FAQ Economics 224

1. Lecture Modules. In normal classes you go to class and listen to lectures. In this class you will go online in Blackboard, and watch and listen to lecture modules. These are short, interactive presentations. You will receive some credit for completing these according to deadlines posted in the course schedule. These modules are the major source of content for this class.

2. Chapter Quizzes. You will also be required to complete Chapter quizzes. These are quizzes that include randomly drawn multiple choice questions from your textbook's test bank. As with lecture modules, you will receive some credit for completing these according to deadlines posted in the course schedule. You can take quizzes wherever and whenever you wish, prior to the due date.

3. Tests and Exams. You will have 4 tests and a comprehensive final exam. Tests consist of randomly drawn multiple choice questions from the test bank (like the chapter quizzes). Tests are taken at specified times indicated by the course schedule, and must be taken in Room 701 BA, a computer lab classroom. Tests will be proctored.

To succeed in this course it is very important to be organized and careful about completing assignments according to the schedule. I suggest that you always try to complete assignments several days in advance of due dates. Also, this class requires considerable effort in terms of logical thinking and problem solving. Memorization is not sufficient as a study strategy. To do well, you must attempt to fully understand the arguments presented to you in the modules and the text.

I have a question. Who should I ask?

First, if your question is about course policies or organization, please look for answers on the course web page, the course syllabus, or in the FAQ (frequently asked questions) page. If you cannot find an answer, send you question by e-mail. Questions that do not involve personal matters should be sent to:

econ224@professorchappell.com

Questions will be answered either by one of my teaching assistants or by me. If your e-mail asks a question that is already covered in the FAQ, after some delay, you will get a reply asking you to read the FAQ.

If your question involves personal information and should be seen only by me (Professor Chappell), you should send e-mail to:

hwchappell@professorchappell.com

If you send a question that does not involve personal issues to the latter address, your reply may be delayed.

If you have a question about the course material itself, it is best to post the question to the Facebook group, so that the discussion can be seen by everyone.

Can I get a tutor?

You have several options. First, the Monday night lab sessions in this class offer opportunities for you to get help. My TA, Vinay Tandon, will be in Room 701 from 7 - 10 pm on Monday nights. Second, the economics department provides a list of Masters and PhD students who provide indiviudal tutoring for $20 per hour. Click Here. Third, some tutoring for Econ224 is provided free by the university. Go to the Student Success Center page and follow links for tutoring, or read this flyer. Sessions held through the Student Success Center will be held Monday and Thursday nights from 5-8pm, and tutoring is now located on the mezzanine level of Thomas Cooper Library. You must make appointments in order to attend.

I have a copy of the 4th edition of the textbook. Can I use that?

The 4th edition is very similar to the 5th. However, I have adopted the 5th edition and not the 4th. While the differences are minor you should be aware of two things: (1) The test bank is from the 5th edition. There is always a chance that you will get a question that is specific to the 5th edition, although this is not highly likely; (2) I have provided assigned page numbers for the 5th and 6th editions, but I have not (and will not) provide assigned page numbers for the 4th edition. So the answer is, you can use it at your own risk. I recommend getting a cheap copy of the 5th edition.

When will my e-mail question be answered?

My assistants and I normally reply to e-mail questions within 24 hours for messages sent Monday through Thursday. Messages sent on Fridays and over the weekend will normally be answered the following week.

Am I required to attend lab sessions and problem sessions?

No. Monday night lab sessions and Tuesday night problem sessions are optional.

I cannot take the test at the scheduled time. What should I do?

Answer Part I. Routine Rescheduling:

Tests and the final exam are scheduled to be taken in computer labs, with the lab open for testing over several successive evenings. Students will be asked to take the tests in prescribed time intervals based on last names. If you need to reschedule for a different hour within the time the lab is available, we will try to accommodate you. Please wait to make your request until after we have posted a preliminary schedule and make your request for a change at least one week prior to the opening of the testing period. Even if you have a recurring conflict, you will need to request a schedule change for each test individually after we have posted the preliminary schedule. We cannot keep track of "standing requests" for particular days or times.

