Course Syllabus

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Course Description:

An introductory course focusing on aggregate economic analysis. Topics include: market systems, aggregate measures of economic activity, macroeconomic equilibrium, money and financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and economic growth. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and interpret macroeconomic data.
  2. Apply macroeconomic models to understand the economy.
  3. Analyze the economic impacts of monetary and fiscal policy.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the function of the central bank and the banking system.

Course Content:

 

  1. Fundamentals of economic thinking
  2. How markets operate
  3. Measuring the economy
    1. National output and productivity
    2. Price level
    3. Business cycle
    4. Unemployment
  4. Modeling the business cycle
  5. Monetary system
    1. Money creation and banking
    2. Role and function of central banks
    3. Money demand and velocity
    4. Inflation
  6. The financial system
    1. Saving
    2. Investment
    3. Role of interest rates
  7. The role of the government in the macro economy
    1. Stabilization policy
    2. Deficit and debt
    3. Fiscal and monetary policy
  8. Economic growth and development
  9. Balance of payments and trade

Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Principles of Macroeconomics from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-30-1 

You have several options to obtain this book:

  • View online (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
  • Download a PDF (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
  • Order a print copy (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 
  • Download on iBooks (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Important Notes:

  • All first week assignments need to be completed and submitted by the due date to avoid possibly being dropped from the class.
  • Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) early in the quarter so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact the DRC by visiting the Center (located in room A205) or by phone (541-4660 ext. 249 voice or 542-1870 TTY for deaf students). All information will remain confidential.
  • Academic dishonesty and plagiarism will result in a failing grade on the assignment. Using someone else's ideas or phrasing and representing those ideas or phrasing as our own, either on purpose or through carelessness, is a serious offense known as plagiarism. "Ideas or phrasing" includes written or spoken material, from whole papers and paragraphs to sentences, and, indeed, phrases but it also includes statistics, lab results, art work, etc.  

 

 

 

 

Course Description

This introductory course in economics examines how scarce resources are used to produce goods and services that require choices and trade-offs. Macroeconomics looks at the health of the U.S. domestic economy and its relationship to the global economy. Unemployment, inflation, and economic growth are discussed and measured. Fiscal and monetary policies and their effectiveness are studied. The issue of why nations trade and the benefits and costs of trade and globalization are examined. This course uses economic models and mathematical calculations. This course is transferable to the CSU. Students who have taken ECON 201 are not eligible for this course.

Course Modality

📌 This class is offered in the following modality:

✅ Online:

All instruction and interaction are online with no mandatory synchronous nor in-person meetings. Students complete coursework at their own pace within deadlines but are expected to actively engage in discussions, assignments, and assessments through Canvas.

📌 What This Means for You:

  • No scheduled live meetings. You can access lectures, assignments, and discussions anytime.
  • All coursework, discussions, and exams will be completed online via Canvas.
  • You must regularly check Canvas for announcements, due dates, and participation expectations.

📌 Need Help?

  • I will be available for Live Student Hours via Zoom (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00 – 3:30 PM).
  • Office Hours (By Appointment Only) are also available for private meetings.

Course Requirements

To succeed in this course, students must meet the following requirements:

1️⃣ Technology & Access Requirements

✅ Device: A computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet access.

✅ Canvas Access: All course materials, assignments, discussions, and exams will be accessed via 🔗 Canvas.

✅ Webcam & Microphone (Optional): If scheduling one-on-one Zoom meetings.

✅ Software Requirements:

  • Browser: Google Chrome or Firefox (Recommended)
  • PDF Reader: Adobe Acrobat or another PDF viewer for reading materials.
  • Office Software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) or Google Docs (Free with Cerritos College email).
    ✅ E-Textbook Access: The course textbook is available for free through OpenStax (🔗 View Online).

2️⃣ Course Participation & Workload

✅ Course Modality: This course is fully asynchronous with no required live meetings.

✅ Weekly Commitment: Expect to spend 10-12 hours per week on coursework, including:

  • Reading the textbook and course materials.
  • Completing weekly quizzes and assignments.
  • Participating in online discussions and case studies.
  • Preparing for exams and final projects.
  • ✅ Canvas Announcements: You are expected to check Canvas at least 3-4 times per week for updates.

3️⃣ Assignment & Grading Expectations

📌 All coursework is due on the specified deadlines in Canvas. Late work may be subject to penalties unless an extension is granted.

