Spring 2006

Professor Kyle                                                                                                           Tue./Thurs 9:05

Warren Hall 249

5-2104 - email sck5@cornell.edu

 

Economics 102

Introduction to Macroeconomics

 

1. There are two lectures each week, from 9:05 to 9:55 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  There is one section per week.

 

2. The text for the course is :

 

Case & Fair Principles of Macroeconomics, 7th Edition (Prentice Hall)

 

            The text can be purchased at the campus store.

 

3. Students are expected to be familiar with the text and any additional material covered in lectures and sections.  There will be occasional handouts in lecture with articles and/or questions.  Some of these questions will be briefly answered in the beginning of the lecture.  Students will be responsible for this material as well and can expect some of it to appear on exams.

 

4. There will be web based problem sets, two prelims and a short paper.  Grading will be done by the TA’s, with the curve adjusted to an average set by the Department.  All prelims are graded on a single curve, with each question graded by one person on all exams.  For the short paper, the curve for each section is adjusted to a common mean across all sections.  The weighting of the grades will be as follows:

 

Problem Sets                           20 points

Prelims                                    30 points each

Short Paper                             20 points

 

 

            The problem sets are done on the Aplia website.  See the separate handout which details how to sign up for this.  Please note that signing up for this website is NOT OPTIONAL.  You cannot get graded if you don’t sign up.

 

            The prelims will be held in February and April.  Exact dates and times will be announced in class and posted on the course website.  Students who miss one of the prelims may, with a university excuse, take a makeup.  University excuses are obtained by going to the Office of Student Services of your college, and cannot be issued by the instructor.  IF, FOR EXAMPLE, YOU HAVE A FAMILY EMERGENCY (DEATH, ILLNESS, ETC.) YOU MUST GO TO STUDENT SERVICES AND HAVE WRITTEN NOTIFICATION SENT TO ME BY THEM.  NOTHING ELSE IS SUFFICIENT.

            Medical excuses MUST be confirmed by a doctor IN WRITING.  If in doubt, GO TO GANNETT and see a doctor.  It is important to note that IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO GET A NOTE SAYING YOU HAVE VISITED GANNETT.  YOU MUST GET A WRITTEN LETTER FROM A DOCTOR SAYING YOU ARE TOO SICK TO TAKE THE EXAM.

 

            The short paper is due on May 4. More information on this will be available later in the semester.

 

 

5. Your TA’s should be contacted first if you have any questions.  If you still need help, contact the coordinating TA.

 

6. Professor Kyle’s office hours will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 - 12:30.   If you cannot come during office hours, e-mail or call to get your questions answered or to set up an appointment.