NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	Principles of Finanacial Accounting
Course Prefix & Number:		ACCT 2301	Section Number:	500	Semester/Year:	Fall 2017
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	48	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Fundamentals of financial accounting concepts and interpretation of accounting data; analysis of financial statements; income and cash flow analysis; nature of assets, liabilities and equities; understanding and use of the accounting process. Course will include computer applications.
Course Prerequisite(s): Recommended prerequisite: MATH1314 and BCIS1305 or equivalent. Recommended co-requisite: MATH 1324 – Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences Recommended prerequisite: MATH1314 and BCIS1305 or equivalent.
Required or Recommended Course Materials:   E-book: Financial Accounting: Information for Decisions, 8e by John J. Wild with Connect Plus and SmartBook.  McGraw Hill.   The lowest price option for you is to buy the textbook and access directly from the publisher.  When you register with McGraw Hill Campus, there will be an option for you to purchase the e-text directly from the publisher.  If you need a printed copy, you can upgrade your purchase for an additional fee.  All ACCT Course materials can be purchased from the NCTC Bookstore or online from the publisher. Scantron forms for test taking (only final exam), pencil, paper, index cards and calculator (no programmable, graphing calculators or cell phone calculators).

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Dee Amaradasa
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 313
Telephone Number:	940-498-6414
E-mail Address:	damaradasa@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
12:30 – 3:30pm		12:30 – 5:30pm
Corinth Room 313		Corinth Room 313

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.	Use of basic accounting terminology and the assumption, principles, and constraints of the accounting environment.
2.	Identify the differences between accrual and cash basis accounting.
3.	Analyze and record business events in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
4.	Prepare adjusting entries and close the general ledger
5.	Prepare financial statements in an appropriate U.S. GAAP format, including the following: income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and statement of shareholders’ equity.
6.	Analyze and interpret financial statements using financial analysis techniques.
7.	Describe the conceptual differences between international Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
Various	In Class Group Assignments	120 points - 10%
Daily	In Class Individual Assignments	120 points - 10%
Various	Ready Assignments	240 points – 20%
12	Homework	240 points – 20%
3	3 Unit Exams	300 points – 25%
1	Final Exam (Comprehensive)	180 points - 15%
	Total Points Possible	1200 points - 100%

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Please log into Canvas/Syllabus to see the assignment details and the due dates.  The final exam will be held ON CAMPUS.  They final exam date is Wednesday 12/13/2017 from 7:00pm – 8:50pm.

 

Letter grades for this course will be assigned in accordance with NCTC standard grading policy. 

     

A	90% - 100%		D	60% - 69%
B	80% - 89%		F	0 – 59%
C	70% - 79%

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Students are expected to attend class 100% of the time and to be on time for class.  The ability to communicate is an important business skill.  Students who are absent from class miss the opportunity to practice this skill.  This includes both listening and speaking.

 

Your instructor will take attendance daily.  If a student arrives after attendance is recorded, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the instructor records their attendance. Daily in class assignments comprises of 10% of the overall grade.  An additional 10 bonus points will be awarded to students with 100% attendance during the semester. 1 absence is allowed for 100% attendance bonus points. This absence is to take into account any illnesses, car trouble, vacations etc. that a student may have.  If a student misses more than 1 hour of any class period, this will be counted as an absence for attendance bonus purposes.

 

Missed in class assignments cannot be made up.

 

Some extra credit assignments will be assigned in class and students will miss the opportunity to obtain these points if they are absent from class.   Any questions about missed assignments due to absences need to be obtained from other students who were present in class.

Absences may adversely affect your financial aid.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is _November 9^th, 2017______________.

 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-4321.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

COURSE TYPE

 

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

o        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

Please refer to the student handbook on consequences for academic dishonesty.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Cherly Furdge
Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Suite 239 Office 234
Telephone Number:	940-498-6238
E-mail Address:	cfurdge@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Debbie Huffman
Office Location:	Gainesville
Telephone Number:	940-668-3357
E-mail Address:	dhuffman@nctc.edu

USING LOCKDOWN BROWSER AND WEBCAM FOR ONLINE EXAMS

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide (PDF) is also available.

