bus and eco

Week

Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation

Points

1

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 1: Individuals and Government

· e-Activity

· Randall G. Holcombe is a respected public finance economist. Watch the video titled “Economist Randall G. Holcombe on Obamacare & Taxes” (7 min 05 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: Capitol Vanguard. (2012, July 19). Economist Randall G. Holcombe on Obamacare & Taxes [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOHrOczwcAU . This video can be reviewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· None

20

2

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 2: Efficiency, Markets and Governments

· Chapter 3: Externalities and Government Policy

· e-Activity

· Pollution and climate change are both political and economic challenges. Watch the video titled “Robert Stavins: Economics and the Environment” (3 min 31 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: 92nd Street Y. (2012, November 21). Robert Stavins: Economics and the Environment [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLoSfbyE86c . This video can be reviewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 1: Chapter 1

20

45

3

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 4: Public Goods

· Chapter 5: Public Choice and the Political Process

· e-Activities

· Government intervention in a market economy turns on the concepts of exclusion and rivalry. Watch the video titled “Public Goods and Common Goods” (8 min 6 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: PlainSenseEconomics. (2009, May 11). Public Goods and Common Goods [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U4sQwpyYU0 . This video can be reviewed from within your online course shell.

· Go to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Website, located at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD , and click on the “State Info” drop-down menu. Next, find your state, and click on the appropriate link(s) to find specific data about where you live. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 2: Chapters 2 and 3

20

90

4

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 6: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Government Investments

· Chapter 7: Government Subsidies and Income Support for the Poor

· e-Activity

· Milton Friedman won the Nobel Prize in economics largely for his work describing the proper role of government. Watch the video titled “Milton Friedman - The Robin Hood Myth” (9 min 55 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: LibertyPen. (2010, April 19). Milton Friedman - The Robin Hood Myth [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wx5PYZIWcQ . This video can be reviewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 3: Chapters 4 and 5

20

90

5

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 8: Social Security and Social Insurance

· Chapter 9: Government and Heath Care

· e-Activity

· Peter Diamond is a professor at MIT and winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize in economics. Watch the video titled “Peter Diamond – Social Security and the U.S. Economy - interview - Goldstein on Gelt - Jan. 2014” (16 min 51 s). Be prepared to discuss. Video Source: Douglas Goldstein. (2014, February 4 Jan. 2014 [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tef5qVSzegU . This video can be reviewed from within your online course shell.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Assignment 1: Government’s Role in K-12 Education

20

200

6

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 10: Introduction to Government Finance

· e-Activity

· Go to the Tax Foundation’s Website and read the article titled, “Gasoline Taxes: User Fees or Pigouvian Levies?” located at http://taxfoundation.org/article/gasoline-taxes-user-fees-or-pigouvian-levies . Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 4: Chapters 6 and 7

· Quiz 5: Chapters 8 and 9

20

90

90

7

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 11: Taxation, Prices, Efficiency, and the Distribution of Income

· Chapter 12: Budget Balance and Government Debt

· e-Activity

· Go to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) Website located at http://www.cbo.gov/ . Under the “Get Data” section, click “Historical Budget Data”. Then, click on “Read Complete Document” to download the Excel spreadsheet that contains the latest historical budget data. Pay special attention to federal government receipt and expenditure data. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 6: Chapter 10

20

45

8

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 13: Theory of Income Taxation

· Chapter 14: Taxation of Personal Income in the United States

· e-Activity

· Per the textbook, the U.S. income tax code is built on the idea of progressivity, which means that higher earners pay larger percentages of their incomes in taxes. Go to the IRS’ “Forms & Publications” page, located at http://www.irs.gov/Forms-HYPERLINK "http://www.irs.gov/Forms-%26-Pubs"&HYPERLINK "http://www.irs.gov/Forms-%26-Pubs"-Pubs , and click “Current Forms and Pubs” on the far left side of the screen. Next, type in “tax table” in the search bar in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Click on the search result, “Form 1040 (Tax Tables), Tax Table and Tax Rate Schedules.” Review the most recent tax table. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 7: Chapters 11 and 12

20

90

9

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 15: Taxation of Corporate Income

