EC 226 CLA: Economics (CLA)
This course introduces the fundamentals of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Learners will also explore how these economic factors are related to the current economy and individual lives.
When the course is completed, you will be able to:
- Differentiate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Explain how scarcity affects individual budget choices
- Draw the demand curve, and supply curve and identify the equilibrium point
- Categorize different types of unemployment
- Classify different market structure
- Compare absolute and comparative advantages in international trade environments
- Explain the importance of government budgets and fiscal policies
Greenlaw, S. A., Shapiro, D., & MacDonald, D. (2022, December 14). Principles of Economics 3e | OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/principles-economics-3e/pages/1-introduction
All resources are provided in the modules of the course.
Weekly modules: All materials will be listed in Canvas in Weekly Modules for students to complete. All assignments, discussions, and other activities will be completed and/or submitted in Canvas unless noted otherwise. Modules will open Monday at midnight and close Sunday evenings at 11:59 PM.
Discussions: Each week will likely have a discussion question/prompt. You are responsible for posting your response of 125-200 words, using at least one citation in APA format in your opening post. (A Link to the APA formatting and style guide (7th edition). You must respond to two classmates’ posts with at least 100 words each. The discussion rubric is found in Canvas.
Student assessments for this course may include, but not be limited to the following:
- Tests
- Discussion Board
- Quizzes
- Journal submissions
Paper/Presentation
Student Evaluation Grade Weight Discussions 30% Participation 10% Assignments & Dynamic Learning Session 55% Knowledge and Progress Checks 5% Total 100% Flex Assignments 10%
Grading Scales
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = below 60%
Deadlines and due dates are posted in every module for every assignment. In the event of an emergency, please email me. Knowing the following will help you be successful.
- You will need a computer to complete the work in this class. You’ll need to complete/submit work with a computer and a phone will not be sufficient.
- All assignments must be submitted in Canvas.
- All written work must be word-processed. I will not accept or grade screenshots or pictures of handwritten work (.jpg., .png., etc.)
- Use HJC resources to problem-solve your technical issues.
| Module | Student Learning Outcomes addressed | Concepts & learning materials | Activities & Toolsof Assessment |
| One | -Explain economics as a discipline and how it applies to everyday life -Identify different economic systems -Contrast microeconomics and macroeconomics -Explain tradeoffs and opportunity costs -Interpret production possibilities frontier graphs (PPF) -Evaluate the law of diminishing marginal utility | Title: Introduction to Economics Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapters 1 & 2. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – The Economics of Your Life – Trade-Offs & Opportunity Cost Flex Assignment – Synchronous Interactive Live Session Progress Check Participation |
| Two | -Identify demand, supply, and equilibrium in the market for goods and services -Demonstrate shifts in supply and demand curves -Differentiate between a movement along a supply and demand curve and a shift in each curve. -Explain changes in equilibrium price and quantity -Contrast price ceilings and price floors
| Title: Understanding Supply and Demand Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapter 3. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Understanding Supply and Demand Assignment – Local Economics in Action Progress Check Participation |
| Three | -Explain demand and supply in labor markets -Identify demand and supply shifts in financial markets -Explain the effects of price controls on labor equilibrium | Title: Labor Markets Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapter 4. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Labor Markets Progress Check Participation |
| Four | -Differentiate between infinite and zero elasticity -Analyze how price elasticity impacts revenue -Calculate total utility -Explain marginal utility and the law of diminishing marginal utility | Title: Elasticity and Utility Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapters 5 & 6. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Elasticity and Utility Assignment – Cost of Living & Financial Trade-Offs Progress Check Participation |
| Five | -Explain the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market -Identify barriers to entry in a monopoly -Explain the difference between monopolistic competition and oligopoly -Assess the goals of antitrust policies | Title: Competition Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapters 8.1, 9.1, 10 & 11. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Fast Food vs. Airlines – Which Market is More Competitive? Progress Check Participation |
| Six | -Describe labor demand in competitive output markets -Explain the role of labor unions -Evaluate the impact of discrimination in labor markets -Identify and analyze U.S. policies that aim to reduce labor market discrimination | Title: Labor Markets and Income Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapter 14. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Labor Markets and Income Assignment – The Job Market in Your City Progress Check Participation |
| Seven | -Identify the components of GDP -Contrast and calculate GDP, net exports, and net national product -Explain the difference between U.S., federal, state, and local budgets -Identify major sources of U.S. federal revenue | Title: Introduction to Marcoeconomics Reading: Principles of Economics - Chapters 19, 19.1, & 30. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Introduction to Macroeconomics Progress Check Participation |
| Eight | -Identify and differentiate between types of unemployment -Evaluate the impact of government policies on unemployment -Analyze the role of central banks in controlling inflation -Assess how inflation and unemployment trade-offs impact long-term growth | Title: Inflation, Unemployment, and Economic Growth Reading: Principles of Economics – Chapters 21& 22. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Inflation, Unemployment, and Economic Growth Assignment – City Investment Dilemmas Progress Check Participation |
| Nine | -Explain the benefits and challenges of international trade -Identify how the foreign exchange market works -Describe capital flows and their role in international economics | Title: International Trade, Exchange Rates, and Capital Flows Reading: Principles of Economics – Chapters 23, 29.1, & 33. All resources are supplied in the modules. | Knowledge Check Discussion – International Trade, Exchange Rates, and Capital Flows Flex Assignment Progress Check Participation |
| Ten | SLO1 - SLO7 | Title: Lessons Learned Reading: Review course readings as needed for capstone project. | Knowledge Check Discussion – Lessons Learned Assignment – Capstone Project: Economic Revitalization Plan for Emerald Hills Progress Check Participation |
| Final | SLO1 - SLO7 | Title: Course Reflection Reading: N/A | Live Wisdom Adventure Session
|
Emails will be responded to no later than 48 hours or by the end of business on Monday for mail received over the weekend.