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/information.pl?ID=433343673 

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, log into Canvas and select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution's help desk.
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named Respondus Practice Quiz on Canvas/Modules
• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers)
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was tested above, repeat the Webcam and System checks prior to starting the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:

• Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
• Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table) — not on your lap, a bed, or other surface that might move
• If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
• Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window

• Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

 

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

 

• All course work is available via the Internet through NCTC’s Canvas Learning Management System.
• Unit exams require the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. Please see section above for further information.  A practice test will be available on Canvas/Modules.  I strongly encourage you to take this practice test during the week before your first exam and before each unit exam to make sure your computer is compatible.
• Course materials will be posted on Canvas.  It is the student’s responsibility to check the Course web-site and print out any required materials before class.
• Please use Canvas e-mail to communicate with your instructor during the semester.
• This class is a ‘Learner Centered Classroom’.   Students are required to learn the material (by viewing pre-recorded lectures, reviewing notes or read the relevant information in the textbook) before coming to class for every class.
• Students who do not watch the videos or review the materials before coming to class will not be able to complete the in class assignments during regular class time.  As a result, these students will need to set aside a considerable amount of time to be able to grasp the concepts and complete the homework by the due dates. 
• Accounting is a subject that builds.  Students who do not understand chapters 1, 2 and 3 will have difficulty when the class moves to the rest of the Chapters.  Students, who do not understand a chapter, should discuss their situation with the instructor immediately after the chapter is covered.
• Students will do the assignments in class in a group setting.  These assignments will only be available during class time.   The instructor will assign the students into groups of 3 to 7.
• Lone Wolf Option – Students who prefer to work on their own for in class assignments may chose this option.  Each student is required to turn in their in class assignment on their own during class time.  Students have to be present in class when the in class assignments are assigned.  I will not e-mail you about what was assigned in class.  Students who pick this option need to inform the instructor BEFORE students are assigned to a team.  A student may also pick the lone wolf option after each peer evaluation period by informing the instructor via Canvas e-mail.
• Much of the learning takes place during classroom discussions. When students are not prepared they cannot contribute to the overall learning process. This affects not only the individual, but their team who counts on them, as well.
• Accounting is taught and learnt best by solving accounting problems.  I expect every student to be actively engaged in solving these problems during class time.
• Attendance will be determined by the sign in sheet.

 

• Sixty percent (60%) of the grade for In Class Assignments will be determined by peer evaluation. The remaining forty percent (40%) will be determined by the instructor.  The instructor’s grade will be based on participation, completeness of assignments and readiness for class including having paper, pencil and a calculator.  The instructor has the right to override any unfair grades assigned by peer evaluations.
• There will be graded in class assignments and ungraded in class assignments.  The instructor’s participation grade will be based on overall participation in all in-class assignments.
• Mandatory Peer Evaluation Forms must be submitted by each team member by the due date.  If this form is not submitted, a student will earn a zero (0) grade for all the In Class assignments.  Peer evaluations are anonymous and only the instructor will see the peer evaluation forms.  Peer evaluations must be submitted via Canvas.
• The course schedule is available on Canvas/Syllabus.  Please scroll all the way to the bottom of the syllabus and wait for the page to refresh.

• Ready assignments and Homework are assigned in McGraw Hill Connect. Links are available on Canvas to access these assignments. These assignments are graded must be completed on or before on the due date.  The instructor may not be available to answer questions from Friday after 12 noon to 12:30pm Monday.
• Ready assignments will be due on Wednesdays by 6:00PM. Every class session, there will be a Ready assignment.
• Homework Assignments are due every FRIDAY night.
• Homework may be attempted 2 times and is not timed. Be sure to save your attempts so that you get credit for the questions already completed.  The homework questions and additional practice questions are available in McGraw Hill Connect for students to learn the material prior to attempting the graded homework. Practice questions have unlimited attempts to help students score better on the graded assignments.
• Students may turn in 2 late McGraw Hill Connect assignments without incurring any late penalties after the drop date (11/9/2017). Alternatively, students may choose 2 homework assignments to improve their grade. If reworking or turning in late homework, students need to e-mail the instructor to gain access to their assignments. Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 assignments cannot be turned in late or reworked.
• Make-up exams have to be taken in person. Make-up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor with whom special arrangements must be made prior to the exam. A student can only make up 1 missed unit exam per semester.  Please note that there will be no make-up exam for the final exam.  All make-up exams must be taken on or before Friday, December 8^th, 2017.
• The deadline for all make-up exams, late work, make-up work and extra credit assignments is Friday, December 8^th, 2017.
• Students are strongly encouraged to do as many questions as possible to help you grasp the concepts. McGraw Hill Connect also contains Power Point presentations and video if you require additional help.

• Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades.  Grades for each assignment and exam will be posted in Canvas.  If you believe the grade posted is in error, please contact your instructor.

• It is the student’s responsibility to drop the class. The instructor will not drop the class for you.  You are required the fill out the required paperwork necessary to drop the class before the last drop date – Thursday, November 9^th, 2017.

• The instructor reserves the right to change course assignments, grading policies, and assignment schedules at any time.
• Emails will be answered within 24 hours Monday through noon on Friday unless it is a Holiday. After 12 noon on Friday through Sunday, they will be answered after 12:30pm on Monday.