SYLLABUS for Economics 4340
Introductory Econometrics, Section 01
CRN#: 80865
Professor: Chris Clark Fall 2017
Lectures: Section 01: 11:00PM-12:15PM Monday and Wednesday Atkinson 207
Office: Atkinson Hall 415
Phone: 445-2588 Email:
Website: http://cclark.gcsu.edu/
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 – 10:50 AM
Or by appointment
Discussion
Prerequisites:ECON 2105,ECON 3600andMATH 2600.Topics include:
Statistical inference applied to economic theory.
Regression Analysis.
Causation and the Search for Identification.
Classical Assumptions, Failures, and Fixes.
Estimation of single and multiple equation models.
Specification and Specification Errors.
Omitted Variables.
Instrumental Variables.
Limited Dependent Variable Models
Panel Data techniques and difference-in-difference.
Regression Discontinuity Methods IF any students choose topics that require them.
Required Text
Using Econometrics: A Practical Guide by A.H. Studenmund
AND/OR
Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach by Jeffrey M. Wooldridge
You are STRONGLY encouraged to purchase both books if you are even slightly interested in graduate school. If you have no interest in graduate school, you may be fine relying on the Studenmund text.
Required statistical software
Stata or R. You are required to use one or the other. An important component of this course is becoming comfortable with modern statistics software. If you have experience with R from another course and are comfortable using it, then you may use it in this course. If you have no experience with R, then I strongly encourage you to use Stata. I find it is generally easier for students to learn. I am happy to help you with either.
It is my understanding that Stata is available on roughly 35 computers located in the library. (I strongly encourage you to check on this early, so they can make sure it’s on enough computers. They occasionally “forget” to install it when they get new computers.) In the past students were required to purchase this software. Mitch Voight, a former economics student here at GCSU, acquired this software for YOU.
If you’d like to purchase a copy of Stata for your personal use you may do so here: http://www.stata.com/order/new/edu/gradplans/student-pricing/
Evaluation Criteria
Your final grade for the course is based on the distribution below. Your grade is determined on a standard 100 point scale. A: 90% to 100%, B: 80%-89%, C: 70%-79%, D: 60%-69%, F: 59% and below. Grading in the course will be based upon, assignments, quizzes, two midsemester exams and a final exam. Exam questions will reflect information and ideas presented both in lecture and the assigned readings. (Please do not ask me to calculate your grade for you during the semester. You have all the information you need to do that yourself in the following table.)
Task / % of Course GradeAssignments / 30%
Quizzes / 10%
Exam I / 20%
Exam II / 20%
Final Exam / 20%
Assignments
You will be expected to complete 3 assignments this semester. 1) Select a viable question (topic) for your research paper (that you will work on during both this course and Senior Seminar) and provide a written report on that topic and why we should be interested in reading it. 2) Acquire data that can be used for your research paper and provide a written report summarizing said data, how you cleaned it, and why it’s viable. 3) Provide a written report describing the method in which you analyzed your data to answer your question, present preliminary results, and explain how you will refine your technique during Senior Seminar. You will be given due dates for these assignments later in the semester. Any late assignments will receive a grade of zero. These assignments must be turned in via Turnitin.com.
Exams
There will be two midsemester exams and a final exam. The dates for the exams are shown in the schedule on the last page of the syllabus. If you need to reschedule the final exam because of a conflict, you need to submit your request in writing (email is acceptable) to me two weeks in advance. I will provide calculators that you may use on the exam. If you arrive late on the day of an exam and another student has already turned in their exam you will not be allow to take the exam and you will receive a grade of zero.
Concept Quizzes
During the semester I will give approximately 13 concept quizzes. Of these 13 total quizzes, only the 10 highest scores will count. Since approximately three assignment grades may be dropped, I DO NOT GIVE “MAKE-UP” QUIZZES. Concept quizzes will cover material from the preceding week of class lectures, reading assignments, or questions from practice assignments.
Makeup Exams
I DO NOT GIVE “MAKE-UP” EXAMS. If you miss an exam due to an excused absence the weight assigned to that exam will be shifted to the final exam. For example if you miss Exam I, you will not be able to take exam I and the final would now be worth 45% of your grade (20% from exam I + original 25% for final). If you miss an exam with an unexcused absence you will receive a zero for the exam. The University defines the following as excused absences: illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student's immediate family; death of a member of the student's immediate family; University sponsored trips; or major religious holidays. In each foreseen case, written verification will be required at least one week before the scheduled exam and permission to miss an exam must be secured before the scheduled exam time unless the cause of the absence is unforeseen. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM FOR AN UNFORESEEN REASON YOU SHOULD CONTACT ME AS SOON AS YOU ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL ME. IF YOU ARRIVE LATE TO TAKE THE EXAM AND ANOTHER STUDENT HAS ALREADY TURNED IN THEIR EXAM AND LEFT THE ROOM YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE EXAM.
Returning Exams and Appeal Procedure
Anyone feeling that a dispute exists after the grading of an exam may submit a written grievance. This grievance should identify the item in dispute and arguments supporting the student's position. The appeal should be stapled to your exam and must be submitted within two class periods following the return of the assignment. I agree to prepare a written response to the student's grievance within two class periods from receipt of the grievance.
