Introduction to Finance Syllabus
Note: This course code has changed from B 201 to FIN 201. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.
Course Description
This is an introductory course to familiarize non-business majors with the basic vocabulary and substantive knowledge of personal finance, financial institutions, and business finance. The course will provide an opportunity to develop skills in effective communication, financial analysis, and problem-solving. Ethics in the area of finance will be discussed.
Textbooks and Required Materials
- Guide to Personal Finance, by Virginia Morris and Kenneth Morris. Lightbulb Press. ISBN# 978-1933569093
- Guide to Money & Investing, by Virginia Morris and Kenneth Morris. Lightbulb Press. ISBN# 978-0-9829075-7-3
- Investing for Retirement, by Virginia Morris and Kenneth Morris. Lightbulb Press. ISBN-13: 978-0982907535
- Planning Retirement Income, by Virginia Morris and Kenneth Morris. Lightbulb Press. ISBN-13: 978-0982907559
- Managing Retirement Income, by Virginia Morris and Kenneth Morris. Lightbulb Press. ISBN-13: 978-0982907542
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Highly Recommended
To participate fully in this course and complete all the necessary assignments, it is highly recommended that you have speakers, headphones, and a microphone.
Expectations
Students will participate in an online simulation, complete projects, prepare assignments, and participate during group discussions.
Successful Students Will
- Demonstrate financial management skills
- Analyze basic investing options
- Formulate strategies for understanding and avoiding debt and credit
- Calculate tax obligations
- Describe the home purchasing and mortgage process
- Create plans for financial stability
Time Commitment
Students will spend 9 hours each week preparing, teaching one another, and pondering/proving competence.
Topics
- Introduction to Stocks
- Provident Living, Managing Money, Setting Budgets, and Tracking Expenses
- Analyzing Financial Statements
- Taxes
- Time Value of Money
- Credit
- Loans and Mortgages Selecting and Buying a Home
- 401(k) retirement plans
- IRAs
- Mutual Funds and Bonds
- Life Insurance, Wills and Estate Planning
Grading Scale
| A | 93.00% |
| A- | 90.00% |
| B+ | 87.00% |
| B | 83.00% |
| B- | 80.00% |
| C+ | 77.00% |
| C | 73.00% |
| C- | 70.00% |
| D+ | 67.00% |
| D | 63.00% |
| D- | 60.00% |
| F | Below 60.00% |
Additional Comments
Academic honesty is required; please refer to the BYUI Student Honor Policy.
Accommodations
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities; please refer to the BYUI Students with Disabilities Policy.