Answer Part II. Emergencies

If you believe that an emergency requires you to miss a test, contact me prior to the scheduled test time. There will be no make-ups for missed tests. If I excuse you from a test, then weight will be added to your final exam. Normally, if a student misses one test because of illness or some other emergency, I will NOT require a written doctor's excuse (the final exam is an exception). However, you must still notify me promptly. Failure to notify me promptly of an illness or emergency for the first missed test will result in a substantial penalty. I will replace your test grade by adding weight to your final exam, but with a 10 point deduction assessed.�

If a student misses additional tests (more than one), a written excuse for each absence must be provided to me within one week of the scheduled test date. Failure to provide me with written documented evidence of an emergency within one week of the test date will result in a substantial penalty. I will replace your test grade by adding weight to your final exam, but with a 25 point deduction assessed. Written excuses should be delivered to my office, 416 BA.
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I understand that in some unusual emergency situations, you may not be able to reach me before the scheduled test, Ultimately, I am the judge of what is or is not an emergency, so I urge you to contact me promptly. If I do not consider your situation to be an emergency, you will be penalized, as described in the syllabus and in the grading area of this FAQ document. Work conflicts are not an acceptable excuse for missing tests. You are expected to arrange work schedules so that you can take tests and exams on the dates shown on the course schedule. If you cannot do so, you should not take this class.

You must provide a written excuse for any emergency that requires you to miss the final exam. You must also notify me in advance of your scheduled time or as soon as the emergency permits, if you are going to miss the final exam. I am the final judge of what constitutes an emergency, so it is a good idea to check with me before missing the finals.

I did not get the announcement you made. What should I do?

I normally make course announcements in several ways. First, announcements are posted on the course web page:

http://professorchappell.com/Econ224_f11/index.htm

Older announcements are archived here:

http://professorchappell.com/Econ224_f11/announcement_archive.htm

I also send announcements by e-mail via Blackboard. If you are not getting messages, please make sure that the e-mail address Blackboard has for you is correct. To check or change your e-mail address associated with Blackboard, login to Blackboard, choose "Personal Information," choose to "Edit Personal Information," and then enter your preferred email address in the appropriate field.

You are responsible for reading your e-mail and checking the course website. You are also responsible for knowing the content of announcements I make through either of these channels. Usually, I make the same announcements in both locations.

I have read about all of the rules and policies; however, I am special. Do these rules really apply to me?

I know that you are special. However, this class has so many special people enrolled that it is necessary to apply the same rules to everyone.

Lecture Modules

What is a lecture module?

Lecture modules are the primary medium of delivery of content for this course. The modules consist of short, interactive online lectures, produced with a product called Adobe Captivate. These modules are not packaged textbook materials; they have been produced for this class by Professor Chappell. As you do lecture modules, you will occasionally be asked to answer questions. Your answers are graded, and can provide you with a chance to earn extra credit.

Since lecture modules don't count for many points, do I really need to do them?

Yes. In my regular (not online) classes, I have sometimes given credit for class attendance. In those classes, it would be a good idea to attend classes, regardless of the extra credit. The same is true here. Since the lecture modules are the primary vehicle for content delivery, you should watch them. Actually, you can and should watch them several times. Lecture modules cover key concepts quickly, and provide a good review before tests.

Where can I find lecture modules?

Lecture modules are in Blackboard. When you enter Blackboard and go to Econ224, look for a content area labeled "Graded Lecture Modules."

There is also an area called Practice Lecture Modules. If you have already completed the module and are satisfied with your score, but if you want to see it again for studying, you should instead view the practice modules. They are identical to the graded modules (except that they are not graded).

Where can I find lecture module due dates?

The course schedule page lists module due dates. Due dates are also listed in the module description in Blackboard. On the indicated date, modules are due at 11:00 am. No credit is given for work completed after the deadline.

Modules are normally available several weeks before the due date and I encourage you to work modules in advance of the due date. Internet glitches have a habit of occurring at the last minute, but that does not provide an excuse for missing assignments.

How do I submit lecture modules for grading?

As described above, you can access lecture modules from within Blackboard. As you go through the module you will answer questions and accumulate credit. I recommend that you start at the beginning and watch the entire presentation, answering questions as prompted as you proceed. Sometimes you are asked to "click anywhere" after answering. If you see this message, click inside of the module the slide -- do not click on the navigation bar on the left, as this will take you to another slide without submitting your answer.

When the module concludes, your grade will be recorded automatically in Blackboard . As long as you reach the end of the module and see a score reported, you should get credit for the questions you answered. If you exit the module abnormally, you may not get any credit. Always check your grade to see that it is properly reported.

You can retake lecture modules. If you do so, you will receive the highest grade posted before the due date. After the due date, links to the graded modules will disappear, but you can still view modules in the section of Blackboard labeled "Practice Lecture Modules."

Can I save my work in a lecture module and come back to finish it later?

No, normally you cannot. I have recently found that in some browsers, and under come circumstances, an abnormal exit from a module will save your work and permit you restart where you left off. However, you should not count on this.

Can I retake a lecture module assignment after I have already submitted a grade?

Yes. If you retake a graded lecture module, you will get a new grade when you redo the module. Blackboard records your highest grade over all attempts.

If you want to practice with a module without recording a new grade, you should go to the section of Blackboard labeled "Practice Modules" and take the modules there instead.

