Course Syllabus

 

Course Syllabus - Economic Principles - Econ 101 - 1005 - Fall 2025

Instructor Name: Jed Baker

Email Address: jsbaker@sdsu.edu

Meeting Time: M, W, and online activities F 11:00-11:50 AM

Meeting Place: SHW 012

Office Hours: By Appointment in Zoom.

 

Preferred method of contact: Please contact me by email at jsbaker@sdsu.edu if you have any problems or questions with regards to the course. I will respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays and on Monday for messages sent over the weekend. We can also set appointments in Zoom.

Below is a Link to my Zoom Sessions

Jedediah Baker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Wednesday Zoom Office Hours
Time: Sep 3, 2025 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
        Every week on Mon, Wed, until Dec 24, 2025, 33 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://SDSU.zoom.us/meeting/tZEpdO2vrTsiHt3Qd6PE-qb0HT1ktbNcG2H7/ics?icsToken=DD9Pd4MTwx_Tk24exQAALAAAAEsM6EmNYKEQz_voBo15SBVn7QM9AdXOPQmheFWL2AzLy73kdjFqBFFrm88N7dkWRLe6T7ErYvjYxKMsdjAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=tPtzpr69Rqi5DSV8wHgU5A
Join Zoom Meeting
https://SDSU.zoom.us/j/85434730849

Meeting ID: 854 3473 0849

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Course Description

Principles of Macroeconomics introduces students to how the economy works at a national and global level. The course explores key topics such as economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and the role of government policy in stabilizing and guiding the economy. Students learn to interpret major economic indicators and apply simple models to understand current events and policy debates. By the end of the course, students develop a foundation for critical thinking about economic issues and preparation for more advanced economics or business studies.

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Explain core economic principles, including scarcity, opportunity cost, and marginal decision-making.
  • Understand how trade and specialization create gains for individuals and nations.
  • Apply the supply-and-demand model to predict how events affect market prices and quantities.
  • Describe how gross domestic product (GDP), the consumer price index (CPI), and the unemployment rate are measured, and evaluate their limitations.
  • Identify the drivers of long-term economic growth and discuss policies that can promote it.
  • Analyze causes of wealth disparities across nations and evaluate potential solutions.
  • Explain how savings, investment, and financial markets interact to shape economic performance.
  • Understand how the banking system creates money and the role of the Federal Reserve in monetary operations.
  • Analyze how fiscal and monetary policies influence the economy in both the short run and long run.
  • Evaluate the effects of policy interventions on inflation, unemployment, and economic stability.

Course Content:

This course is a hybrid course that meets in class on M and W and has tests, films, discussions, and other online activities due on Fridays.

 

Course Structure

 

  • This course is organized into three sections to build a strong understanding of macroeconomic principles step by step.
  • In the first section, we will explore foundational economic concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, marginal thinking, gains from trade, and the supply-and-demand model.
  • The second section will focus on key macroeconomic indicators, including GDP, the CPI, and unemployment, and then expand to topics such as long-run economic growth, financial markets, and labor markets, as well as the role of the monetary system.
  • In the final section, we will analyze the economy in the short run by examining business cycles and evaluating the effects of fiscal and monetary policies on overall economic performance.
    • We will cover approximately one chapter per week, using a combination of in-person lectures, weekly homework assignments, and online exercises to reinforce learning.
  • Our class will meet in person on Mondays and Wednesdays, with an asynchronous component on Fridays to complete online activities and assignments.
  • It is essential to read the assigned chapter before each in-person class session to get the most out of our discussions and activities.
  • In-class sessions will focus on clarifying difficult concepts, working through examples, and engaging in activities such as multiple-choice practice questions, group discussions, and occasional news-related debates to deepen your understanding.
  • Each week, you are expected to complete one graded homework assignment in MindTap and one graded Canvas quiz, both due by Sunday at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time).
  • Exams will be held in the classroom during our scheduled class times, with one midterm at the end of each section and an optional comprehensive final. Exam dates will be posted in Canvas and announced in class.

Course Materials

  1. Canvas Website
    Our course will use Canvas, which you can access at https://sdsu.instructure.com/. The course should automatically appear on your dashboard once you are enrolled. If you have trouble logging in, please reach out to the IT Student Help Desk at hub@sdsu.edu. Take some time to explore our Canvas page—it contains links, schedules, materials, and assignments to help you stay on track.
  2. Cengage MindTap
    MindTap provides digital access to the required textbook, Principles of Macroeconomics, 10th Edition by Gregory Mankiw, along with all homework assignments and additional learning tools. The platform is integrated directly into Canvas and is available from the first day of class. You will have free access through the add/drop period. MindTap is designed to support your learning with practice problems, interactive videos, and self-check tools to help you master the material.
  3. iClicker Student App
    The iClicker app is required for in-class participation activities. You can use any web-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, to respond to questions and earn participation points.

