NORTHEAST ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SYLLABUS

ECO 231 – Principles of Macroeconomics– On-line

Summer Semester 08

INSTRUCTOR:  Haley Johnson        Office:  109-B in BE Building (Office hours posted on door)

Email: johnsonh@nacc.edu                   Phone: 638-4418 x 247 or 228-6001 x 247

Online Students:

What Online Students Want to Tell New Online Students

• Online learning is time consuming.  Many students believe that online learning is more work than in-house learning.  It may not take more total time since you don’t have to drive to class, find a place to park, and sit in class, but it should seem that you are spending more time than what you are used to in terms of “homework.”  Reading and writing always take longer than talking and listening.
• It helps to be clear about your technical skills.  Take the sample course or talk with the professor ahead of time and make sure your computer, keyboarding, email, and attachment skills will support your learning online.
• Choose your professors wisely.  Just like an in-house class, some professors are better than others at teaching online.  “This is far and away the best of the 5 online courses I have taken.  The instruction quality made the biggest difference.”
• Your ability to interact on line may be constrained by your writing and typing abilities.
• Online courses require self-discipline.  Even when there are definite deadlines, you must make yourself go do the work.
• Online learning gets easier after you get used to it.

Most online classes use a threaded discussion forum or bulletin board for class discussions.

What Makes a Successful Online Student?

1. Be open minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process.
2. Be able to communicate through writing.
3. Be Self-motivated and self-disciplined.
4. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
5. Be willing and able to commit to 4 to 15 hours per week per course.
6. Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the program.
7. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
8. Have access to a computer and a modem.
9. Be able to think ideas through before responding.
10.  Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom.

The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the student’s part. Staying up with the class and completing all work on time is vital. Once a student gets behind, it is almost impossible to catch up. Basically, the student needs to want to be there, and needs to want the experience.

Course Description

This course is an introduction of macroeconomic theory, analysis, and policy application.

Textbook and supplies

Economics for Today by Irvin B. Tucker, 5^th edition (ISBN# 0-324-40801-3)

COURSE GRADING:

The final course grade will be based on the outcome of the fourteen exams, discussion questions, and final exam.  Grades will be: A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 65-69, and F = 0-64. 

BLACKBOARD ASSIGNMENTS:

I will extensively use the discussion board in this area for answering questions. I encourage (extra points) students to help other students. Areas will be set up for you to post questions concerning the material from the book. It is the student’s responsibility to check the discussion area and you’re emails on a DAILY basis.

**** Go to discussion board and complete the following assignments: Ensure you complete the 2 discussions because this is the only way of verifying you have started the course. Failure to complete these assignments may result in the instructor assigning you as a “No Show” when completing the course attendance verification. This could affect your financial aid and/or successful completion of the course.

DISCUSSION BOARD: 

Due Date:

May 30 - Discussion 1 -

As students progress through coursework, you will develop professional friendships that hopefully will form collegial relationships that will last a lifetime.  It helps to get to know each other more.  In this first discussion, tell us more about YOU (just tell us what you feel comfortable telling us!) what program are you in, why you chose this program; and your future goals (they may change) after you complete your degree program.  If possible, and you feel comfortable, attach a .jpg photo of yourself to the discussion so we can throughout the semester, continue to put a name with a face.

May 30 – Discussion 2 –
Write 2 paragraphs and post to the discussion board (discussion 2) explaining your comprehension of:

“What Online Students Want to Tell New Online Students” and

“What Makes a Successful Online Student?” 

** Students are required to read all postings and reply with your thoughts.

Your Powerpoint Lectures can be found under “Course Documents.”  The Quizzes can be found under “Assignments.”  You will have multiple attempts to take the quizzes!  You are required to answer 3 discussion questions per chapter.  These questions can be found under “Discussion board.”

Quizzes:

14 quizzes @ 100 points = 1400

Discussion Questions:

14 Chapters @ 25 Points= 350

Final:

Final Exam @ 200 points (Final Exam will be Monday August 4 @ 5:00, in room BE-109…The final will cover Chapter 30 Only!)

Total Points Possible: 1950