If I complete the lecture module assignments several times, will it record my highest grade?

Yes. If you retake a graded lecture module, you will get a new grade when you redo the module. Blackboard records your highest grade over all attempts.

I did not complete my lecture module assignment on time. How can I make that up?

Once the deadline for a lecture module assignment has passed, it is not possible to complete the module for a grade. This is true even if you were sick, had problems with your computer, had family emergencies, or had conflicts with other university activities. The lenient grading scheme for modules is intended to permit you to earn maximum credit even if you occasionally fail to complete assignments or fail to get credit for them. You can view the module from the "Practice Lecture Modules" content area in Blackboard as often as you wish in order to study.

I tried to complete the a quiz or lecture module before the deadline, but I was unable to connect to post my score. What should I do?

Generally, if the deadline has past, there is nothing you can do to get a grade. You will not be able to get grades for modules and quizzes submitted late, even if you had problems with your computer or Internet connection. To avoid this, do the modules well ahead of the due date. The lenient grading scheme for modules is intended to permit you to earn maximum credit even if you occasionally fail to complete assignments or fail to get credit for them.

If there is a persistent and general Blackboard failure, I might postpone an assignment. If I do, I will post an announcement on the Econ224 home page regarding any change of due date. Keep in mind that If Blackboard goes down I cannot immediately send you an e-mail announcement, since I use Blackboard for that purpose. That is why you should consult the Econ224 home page instead.

You can avoid most problems involving submissions of assignments by working ahead of the schedule and checking your grades to see that your scores were recorded. If you discover that your grade is not recorded for any reason, you will need to redo that assignment before the deadline to get a grade.

I completed the lecture module, but Blackboard shows the "in progress" icon in my grades. What should I do?

If the "in progress" icon (the small icon that looks like a pencil in front of notepaper) is displayed in your grades in Blackboard, you may have a problem. This icon can appear if you exit a module or quiz abnormally. Often, if you return to complete the module, the "in progress" will disappear, and a numerical grade will appear in its place. However, in some cases, Blackboard continues to display the "in progress" indicator. Here is what you should do about this Blackboard glitch:

(1) Please check your grades after completing any assignments. Go to Blackboard, choose, Econ224, select "Tools/Grades" from the panel on the left, then click "My Grades."

(2) Scroll down to see the grades currently recorded for your assignments. If all the grades look correct and you do not see the "in progress icon" (below), you do not need to do anything.

(3) If you do see the "in progress" icon where your grade is displayed, you should investigate further. If you click on your grade entry (or the "in progress" icon), Blackboard will display a complete history of your attempts on the assignment.

(4) If in that history you have one or more acceptable grades on the assignment, you do not need to retake the assignment -- after the deadline passes we will clear the "in progress" attempt, and your grade will revert to the highest of your other attempts. You can send us an e-mail message about that if you wish, but we will fix it in any case. Also, once the problem appears, retaking the module 15 or 20 times does not seem to solve it -- please don't waste your time in this way.

(5) If the history displays no numerical grades, you still need to complete the assignment. Otherwise you will receive a grade of zero.

I tried to complete the lecture module before the assignment deadline, but I was unable to connect to post my score. Can you give me credit for that assignment?

No. I can only give credit for an assignment when Blackboard records a grade for you. Regardless of the reason, if no score is recorded, I cannot give you credit for the assignment.

I know the course policy says that I cannot get credit for a lecture module if Blackboard does not post my score. But I know that I did the assignment. Can you give me credit?

No. To get credit, you must successfully post a score. If you believe that Blackboard is not recording your scores, please see me in my office hours to troubleshoot the problem. Bring your laptop if you use one. You can also contact Blackboard support at bbsupport@sc.edu.

I completed the lecture module, but Blackboard did not record a grade for me. Why won't you change my grade and give me credit?

There are two reasons for my policy

First, there is no way to distinguish between those who completed a module and those who did not, except according to what I see posted in Blackboard.

Second, I want to encourage you to take responsibility for seeing that your assignments are completed on time and properly recorded by Blackboard.

If you are having systematic problems, you will need to come to office hours and see either me or one of my assistants. If you have a laptop, bring it with you. We cannot effectively troubleshoot these problems by email. If you are having consistent trouble, then you must come to office hours for help.

When and where can I see my lecture module grades?

When you complete a module you can immediately see your grades in Blackboard. Go to Tools/My Grades. If you do not see a grade, you will need to resubmit the module in order to get a grade. I always suggest that you check on the reporting of your grade after completing an assignment.

Can I make up a module later if I have a medical (or other) emergency?