· Chapter 16: Taxes on Consumption and Sales

· e-Activity

· It is widely known that economists commonly debate and mildly disagree about who pays the corporate income tax. Some argue that the responsibility for paying the corporate income tax lies with the stockholder, while others argue that the responsibility for paying the tax lies with the consumer / worker. Go to New York Times’ Economix blog, and read “Who Pays the Corporate Income Tax,” located at http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/who-pays-the-corporate-income-tax/?_php=trueHYPERLINK "http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/who-pays-the-corporate-income-tax/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"&HYPERLINK "http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/who-pays-the-corporate-income-tax/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"_type=blogsHYPERLINK "http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/who-pays-the-corporate-income-tax/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"&HYPERLINK "http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/who-pays-the-corporate-income-tax/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"_r=0 . Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Assignment 2: The Federal Income Tax Base and Policy Alternatives

20

200

10

Preparation

· Reading(s)

· Chapter 17: Taxes on Wealth, Property, and Estates

· Chapter 18: Fiscal Federalism and State and Local Government Finance

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 8: Chapters 13 and 14

· Quiz 9: Chapters 15 and 16

20

90

90

11

Preparation

· Reading(s): None

Activities

· Discussion

Evaluation

· Quiz 10: Chapters 17 and 18

20

90

Assignment

Total Points

% of

Grade

Quizzes (open book with a 1-hour time limit per chapter)

(10 quizzes, 18 chapters, 15 questions each, worth 3 points apiece)

810

57%

Assignment 1: Government’s Role in K-12 Education

200

14%

Assignment 2: The Federal Income Tax Base and Policy Alternatives

200

14%

Participation (11 discussions worth 20 points apiece)

220

15%

Totals

1,430

100%

Points

Percentage

Grade

1,287 – 1,430

90% – 100%

A

1,144 – 1,286

80% – 89%

B

1,001 – 1,143

70% – 79%

C

858 – 1,000

60% – 69%

D

Below 858

Below 60%

F

Points: 200

Assignment 1: Government’s Role in K-12 Education

Criteria

Unacceptable

Below 60% F

Meets Minimum Expectations

60-69% D

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Evaluate the appropriate government role in K-12 education using the test of market failure. Specifically, determine whether private markets could work within a K-12 context, or if government is support necessary. Conclude whether or not the private sector can provide education as well as the public sector.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the appropriate government role in K-12 education using the test of market failure. Did not submit or incompletely determined whether private markets could work within a K-12 context, or if government is support necessary. Did not submit or incompletely concluded whether or not the private sector can provide education as well as the public sector.

Insufficiently evaluated the appropriate government role in K-12 education using the test of market failure. Insufficiently determined whether private markets could work within a K-12 context, or if government is support necessary. Insufficiently concluded whether or not the private sector can provide education as well as the public sector.

Partially evaluated the appropriate government role in K-12 education using the test of market failure. Partially determined whether private markets could work within a K-12 context, or if government is support necessary. Partially concluded whether or not the private sector can provide education as well as the public sector.

Satisfactorily evaluated the appropriate government role in K-12 education using the test of market failure. Satisfactorily determined whether private markets could work within a K-12 context, or if government is support necessary. Satisfactorily concluded whether or not the private sector can provide education as well as the public sector.

Thoroughly evaluated the appropriate government role in K-12 education using the test of market failure. Thoroughly determined whether private markets could work within a K-12 context, or if government is support necessary. Thoroughly concluded whether or not the private sector can provide education as well as the public sector.

2. Examine the wealth re-distribution that now occurs under public K-12 education. Determine whether or not such redistribution should be expanded. If you recommend redistribution expansion, suggest the most appropriate funding method. If you do not recommend such expansion, provide a rationale for your response. Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely examined the wealth re-distribution that now occurs under public K-12 education. Did not submit or incompletely determined whether or not such redistribution should be expanded. Did not submit or incompletely suggested the most appropriate funding method if you recommend redistribution expansion. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response if you do not recommend such expansion.

Insufficiently examined the wealth re-distribution that now occurs under public K-12 education. Insufficiently determined whether or not such redistribution should be expanded. Insufficiently suggested the most appropriate funding method if you recommend redistribution expansion. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response if you do not recommend such expansion.

Partially examined the wealth re-distribution that now occurs under public K-12 education. Partially determined whether or not such redistribution should be expanded. Partially suggested the most appropriate funding method if you recommend redistribution expansion. Partially provided a rationale for your response if you do not recommend such expansion.

Satisfactorily examined the wealth re-distribution that now occurs under public K-12 education. Satisfactorily determined whether or not such redistribution should be expanded. Satisfactorily suggested the most appropriate funding method if you recommend redistribution expansion. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response if you do not recommend such expansion.

