BUS 201 - Principles of Accounting I - Maya Succar

Introduction

My name is Maya Succar, and I am an instructor of Business and Accounting at College of the Canyons. I bring both academic expertise and real-world business experience into the classroom, which allows me to connect accounting concepts to how businesses actually operate.

The first thing I want prospective students to know about BUS 201 – Principles of Accounting I is that you do not need prior accounting experience to succeed. This course is designed to build your skills step by step. With consistent practice, engagement, and use of the available resources, accounting becomes logical, manageable, and even empowering.

My goal is to create a structured, supportive learning environment where students feel confident asking questions, developing problem-solving skills, and understanding accounting as the language of business, not just a set of rules.

Course Description

BUS 201 – Principles of Accounting I introduces students to the fundamentals of financial accounting and how accounting information is used in business decision-making. The course focuses on understanding how financial transactions are recorded, analyzed, and reported in a systematic way.

Key topics covered include the accounting equation, debits and credits, the recording process, and the complete accounting cycle. Students will learn how to prepare and interpret the main financial statements, including the Income Statement, Statement of Retained Earnings, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows.

The course also covers merchandising operations, inventory accounting, cash and internal controls, receivables, long-term assets, liabilities, and an introduction to corporations and stockholders’ equity. Ethical considerations and the importance of accuracy and integrity in financial reporting are emphasized throughout the course.

By the end of BUS 201, students will have a strong foundation in financial accounting that prepares them for Managerial Accounting and other advanced business courses, as well as practical understanding applicable to real-world business situations.

What to Expect in this Course

Weekly Workload
Students can expect to spend approximately 6–9 hours per week outside of class on coursework. This includes reading assigned textbook chapters, completing WileyPLUS homework and quizzes, reviewing lecture material, and practicing accounting problems. Accounting is a cumulative subject, so consistent weekly study and practice are essential for success.

Technology Requirements
To fully participate in BUS 201, students must have access to:

• A reliable computer or laptop (a phone or tablet alone is not sufficient)

• Reliable internet access

• An updated web browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

• Access to Canvas, which is used for announcements, modules, grades, and course materials

• Access to WileyPLUS, which is integrated through Canvas for homework and quizzes
  A webcam and microphone are recommended for Zoom meetings or online support sessions, but not required for regular in-person class meetings.

Projects & Exams
Students will complete a combination of exams, quizzes, and applied assignments throughout the semester. Exams are given periodically and cover multiple chapters, focusing on both problem-solving and conceptual understanding. Quizzes and homework are completed in WileyPLUS to reinforce weekly topics.

The course may also include a project or applied activity designed to connect accounting concepts to real-world business situations. An optional comprehensive final exam may be available to help students improve their overall course grade.

Types of Assessments

Students in BUS 201 – Principles of Accounting I can expect the following types of assessments:

• In-class exams covering multiple chapters

• Online quizzes completed through WileyPLUS

• Online homework and practice sets in WileyPLUS

• Applied projects or assignments connecting accounting concepts to real-world business situations

• Class participation and in-class activities, including problem-solving exercises and discussions

These assessments are designed to reinforce learning, encourage consistent practice, and evaluate both conceptual understanding and practical application of accounting principles.

Textbook Information

This course requires a textbook and online homework platform.

Textbook:
Financial Accounting, 5th Edition
Authors: Jerry J. Weygandt, Paul D. Kimmel, Donald E. Kieso
Publisher: Wiley

Online Platform:
WileyPLUS (required for homework, quizzes, and practice assignments)

? Important: WileyPLUS access is required to complete graded coursework. Some textbook options include the access code, while others do not.

? Recommended Purchase Option:
Purchase through the College of the Canyons Bookstore to ensure you receive the correct edition and the required WileyPLUS access code.

• COC Bookstore Website: https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/bookstore

• Phone: (661) 362-3255

? Note: ISBN numbers vary depending on whether you purchase the textbook alone, an eBook, or a WileyPLUS bundle. The COC Bookstore listing will provide the correct ISBN for your course.

Other Relevant Course Information

Students are encouraged to check Canvas and their college email regularly for announcements, reminders, and important updates. Canvas is the primary communication tool for this course.

Waitlist Information:
Students on the waitlist should attend the first class meeting. If space becomes available, students will be added according to College of the Canyons enrollment policies and in the order of the waitlist.

Online Learning Expectations:
Even though this is an in-person course, students should be comfortable using Canvas and WileyPLUS, as these platforms are essential for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and checking grades. Reliable internet access and regular logins are key to staying on track.

Success Tips:

• Begin assignments early—accounting concepts build on one another.

• Reach out for help promptly through office hours, Canvas Inbox, tutoring, or student support services.

• Use available campus resources, including tutoring and technical support, especially if you are new to online learning tools.

Students who stay organized, communicate early, and consistently engage with course materials tend to be the most successful in BUS 201.

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: 02/09/2026 Sub#: 1270 Sub ID: 116750