ECON-201 - Macroeconomics - Rebecca Acosta

Introduction

Hi, I'm Rebecca Acosta, an Adjunct Instructor in the Economics Department here at COC.  I have a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA.  Along with teaching, I do economic consulting in litigation and utility regulation.  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 201 examines the basic concepts of economics, emphasizing macro-analysis including the nature of the American economy, national income analysis, money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies.

Student Learning Outcomes: 

Analyze and evaluate the problem of scarcity throughout markets by applying and evaluating the classical and Keynesian solutions, in terms of growth, inflation, and unemployment.

Class Objectives:

1. Analyze the problem of scarcity.
2. Explain how the market system works using the supply and demand concepts as they apply to the real world.
3. Examine macroeconomic instability in terms of economic goals, sustained growth, low and stable prices and high unemployment.
4. Differentiate and compute GDP(gross domestic product), NDP (net domestic product), NI (national income), PI(personal income) and DI (disposable income) account.
5. Interpret and generalize Keynesian AD(aggregate demand)/AS(aggregate supply) theory.
6. Compare and contrast the Keynesian model to the self-adjusting economy.
7. Examine how the Federal Government can influence the economy of the U.S. by using fiscal policy (e.g. demand side and supply side fiscal policy).
8. Assess the role of the Federal Reserve System, and its use of monetary policy in affecting the U.S. economy.
9. Evaluate U.S. economic policies and their ability to alleviate economic problems.

What to Expect in this Course

This is a hybrid course.  It will mostly be online, but we will meet each week in person on campus for discussion, question and answer, etc.  Topics will be grouped into modules.  For each module, there will be chapters to read in the textbook.  Within the COC Canvas course, there will be a homework assignment for each module with questions similar to what you might find on exams.  Each module also has a discussion that will require an initial post and responses to two other students.  These will allow you to apply the economic concepts you learn to current real-world issues.  There will be a midterm in Canvas after every other module and one final exam in class. 

Textbook Information

“Economics” by Roger Arnold, Daniel Arnold, and David Arnold  This is available in the COC bookstore, but a used older copy is fine.  "Macroeconomics" by Arnold, et al is also acceptable.

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: 05/16/2025 Sub#: 1928