Overview

Requirements

This is an online course. It is important that you have access to a computer to do your assignments and to be successful in this course.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

Required Resources

This course uses a low-cost, auto-access Pearson textbook. Read the information in the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbook, and how to opt-out of this automatic purchase, if desired.

 The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.

Since this is an online course, it is your responsibility to arrange to use a computer with internet access. The higher the speed of your internet access, the easier the course will be for you to complete. It is also your responsibility to make sure you have the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software required to complete your assignments.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to Student Help: Proctorio in Canvas.

Structure

Course Outcomes

1. Evaluate the health of a national economy.
2. Demonstrate the impact of fiscal policy on the national economy.            
3. Demonstrate the impact of monetary policy on the national economy.            
4. Illustrate the impact of trade policies on the relative health of two or more economies.            

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Learning Model

This course uses the BYU-Idaho learning model. Each week you will prepare to learn by reading an introduction to the week's topic. Often these introductions will include a spiritual thought. You will then ponder the topic by reading assigned chapters in your textbook. As you prepare for the weekly discussion, you will listen to a podcast, ponder about what you have learned and reflect on how the podcast relates to what you have been learning in economics. Then you will teach one another through the posts that you write that respond to a question in the discussion questions, and make connections to both the podcast and what you have learned through your readings. Feel free to include additional information that you find in your own research on the topics. Finally, you will prove your understanding through homework assignments and quizzes.

Expectations

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within 7 days of the due date for all assignments.

Workload

As this is a 3 credit course, you can expect to spend 9–12 hours each week on this course.

AI Policy

Department of Economics Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

The Economics Department recognizes the value and challenges of AI tools in education. This policy outlines appropriate use of AI in coursework.

Core Principles

1. Learning First: AI should enhance learning, not replace critical thinking or economic analysis.
2. Academic Integrity: Work derived from AI without permission is not considered original student work.
3. Transparency: When permitted, AI use must be disclosed and properly attributed.
4. Understanding: Students must comprehend and be able to explain all submitted work, including AI-assisted portions.

AI Usage Categories

Assignments in this course will use the following classification system:

🔴 Red Zone (AI-Prohibited)

• No AI use permitted in any form
• Examples: exams, quizzes, specific problem sets
• Using AI on these assignments constitutes academic dishonesty

🟡 Yellow Zone (AI-Limited)

• AI may be used with appropriate attribution as a supplementary tool
• Both original work and AI-enhanced versions must be submitted
• Examples: drafting assistance, research support, idea generation
• Students must verify all AI-generated information

🟢 Green Zone (AI-Permitted)

• AI may be used responsibly and creatively
• Students remain responsible for accuracy and quality
• Examples: study aids, practice materials, concept exploration

Econ 150 - Online “Principles of Microeconomics” AI Guidelines

• Preparation: Green Zone
• Application – Group Discussion: Yellow Zone
• Application – Book Assignment: Green Zone
• Quizzes: Red Zone
• Exams: Red Zone

Disclosure Requirements

When AI use is permitted (Yellow or Green zones), include a brief statement at the end of your assignment explaining:

• Which AI tools were used
• How they were used
• How you verified and built upon AI-generated content

Example: "I used [AI tool] to help organize my thoughts on elasticity concepts and suggest examples. I verified all examples independently and revised the analysis based on my understanding of course material."

Consequences for Violations

Using AI contrary to these guidelines constitutes an academic integrity violation:

• First offense: Zero on the assignment
• Second offense: Zero and reporting to Honor Office
• Third offense: Failure in the course

Best Practices

• Use AI to enhance understanding, not replace it
• Verify all AI-generated information, especially citations
• When in doubt about appropriate AI use, ask your instructor

Group Work

This course does not require group work, however you will be in a small group to interact on the discussion board.

Late Work

As a sign of professionalism and respect, you should complete your work on time. However, your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate. 

Retries

If your instructor deems that you should have a second attempt on an assignment, your instructor will let you know. In most cases, retries will not be permitted.

Extra Credit

If extra credit is offered, it will be added as fudge points in one of the weekly quizzes and your instructor will explain why that extra credit has been awarded in the Additional Comments section of the quiz with the added fudge points.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Services Office at 1-208-496–9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Accessibility Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at 1-208-496–9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.