Cheating
Cheating is in no way tolerated at Georgia College and State University. Anyone caught cheating will be penalized severely. The minimum penalty is an "F" for the course. I require two stipulations to reduce the potential for cheating. You may not wear a hat with any sort of bill in front during exams and you may not have your cell phone out during the exam. Disciplinary procedures and appeals will follow the process found in the GCSU Undergraduate Catalog.
Course Expectations
· Being Prepared: Students are expected to read assigned material prior to class and participate in class discussion and activities. Do not be afraid to participate because of the size of the class and if you have a question, never let it go unanswered. If you do not get an opportunity to ask your question during class, stop by during my office hours or feel free to contact me via electronic mail. Being prepared also means going through the notes from one class period before coming to the next class period. If you look at the new material at least once within forty-eight hours of first seeing it, you will learn the material more thoroughly and studying for the exam will be easier.
· Being in Class: I will not take roll; however, consistent attendance is essential for acceptable performance in the course. Many students find economic concepts difficult to grasp. Missing class will only make the process of absorbing this material more difficult. I will also present material in class that may not be found in the text. If you find yourself falling behind or you are having problems with the material, I encourage you to come to me for assistance. My posted office hours list the times that you are guaranteed to find me in my office. However, if you have a conflict, you may arrange a meeting time outside of office hours.
· Being Courteous:
1) If you do plan to attend class, be on time and do not leave until class is dismissed. Late arrivals and early departures are very disruptive to your fellow students and to me!! If you have a long walk to get to this class from another, let me know in advance. If nature calls so loudly that you must answer, please leave and return to the classroom as quietly as possible.
2) Please avoid carrying on private conversations during class. This behavior shows disrespect for your classmates who would like to hear the lecture and it can have a negative impact on the learning experience of the entire class.
3) Please turn off all cell phones, etc. If you are unable to turn off these electronic devices, please have them on mute or leave them at home. It is very disruptive to your peers and to me to have a cell phone ring during class.
Religious Observance Policy
Students are permitted to miss class in observance of religious holidays and other activities observed by a religious group of which the student is a member without academic penalty. Exercising of one’s rights under this policy is subject to the GC Honor Code. Students who miss class in observance of a religious holiday or event are required to make up the coursework missed as a result from the absence. The nature of the make-up assignments and the deadline for completion of such assignments are at the sole discretion of the instructor. Failure to follow the prescribed procedures voids all student rights under this policy. The full policy and prescribed procedures are found at: http://senate.gcsu.edu/prod/motions/support_docs/499/1295533007_Religous%20Observance%20Policy%20for%20senate.docx
Assistance for Student Needs Related to Disability
If you have a disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility. Disability Services, a unit of the GCSU Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, can assist you in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support in developing appropriate accommodations to ensure equal access to all GCSU programs and facilities. Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may assist you in meeting the requirements. For documentation requirements and for additional information, we recommend that you contact Disability Services located in Maxwell Student Union at 478-445-5931 or 478-445-4233.
Student Opinion Surveys statement
Given the technological sophistication of Georgia College students, the student opinion survey is being delivered through an online process. Your constructive feedback plays an indispensable role in shaping quality education at Georgia College. All responses are completely confidential and your name is not stored with your responses in any way. In addition, instructors will not see any results of the opinion survey until after final grades are submitted to the University. An invitation to complete the online opinion survey is distributed to students near the end of the semester. Your participation in this very important process is greatly appreciated.
Academic Honesty (I will be using Turnitin software to check your work for plagiarism.)
The integrity of students and their written and oral work is a critical component of the academic process. All written work submitted in this course will be individual work unless otherwise instructed. The submission of another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined on pp. 64-67 in the Undergraduate Catalog. Remember that allowing another student to copy one’s own work is considered cheating. Also see the student Honor Code at the website: http://www.gcsu.edu/studentlife/handbook/code.htm
Fire Drills
Fire drills will be conducted annually. In the event of a fire alarm, students will exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. Learn the floor plan and exits of the building. Do not use elevators. If you encounter heavy smoke, crawl on the floor so as to gain fresh air. Assist disabled persons and others if possible without endangering your own life. Assemble for a head count on the front lawn of main campus or other designated assembly area. For more information on other emergencies, please visit http://www.gcsu.edu/emergency/actionplanmain.htm
Everything Else: http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/required-syllabus-statements
Semester Calendar
Monday / Wednesday
August 21 / August 23
August 28 / August 30
September 4
No Class
Labor Day / September 6
September 11 / September 13
September 18 / September 20
Exam 1
September 25 / September 27
October 2 / October 4
October 9
FALL BREAK
NO CLASS / October 11
October 16 / October 18
(October 19th is the last day to drop.)
October 23
REGISTRATION WEEK / October 25
Exam 2
REGISTRATION WEEK
October 30 / November 1
November 6 / November 8
November 13 / November 15
November 20 / November 22
THANKSGIVING
NO CLASS
November 27 / November 29
December 4 / December 6
December 11
Final Exam: Friday, December 15, 2017
10:30 AM-12:45 PM
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