Academic Honesty Policy
The college has a firm policy against academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of ‘F’ and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and dismissal.
Please refer to the Academic Honesty Policy for detailed information.
Late Assignment Policy
Meeting deadlines, being dependable, and applying appropriate time management are all foundational elements of professional behavior. These same attributes are also required while participating in college courses because the skills, knowledge, and student learning outcomes must be obtained in a specific order and within a certain amount of time.
We at Ameritas College understand that sometimes students encounter circumstances that make it difficult to always meet the required course deadlines. This Late Work Policy is in place to accommodate that. In all circumstances, whenever possible, contact your instructor when you anticipate that you will be submitting work late.
The deadlines for most courses typically follow the pattern below, but it is your responsibility to confirm this and be aware if there are any assignments that may have different deadlines for one reason or another.
The first post in each Discussion Board is usually due on the Wednesday night of each module/week.
Most other assignments are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday evening of each module/week.
- All assignments must be submitted by the required due date.
- Missing assignments due to absence must be submitted within 1 week of return.
- Late submissions of assignments will result in a reduction of 10% of the total points possible per day (e.g., 1 day late = -10%, 2 days late = 20%, etc.) up to one week. Anything over 1 week late will result in a grade of 0.
- To receive full credit for late work, students must provide documentation for an excused absence, or it will be subject to the same treatment as any other late work. Documentation examples include court documents, hospitalization, etc.
Instructors may also choose to deduct less points at their discretion.
If for some reason a student temporarily loses the ability to connect to Canvas due to technical issues it is the student’s obligation to submit assignments by the original due dates. Temporary remedies can be connecting via a public WiFi spot, using school facilities to connect, or use of private networks through friends and family.
In extreme cases, when none of these solutions are available, the student may contact their instructors through other means and ask permission to submit their work directly, in a method that can be received by the instructor. Under no circumstances can methods of delivery outside of Canvas be used without explicit instructor permission. (If this ever happens the instructor should somehow note it).
Minimum Technology Requirements
Having access to a reliable desktop or laptop is required for Ameritas College online courses. This requirement ensures students have the essential technologies to complete online courses successfully. Mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets may be utilized as additional tools to assist with completing online courses.
Online video conferences and calls are often the best way for instructors to assist students in many situations. A web camera and microphone are necessary for successful online conferences.
Safari and Chrome: Office 365 is designed to work with the current version of the Safari and Chrome browsers. Microsoft Edge: Office 365 is designed to work with the latest version of the Microsoft Edge browser.
Internet Explorer: Office 365 is designed to work with Internet Explorer 11. We recommend that you upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 if you are using an earlier version. Office might continue to work with versions of Internet Explorer other than Internet Explorer 11, but Office can’t provide any guarantees.
Firefox: Most Office 365 apps are designed to work with the current version of Firefox.
Some courses may have additional technology requirements beyond those listed here. Additional requirements will be listed in your Canvas course room.
Basic Office 365 apps are free and available to students with their Ameritas College Outlook account. For additional questions and help with the required technologies, please contact support@hjc.edu
Minimum Technical Skills Requirements
To complete online courses successfully, you must be able to perform the following basic technical skills before starting the class
- Use the learning management system, Canvas
- Use Ameritas College email with attachments
- Download, save, and upload files in Canvas
For additional questions regarding the required technologies, please contact support@hjc.edu
Technology Support
To be a successful online learner, certain technologies are necessary. Please keep in mind that certain classes may have additional technical requirements. You should be able to find additional technical requirements in your syllabus or your canvas course room. If you have any questions about the technology requirement, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 304-697-7550 or support@hjc.edu
Accessibility Information
Ameritas College is committed to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please access accessibility policy. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 304-697-7550 or pjustice@hjc.edu if you have any additional questions.
Copyright Policy
As an institution of higher education, Ameritas College strongly believes in intellectual property. As such, Ameritas College respects intellectual property and has made it a priority to ensure all employees and students respect the copyrights of others. If you have any questions about our copyright policy, please access the copyright policy.
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If you need to speak with a person regarding any college policies and guidelines, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the college at 304-697-7550
This information is standard for each course but specifics may vary based on the delivery method of the course you are taking. Please follow the information provided by your instructor.
This syllabus is subject to change.