ECON 102: Principles of Macroeconomics

Course Description

Economics is the social science that studies how people make decisions under conditions of scarcity. Microeconomics focuses specifically on how the decisions of households and firms, while macroeconomics studies the aggregate consequences of these decisions as typically measured by unemployment, inflation,

interest rates, international trade and economic growth.

Course Delivery

This course will be conducted online through a website for students and professors of economics called Aplia (not WebCT). The cost of Aplia is $80 per student (per semester) and includes online access to the textbook, Principles of Macroeconomics, 5^th edition, by N. Gregory Mankiw. You do not need to purchase the textbook separately unless you want to. If you do, you may purchase a special package at University Book Store which includes the textbook plus Aplia registration.

You must register individually at the Aplia site to complete the assignments. The course key code and instructions on registering for Aplia will be sent to your Iowa State University email address on the first day of the semester. If you choose to use an email account other than iastate.edu, it is your responsibility to have your Iowa State email forwarded to that address. If you register late (after the first day of the semester), it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for the Aplia key code.

Course Grading

Two exams (35% each) and weekly problem sets (30% total). Problem sets are completed online. Exams are taken on-campus as arranged by the instructor or off-campus with an approved proctor. Information about obtaining an off-campus proctor will be sent on the first day of the semester.

How to Enroll

For registration information, please visit the Iowa State University Distance Education site or call 1-800-262-0015 and ask to be transferred to 294-1889. For further information about the course, contact the instructor.