✅ Assessments & Grade Breakdown:

Assignment TypeWeight
Weekly Discussions & Case Studies 20%
Quizzes & Assignments 20%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 35%

📌 Grading Scale: Standard A–F grading system based on cumulative performance.

4️⃣ Communication & Office Hours

✅ Preferred Contact Method: Email sayangbah@cerritos.edu or message via Canvas Inbox.

✅ Response Time: Expect replies within 24 hours on weekdays / 48 hours on weekends.

✅ Live Student Hours (Zoom): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00 – 3:30 PM → 🔗 Join Zoom Here

✅ Office Hours (By Appointment): Available via Zoom or phone, scheduled via email.

Grading Scale

📖 Grading Scale

📌 Your final grade is based on the percentage of total points earned throughout the semester.

Letter GradePercentage RangePerformance Description
A 90 – 100% Excellent mastery of course concepts
B 80 – 89% Strong understanding of material
C 70 – 79% Satisfactory performance
D 60 – 69% Needs improvement, below college-level competency
F 0 – 59% Failing, insufficient understanding of concepts

📌 Important Notes:

  • Final grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 89.5% rounds to 90%).
  • No extra credit assignments will be offered, but students are encouraged to complete all coursework on time.
  • Students are responsible for tracking their grades via Canvas Gradebook.

📌 Grade Breakdown by Assignment Type

Assignment TypeWeight (%)
Weekly Discussions & Case Studies 20%
Quizzes & Assignments 20%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 35%

📌 Final Grade Calculation:Your final grade will be determined by weighted averages of your assignments, quizzes, discussions, and exams.

Grading Policy

1️⃣ Grading Scale

Your final grade will be determined by the percentage of total points earned throughout the semester.

Letter GradePercentage RangePerformance Description
A 90 – 100% Excellent mastery of course concepts
B 80 – 89% Strong understanding of material
C 70 – 79% Satisfactory performance
D 60 – 69% Below college-level competency
F 0 – 59% Insufficient understanding of concepts

📌 Final grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 89.5% rounds to 90%).

📌 Grades will be updated regularly in Canvas, and students are responsible for tracking their performance.

2️⃣ Grade Breakdown by Assignment Type

Each assignment contributes to your final grade as follows:

Assignment TypeWeight (%)
Weekly Discussions & Case Studies 20%
Quizzes & Assignments 20%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 35%

📌 Your final grade will be calculated using weighted averages of all assignments, discussions, quizzes, and exams.

📌 Exams and major assessments must be completed on time to ensure mastery of course material.

3️⃣ Late Work & Make-Up Policy

  • Discussions & Weekly Assignments: May be submitted up to one week late for a 10% penalty per day.
  • Quizzes: Must be completed by the deadline; no make-up quizzes will be offered.
  • Exams (Midterm & Final):
    • If you miss an exam due to an emergency, you must contact the instructor within 24 hours to request a make-up.
    • Make-up exams may differ from the original exam and must be completed within 5 days of the original exam date.
  • Extensions: If you need extra time for an assignment due to unforeseen circumstances, email the instructor before the due date to discuss options.

📌 No work will be accepted after the final exam date.

4️⃣ Extra Credit Policy

  • This course does not offer extra credit assignments.
  • Students are encouraged to focus on completing all required work on time to maximize their grades.

📌 If an extra learning opportunity arises (e.g., an economic event or guest speaker session), participation may be rewarded with additional points at the instructor’s discretion.

5️⃣ Grade Appeals & Academic Integrity

  • If you believe there is an error in your grade, you must submit a written appeal via email within one week of receiving the grade.
  • Academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) will result in a zero (0) for the assignment and may lead to disciplinary action.

📌 Check the course syllabus and Cerritos College policies for full details on academic integrity.

Incompletes

If a student is in good standing in class but unable to complete the course due to an emergency or other valid reason at the end of the term, the student can request an incomplete grade from the instructor which will appear as an “I” on the transcript. The student will have one year to complete the remaining work and receive a final grade for the course or the incomplete will revert to the course grade prior to the end of the term.

Drop and Add Deadlines

Withdrawal Date (without losing registration fee):  3/27/2025

Withdrawal Date without a W:  4/2/2025

Last Day to Withdraw with a W:  5/8/2025

 

Attendance Policy (In Person)

Attendance is important for your success in this course. Students who are absent in excess of 10% of the total class hours are subject to drop. Students who do not attend the first day of class may be dropped to make room for waitlisted students.

