Econ-202 - Microeconomics - Rebecca Acosta
| Course: | Microeconomics |
|---|---|
| Professor: | Rebecca Acosta |
| Email: | rebecca.acosta@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
|
| Course Length: |
|
Introduction
Hi, I'm Dr. Acosta. I have a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA. Along with teaching, I do economic consulting in litigation and utility regulation. I previously worked in the economics analysis branch of the U.S. Census Bureau. I plan to incorporate real-life applications to the principles you will learn in this class. Please, don't be afraid to ask any question--I'm here to help you learn.
Course Description
Official Class Description (from COC catalog):
ECON 202 develops a logical model of economic behavior and concentrates on consumers and firms’ objectives, constraints, and choices taken within different industries. Econ 202 is an introduction to Industrial Organizations and elaborates on the decision making process of businesses within a market structure. This class will include the analysis of current economic issues, such as international Trade and Finance.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Compare and contrast the decision making processes of the product and resource markets under different levels of competition. 2. Examine and compare perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and the types of oligopolies found within a global market. 3. Examine the impact of international trade as it affects the market for domestic and imported products.
Class Objectives:
- To familiarize students with basic Microeconomics theories and their relevance with respect to markets in the U.S. economy
- To encourage objective and logical analysis of current economic problems.
- To prepare students for upper division courses in business and economics.
What to Expect in this Course
This is an online course. This class is set up in weekly modules. For each module, there will be videos to watch from Thinkwell (available in the Canvas course). These videos are your textbook. If you prefer an actual textbook, you can instead use “Microeconomics” by Roger Arnold. More information on these can be found below. This syllabus lists the videos/chapter assignments for both options. (Thinkwell also has transcripts and notes for each video.) Each module will also contain a homework assignment (in Canvas quiz format), as well as a discussion assignment on a current topic where you get to show and apply your understanding of the topics covered in that module (initial post + respond to two other students).
I'll have two optional live Zoom sessions per week as a supplement to the Thinkwell videos/textbook readings. In those, I'll review the basic concepts and work through some applications similar to problems on the homeworks and exams. I'll work in some real-life examples and current events related to the topics at hand. These will be recorded and posted to the Canvas course under the Zoom tab (Cloud Recordings). You are welcome to join live and ask questions or stick around after for office hours (not recorded). I will be available for private Zoom appointments.
We are cramming what would normally be a full 16-week semester course into 5 weeks, so things will be moving quickly! Don't let yourself get behind. Ask questions if you are unclear on a topic covered. You'll need a lot of self-discipline, but you can do it!
Types of Assessments
In addition to the weekly homework and discussion assignments described in the "What to Expect" section, there will be two midterms (end of weeks 2 and 4) and a final exam.
Textbook Information
For this class, you can pick one of two options for learning the material: videos (Thinkwell) or traditional text (Arnold). The majority of my previous online students have preferred the videos, but I know that some prefer to read. Therefore, you have the option to use a regular textbook instead of the videos. You do NOT need both! Both options cover the same basic material (though the book has more interesting side-readings showing application of the concepts). I'll give both the video and text chapter assignments in the module overviews.
Thinkwell
Thinkwell is a collection of lessons in short (5-10 minute) video form. There are also transcripts and notes for easy review and some practice problems (not graded). You can access it through the Canvas course under the Thinkwell Content tab. Buy the access code at the COC bookstore and then click on the Thinkwell Content tab. Click the button to buy and follow the instructions--you will be entering your access code. There is also a 14-day trial period available in that same tab if you are unsure this is the option you want to go with or if you are waiting for financial aid to become available (if it takes longer than 14 days for you to get access to your financial aid, let me know). If you have any problems with their website, the email address for technical support is: support@thinkwell.com
OR
Textbook
“Microeconomics” or “Economics” by Roger Arnold. ("Economics" is Arnold's Micro and Macro texts in one combined volume.) This is available at the COC Bookstore in both paper and e-book versions. There are also reference copies on reserve at the COC Library, but it will probably be helpful for you to rent or purchase your own copy. An older edition is fine--the "current" references will be outdated and the chapters may be slightly different, but the economic ideas are the same.
Other Relevant Course Information
If there is a waitlist, students will be added from the waitlist in the order they appear on the list. Non-waitlisted students will be added only if there is extra space after all waitlist students have been offered adds and before the COC-determined deadline to add classes.
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: 06/02/2022 Sub#: 1385