Fall 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: ECON-2301 (Section: 71, CRN: 91813)
Principles of Macroeconomics 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Brian Lynch
Email lynchb@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6015
Office Student Center - Room: 425
Office Hours Monday Wednesday 9.30 to 11.30 am
Tuesday and Thursday 11-3 pm
Friday  8-11.30
Additional Contact Information I am available for virtual office hours when necessary.
Course Information
Description An analysis of the economy as a whole including measurement and determination of Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, national income, inflation, and unemployment. Other topics include international trade, economic growth, business cycles, and fiscal policy and monetary policy.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Required Textbook

ISBN 9781324034001 Principles of Macroeconomics - With Access by Coppock, Lee 4th Edition 24

You automatically have digital access to the book!

  • The E-book is already built into the Blackboard course. When you access the course, you will see a link that says Click here to connect to the E-book. When you click on it, you will see a 1 point math quiz! Then you should be good to go.
     
  • You will not have to create an account or register for the book

This ISBN is both the paperback version and E-book combined together. If, for some unknown reason, you cannot get access to the paperback version of the textbook, you will still be able to access the book online. 
 
Additional Materials/Resources

YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE ACCESS TO A WEBCAM IN ORDER TO TAKE THE EXAMS ONLINE.

All of your exams will be take online. You will be taking them using the proctoring feature- Respondus Lockdown Browser.
  • You will need a working webcam.
     
  • You will need to provide proof of id.
     
  • You will need to make sure that there are no notes/study aids in the vicinity of your test taking.
     
  • If you do not follow these policies, you will earn a zero on the exam

What about non-related exam stuff?

Students should download the Blackboard and Outlook apps to their phone and stay logged into their LSCPA accounts in order to receive proper notifications of assignments and announcements.

Technology Help
Contact the Help Desk for assistance by E-mail HelpDesk@lamarpa.edu or by phone (409) 984-6150 during the following normal business hours:

Education Building 1, Room 132.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 

If it is a Blackboard question:
Phone: 936-496-5379
Email: bbhelp@lamarpa.edu  
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • ENGL-0302 College Reading Skills
  • ENGL-0327 Integrated Reading and Writing
Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will acquire the following course learning outcomes:





Course Learning Outcome 1		 Core Objective Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
1.Explain the role of scarcity, specialization, opportunity cost and cost/benefit analysis in economic decision-making. Critical Thinking Students will analyze production decisions and make choices based on opportunity costs
2. Identify the determinants of supply and demand; demonstrate the impact in shifts in both market supply and demand curves on equilibrium price and output. Critical Thinking Students will create a project based on real world changes in the marketplace
3.Define and measure national income and rates of unemployment and inflation. Empirical and Quantitative Skills Students are tested on these foundational concepts

4.Identify the phases of the business cycle and the problems caused by cyclical fluctuations in the market economy.
 
Critical Thinking Students interpret graphs to determine turning points in the economy
5.Construct the aggregate demand and aggregate supply model of the macro economy and use it to illustrate macroeconomic problems and potential monetary and fiscal policy solutions.
 
Empirical and Quantitative Skills
Students will apply the model to various scenarios.
6.
Define money and the money supply; describe the process of money creation by the banking system and the role of the central bank.


 
Critical Thinking Students will analyze changes in monetary policy


 
7.
Explain the mechanics and institutions of international trade and their impact on the macro economy.
 
Critical Thinking
Students will prepare short answer responses on these topics.
8.
Define economic growth and identify sources of economic growth.
 
Critical Thinking
Students will be tested on these foundational concepts.
 

Core Objectives
Lecture Topics Outline 1. Welcome to Economics and Choices
This lesson introduces what economics is all about—how people make decisions when they can’t have everything they want. Students will learn about scarcity, opportunity cost, and how choices affect individuals, businesses, and governments.

2. Comparative Advantage and Specialization
Students will explore how people and countries can benefit by focusing on what they do best. This lesson explains how trade and specialization help everyone get more of what they need and want.

3. Supply and Demand
This topic covers how prices are set in a market. Students will learn how supply (what sellers offer) and demand (what buyers want) work together to determine prices and how changes in either can affect the market.

4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP is a way to measure how much a country produces in a year. This lesson explains what GDP includes, why it matters, and how it helps us understand the health of the economy.

5. Unemployment
This lesson looks at what it means to be unemployed and why it happens. Students will learn about different types of unemployment and how it affects people and the economy.

6. Inflation
Inflation means prices are going up over time. Students will learn what causes inflation, how it’s measured, and how it affects things like the cost of living and savings.

7. Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply Model
This lesson introduces a big-picture view of the economy. Students will learn how total demand and total supply in the economy interact to affect prices, jobs, and economic growth.

8. Major Disagreement on Economic Issues
Economists don’t always agree! This topic explores different opinions on how the economy should be managed, including debates about taxes, government spending, and free markets.

9. Fiscal Policy and the Government
Students will learn how the government uses taxes and spending to influence the economy. This includes how fiscal policy can help during times of recession or inflation.