No. Modules are available for you far advance, so last minute emergencies will not normally be an excuse for missing a one. However, some consideration for emergencies (or simple forgetfulness) is provided by my lenient grading policy for modules and quizzes. See the syllabus for details and examples. Under the grading scheme described there, you will see that it is possible to get 100% of the credit available for quizzes and modules even if you do not complete every assignment or get all questions correct.

If you encounter a prolonged, serious medical condition, you should contact me. It is possible that you should request a grade of "I" (Incomplete) in these circumstance.

Why can't I make up an assignment later if I have a medical (or other) emergency?

Students sometimes believe that this policy is terribly unfair. However, there are good reasons for it. First, why do I assign modules and quizzes in the first place, and why are they graded? It would be easier for me to make these "optional" and simply grade you according to your test scores. However, I believe that going through the modules and working quizzes are very good ways to prepare for tests and I want to give you at least a small, added incentive to do them (past experience has revealed that some students will not work optional assignments even if it would help them on tests). I also believe that working at a steady pace, rather than procrastinating and only studying the night before a test, is the best way to study. So, to encourage good study habits, I assign modules and quizzes, and I choose due dates that encourage you to work steadily through the semester rather than procrastinate.

This still leaves the question about whether I should grant extensions for assignments when emergencies arise. Keep in mind that assignments are normally available to you several weeks in advance. I encourage students to work ahead, hoping that assignments will be completed well in advance of deadlines. If this is true, short term emergencies should not necessarily keep you from completing assignments. If my policy gives you an added incentive to work ahead, I regard this as a good thing. However, in the event of a true emergency, why not allow a student an extension? One problem is that it is sometimes difficult for me to distinguish real emergencies from situations that are not real emergencies. If my policy were to grant exemptions for emergencies, this would encourage students who failed to complete an assignment on time to report that an emergency has occurred -- after all, there often is some reason the assignment was not done. So every deadline would produce a flood of reported emergencies (even with my rule in place, I receive requests for extensions on almost every assignment). I would then have to judge which emergencies are real and which are not, and I would have to create special make-up assignments for those that are missed. While you may not attach much importance to difficulties created for me, it is something I consider.

To use some economics jargon, I am choosing to follow "rules rather than discretion." I believe that following a rule creates incentives for good behavior and outcomes, while using discretion creates bad incentives and some undesirable outcomes. Along the way, some occasions arise when a student encounters a true emergency and fails to get credit for an assignment. In this sense, the policy is imperfect -- but I think that, on the whole, it is better than the alternative of having me judge the merits of each case separately -- which is also likely to result in some imperfections. To use some more economics jargon, there is sometimes a tradeoff between fairness and efficiency. If I tried to eliminate every element of unfairness, I would create an environment that encourages much inefficient behavior.

Quizzes

Are quizzes and lecture modules the same thing?

No, they are different. The lecture modules deliver a short online lecture to you, and ask a few questions along the way. Quizzes consist of multiple choice questions drawn from your textbook's test bank. In Blackboard you can find the assigned quizzes under the content area "Graded Lecture Modules."

Are quizzes graded?

Yes. Graded chapter quizzes are normally due on Fridays at 11 am. See the course schedule page to determine when quizzes covering particular chapters and modules are due. In Blackboard, find these under Econ224 in the "Graded Chapter Quizzes" area.

There are also practice versions of the quizzes that will remain available after the deadline for the graded versions. These are found in the "Practice Chapter Quizzes" content area. Practice quizzes are identical to graded quizzes in their construction; the only difference is that they are not graded. Practice quizzes can be taken repeatedly and have no due dates.

Where can I see when quizzes are due?

Quizzes and due dates are listed on the course schedule page and also in Blackboard in the Graded Chapter Quiz content area.

How do I take a graded quiz?

Graded quizzes are located in Blackboard. Enter Blackboard, navigate to Econ224, and click on "Graded Chapter Quizzes." A list of quizzes with due dates will be displayed. Click to take the desired quiz. Be sure to click the submit button when you finish.

Can I start a graded quiz, save it, and resume taking it later?

Yes. Just remember to save before closing the browser window, but do not submit.

If I complete a chapter quiz several times, will Blackboard record my highest grade?

Yes. The grade that Blackboard will record for you will normally be highest grade over your completed attempts. This is different from the way Blackboard records lecture module grades (see the entries above regarding lecture modules).

HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE IMPORTANT EXCEPTION. If you begin the quiz and close the quiz page without submitting, and if that is your last attempt at the quiz before the deadline, Blackboard will record a grade of zero for you (it shows a quiz in progress, but the numerical grade recorded is a zero). I wish that Blackboard behaved differently, but it doesn't. This issue will also arise happen if your session is interrupted for any other reason. Always check your grade in Blackboard (Tools/My Grades) after submitting a quiz. If the "in progress" icon shows, you will need to resume or retake the quiz to get a grade. Once you resubmit a quiz, your highest score again becomes your grade.

