Academic Warning, Probation, DismissalPrerequisite Introductory courses in micro and macro economics (Econ 211 & Econ 212)Instructor Dr. Jacqueline KhorassaniE-mail [email protected] http://www.marietta.edu/~khorassjWebCThttps://webct.marietta.edu Use this device to 1. see the course contract2. access the discussion board3. see your grades4. see the weekly study guides and class slides5. see the course announcements6. send me private emailsOffice Hours & LocationMWF: 10:00-11:00 TTH: 13:00-14:00 (with the exception of January 27 and April 7) and by appointment Spring 2009International Economics: Econ 414 Course Contract 1Course DescriptionThis course promotes an understanding of the economic causes and consequences of international exchange. You may think: "But, we have already discussed supply and demand and trading in a variety of markets. What is so special about international trade? How is an international transaction different from a transaction within a nation?" Well, in many ways an international trade is no different from an exchange within a nation. After all, individuals and firms have the same set of motives and behavior regardless of whom they buy from and whom they sell to. Yet, international exchange raises new and different concerns. The reason is that it occurs between independent nations. The auto shipments from the USA to Ireland may be disrupted ifthe Ireland’s government imposes a new quota against American cars. Also, a sharp depreciation in the US dollar against the euro will suddenly make American cars cheaper to Irish consumers. Neither of the above events can happen within a given country.Course ObjectivesUpon the completion of this course you should be able to analyze the- reasons for international trade- gains from trade, the pattern of trade- effects of free trade versus protectionism- exchange rates and their impacts on international trade- linkage between international trade and domestic economy - international trade and monetary policies. 2My Teaching PhilosophyI believe that straight lecturing (whether on line or off line) is not the most effective way to teach economics. I also believe that you are capable of studying and understanding most of the material covered in the book on your own if you give it your best shot. Thus, I am not going to repeat or summarize the chapters of your textbook for you. In other words, I am not going to be a transmitter of knowledge. Rather I view myself as designer. Further, I view students as knowledge constructors rather than sponges. My task therefore, is to provide circumstances that facilitate your learning. In order to do that, I will (1) design a map that will lead you toward the construction of your knowledge (studyguide on WebCT); (2) help you figure out how to ask the right questions when you feel lost (in class andon WebCT); (3) ask you questions in an attempt to find out if you are on the right track (in class and on WebCT); (4) give clear and meaningful answers to your questions (in class and on WebCT). I realize that you are different form each other. You have different backgrounds, personalities, skills and learning styles. I plan to give each of you as much support and guidance as possible. Your task is (1) to study the map; (2) to follow the map (Be prepared to be confused and frustrated at times; these are the necessary stages of learning.); (3) to ask questions when you feel lost (I always prefer an stupid question to no question as the alternative is remaining stupid.); (4) and to respond to my questions (Be prepared to be wrong sometime. Being wrong is okay as making mistakes is an inevitable part of learning.) Our joint task is to build a learning environment in which we feel free and comfortable to express our thoughts; to respectfully disagree with each other at times; and to learn from each other. Means of CommunicationOur main means of communication is the classroom. The students are expected to attend classes on a regular basis. Your participation grade depends, in part, on your attendance. Inaddition, I may also communicate new information to you via WebCT or your college designated email account. Similarly, please feel free to visit me in my office, call me, or e-mail me to discuss your concerns and questions. I have also made it possible for you to send me your comments anonymously via my web page. 3TextInternational Economics by Sawyer and Sprinkle, Prentice Hall, 2009Course OutlineTime permitting; we will cover 14 chapters of the textbook in the following order: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20.Grading The following table shows the weight of different assignments in your final grade.Three Exams (20% each) 60%Team Paper & Presentation25%Assignments 10%Participation 5%The students will be evaluated as follows:Total %Grade Total % Grade Total % Grade97 andaboveA+ 93-96 A 90-92 A-87-89 B+ 83-86 B 80-82 B-77-79 C+ 73-78 C 70-72 C-67-69 D+ 63-66 D 60-62 D-59 andbelowF4WebCT allows you to keep track of your points.ExamsThere are three exams in this class based the following table. The weight of each exam is 20% of your course grade. Exams may consist of multiple choice questions and analytical questions. Exam 1 Thursday, February 12Exam 2 Thursday, March 26Exam 3 Monday, April 27, 3-5:30PM 5Make-Up Policy If you miss an exam or assignment and have an excused absence, I will discuss your options with you. If you miss an exam or assignment because of an unexcused absence, you will receive a grade of zero.Weekly Study GuidesIn the beginning of each week, look for a study guide for that week on WebCT. Study Guides are designed to guide you in your studying and keep you on track. Make sure to carefully read these study guides as soon as they become available and post your questions on WebCT’s Discussion Board. Your questions must reflect that you have done your best to grasp the material. Your participation grade depends, in part, on the quality and the quantity of your posted questions. Note: if you don’t ask any questions on WebCT, I assume that you have studied the assigned material and have no questions on them. Class PowerPoint SlidesEach Friday, look for the previous week’s classroom PowerPoint Presentations on WebCT. Assignments Ten percent of your course grade