Discussion Section Syllabus

Spring 2008

 

Teaching Assistant: Stephen Bruestle

Office Hours: Second Floor Wilson

Mondays 6:05-6:50 PM

                        Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 PM

                        Fridays 2:05 – 2:50 PM

Mailbox: Second Floor Wilson

 

Course Times:           Section 145 – Thursdays 7:00 – 7:50 PM – WIL 216

                                    Section 127 – Mondays 5:00 – 5:50 PM – CAB 134

                                    Section 146 – Mondays 7:00 – 7:50 PM – CAB 216

 

Introduction:

There are two branches of economics: macroeconomics and microeconomics. Macroeconomics examines the national economy as a whole, while microeconomics examines individual firms, individual consumers and specific goods. This course examines basics of macroeconomics. We will examine models that examine national income, output, consumption, unemployment, inflation, savings, investment and international trade.

 

Course Objective and Layout: 

The purpose of each discussion section is to answer your questions about and discuss Professor Coppock’s lectures, not for me to lecture to you. Thus I have split our discussion section into three types of classes: (1) question and answer sessions, (2) review of the exam and (3) group exercises.

 

Attendance:

Attendance is not mandatory. It is not even a part of your grade. Don’t ask me: “Is the material we cover a certain day important?” It is always important. If it were not important I would cancel class. If you have to miss one of my discussion sections, just go to another. DO NOT EMAIL ME. I cover the material three times: once on Thursday and then twice on the following Monday. I do not care which of my sessions you attend. The times and places are listed above. You are also free to come to my office hours and ask me any questions.

 

What I Expect of You:

For every class, I expect you to be familiar with the material to be covered. I expect you to keep up with the readings and attend the lectures. I expect you to participate. I expect you to care.

 

Group Exercises:

I will assign five group exercises, each worth five points. I will hand them out in class and post them online. You can attend any of my three discussion sessions to do them, or hand it to me during my Wednesday office hours. No more than four persons can be in a group, and you are perfectly free to be a group of one. If you do not attend any of my sessions, then you have to be a group of one.

The University of Virginia has a strong tradition of an honor code. You are all adults and I am going to treat you as adults. I will assume that you will not lie, cheat or steal. I will take you at your word. I will do my best to proctor your exams with respect and dignity.