Thoroughly examined the wealth re-distribution that now occurs under public K-12 education. Thoroughly determined whether or not such redistribution should be expanded. Thoroughly suggested the most appropriate funding method if you recommend redistribution expansion. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response if you do not recommend such expansion.

3. If voters and politicians decide to improve education overall, examine the fundamental manner in which such improvements could impinge upon state and local budgets. Suggest the manner in which the government could expand the tax base in order to service the burden of improving education. Provide a rationale for your response.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely examined the fundamental manner in which improvements to education could impinge upon state and local budgets. Did not submit or incompletely suggested the manner in which the government could expand the tax base in order to service the burden of improving education. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.

Insufficiently examined the fundamental manner in which improvements to education could impinge upon state and local budgets. Insufficiently suggested the manner in which the government could expand the tax base in order to service the burden of improving education. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.

Partially examined the fundamental manner in which improvements to education could impinge upon state and local budgets. Partially suggested the manner in which the government could expand the tax base in order to service the burden of improving education. Partially provided a rationale for your response.

Satisfactorily examined the fundamental manner in which improvements to education could impinge upon state and local budgets. Satisfactorily suggested the manner in which the government could expand the tax base in order to service the burden of improving education. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.

Thoroughly examined the fundamental manner in which improvements to education could impinge upon state and local budgets. Thoroughly suggested the manner in which the government could expand the tax base in order to service the burden of improving education. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.

4. Recommend two (2) strategies that either state or federal government may use in order to address declining educational quality overall. Determine the most appropriate funding method for each recommended strategies. Provide two (2) examples of the successful use of the recommended strategies to support your response.

Weight: 15%

Did not submit or incompletely recommended two (2) strategies that either state or federal government may use in order to address declining educational quality overall. Did not submit or incompletely determined the most appropriate funding method for each recommended strategies. Did not submit or incompletely provided two (2) examples of the successful use of the recommended strategies to support your response.

Insufficiently recommended two (2) strategies that either state or federal government may use in order to address declining educational quality overall. Insufficiently determined the most appropriate funding method for each recommended strategies. Insufficiently provided two (2) examples of the successful use of the recommended strategies to support your response.

Partially recommended two (2) strategies that either state or federal government may use in order to address declining educational quality overall. Partially determined the most appropriate funding method for each recommended strategies. Partially provided two (2) examples of the successful use of the recommended strategies to support your response.

Satisfactorily recommended two (2) strategies that either state or federal government may use in order to address declining educational quality overall. Satisfactorily determined the most appropriate funding method for each recommended strategies. Satisfactorily provided two (2) examples of the successful use of the recommended strategies to support your response.

Thoroughly recommended two (2) strategies that either state or federal government may use in order to address declining educational quality overall. Thoroughly determined the most appropriate funding method for each recommended strategies. Thoroughly provided two (2) examples of the successful use of the recommended strategies to support your response.

5. 3 references

Weight: 5%

No references provided

Does not meet the required number of references, and / or references are of poor quality.

Meets the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.

Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.

Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.

6. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting

Weight: 5%

Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

7. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and  reference section

Weight: 5%

Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.

In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.

In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.

Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.

In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.

8. Information Literacy / Integration of Sources

Weight: 5%

Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.

Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

9. Clarity and Coherence of Writing

Weight: 5%

Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Points: 200

Assignment 2: The Federal Income Tax Base and Policy Alternatives

Criteria

Unacceptable

Below 60% F

Meets Minimum Expectations

60-69% D

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1a. Evaluate the efficiency and fairness of changing the AMT by expanding it or eliminating it. Predict two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the efficiency and fairness of changing the AMT by expanding it or eliminating it. Did not submit or incompletely predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Insufficiently evaluated the efficiency and fairness of changing the AMT by expanding it or eliminating it. Insufficiently predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Partially evaluated the efficiency and fairness of changing the AMT by expanding it or eliminating it. Partially predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Satisfactorily evaluated the efficiency and fairness of changing the AMT by expanding it or eliminating it. Satisfactorily predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Thoroughly evaluated the efficiency and fairness of changing the AMT by expanding it or eliminating it. Thoroughly predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