10. Monetary Policy
This lesson explains how the central bank (like the Federal Reserve) controls the money supply and interest rates to keep the economy stable and growing.
Major Assignments Schedule
Week 1 Chapter 1 Five Foundations of Economics
Week 2 Chapter 2 Model Building and Gains From Trade
Week 3 Chapter 2 Model Building and Gains From Trade Chapter 3 The Market at Work: Supply and Demand
 
Week 4 Chapter 3 The Market at Work: Supply and Demand
 
WeeK 5 Chapter 3 supply and equilibrium
Week 6 Exam One: 1-3 Chapter 5 Price Controls 
Week 7  Chapter 5 Price Controls
Week 8
Chapter 6 Introduction to Macroeconomics and Gross Domestic Product
Week 9 Exam 2 October 22 Chapter 5 and chapter 6
Week 9 Chapter 7 Unemployment
Week 10 Chapter 7 Unemployment
 
Week 11 Chapter 7 Unemployment
Week 12 Chapter 8 The Price Level and Inflation 
Week 13 Chapter 8 The price level and inflation
November 9:  Exam 3 chapters 7 and 8
Chapter 13 The Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply Model
Week 14 Chapter 13 The Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply Model
Week 15 Thanksgiving Break
 
Week 16 Chapter 15: Federal Budgets
Week 17 Final Exam: Chapters 13,15 December 9

Final Exam Date December 7, 2025 - 8:0 AM   Through  December 9, 2025 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale
Determination of
Final Grade		 Graded Homework: Students will have weekly graded homework assignment .The  assignments will be due Wednesday and Sunday and are worth 20% of the student’s final grade.

Writing Assignments: These creative writing assignments will require the student to present material in a formal manner. Description of these writing assignments will be found in Blackboard. They are worth 15 % of your grade

Exams: Students will take 4 timed exams. The tests are worth 50 percent of your grade Each exam will cover the readings and assignments for a segment of the course—the fourth exam is not cumulative. These exams will be taken in class and may cover the whole class period.

Participation/Discussions: This is a critical thinking component of the course. The discussions will happen in class or on Blackboard and are worth 15 percent of your grade. 


Assignments must be completed online by 11:59 PM on the due date listed in Blackboard
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
  • All Email Communication must come from an @lamarpa.edu email address from the student enrolled in this course. I am unable to respond to any emails from outside parties.
  • I typically reply to emails about 3 times a day. 
  • DO NOT add or message me on ANY social media platform.
  • DO NOT call or text me-this information is not readily available to the public and will be considered Stalking.
  • Emails Must contain the students name, class section, and a detailed description of their question written in complete sentences. Please include screenshots when appropriate. I will not discuss your grade via email
  • ALL emails must contain the following information:
  • SUBJECT LINE: Class – Topic (e.g. ECON 2302 – Paper #4 Graphs)
  • • BODY OF EMAIL:
  • o BEGINNING: A formal, professional, appropriate salutation (e.g. Dear Dr.
  • Hughes,)
  • o BODY: A brief introduction to your concern, question, or situation as well as a clear request regarding the purpose of your communication; be sure to adhere to etiquette expectations (as described above)
  • o ENDING: A formal, respectful, appropriate closure and signature (Sincerely, With Kind Regards, etc. as well as your name)
 
Make-up Work Policy

 

  • DO NOT send me an email about wanting to complete your work late- all students are graded on the same late policy to be both fair and consistent. Why would it be fair to provide an extension when all other students were not allowed one?.It is the responsibility of the student to properly plan and ensure that they give themselves enough time to complete their work.
     
  • If you wait until the last 12 hours to complete your work, you assume all the risk of an emergency or technical issue that might come up. I have opened all the work early for you to plan in advance and waiting until the last minute that allows for an excuse will not be accepted.

 

  • If you do send me an email, I will assume you did not read or understand the course policies for all students. You are responsible for completing your work around your other time commitments.As you develop these habits, it can provide excellent training for your professional life.
     

You have chosen to enroll in this course. The expectation is that you will do your best to get your work done.

  • Plan your activities carefully.
  • Be mentally flexible.
  • Start your homework early and develop solid work.
  • Avoid procrastination and drama.
  • Learn from your mistakes.
  • Hold yourself accountable.

Do not ask for extra credit. You will have plenty of opportunities given the number of assignments to do well in the course.

Any graded assignment in this class must be written by the student enrolled in the class without any outside help. A first offense will result in a 0 grade for the assignment, and a second offence will result in failure of the course. Ignorance is not a defense

Do not copy from another student, or do you share your work with another student. The first offense will result in a 0 grade for the assignment, and a second offence will result in failure of the course. Ignorance is not a defense.

If you have completed a test and share information with another student, you and that student will receive a zero on the test. A second offence will result in failure of the course. Ignorance is not a defense
Attendance Policy Federal regulations require students who receive financial aid to have begun "attending" and participate substantially in each course for which they are enrolled on or before the official census reporting date outlined in the Academic Calendar. Students documented as "not attending" a course upon the census date are assumed (for financial aid purposes) to have not begun attendance for that course, negatively affecting their financial aid eligibility and disbursement.

Attendance in an ONLINE course is verified by substantial participation in the course on or before the census date published in the Academic Calendar. Substantial participation in this online course is defined as logging in and completing/participating in at least one requirement of the course. Note: Simply logging in to your online course does not constitute attendance.
Additional Information Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Students are responsible for adhering to the Academic Honesty policy found in the Student Handbook.

Any graded assignment in this class must be written by the student enrolled in the class without any outside help. Plagiarism policy will be discussed in detail in class; a first offense will result in a 0 grade for the assignment, and a second offence will result in failure of the course. Ignorance is not a defense

Do not copy from another student, or do you share your work with another student. The first offense will result in a 0 grade for the assignment, and a second offence will result in failure of the course. Ignorance is not a defense.
If you have completed a test and share information with another student, you and that student will receive a zero on the test. Asecond offence will result in failure of the course. Ignorance is not a defense
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Cristina Lawson
Email:lawsonac@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6381