Attendance Policy (Online)

Absences in a fully online course are accounted for by monitoring academic attendance. A student will be considered "present" if there is evidence of weekly participation. Students who do not begin interacting with the course by the first day of the course session are subject to drop. The instructor may require a specific form of interaction (e.g., submitting a discussion post, completing a quiz, etc.) by the student to demonstrate attendance. 

This course lasts 18 weeks. Students will be subject to drop after 2 or more weeks of non-participation. 

This course lasts 15 weeks. Students will be subject to drop after 2 or more weeks of non-participation.

This course lasts 12 weeks. Students will be subject to drop after 2 or more weeks of non-participation.

This course lasts 9 weeks. Students will be subject to drop after 1 or more weeks of non-participation.

This course lasts 6 weeks. Students will be subject to drop after 1 or more weeks of non-participation.

This course lasts 3 weeks. Students will be subject to drop after 2 or more days of non-participation.

Class Calendar

📖 Class Schedule (March 24 – May 23, 2025)

📌 All assignments, quizzes, and discussions must be submitted in Canvas by 11:59 PM (PST) on the due date.

WeekDatesTopics CoveredReadings & Assignments

Week 1 Mar 24 - Mar 30 Introduction to Macroeconomics & Scarcity 📖 Read: Ch. 1 & 2 (Welcome to Economics! & Choice in a World of Scarcity) 
 📝 Discussion 1: Why Study Economics? 
 📊 Quiz 1 (Basic Economic Thinking)
Week 2 Mar 31 - Apr 6 Demand, Supply, & Market Interactions 📖 Read: Ch. 3 & 4 (Demand & Supply, Labor & Financial Markets) 
 📝 Assignment 1: Market Forces & Price Changes 
 📊 Quiz 2 (Market Interactions)
Week 3 Apr 7 - Apr 13 Elasticity & Macroeconomic Overview 📖 Read: Ch. 5 & 6 (Elasticity & Macroeconomic Perspective) 
 📝 Discussion 2: How Responsive Are Consumers? 
 📊 Quiz 3 (Elasticity & Economic Indicators)
Week 4 Apr 14 - Apr 20 Economic Growth & Unemployment 📖 Read: Ch. 7 & 8 (Economic Growth & Unemployment) 
 📝 Assignment 2: Unemployment Trends & Labor Markets 
 📊 Quiz 4 (Macroeconomic Growth Factors)
Week 5 Apr 21 - Apr 27 Inflation & International Trade 📖 Read: Ch. 9 & 10 (Inflation & International Trade/Capital Flows) 
 📝 Midterm Exam (Covers Chapters 1-8)
Week 6 Apr 28 - May 4 Aggregate Demand/Supply & Keynesian Economics 📖 Read: Ch. 11 & 12 (Aggregate Demand/Supply Model & Keynesian Perspective) 
 📝 Discussion 3: Government Intervention & Stimulus 
 📊 Quiz 5 (AD/AS & Keynesian Economics)
Week 7 May 5 - May 11 Neoclassical Economics & The Banking System 📖 Read: Ch. 13 & 14 (Neoclassical Perspective & Money & Banking) 
 📝 Assignment 3: Monetary Policy & Banking 
 📊 Quiz 6 (Monetary System)
Week 8 May 12 - May 18 Monetary Policy, Exchange Rates & Trade Policy 📖 Read: Ch. 15 & 16 (Monetary Policy & Exchange Rates) 
 📝 Discussion 4: Global Trade & Exchange Rate Impacts 
 📊 Quiz 7 (Trade & Currency Markets)
Week 9 May 19 - May 23 Fiscal Policy & Global Macroeconomics 📖 Read: Ch. 17, 18 & 19 (Fiscal Policy, Government Borrowing & Global Macroeconomics) 
 📝 Final Exam (Covers All Chapters) 
 📌 All assignments due by May 23, 11:59 PM (PST)

📌 Important Notes

  • All coursework is available in Canvas and must be completed by the listed due dates.
  • Midterm & Final Exams are mandatory and must be completed within the scheduled week.
  • Live Student Hours (Optional for Extra Help):
    📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00 – 3:30 PM → 🔗 Zoom Link

Academic Integrity

Academic honesty is taken very seriously by the Cerritos College faculty and is expected at all times. All coursework is to be the original work of each student. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are violations of the college’s official Standards of Conduct. 