Occasionally (but not often) Blackboard encounters a glitch and will not properly replace an "in progress" grade with a numerical score. As noted elsewhere, this problem also sometimes occurs with lecture modules. My advice is the same:

(1) Please check your grades after completing any assignments. Go to Blackboard, choose, Econ224, select "Tools/Grades" from the panel on the left, then click "My Grades."

(2) Scroll down to see the grades currently recorded for your assignments. If all the grades look correct and you do not see the "in progress icon" (below), you do not need to do anything.

(5) If the history displays no numerical grades, you still need to complete the assignment. Otherwise you will receive a grade of zero.

How do I take a practice quiz?

Practice quizzes are located in Blackboard. Enter Blackboard, navigate to Econ224, and click on "Practice Chapter Quizzes." A list of quizzes with will be displayed. Click to take the desired quiz.

How many times can I take a graded chapter quiz?

You can take a graded chapter quiz as many times as you wish (starting from the time the quiz is posted until the due date). Every time you take a graded chapter quiz you will get a new random selection of questions from the textbook chapter test bank. Your recorded grade will be the highest grade you get over all of your attempts prior to the deadline.

However, as noted above, THERE IS ONE IMPORTANT EXCEPTION TO THE LAST STATEMENT. Please Click Here.

How many times can I take a practice chapter quiz?

You can take practice quizzes as often as you wish. Practice quizzes have no due dates and will remain posted for the entire semester. Every time you take a practice quiz you will get a new random selection of questions from the textbook chapter test bank.

Are questions on chapter quizzes like questions on tests and the final exam?

Yes. Tests, graded quizzes, and practice quizzes all draw questions randomly from the same pool of test bank questions. If you take lots of quizzes for practice, and if you understand the material those questions are based on, you should do well on tests. However, you will probably only benefit from repeated quizzes if you study to remedy your deficiencies after taking a quiz. It is unlikely that you can memorize answers to every question in the test bank.

How can I see my quiz grades?

Grades from graded practice quizzes are automatically recorded in Blackboard. If you wish to check your grades, enter Blackboard, navigate to Economics 224, choose Tools, and choose My Grades. You should be able to find grades recorded for quizzes you have taken.

I completed the quiz, but Blackboard did not record a grade. What can I do?

When you finish a quiz, your grade is immediately available for you to check in Blackboard. In Blackboard, choose "Tools," choose "My Grades," then look for your score. If, for any reason, a grade is not recorded, you should retake the quiz in order to get credit. I strongly suggest that you check your grade immediately after completing any quiz on Blackboard. Blackboard is reliable about posting scores, but you should nevertheless be careful about this. For example, if you fail to click the submit button, you will not have a score reported. If you are having repeated problems with Blackboard, you should see me in office hours to troubleshoot the problem.

Basically, the same policies about grade reporting listed for lecture modules apply for quizzes. You are responsible for making sure you have a grade recorded before the due date, and the grade you get is the one recorded by Blackboard.

Occasionally, students have found that Blackboard displays an "in progress" grade instead of a numerical grade.

I completed the quiz, but Blackboard shows the "in progress" icon in my grades. What should I do?

(1) Please check your grades after completing any assignments. Go to Blackboard, choose, Econ224, select "Tools/Grades" from the panel on the left, then click "My Grades."

(2) Scroll down to see the grades currently recorded for your assignments. If all the grades look correct and you do not see the "in progress icon" (below), you do not need to do anything.

(5) If the history displays no numerical grades, you still need to complete the assignment. Otherwise you will receive a grade of zero.

Can I make up a quiz later if I have a medical (or other) emergency?

No. Quizzes are posted in far advance, so last minute emergencies will not normally be an excuse for missing a quiz. However, some consideration for emergencies (or simple forgetfulness) is provided by my lenient grading policy for modules and quizzes. See the syllabus for details and examples. Under the grading scheme described there, you will see that it is possible to get 100% of the credit available for quizzes and modules even if you do not complete every assignment or get all questions correct.

I got a question wrong on a quiz or practrice quiz -- can you explain the answer to me?

Maybe. The Mankiw testbank has thousands of questions, and we cannot provide explanations for answers to all of them via e-mail, especially on the night before a test. If you remain puzzled by a question after checking your course materials, please post the puzzling question on the Facebook Group Page for Econ224. For questions with tables and graphs, you can do this by capturing an image from your screen, and then posting the image to the Facebook page, along with your comments. (In Windows 7, the "Snipping Tool" application is useful for this.) Some of your colleagues will often provide help, and my assistant and I also monitor the page and offer help.