1b. Evaluate the efficiency and fairness of counting employer-provided health insurance as money income. Predict two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option. Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the efficiency and fairness of counting employer-provided health insurance as money income. Did not submit or incompletely predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Insufficiently evaluated the efficiency and fairness of counting employer-provided health insurance as money income. Insufficiently predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Partially evaluated the efficiency and fairness of counting employer-provided health insurance as money income. Partially predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Satisfactorily evaluated the efficiency and fairness of counting employer-provided health insurance as money income. Satisfactorily predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Thoroughly evaluated the efficiency and fairness of counting employer-provided health insurance as money income. Thoroughly predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

1c. Evaluate the efficiency and fairness of eliminating the interest deduction for owner-occupied housing. Predict two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Weight: 10%

Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the efficiency and fairness of eliminating the interest deduction for owner-occupied housing. Did not submit or incompletely predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Insufficiently evaluated the efficiency and fairness of eliminating the interest deduction for owner-occupied housing. Insufficiently predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Partially evaluated the efficiency and fairness of eliminating the interest deduction for owner-occupied housing. Partially predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Satisfactorily evaluated the efficiency and fairness of eliminating the interest deduction for owner-occupied housing. Satisfactorily predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

Thoroughly evaluated the efficiency and fairness of eliminating the interest deduction for owner-occupied housing. Thoroughly predicted two (2) of the probable consequences of such an option.

2. Rank the proposed tax code changes from most fair to least fair (one [1] being the most fair and three [3] being the least fair). Provide a rationale for your ranking.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely ranked the proposed tax code changes from most fair to least fair (one [1] being the most fair and three [3] being the least fair). Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your ranking.

Insufficiently ranked the proposed tax code changes from most fair to least fair (one [1] being the most fair and three [3] being the least fair). Insufficiently provided a rationale for your ranking.

Partially ranked the proposed tax code changes from most fair to least fair (one [1] being the most fair and three [3] being the least fair). Partially provided a rationale for your ranking.

Satisfactorily ranked the proposed tax code changes from most fair to least fair (one [1] being the most fair and three [3] being the least fair). Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your ranking.

Thoroughly ranked the proposed tax code changes from most fair to least fair (one [1] being the most fair and three [3] being the least fair). Thoroughly provided a rationale for your ranking.

3. Compare the three (3) proposed changes in terms of political attractiveness. Since increasing taxes is universally unpopular, predict the likelihood of political support for each proposal. Provide a rationale for your response.

Weight: 25%

Did not submit or incompletely compared the three (3) proposed changes in terms of political attractiveness. Did not submit or incompletely predicted the likelihood of political support for each proposal, since increasing taxes is universally unpopular. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your response.

Insufficiently three (3) proposed changes in terms of political attractiveness. Insufficiently predicted the likelihood of political support for each proposal, since increasing taxes is universally unpopular. Insufficiently provided a rationale for your response.

Partially three (3) proposed changes in terms of political attractiveness. Partially predicted the likelihood of political support for each proposal, since increasing taxes is universally unpopular. Partially provided a rationale for your response.

Satisfactorily three (3) proposed changes in terms of political attractiveness. Satisfactorily predicted the likelihood of political support for each proposal, since increasing taxes is universally unpopular. Satisfactorily provided a rationale for your response.

Thoroughly three (3) proposed changes in terms of political attractiveness. Thoroughly predicted the likelihood of political support for each proposal, since increasing taxes is universally unpopular. Thoroughly provided a rationale for your response.

4. 3 references

Weight: 5%

No references provided

Does not meet the required number of references, and / or references are of poor quality.

Meets the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.

Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.

Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.

5. Writing Mechanics, Grammar, and Formatting

Weight: 5%

Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

Error free or almost error free grammar, spelling, punctuation, or formatting.

6. Appropriate use of APA in-text citations and  reference section

Weight: 5%

Lack of in-text citations and / or lack of reference section.

In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA format.

In-text citations and references are provided, but they are only partially formatted correctly in APA style.

Most in-text citations and references are provided, and they are generally formatted correctly in APA style.

In-text citations and references are error free or almost error free and consistently formatted correctly in APA style.

7. Information Literacy / Integration of Sources

Weight: 5%

Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional or accidental plagiarism, or failure to use in-text citations.

Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

8. Clarity and Coherence of Writing

Weight: 5%

Information is confusing to the reader and fails to include reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is somewhat confusing with not enough reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is partially clear with minimal reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is mostly clear and generally supported with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.

Information is provided in a clear, coherent, and consistent manner with reasons and evidence that logically support ideas.