Syllabus
Term: Spring
Credits: 3
Instructor:
Gary Flomenhoft, Lecturer/Research Associate CDAE
Fellow, Gund Institute for Ecological-Economics
617 Main St.
gary.flo@uvm.edu
802-656-2996
cv: http://www.uvm.edu/giee/cvs/Garyvita.htm
Office Hours:
Tue 9-12
I believe an important part of teaching is being accessible to students. I
am usually in the office mornings. Call before coming to my office, then feel
free to stop by and ask questions at any time.
Course Description: Explore macroeconomic principles and concepts as they affect
individuals and businesses in local, regional, national, and global economics.
Prerequisites: Economics 11, and CDAE 61 or equivalent
Ability to think independently
Grading:
Your performance in CDAE 253 is commensurate with the amount of effort you
put into it. It is a 3-credit course. Therefore, you should expect to spend
between 6 to 10 hours per week, on average, outside of class on reading, studying,
and homework. Papers, exams, homework, participation will all count toward
the final grade.
Papers: On papers creativity will be rewarded, and regurgitation of material presented in class will not be rewarded. Papers with spelling and/or grammatical errors will not be accepted. Please see the writing center for assistance if unable to write properly: Writing Center link Due to the increase in the size of the class, there have been fewer papers in recent years. Therefore more reliance has been placed on exams. An attempt will be made to limit the amount of memorization, and problems will also be given.
Estimated grading scheme:
Exams-60%
HW-25%
papers-15%
articles-extra credit
Textbooks:
Macroeconomics
in Context, Jonathon Harris, Global Development and Environmental
Institute, Tufts University
Houghton-Mifflin forthcoming, 2006
New Thinking in Macroeconomics, Social, Institutional, and Environmental
Perspectives
Harris, Goodwin, Elger, 2003
Course Objectives:
Students who complete this course will develop competency in the following
areas:
Knowledge
Ø Demonstrate an understanding of different macroeconomic theories
such as Keynesian, Monetarist, Rational Expectations,
Ø Demonstrate an understanding of economic
Ø Demonstrate an understanding of alternative macroeconomic viewpoints
Skills
Ø Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork developed through homework
assignments and class participation.
Ø Demonstrate written and oral communication skills and research skills
developed through a series of assignments and class participation.
Ø Demonstrate critical thinking and more importantly creative thinking
skills
Ø Demonstrate technology-related skills (for example, library search
techniques, internet searches, spreadsheet and word processing skills) developed
through classroom experience and course assignments.
Abilities
Ø Demonstrate the ability to think critically, listen actively and
allow for alternative points of view.
Class Preparation, Attendance and Participation:
There are two 1 1/2 hr classes each week. You should be prepared for every
class. You are expected to read the assigned readings, bring pen, paper and
calculator and show up on time. The assigned readings are important starting
places for our discussions. They will help you become familiar with concepts
used in class. I don’t expect you to grasp everything completely
the first time you read it, but by reading first, you can figure out for yourself
what you don’t understand before class begins. A portion of your grade
is dependent on attendance and participation.
Course Principles (Honesty Policy):
As members of civil society and participants in an institution such as UVM,
we all must submit to honor codes and policy statements. This course is no
different. I propose the following principles to apply to our interrelationships
and attitudes regarding class participation.
Ø Professionalism: Hard work, determination, and respect for others
will define your individual progress and success.
Ø Positive Attitude: School should provide some opportunities to engage
in a lighter side of learning and life. Let’s hope we have some fun
during our time together.
Ø Plagarism: Copying is cheating. You are stealing someone else’s
work by attempting to take credit for it yourself. You are expected to do
ORIGINAL WORK in this class, and to appropriately cite your references in
those cases where you do rely upon the previous work of someone else.
Ø Academic Integrity: At the end of the day, all that any of us really
have to show for the effort is our integrity. Integrity, at a minimum, requires
compliance with the University Honor Code as spelled out in the UVM Code of
Student Rights and Responsibilities and University Policies.
Learning Disabilities:
If you have a diagnosed learning disability and feel you may need special
accommodations in either learning the course materials or taking exams, please
contact me as soon as possible at the beginning of the semester to discuss
the issue.
* * *
I reserve the right to make necessary changes and additions to this syllabus
and to the Course Outline throughout the semester. These changes or additions
will be announced in class.
It is your responsibility to obtain all materials, handouts, class notes,
etc. and to be aware of any announcements made in class, whether you are in
class or not on the days the announcements are made or material is presented.