Syllabus
BUEC 204: Microeconomics – Summer Session 2 (2023)
Credits - 3
Description
This course is designed to provide students with insight into and appreciation of the dynamics of a market-based economy. Microeconomics is the study of interactions of individual economic agents, consumers, producers and governments, to determine how decisions are made in allocating the use of scarce resources within a society. The theoretical framework of supply and demand models, the core of economic analysis, are introduced, and developed throughout the course. Perfectly competitive markets are defined and analyzed in order to allow comparisons of economic efficiencies and inefficiencies relative to other organizational forms of economic activity. Market imperfections, monopolies as well as more general distortions of market behavior, and market failures will also be identified and addressed in detail. The role of government involvement within a market economy will also be discussed.
Microeconomics is the very foundation of economic reasoning and methodology. A firm grasp of the concepts of microeconomics will allow students to better comprehend the decision-making process involving allocation of resources as well as social welfare consequences of different forms and structures of economic activity.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
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Apply economic concepts to evaluate true costs and benefits of alternative actions
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Define microeconomic concepts such as supply and demand models, ceteris paribus, market imperfections, monopolies, perfect competition, and market structure
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Assess and formulate informed opinions regarding the numerous economic-related current event issues under discussion
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Describe the complexities and efficiency of a market economy, as well as areas of shortcomings and provide insights into possible improvements
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Identify and appraise the overall interdependency of all economic activity and an ability to better assess true costs and benefits of intervention in the market mechanism
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Participate in active learning in the course through such activities as thoughtful and meaningful discussion board posts and debates, and presentation of research through contemplative posts and written essays
Assignments
- 5 Discussion Board Posts, with 2 peer responses (weeks 1, 2, 4, 5)
- 4 weekly multiple-choice assessments (weeks 1, 2, 4, 5)
- 1 mid-term exam in essay format (week 3)
- 1 final exam in essay format (week 6)
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Percentage | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board Participation | 25% | July 12, 19, Aug 2, 9 |
| Mid-term Quiz | 30% | July 18-19 |
| Final Exam | 40% | August 15-16 |
| Weekly Assessments | 5% | July 12, 19, Aug 2, 9 |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Week 1: short week – Jul 5 – Jul 9
Week 2: Jul 10 – Jul 16
Week 3: Jul 17 – Jul 23
Week 4: Jul 24 – Jul 30
Week 5: Jul 31 – Aug 6
Week 6: short week – Aug 7 – Aug 11
| Week of: | Topic: | Reading: | Assignments: |
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| July 10 |
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| July 17 |
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| July 24 |
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| July 31 |
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| August 7 |
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Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Instructor and Support Contact Information
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
UNE Libraries
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Further Assistance
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Policies
Diversity Statement
This course and our classroom is a place where all students should feel welcomed. UNE’s Core Values Statement acknowledges “the benefits of a richly varied campus community arise not only from the diversity of its people but also from a sense of belonging and the context this creates to explore and celebrate differences in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, underpinned by a sense of cultural humility and a commitment to ethical ideals” (see https://www.une.edu/about/glance/mission-vision-and-values).
- If you have another name or pronouns different from the roster, please let me know.
Attendance Policy
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
Assignments
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Length
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
Transcripts
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.