Regulations. Students are strongly encouraged to verify their grade status