BUS-156 - Introduction to Investments - John J Francis
| Course: | Introduction to Investments |
|---|---|
| Professor: | John J Francis |
| Email: | john.francis@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
|
| Course Length: |
|
Introduction
Hi,
My name is Professor John Francis and welcome to BUS156 Introduction to Investments.
This class will give you the basics of investing and help you develop your own investment strategy to live your desired lifestyle. Investments provide another revenue stream for us and allows us to have our money work and grow for us. They are an important part of planning for our future financial security. I look forward to working with you and answering questions during our class.
Please contact me with any questions.
I look forward to seeing you online!
Best regards,
Professor John Francis
john.francis@canyons.edu
541-650-5025
Course Description
Introduces the principles of investing and portfolio management as primarily related to the stock market, including the various types of financial assets an investor must choose from, as well as related institutional settings and valuations.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze financial investment concepts to evaluate investment transactions.
Course Objectives
1. Differentiate between various types of financial investments, such as common and preferred stocks, bonds, commercial paper, mutual funds, and options.
2. Calculate Earnings Per Share (EPS), Price/Earnings Ratio, Bond Yields, and mutual fund Net Asset Value.
3. Evaluate the risk level of various investments relative to their potential return.
4. Evaluate the appropriateness of an investment relative to an individual’s risk tolerance.
5. Describe, in writing, the basic types of securities markets and the characteristics of both organized exchanges and the over-the-counter market.
6. Explain the characteristics, interpretation, and uses of the commonly cited market averages and indices.
7. Measure the value of different investments by utilizing time value of money techniques to discount cash flows.
8. Explain the investor behavior and market efficiency assumptions upon which the Capital Asset Pricing Model is based.
9. Analyze the impact of inflation and taxes on investor behavior.
10. Examine global securities markets, and evaluate their risk/return relative to the domestic markets.
11. Evaluate stock market returns from an historical perspective, and assess how current market performance measures up to historical standards.
12. Differentiate between the fundamental analysis and technical analysis approaches to stock selection, and apply them to the calculation of stock values.
13. Explain the concept of Modern Portfolio Theory and use it to evaluate the impact of diversification to reduce investment risk.
14. Assess the risk and judge the appropriateness of non-financial investments, such as precious metals, real estate, artwork, and collectibles
15. Explain the ethical considerations financial advisers should follow when recommending financial strategies and/or investments for customers.
What to Expect in this Course
This class will answer your questions regarding investments and developing your portfolio. We will discuss and explore different investment types and the implications on our income and future financial status. We also will discuss the impact of taxes and how they impact our investment strategies.
This course will include weekly assignments and have weekly readings.
A computer will be required. We will be using howthemarketworks.com weekly to practice investment strategies. This provides a hands-on approach to investing.
There will also be an Investment Analysis Project. Students will complete an investment analysis and present findings. Strategies and methods discussed in class will be used.
Types of Assessments
Assessments will include class participation (via discussion boards), written assignments, an investment analysis project, and exams. There will be two midterms and one final exam. Exams will be completely online. No webcam or proctoring software is required. We also use howthemarketworks.com to practice investment strategies and techniques.
Textbook Information
We use the textbook every week and reading is required.
Supplemental material may be provided as well.
A computer will be required to access howthemarketworks.com.
There is no cost to access howthemarketworks.com.
Other Relevant Course Information
Students who do well in this class:
- are self-motivated to complete work by deadlines
- are a strong readers and communicate well in writing
- works well in a cooperative learning environment
- have reliable Internet and email access
- knows basic computer skills and have access to Microsoft word
- If this is your first online course, visit the following link to assess your readiness for this course: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/studentsupport (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)
- If this is your first online course, also consider taking Counseling 070 (Becoming a Successful Distance Learning Student). This is a one unit course designed to improve your success in online courses.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 07/22/2021 Sub#: 405