Tests and Exams

What is the format of the tests?

Tests will normally consist of 30 multiple choice questions. You will have 75 minutes to complete the test. Your final exam will have 50 questions and you will be permitted 2 hours to complete the exam. Almost all questions come from the test bank that comes with the Mankiw textbook (the only exception is that I have added several questions to the final exam related to the reading on the recession; see the 4/23 assignment).

Tests and the exam will be given via Blackboard in the computer lab, in room 701 BA. Tests will be monitored by me or by student assistants. Each test will be given over three consecutive nights, with five hours of lab time scheduled for each of those nights. I will normally assign students to specified testing times based on last names, but I expect to be able to be flexible in rescheduling for those with conflicts. I reserve the right to change testing procedures as the semester proceeds.

How do I take a test in Blackboard?

Tests will be given via Blackboard in the computer lab, in room 701 BA. Do NOT access the test from outside the lab, even if Blackboard allows you to do so! When you arrive, you must sign in with the proctor. He will note the time of your arrival and verify that you do not yet have a grade for the test posted in Blackboard. You will then find an open computer in the lab, login to Blackboard, go to ECON224, go to the "Tests" area of Blackboard, and begin the test. You will have one hour to complete the test. When you finish the test, you must sign out with the proctor. He will note your finishing time when you leave.

Can I use my calculator when taking the test or exam?

You may not bring a calculator to the exam. You may use an online calculator on the computer you are using to take the exam. You may also use the Windows calculator application.

What materials can I use when taking a test?

You may NOT use or access any books, notes, web sites, or any other documents or information when taking a test. You may NOT access your mobile phone or other mobile device while taking a test. You may consult an online calculator or the Windows calculator application when taking a test.

Can I take my test at any time within the interval listed on the course schedule?

No. Students will be scheduled for particular hours during the testing interval based on last names. That schedule will be posted in advance of the test. If you wish to schedule for a different time within the three-day test interval, we will attempt to be flexible. However, you must get permission before the testing period begins. Requests for time changes must be submitted at least one week before the beginning of the testing interval. You will not be able to schedule tests outside of the regularly scheduled three-day interval.

Warning! Do not attempt to take a test outside of your assigned testing interval. If you do, you will be "locked out" of the test when you come to the lab to take the test. We require you to sign in when you enter and exit the lab, and your test score must be recorded in your scheduled period. If you want to know what the test is like, take the practice test or the practice quizzes.

I need to reschedule a test. What should I do?

In advance of the test, you can request a different test time within the announced testing interval. Make your request one week in advance of the testing interval. So long as space is available, we will accommodate requests. Send your request to econ224@professorchappell.com.

If you have a medical condition or other emergency that keeps you from taking a test within the test period, you might be excused from the exam. Please contact me before you miss the test. Normally, if a student misses one test because of illness, I will NOT require a written doctor's excuse. However, you must still notify me promptly. Failure to notify me promptly of an illness or emergency for the first missed test will result in a substantial penalty. I will replace your test grade by adding weight to your final exam, but with a 10 point deduction assessed.�

If a student misses additional tests (more than one), a written excuse for each absence must be provided to me within one week of the scheduled test date. Failure to provide me with written documented evidence of an emergency within one week of the test date will result in a substantial penalty. I will replace your test grade by adding weight to your final exam, but with a 25 point deduction assessed. Written excuses should be delivered to my office, 416 BA and should be turned within one week of the end of the testing period. You can send scanned documents by email. You will not be able to make-up the test; instead, weight will be added to your final exam. You are not excused unless I send you verification that you have been excused.

I understand that in some unusual emergency situations, you may not be able to reach me before the scheduled test, Ultimately, I am the judge of what is or is not an emergency, so I urge you to contact me promptly. If I do not consider your situation to be an emergency, you will be penalized for missing a test, as described in the syllabus.

When can I make up the test that I missed?

There will be no make-up tests given after the scheduled testing period has passed. If you miss a test with a documented illness or emergency, additional weight will be placed on your final exam. If you miss a test without notifying me or providing documented evidence (when required, see preceding question) of illness or an emergency within one week of the test date, then added weight will be given to your exam but with substantial penalties (see previous question). Written documentation for excused absences should be delivered to my office or you can send scanned documents by email.

When will my test be graded?

Tests are automatically graded by Blackboard. However, grades will not be shown until the morning after the testing period has ended. I will make an announcement by e-mail when grades have been posted. To find your grade in Blackboard choose Econ224, Tools, and My Grades.

What happens if Blackboard crashes while I am in the middle of taking a test?

