UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
SYLLABUS

 

BSAD 302 - CONSUMPTION ECONOMICS                                                      Dr. Veree Ethridge
3 Credit Hours                                                                                                         Spring 2005
M & W 11:00-12:15 p.m.

 

PREREQUISITE:                61 102

REQUIRED TEXT:              Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2002-2003 (CD)
                                                Consumer Action Handbook  

READINGS:                         All readings on reserve in Library.
                                                Additional readings may be assigned in class.
                                                Some material on USF network in O drive in
                                      Folder:  Bus. Adm./Ethridge/consumecon.  Additional
                                      Items will be posted on Webct course site.
                                      Reserved text chapters from Consumption Economics,
                                      Consumer Economics by McGowen, Economics by
                                      McEachern and Economic Issues for Consumers                                   
                                     
OBJECTIVES:        

            This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of micro
and macro aspects of consumption as well as an examination of the policies
regulating the consumer market.  The student will learn to interpret and use
government provided consumption data to gather insight into household
consumption patterns in the U.S.

 

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:          

Week of          Topic                                                           Optional

Jan.  10          Introduction to Consumption                           Consumption
                                    Economics                                            Economics, pp. 3-13;
          Micro Theory of Consumption            
                                    Economics                                            Consumption, pp. 78-95
                        Demand Theories                                            McGowan, pp. 68-87

Jan. 24        Advanced Micro Theories                                  McEachern, pp.393-445 
                                   

 

 

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TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:  (CONTINUED)

Week of          Topic                                                            Optional
Jan. 31           Macro Theory of Consumption                  McGowan, pp.44-65
                                    Economics                                     
                                                                                       McEachern pp.178-229
                 
                     Income Theories                                              Consumption, pp106-109
                        Income Distribution                                                                                      

Feb. 7             EXAM I   (THEORY)

Feb.  9            Intro to Consumption                         Intro of Consumer Exp Survey
                        Data & Price Indexes                                   Handouts
                     Other Data Sources

Feb. 14           Survey Data Analysis                                   Text CD and Web site
                        (Explanation of weekly assign-
                         ments given in class)

Feb. 16-
March 21        Survey Data Group Work

March 23       Written reports due

Mar. 23,28,30   Oral Reports
& April 4

April  6            Summary Trends in Consumption         PowerPoint

April  11         EXAM II   (SURVEYS)

April 13           Consumer Market Regulation                      College Web Page
                        Federal Level:  FTC, FDA                         Handouts
                                                                            Economics Issues for Consumers

April 25           Federal Continued:  CPSC, NHTSA,         Consumer Action Handbook
                                    EPA, FCC                                                                            
                       
April 29           State Level Regulation
                        Private-Trade Associations

 

May                FINAL EXAM III   (REGULATION) - (DURING FINALS)

 


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EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

ATTENDANCE:                    Class participation grade requires regular attendance
                                                and active participation.

EXAMS:                                 The format of the exams will be discussed in class.  Any
                                                exams missed on the assigned exam days must be made
                                                up on the very next class meeting and must have prior
                                                approval.

HOMEWORK:                       Homework projects will be assigned.  Due dates will be
                                                announced and no late papers will be accepted without
                                                prior approval. Dates may be adjusted so check webct calendar.

GRADING POLICY:              Exams I, II, III          =   300 points
                                                Class participation  =     50     "
                                                Survey Project          =  150    "
                                                Homework                =    50    "
                                                                        Total         550 points

 

                                                495 points = A
                                                440 points = B
                                                385 points = C
                                                330 points = D

 

OFFICE HOURS:       Monday & Wednesday - 9:30-11:00 a.m.
                                       Tuesday & Thursday   - 9:00-9:30 a.m. &  1:45- 2:15 p.m.
                                       And by appointment
                                       Office - N222;   Phone:  740-3849
                                       EMAIL:  vethridge@stfrancis.edu
                                       http://www.stfrancis.edu/ba/vereee/vereee.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

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University Policies

Academic Integrity:
Students have an obligation to exhibit honesty in carrying out their academic assignments.  Students may be found to have violated this obligation if they plagiarize
or cheat.  Plagiarism is presenting the work of others as one’s own.  Cheating is taking, giving or accepting any illicit advantage for any course work inside or outside of the classroom.

ADA Statement:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact your instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. Reasonable accommodations, as arranged through the Disabilities Coordinator,
Ms. Pat Viveo, will be provided for students with documented disabilities.  Contact
her at 815-740-3864 in Tower Hall, Room S210, or email her at pviveo@stfrancis.edu
to coordinate accommodations.

Academic Resources:
If you need academic-related resources or assistance, please contact the Academic Resource Center on the second floor of the USF Library, room 214, or call them at
(815) 740-5060.

USF Mission Statement:
As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit
of knowledge, faith, wisdom and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking.  We strive for academic excellence
in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

College of Business Mission Statement:
The mission of the College of Business is to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are career oriented and focus on academic excellence.  Undergraduate programs are designed for traditional and nontraditional students providing a blend of professional studies, technology and a strong liberal arts curriculum.  Graduate programs are designed for working professionals and are practitioner based.  All programs in the College of Business are driven by the University’s Catholic Franciscan mission.  The College seeks to inspire in its students a love of knowledge and truth and to instill the Franciscan values of respect, compassion, integrity and service. 

 

Policies not covered in this syllabus will be handled in accordance with the USF catalog.