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

Percentage

Grade

100–93

A

92–90

A-

89–87

B+

86–83

B

82–80

B-

79–77

C+

76–73

C

72–70

C-

69–67

D+

66–63

D

62–60

D-

59–0

F

 

Grade Components:

  • Three midterm exams and an optional final (highest three scores count) – 60%
  • Weekly MindTap homework assignments – 25%
  • Weekly Canvas quizzes – 5%
  • In-class participation – 10%

 

Details of Grade Components

  • Exams
    • Each midterm focuses on the material covered since the previous exam.
    • The optional final is cumulative and can replace a missed or low midterm score.
    • Tentative dates are listed in the course outline; official dates will be announced in class and on Canvas.
  • MindTap Homework
    • One homework assignment per chapter, due each Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
    • Assignments can be attempted multiple times, with your highest score counting.
    • Late submissions are accepted up to one week past the due date with a 10% penalty.
    • Use the “Practice and Apply” folder within MindTap for extra practice before completing graded assignments.
  • Canvas Quizzes
    • Weekly quizzes are due each Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
    • You will have two attempts, and the highest score will count.
    • The lowest quiz score will be dropped; no make-up quizzes are offered.
  • Class Participation
    • Earn points by responding to iClicker questions during class sessions and participating in small group discussions.
    • News articles and discussion prompts will be posted in Canvas to prepare you for class conversations.
    • Participation grades are calculated based on 75% of total possible points to account for unavoidable absences.

 

 

 

Important Student Information

 

Use of AI
You are encouraged to use AI tools to clarify complex concepts or explore topics more deeply. However, using AI to solve graded homework or quiz problems bypasses the learning process and may result in errors. Always verify AI-generated content with your textbook or check with your instructor or TA.

  • Communication
    All course-related communication will be sent to your official SDSU email account. Please check your email regularly.
  • Accessibility and Accommodations
    Students with documented disabilities should contact the Student Ability Success Center at sascinfo@sdsu.edu to arrange accommodations. Requests typically take 10–14 business days to process.
  • Academic Integrity
    Academic honesty is expected at all times. Disruptive behavior, cheating, and unauthorized sharing of course materials—including recording or posting lectures or assignments—are prohibited under the Student Conduct Code.
  • Safe Learning Environment
    Creating a respectful and safe environment is a priority. Any behavior that threatens the health or safety of others, including harassment or sexual misconduct, is strictly prohibited. Faculty are required to report incidents to SDSU’s Title IX Coordinator. Confidential support is available through SDSU’s Sexual Violence Victim Advocate (619-594-0210) or Counseling and Psychological Services (619-594-5220, psycserv@sdsu.edu).

 

           

 

 

Cengage Mindtap

We will be using Cengage Mindtap for homework assignments. Details are included below

Register for your MindTap Course

  1. 1. Use the course registration link https://student.cengage.com/course-link/MTPN7KK5BRFT
  2. 2. Follow the instructions on screen to create your Cengage account and register for this MindTap course.
  3. 3. Begin your temporary access* period.

Need help? Visit the Cengage Start Strong Website (https://startstrong.cengage.com) for step-by-step instructions.

*Temporary Access: You can access your MindTap course until 7:00 AM (UTC) on 9/8/2025 for free. At the end of the temporary access period, you will be prompted to purchase access. Your work will be saved and will be available to you again once you’ve completed your purchase.

 

Inclusivity Statement

Our community represents a rich variety of backgrounds, experiences, demographics and perspectives and we are committed to fostering a learning environment where every individual is respected and engaged. To facilitate a dynamic and inclusive educational experience, we ask all members of the community to:

 

  • be open to the perspectives of others
  • appreciate the uniqueness their colleagues
  • take advantage of the opportunity to learn from each other
  • exchange experiences, values and beliefs
  • communicate in a respectful manner
  • be aware of individuals who are marginalized and involve them
  • keep confidential discussions private

 

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to adhere to standards of academic honesty and integrity, as outlined in the Student Academic Honesty Policy. All assignments must be original work, clearly expressed and as free from errors as possible. All ideas/materials that are borrowed from other sources must have appropriate references to the original sources. Any quoted material should give credit to the source.

Do not confuse points and percentages. Your grade will be based on the percentage of the points you earn in a category and that percent will be weighted by the percentage the category counts toward your grade.  The three categories added with their weights will determine your final grade.

The instructor reserves the right to use his discretion in individual circumstances that may not be covered by this syllabus or if the application of the rules of the syllabus would result in a miscarriage of justice. If you have any problems with the class or the instructor, please come to talk to me about these issues during office hours so that we can work the issues out.  I am a reasonable person and will try to address your concerns in a manner that will be mutually satisfactory, fair, and just. 

Tentative Outline

Week Beginning Week Ending Reading Assignment Due
8/25/25 8/31/25 Chapter 1 Complete all introductory tasks
9/1/25 9/7/25 Chapters 2 Chapter 2 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 2 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
9/8/25 9/14/25 Chapters 3 Chapter 3 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 3 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
9/15/25 9/21/25 Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 4 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
9/22/25 9/28/25 Chapter 10 Midterm Exam 1-Friday 11-12 (Chapter's 1-4 Asynchronous)
Chapter 10 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 10 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
9/29/25 10/5/25 Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 11 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
10/6/25 10/12/25 Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 12 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
10/13/25 10/19/25 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 13 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
10/20/25 10/26/25 Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 15 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
10/27/25 11/2/25 Chapter 16 Midterm Exam 2-Friday 11-12 (Chapter's 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 Asynchronous)
Chapter 16 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 16 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
11/3/25 11/9/25 Chapter 17
Chapter 17 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 17 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
11/10/25 11/16/25 Chapter 18
Chapter 18 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 18 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
11/17/25 11/23/25 Chapter 19
Chapter 19 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 19 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
11/24/25 11/30/25 Chapter 21
Chapter 21 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 21 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
12/1/25 12/7/25 Chapter 22
Chapter 22 Mindtap Assignment
Chapter 22 Quiz
(Both due Sunday @ 11:59pm)
12/8/25 12/14/25 Review Sessions Midterm Exam 3-Friday 11-12 (Chapter's 16-22 Asynchronous)
5/15/25 12/20/25 Optional Final Exam Date, Time and Location TBD