BUS-201 - Principles of Accounting 1 - Ali Naddafpour

Introduction

Welcome to your BUS 201.  This course introduces financial accounting as the language of business—how transactions are recorded, how financial statements are prepared, and how managers, investors, creditors, and others use accounting information to make decisions.  No previous accounting experience is required.  The course is structured to build your skills step by step through consistent practice.

Accounting is cumulative: each topic becomes the foundation for the next.  Begin promptly, work throughout the week, ask questions early, and use the feedback and support provided in Canvas.

1. Know your course modality

All BUS 201 sections use Canvas for course materials, announcements, due dates, submissions, grades, and communication.  Your required meetings depend on the modality in which you enrolled.

Important Distinction: Optional office hours or an individually arranged support meeting do not change a 100% Online course into OnlineLIVE. If your current schedule says 100% Online, there are no mandatory meetings.

2.  First-day actions

1. Log in to Canvas on the first day and open the correct BUS 201 section.
2. Read the syllabus, announcements, course calendar, and Orientation/Start Here module.
3. Complete every required introductory activity by its posted deadline, including the introduction or course-expectations acknowledgment.
4. Set Canvas notifications and check your COC email and Canvas Inbox regularly.
5. Open the OER textbook and download the original Excel assignment templates before beginning work.
6. Verify your required campus or Zoom meeting schedule if you are enrolled in Hybrid or OnlineLIVE.

3.  Free textbook: OER/ZTC

My BUS 201 uses Principles of Accounting, Volume 1: Financial Accounting, by Mitchell Franklin, Patty Graybeal, and Dixon Cooper, adapted for COC and provided through Canvas.  It is an Open Educational Resource (OER) and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) course material.  You do not need to purchase a textbook or a publisher access code unless your current syllabus expressly says otherwise.

• Use the textbook link in your current Canvas course; do not rely on a link saved from another term.
• Read or preview each assigned chapter before beginning the related activities.
• The OER is free, but the course still requires sustained study, problem-solving, and timely completion of work.

4. Microsoft Excel is required

Required software: Microsoft Excel through Microsoft Office 365.  Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, SmartSheet, and other spreadsheet programs will not work reliably for this course and may not be used for assignments, activities, or exams.

Alternative programs and file conversions can remove formulas, change formatting, create #####, or produce #REF! errors.  These problems can affect grading because the submitted workbook may no longer show the required calculations.

• Use the original workbook template provided in Canvas.
• Open and complete it directly in the desktop or supported Microsoft Excel application—not in another spreadsheet program.
• Keep the file in its native Excel format (.xlsx or .xls) from download through submission.
• Save often, reopen the saved file, and confirm that formulas and values display correctly before uploading.
• Upload the Excel file itself to Canvas; do not submit a PDF, image, link, or converted spreadsheet unless the assignment specifically directs you to do so. Do not create your own tables or sheets; they won’t be acceptable.

Office 365 is free to California community college students, including COC students.  Use the Office 365 link in the Canvas course navigation.  Campus computers in the Library and The Learning Center also provide access.  If you cannot access or install Excel, contact the COC Canvas Help Desk before the first Excel assignment is due.

5.  Workload, pacing, and deadlines

BUS 201 is a 5-unit, technology-intensive course.  Accounting is learned by doing, not by watching or reading alone.  Expect frequent practice, Excel activities, discussions or participation work, quizzes, and exams.  Condensed 8-week sections commonly cover about two chapters each week and may require approximately 15–20 hours of study and coursework per week.  Follow the workload guidance in your current syllabus for longer sections.

• Treat the course as a class you attend several days each week, even when the work is asynchronous.
• Use the Canvas Modules and Calendar, but always follow the due date shown on the individual assignment.
• Build in extra time for downloads, uploads, internet interruptions, software updates, and file checks.
• Do not wait until the evening an assignment or exam is due.
• If you begin falling behind, contact the instructor immediately so you can discuss a realistic plan.

Course Description

Presents the study of accounting as an information system, examining why it is important and how it is used by managers, investors, creditors, and others to make decisions. Covers the fundamental principles, theory, and applications of accounting to record business transactions through the accounting cycle, including the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the financial statements, and statement analysis.  Includes issues relating to asset, liability, and equity valuation, revenue and expense recognition, cash flow, internal controls, and ethics. Designed for transfer majors in business disciplines.

Student Learning Outcome (SLO):

Analyze and evaluate financial accounting principles and concepts to record business transactions.