If you encounter a problem with Blackboard, please leave your computer as it is. Do not attempt to restart the test -- you cannot do so until your existing test is cleared. Please ask the proctor for assistance. We may be able to retrieve some of your answers, or we may ask you to restart the test from the beginning. In some cases, we may reschedule your test.

By the way, the most common problem with Blackboard in the testing environment involves accidentally closing the browser window. Normally, there is no reason to close any windows, but occasionally people reflexively do this. Also, we have had reports of a Firefox bug in which hitting the backspace key sometimes results in closure of a window. We have been unable to replicate this, but have had several independent reports. We suggest that you use Internet Explorer to avoid this possible problem.

Can I see what I got wrong? When?

Once the testing period is over, I will change the settings in Blackboard to allow you to see your grade and also your detailed test results (showing your answer and the correct answer to each question on your test). I will post a message, normally on the day after the test period ends, to let you know when this change has been made. I would appreciate your patience in waiting for me to post this message.

Once this change has been made, to see your detailed results:

Enter Blackboard and go to Econ224.

Access the Tests area.

Click on the Test Name (e.g. Test 1) and click OK (as if you were going to retake the test).

Blackboard will respond that you have already completed the assessment, but tells you to click OK to see results of your last attempt. Click OK.

The option to see results will be available for only 1 week after the test period ends.

Blackboard did not grade my test correctly. What can I do?

Blackboard seems to be infallible in determining whether your answers are correct according to the test bank key. In previous semesters, out of about 4000 questions in the pools, I have found 3 questions that clearly had incorrect answers in the test bank key. I have now corrected those. In addition, it is true that some of the test bank questions may be imperfectly worded. I have eliminated many questions that I considered to be less than ideal, but some imperfections surely remain. The grading scheme has been devised with enough leniency to account for the unfortunate effects of occasionally getting an odd question.

Back to the question -- what if you believe your answer was correct and and the test bank answer was wrong? As it turns out, the first question on each test or looks like this:

True or False? I am willing to waive the right to dispute the correctness of answers provided by the test bank on this test.

If you answer "True," you will earn 3.8 points.
If you answer "False" you will earn 0 points, but you will retain the right to dispute the correctness of the test bank for grading questions on your test.

As the question indicates, I give you the option to accept 3.8 points of credit up front on the test if you agree not to dispute test bank answers. Once you agree, you forfeit any right to complain about the grading of test questions. There is a simple reason for this policy. After any test, and especially after a final exam, students normally have a strong incentive to dispute the answers to questions, since they normally bear little cost in doing so. However, because the test bank key is 99.925% (or better) accurate, this is usually a waste of time. My policy is intended to discourage frivolous complaints about test grading.

Obviously, I encourage you to answer "True" when you see this question above on the test. Over the course of a semester, you are almost sure to be better off if you accept the points rather than challenge the test bank. However, If you reject the points, then you can challenge the test bank answers, and if I agree that the test bank is incorrect on a question, I will give you the points at stake. Keep in mind that I will not overturn a test bank answer just because of awkward or imprecise wording. If I understand the intent of the question, regardless of wording, and if I agree that the test bank's answer is the best of those available, then I will not reverse the grading of that question.

Important! This policy does not prohibit you from asking about a test question after the fact. If you have a question, I encourage you to post it on the Econ224 Facebook Group Page. We will be happy to respond -- we just will not change grades if you have already accepted the 3.8 points.

There will be a similar policy on the final exam, although the bonus offered there is 4 points instead of 3.8.

On quizzes, I will not change any grades reported by Blackboard. If you regard your grade as unsatisfactory for any reason (including test bank errors), you should retake the quiz.

Can I take the final exam at a different time?

Early in the semester we will post a final exam schedule, and will give you an opportunity to request a different time. We will ask for those requests within a specific, one-week period. Your request may be granted, or it may not, depending on the spaces available in the various time slots. Often large numbers of students request early exams, but we cannot give the exam to everyone in the early slots. After that one-week period, you should have the information you need to make travel plans for the end of the semesters.

Do not buy a plane ticket for a date preceding your scheduled exam expecting to renegotiate that date later. You may end up having to pay fees to change your airline tickets.

If an verifiable emergency arises on the exam date, I may give you a grade of incomplete and schedule a make-up. As always, I am the judge of what constitutes an emergency.

What is the format of the final exam? Is it comprehensive?

The final exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. The exam will be given via Blackboard in the computer lab. The final exam will be comprehensive.

Do I need to memorize all of the formulas?

I really cannot answer this question. To get an A in this class, you should aim at understanding everything presented in lecture modules, assigned reading, and assigned problems. The better you understand, the higher I would expect your grade to be. My belief is that if you understand these things well, you will not need to memorize many formulas. Most "formulas" can be figured out without memorization if you understand the logic behind them. So my best answer is that relatively little memorization is required in this class.

