Are you interested in Economics as a possible major or
minor?
Click here for
information.
Semester: Fall 2011
Course: Economics 215, Principles of Microeconomics,
section 3 (3 credits)
Instructor: Dr. Stonebraker
Office: 401 Thurmond
Office phone: 323-2488
E-mail address: stonebrakerr@winthrop.edu
Office hours: T 9 - 11 a.m.
and 3:30 - 4 p.m., W 1 - 2 p.m., R 9 - 11 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m.,
F 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Other times are available by appointment.
Course goals and objectives:
Students completing this course should gain a solid foundation for understanding
and applying basic microeconomic concepts. In doing so, we expect students to
develop stronger problem-solving skills. In addition, as a General Education
Social Science, this introductory course will assist students in every field of
study to better analyze and understand human behavior. It involves the following
General Education goals:
To acquire and appreciate
quantitative skills:
Quantitative data and relationships are an integral part of any course in
economics. Students will learn how
to calculate, analyze and use such quantitative measures as costs, revenues,
productivities and demand elasticities.
To use critical thinking,
problem-solving skills and a variety of research methods:
Students will be
expected to critically analyze a wide variety of public and private policy
initiatives.
Understand the nature of social
and cultural conflict and methods of resolution:
Social and cultural
conflict often originates with the disparate goals of consumers and producers,
of competing producers, and of competing interest groups. Students will learn to appreciate how an efficient economic system can
resolve these conflicts in a way that maximizes overall social value.
Examine problems, issues and
choices that confront citizens of the world:
Students will be expected to
analyze such critical issues as poverty, resource scarcity, international trade,
pollution, government regulation and the pros and cons of big business.
Text:
1. Attend every class. In addition to the obvious negative impact on your own learning, your absences can damage your classmates as well. Students that skip classes, ask questions that were answered last week, and then mooch missed notes and material from conscientious classmates who are trying to pay attention impede the learning of others and slow the pace at which material can be covered.
2. Come to class on time and stay until its conclusion. Late arrivals and early departures can be disruptive and inconsiderate of others. However I recognize that well-meaning students must occasionally be late or leave early. If you do arrive after the class has begun, please enter the rear door and sit in the back row so as to minimize the distraction for others. Similarly, if you must leave early, please notify me in advance and sit near the back door so that you can leave unobtrusively.
3. Turn off and put away all cell phones. I expect never to see these devices in class. That means no listening to iPods or other media devices, and no texting or checking messages under the desk where you think I will not see them.
4. Pay attention and participate. While in class you should be concentrating on class. That means no idle conversations with those around you, no attempts to complete work or study for other classes, and no other extraneous activities. Such behavior distracts others and negatively impacts on the learning environment.
Exam #1: Approximately Monday, September 26
Exam #3: Final Exam: Tuesday, December 13 (3 p.m.)
I reserve the right to modify this syllabus with cause if unexpected circumstances occur.
Last modified 08/10/11