What to Expect in this Course

Every assignment has a specific due date.  Practice work may allow for correction and resubmission before the related exam, as stated in Canvas; use instructor feedback to improve your understanding.  Quizzes and exams generally do not accept late submissions.  The current syllabus and Canvas instructions control for your section.

1. Exams are completed as directed in Canvas and may be virtually proctored.
2. Exams are primarily problem-oriented and may also include objective or written questions.
3. Make every effort to avoid missing an exam.  Make-ups are not guaranteed and generally require a documented extenuating circumstance and instructor approval.
4. Before using artificial intelligence for any course assignment, review the current syllabus and obtain instructor approval when required.  Unauthorized use may reduce the score or result in a zero.

Types of Assessments

Class assignments and activities includes: Excel Journal and Ledger entries and Word Discussions and other subjective and objective activities. Every chapter activities are due at the end ot its week, mostly on Fridays

Every assignment has a specific due date.  Practice work may allow for correction and resubmission before the related exam, as stated in Canvas; use instructor feedback to improve your understanding.  Quizzes and exams generally do not accept late submissions.  The current syllabus and Canvas instructions control for your section.

1. Exams are completed as directed in Canvas and may be virtually proctored.
2. Exams are primarily problem-oriented and may also include objective or written questions.
3. Make every effort to avoid missing an exam.  Make-ups are not guaranteed and generally require a documented extenuating circumstance and instructor approval.
4. Before using artificial intelligence for any course assignment, review the current syllabus and obtain instructor approval when required.  Unauthorized use may reduce the score or result in a zero.

7.  Technology and participation readiness

1. A dependable laptop or desktop computer; a phone or tablet alone is not sufficient for Excel coursework.
2. Reliable internet and a current browser; keep the browser and operating system updated.
3. A working microphone and webcam when required for Zoom meetings, support sessions, or proctored assessments.
4. Ability to download, save, rename, reopen, and upload files without changing the file type.
5. A backup plan for internet or computer problems, such as using COC Library or TLC computers during open hours.

8.  Getting help

Ask for help early.  It is a productive part of learning accounting, not a sign that you do not belong in the course.

9.  Troubleshooting before a deadline

1. Save your work and take a screenshot of any error message.
2. Confirm that you are signed in to the correct COC Canvas account and the correct BUS 201 section.
3. Clear the browser history  cache, update the browser, restart the browser or computer, and sign back into Canvas.
4. For Excel problems, download a fresh copy of the original file and open it directly in Microsoft Excel; do not convert it through another program.

Contact Canvas support for access or platform issues and notify the instructor through Canvas Inbox before the deadline.  Include the assignment, time of the problem, device/browser, and screenshot.

Textbook Information

Text:                     Accounting, Volume 1, Financial Accounting 1 (OER)    (COC Package) Available at: 

https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/ztc/textbooks.php   

Authors:             Mitchell Franklin, Patty Graybeal, & Dixon Cooper (COC Package)

Other Relevant Course Information

10. Student success checklist

1. ?  I confirmed whether my section is 100% Online, Hybrid, or OnlineLIVE.
2. ?  I recorded the correct course dates and any required campus or Zoom meetings from the current schedule.
3. ?  I can access Canvas, the OER textbook, and the Start Here module.
4. ?  I installed or opened Microsoft Excel through free Office 365 and understand that other spreadsheet programs are not accepted.
5. ?  I can download, save, reopen, and upload a native Excel workbook.
6. ?  I understand the weekly workload, due-date expectations, and exam rules for my section.
7. ?  I know how to reach the instructor through Canvas Inbox and where to obtain technical and academic support.

Course description and learning outcome

BUS 201 presents accounting as an information system and examines how managers, investors, creditors, and others use it to make decisions.  The course covers the accounting cycle; generally accepted accounting principles; financial statements and analysis; asset, liability, and equity valuation; revenue and expense recognition; cash flow; internal controls; and ethics.  It is designed for transfer majors in business disciplines.

Student Learning Outcome: Analyze and evaluate financial accounting principles and concepts to record business transactions.

Useful links

• Canvas
• COC Online Education
• Academic Accommodation Center
• The Learning Center

Welcome to BUS 201.  Your steady effort, accurate Excel work, and willingness to ask questions will matter far more than prior accounting experience.

I am looking forward to work with you.

Do Well,

Prof. Ali Naddafpour

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: 08/18/2026 Sub#: 2077 Sub ID: 218937