There are three graded assignments during the semester which the following weights.
Problem Sets: 15%
Group presentation: 15%
Exam #1: 30%
Exam #2: 40%
Grading disputes may arise. With the exception of arithmetic errors, and in order to avoid problems associated with self-selection, disputes involving points scored on individual questions will NOT be considered. However, if you wish, the entire assignment will be re-graded. This re-grading may result in either a higher or lower number of points being scored.
Requests for re-grading must be submitted in writing to the instructor within one week of the assignment first being returned.
PROBLEM SETS
There are problem sets every two or three weeks. Problem sets MUST be word-processed although you may do graphs and equations by hand. Problem sets MUST have your name (last name first) and SID number in the upper right hand corner. Problem sets are due at the beginning of class on the assignment due date. Faxed or e-mailed problem sets will NOT be accepted; late problem sets will NOT be accepted. If you want to turn your problem sets in early, you can make arrangements with me or the TA.
Although you may work on problem sets with your classmates, the written answers which you hand in are expected to be your own effort. In general, you should use study groups to figure out how to solve a problem, to make sure you have made your calculations correctly, and to discuss the answers to questions that ask you to summarize or draw conclusions from the exercise. On your own, you should write up your answers, making sure you understand yourself how to solve the problem step-by-step, and answering nonquantitative questions in your own words.
Solving the problem sets in this way is important not only for the sake of academic integrity but because the primary value of the problem sets is not in counting toward your course grade but in building your own understanding and ability to solve problems. Using the Internet and/or “test banks” deserve special mention. The general principle governing collaborative work is that it is truly collaborative: namely, it is work shared by a group of people, all of whom are learning from the experience. Copying from someone, looking for answers or hints on the Internet, or looking at problem set or exam solutions from previous semesters are not collaborative. There is a difference between being interested in an issue raised by a problem set and using the Internet to learn more about it, and searching the Internet to figure out how to solve the problem.
GROUP PRESENTATION
The presentation groups (preferably 2-3 per team) will be arranged by self-selection and the presentation will be held during the last week of the class as specified below. Each team should come up with a case study applying the knowledge studied form the lectures to the macroeconomic events on the newspapers We value highly the group presentation components because this is in my view the best for training yourself to think like an economist rather than just an ordinary media reporter or newspaper writer.
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