Michael Dennis - michael-dennis@redwoods.edu         Course Syllabus Link

Welcome to online Econ 1: Macroeconomics. We will be using two different websites over the course of the class. There are a few things you need to do on both to succeed in the class.

If you do not follow these instructions, you may end up being dropped from the class. Students who are on the unofficial waitlist should follow the Aplia instructions to demonstrate the seriousness of their interest.

TEXTBOOK OPTIONS:

The textbook is "Principles of Macroeconomics, 4th edition" by N. Gregory Mankiw.

From cheapest to most expensive, your textbook options are:

• $70 to purchase an Aplia payment code directly from Aplia. This includes an electronic (pdf) version of the textbook. It's probably a good idea to print this off and put it in a big binder.
• $70 to purchase an Aplia payment code + about $30-40 for a used copy somewhere off the internet.
• $70 to purchase an Aplia payment code + $50 to purchase a brand-new copy of the textbook directly from Aplia.
• $191.50 to purchase a shrink-wrapped bundle from the CR bookstore that includes a card with your payment code.

BLACKBOARD will be used to send mass-emails, for discussion-boards, and for posting written assignments.

• Go to http://bb.redwoods.edu/
• Read the pages in the "Students" section. 
• Follow the instructions to login.
• After you've logged in, follow the instructions at http://www.redwoods.edu/blackboard/student_updateInfo.asp
• Update your email address to an email address you check at least once every 48 hours.
• Don't panic if you don't see Econ 1 listed or can't access it before Tuesday, Jan 20. I'm still configuring the site.

Your Computer Skills: Online courses require adequate computer skills. You should be able to navigate websites, open and download files, use a word processor and be able to convert files into rich text format, and submit files to Blackboard. Familiarity with Blackboard is recommended.

Computer Requirements: Most computers and internet providers are adequate. You will need the software and speakers (or headphones) to listen to brief lectures (although there will be a text transcript available). I would recommend broadband services through cable, DSL, or satellite providers. You need to have regular access to the internet at least twice a week for 15 weeks.

Students must have regular dependable access to broadband in order to interface with APLIA.

APLIA will be used to for your homework and quizzes.

• Go to www.aplia.com
• In the lower right hand corner, click on "System Configuration Test"
• Run both the Manual Tests. 
• Look at the results of the Automatic Test below.
• Change any settings as requested and/or install any recommended software.
• If you're new to Aplia, go back to the www.aplia.com homepage. In the lower right hand corner, click on "New Student"
• The Course Key tells Aplia what course you want to enroll in. The course key for Econ 1 online Spring 2009 is TWNS-E4RG-SU3K
• You do not have to enter a "˜payment code' for Aplia till the end of the 3rd week of classes. The upside here is that you don't need to waste money on a class you might decide to drop. The downside here is that you have no good excuse for not doing your homework.

On or shortly after the first day of class go to the Blackboard login site at http://bb.redwoods.edu/ Username and password instructions are available at this site. After you login you will find a link to the class where you will receive detailed instructions on how to proceed. You must participate fully by the end of the first week (Sunday) or you may be dropped from the class.