Student Accessibility Statement

If you are already registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) please request your Letter of Accommodation in the Student Portal. If you are seeking registration and support services, please apply for services via the SAS online application. For more information, please review the SAS website, visit us in the LA/SAS Building, or contact us by phone at (562) 806-2451 ext. 2335.

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Sometimes students benefit from additional support in class. If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, or don't know if you do but think you would like to learn more, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Student Accessibility Services, at (562) 860-2451 ext. 2335, as early as possible.

Learning and Career Pathways

Choosing a major can be hard. Find the right program to meet your academic and career goals through our Learning and Career Pathways! Whether you're planning to transfer, earn an associate degree, or develop new skills for the workforce, Cerritos College has a pathway to help you cross the finish line. With one of the largest offerings of programs in Southern California, Cerritos College is the place to plan your future. Visit the Learning and Career Pathways page to learn more.

Success Center

Do you need tutoring for any of your Cerritos College courses? Do you need help managing your time efficiently? Do you need to learn how to take good lecture notes or learn how to better study from your textbook? Do you need help dealing with the stress of going to college? The Success Center can provide the answers and the help that you’re looking for. All Cerritos College students may attend any of the free services listed below. Visit the Success Center's website for more information.

Basic Needs Support

Any student who is experiencing academic barriers due to basic needs (housing, food, or hygiene insecurities or due to an unexpected event or financial emergency) is encouraged to contact Falcon’s Nest to discuss potential resources available on campus and in the community. Please feel free to email us at falconsnest@cerritos.edu.

Student Resources

Cerritos College provides a wide variety of services to support you on your student journey, from Career Services to the Library, to basic needs support. To learn more, please visit our college’s Student Resources page. 

In addition, if you feel comfortable, please consider reaching out to me through email or during student office hours.

Student Conduct Statement

Students are responsible for upholding the Standards of Student Conduct (BP 5500), including academic honesty and behavior expectations. It is expected that all students will follow these regulations and demonstrate respect for the community and its members. Students who are alleged to have violated these Standards are subject to the Student Discipline Procedures (AP 5520).

Computer Technology

This course uses Canvas as a course management system. You will need the following computer resources: (1) an internet connection and (2) an email account. If you do not have a personal computer, you may use the Cerritos College Computer Lab. One lab is located in the library basement and another is on the library building’s second level. Plan now to have a backup computer in case your primary system has problems.

If you find yourself in need of help with school systems such as Canvas and email, you can receive technical assistance. Here is the contact information:

Canvas Support: tnstudenthelp@cerritos.edu

Technical Support: studentcomputerhelp@cerritos.edu

Learning Environment

This is an inclusive learning environment in which you will be treated with respect and dignity, and in which all students have an opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed. Learning is enhanced by the experiences, knowledge, and perspectives of others. I encourage you to share your views and understand that you are doing so in a learning environment in which all are expected to engage respectfully and honor the dignity of others, as well as uphold the college’s standards of conduct.

OR

As a class, we represent a diverse community. It is through our similarities and our differences that we expand in our humanness. Let’s be gracious, polite, and supportive while we all work together toward a successful semester.

OR

Everyone has the right to feel comfortable and safe in all of your classes. If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences inside or outside of class, please don't hesitate to come and talk with me. I want to be a resource for you and help by being a bridge to the many resources available to you on campus.

I (like many people) am continuously in the process of learning about diverse perspectives and identities. If something is said in class (by anyone including me) that makes you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it. You and I can discuss the best options for moving forward, and be assured, your concerns will be met with the utmost respect. 

If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official records, please let me know. If, as a reflection of your gender identity, you prefer a name different from your legal name, a very simple “Preferred Name Change Process” is available at Cerritos College.

Land Acknowledgement

Cerritos College acknowledges the Tongva people as the traditional stewards of this land. As a public institution, we pay our respect to their ancestors, the people, and their future.

Sensitive Course Materials and Content

Please note that some content in this course may be sensitive, controversial, and challenging to your personal beliefs or values. The purpose of this content is not to offend, but rather to engage in academic inquiry, increasing your understanding of people and cultures that are different from your own, as well as your own self-understanding. Respecting the diverse thoughts and perspectives we encounter is essential to this process. Please speak with me if you have any concerns about course content at any point during the semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards

To be eligible for financial aid, students must make satisfactory academic progress toward their educational goal. For more information about Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process, please visit the Satisfactory Academic Progress page.

Disclaimer

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor in order to adapt to instructional needs.

 

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due