I have a last-minute question before the test. What should I do?

If it is really the last minute, you may not get a response. However, the best strategy is to post your question to the Econ224 group in Facebook. If I am not able to respond, one of your classmates might.

Are there any practice tests?

Yes. See the Practice Test area in Blackboard. These tests and exams are identical to the actual tests you will take, in the sense that they draw randomly from the same pools and in the same proportions as the actual tests.

Grading Issues

How are grades calculated?

The grading scheme is described in detail in the course syllabus. Please check that. Grades are determined only according to the rules described there. You cannot get credit for extra work that is not described in the syllabus.

Can you tell me what my current average is?

Sorry, but I need to ask you to calculate your current average yourself. The grading scheme is described in the syllabus and your grades will be posted in Blackboard.

To help you calculate your average download the GradeCheck spreadsheet:

GradeCheck.xls

You will need to plug in your current (or expected) grades for each course component and then the spreadsheet will then calculate your average. I understand that Blackboard does not provide averages for all items. You will either have to calculate the averages yourself, or make an approximate guess. Given that much uncertainty remains about future grades, I suggest that you approximate.

Can you tell me what grade I need to make on the final in order to get an A (or a B, etc.)?

Sorry, but I need to ask you to make these calculations yourself. As described in the answer to the question above, I will provide a spreadsheet that you can use to help in making these calculations.

My average is almost high enough to be a C instead of a D+. Can't you give me a C?

No. I will assign grades according to the principles described in the syllabus. I will not adjust the grading scale and I will not adjust any individual's grade in a way that does not conform to the grading scale.

In a large class, there will always be some individuals whose average ends up being just below a threshold for a higher grade. Unfortunately, the university requires that I assign discrete letter grades, and this means that there are always some individuals who will be disappointed about missing a higher grade by tiny fractions of a point.

At the end of the semester, I will get many requests to raise grades for individuals with averages close to, but below, thresholds listed in the syllabus.I will deny those requests, referring you to this FAQ or the corresponding entry in the syllabus.

(This answer also applies to questions about letter grades other than C and D+).

But if I don't make a C, I will lose my scholarship, fail to graduate, be unable to accept a job offer, or suffer other unfortunate outcome. Can't you give me a C?

No. The graded items listed in the syllabus are relevant for your grade, and other circumstances and events will NOT affect your grade. Your grade will be calculated strictly according to the principles described in the syllabus.

What is your grading philosophy?

Ok, this question is not really asked very frequently. But my answer may help you understand why I have chosen the grading policies that I have adopted.

First, I do not especially like the process of giving grades; however, it is necessary to do it. In addition, I must conform to university regulations, which determine what grades can be given. The university also requires me to follow the principles of grading that have been posted in my syllabus.

One major principle that I adhere to is that all individuals should be graded according to the same standards. For this reason I have listed, in the syllabus, detailed and well-defined policies that apply to all. I routinely reject requests for special consideration in grading. This is not because I am heartless, it is because equity requires that all individuals be judged according to the same standard.

I recognize that grades are an imperfect reflection of your knowledge. Occasionally variations in luck result in similar people getting different grades. After all, tests cannot cover all of the material presented in a class, and sometimes the way you feel on a particular day will affect your performance on a test. However, this randomness is something that both professors and students must live with. I am confident that the main determinant of your performance in this class is how well you learn and understand the subject matter. You have many opportunities to show that you understand the material.

I have adopted grading scales that describe exactly what average you need to attain in order to receive given letter grades. The weights attached to different course assignments and tests are also described clearly in the syllabus. The grading scale that I have chosen is lenient enough that many students will make "A" grades in this class, and a large majority will make grades of "C" or better. Of course some students will not learn very much, and most of those students will receive grades of "D" or "F". To be honest, some of those getting "C" grades will learn much less than I would like.

At the end of the semester, the dividing line between "D+" and "C" grades is necessarily somewhat arbitrary. This is true of the thresholds that separate other grades also. Given that the university requires that I turn in discrete grades, there will always be people near the thresholds, but who are on the lower rather than the higher side. In a class with 400 students, there will probably be a few people who fall short of a threshold by a tiny amount. If I were to lower the threshold for one person or a few, there would be a new group who fall just short of the new, lower, threshold. Given this, I choose to establish a firm scale and stick to it.

Sometimes students tell me that they have worked very had, but still received a poor grade. I understand that this can happen. When it does happen, it may often be that the effort is of an inappropriate type. For example, memorization is not a very good substitute for understanding, but memorization does require effort. In any case, your grade is necessarily based more on your understanding (as measured by tests) than on your effort.