General Course Overview

This introductory course in macroeconomics studies the national economy as a whole and its interaction with the global economy. Measurement of economic health and the use of fiscal and monetary policies to address unemployment, inflation, and growth are analyzed.

Required Materials

The required Pearson textbook, Macroeconomics, 8th edition eText + MyLab Economics ® is the only required text for this course.

• This textbook and accompanying materials are digital and will be accessed directly through this course in I-Learn. (Do not attempt to access the materials through any other website; simply use the links provided in the course.)
• Rather than purchasing the text, your student account will be automatically charged after the add/drop deadline. (If you plan to drop this course, do so before the add/drop deadline to avoid being charged for the digital textbook.)

Since this is an online course, it is your responsibility to arrange to use a computer with internet access. The higher the speed of your internet access, the easier the course will be for you to complete. It is also your responsibility to make sure you have the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software required to complete your assignments.

In order to participate in online group meeting with your classmates, you are required to have a microphone for your computer and a set of earphones that will work with your computer. You will use the microphone and earphones to talk with others in a variety of learning activities in this course. Directions for setting up your microphone and earphones to work with the online meeting tool will be provided in a learning activity in the Course Introduction week. A webcam is also recommended, but not required.

While many of the News Analysis assignments refer to Bloomberg, students are NOT required to purchase a subscription to Bloomberg. Instead they can read the synopsis, provided in the assignment, to help them answer the  questions.

Outcomes

1. Evaluate the health of a national economy.
2. Demonstrate the impact of fiscal policy on the national economy.
3. Demonstrate the impact of monetary policy on the national economy.
4. Illustrate the impact of trade policies on the relative health of two or more economies.

Learning Model Architecture

This course has been designed to follow a weekly schedule in which students complete a set of learning activities. You are expected to complete all of the learning activities for each week in the order they are listed and avoid skipping ahead without finishing. For example, complete all the learning activities in Week 01 before beginning any learning activities in Week 02. The instructor may shift the order of completion for some assignments and may even extend the deadlines on a few assignments if circumstances warrant it for the whole class.

Due dates and times for assignments may be found by accessing the Calendar tool in I-Learn. In addition, all required assignments and tests have been set up to appear in the Coming Up list that you will see whenever you log in to I-Learn. 

The deans of the colleges at BYU-Idaho have determined that the average amount of study time that students will put in per week per credit is 3–4 hours. So, for a 3-credit class, the deans expect students to spend on average between 9 and 12 hours of total study time. For this course, on average, it will take students approximately 9 hours of study time to complete all the learning activities for each week. This is the amount of time that you should expect to put into this class each week if you want to get a passing “C” grade. Students working towards an "A" or "B" grade will usually need to put in more study time than 9 hours a week, maybe even beyond 12 hours per week. In order to keep up with the assignments and learn the most from this class, you should make sure you schedule about 1–2 hours a day to study for this class. Also, be aware that with this course there is no “time off” for holidays that might occur during the week. Consequently, you should make sure to arrange your study schedule so that any holiday activities do not keep you from completing learning activities by the posted due dates and times.

Grading Policies

Grades will be based on a weighted percentage of the total number of points students earn. You can find information in your I-Learn gradebook on the different weighted grading categories and their percentages. You may check your progress in the course at any time by accessing the gradebook. Below are the weights of the assignments, and they are subject to change.

Grade Category Percentages

Preparation Assignments	10%
Application Assignments	20%
Homework	10%
Exams	60%

Exams

There are three exams. Each one is closed-notes and must be taken using an online proctored software program.

Extra Credit

Students can earn up to 3% extra credit by completing the assignments found in the "Modules" area of the course with titles including "Extra Credit."

Letter Grades

In assigning final grades for this course, the instructor will use the BYU-Idaho Standard Grade Definition criteria listed below.

A

The grade of “A” represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. It demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.

B

The grade of “B” represents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material, which would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.

C

The grade of “C” represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates marginally in the Learning Model.

D

The grade of “D” represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.

F

The grade of “F” represents failure in the course.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	100%–93%
A-	92%–90%
B+	89%–87%
B	86%–83%
B-	82%–80%
C+	79%–77%
C	76%–73%
C-	72%–70%
D+	69%–67%
D	66%–63%
D-	62%–60%
F	59% and lower

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course includes required synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Disclaimers

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.

You should read the following course policies and make sure that you understand what these policies mean to you regarding your interactions with the instructor and other students in this course. If you have questions about any of these policies, you should contact your instructor immediately.

Help

If you need assistance, visit the I-Learn Help tab located on the left hand side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.

Personal Honor

In this class, everyone should be guided at all times by the following principles of personal honor.

Principles of Personal Honor: "True at all Times"

• Personal honor is integrity in fulfilling commitments, responsibilities, and covenants.
• Personal honor begins with willing obedience and is fully developed when we consistently govern ourselves by true principles.
• Personal honor increases spiritual strength through the ministry of the Holy Ghost.
• Personal honor is central to every aspect of our lives, including the BYU-Idaho experience.
• Personal honor brings us joy and happiness; deepens our desire to love, serve, and lift others; and ultimately helps us to become more like the Savior.

You should make sure that you understand the above principles of personal honor. It is important for all class members to strive to follow the above principles in our associations with one another.

If you have any questions about how personal honor is related to academic honesty or the university’s dress and grooming standards, please read the University Standards to get more information.