Ocean County College

 

Professor’s Course Information Sheet

 

Professor’s Name:                    Dr. V. A. Reilly

 

Course Title and Number:       Contemporary Economic Issues – ECON 153/DL

 

Course Description:

This introductory course will examine major economic issues and problems confronting a contemporary society. The focus of the course will be determined based on current issues of interest. 

 

Office Location:                       Instruction Building, Room A-320

 

Phone Number:                         732-255-0400 ext. 2430

 

E-Mail Address:                       vreilly@ocean.edu

 

Office Hours:                           8:30 - 9:30 AM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

 

Required Texts (2) NOT available at OCC Bookstore:

 

Book #1

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Authors: Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

Make purchase at Amazon.com and other online sites

Revised and Expanded Edition – choose only one

Hardcover ($19.77) ISBN 0-06-1234001 – October 2006

Paperback ($10.87) ISBN 0-06-0731338 – August 2009

 

Book #2

The Skinny on Credit Cards

Author: Jim Randall – April 2009

ISBN 978-0-9818935-4-9

Rand Publishing is offering a discounted price

Paperback cost $12.00 (regular $14.50)

Or E-Book cost $9.95 (choose only one)

Make purchase at:

www.theskinnyon.com/student

Promotion (Discount) Code: Reilly

 

General Education Goals:

·        To develop the ability to become an independent thinker through mathematical, scientific and philosophical reasoning

·        To develop the ability to communicate effectively through reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

·        To develop the ability to solve problems by collecting, organizing, and evaluating information.

·        To develop both the ability and moral sensitivity needed to make informed judgments concerning ethical issues.

·        To develop and demonstrate civic and social responsibility.

·        To foster the curiosity, creativity and desire to become autonomous learners for life.

 

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives:

At the end of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the following economic concepts:

·        To examine major economic issues and problems confronting society today. 

·        To show the student how to apply economics theory to everyday issues.  

·        To introduce the student to the economics of poverty, pollution, education, crime, professional sports, unemployment, free trade, and social security.

 

Course Standards:

·        Students are expected to be prepared. This preparation includes: reading of the textbook chapters, reviewing study materials, participating in class discussions, completing all exams and essay assignments. 

·        Student grades will be calculated based on three online exams, discussion board postings, and short essay assignments.

 

Grading Scale:

A       Excellent               90+

B+      Very Good              86 - 89

B        Good                      80 - 85

C+      Above Average       76 - 79

C        Average                 70 - 75

D       Passing                   60 - 69

F        Failure                  below 60

 

Withdrawal Policy:

 

·        Until the OCC cutoff date, November 10, 2009, any student wishing to withdraw (Grade = W) may do so for any reason by e‑mailing a request to the professor. The student must obtain a drop/add form from Admissions (you can request that Admissions mail it to you if you do not come to campus). Once completed and signed by the student, it should be mailed to the professor (at Business Dept., Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ 08754). It is the student's responsibility to insure that the proper form is submitted to the professor in a timely manner so that it can be processed by the cutoff date.

 

·        After the OCC cutoff date to be named, if a student stops attending or is administratively withdrawn, a grade of “F” will be assigned.

 

Academic and Student Support Services:

Students will find a number of useful and informative services under Web Links, located on the left side menu of the course.

 

Navigational Assistance:

On the homepage and under Web Links, students will find a link to the WebCT Student Tutorial. This should provide basic information to guide you through the course site. Additional information on technical items can be found by contacting the free 24/7 hotline at 1-866-861-1122.

 

Minimum Technical Requirements:

To be successful in this course, students need basic computer skills especially in using Word Processing software and the Internet. It is the student’s responsibility to have reliable access to a computer, either at home, work, or on campus.  No previous knowledge of economics is required for this course as it covers introductory material.

 

Internet Etiquette:

Students will find information on the proper Internet etiquette under Web Links - Academic Resources – Core Rules of Netiquette.

 

Statement of Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as taking the words or ideas of another person without documenting them. A form of academic theft, the college holds that any instance of plagiarism may result in a failing grade. Students should refer to the student handbook (Policy #5180).

 

Statement about Civility:

Students are expected to behave in an appropriate academic manner while on the OCC campus or utilizing any OCC course sites.

 

Campus Resources & Services:  Tutoring is available in the Writing Lab and in the Mathematics Tutoring Center. In addition, Student Success Seminars are scheduled each week and are posted on the college website under "Campus Resources and Services".

 

Disabilities Statement:  If there is any student in this class who has special needs due to learning disabilities or other kinds of disabilities, please feel free to discuss this with me or else someone at the Disability Resource Center.

 

Disclaimer:  Reasonable changes to this course outline may be made exclusive of course requirements, course calendar, and grading procedures.

 

Revised: August 2009 {var}