Faculty Syllabus

ECON-2301 Principles of Macroeconomics

Jack Bucco


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

ECON-2301-020 (16164)
LEC MW 12:00pm - 1:20pm RVS RVSA 2266

ECON-2301-041 (16175)
LEC MW 1:30pm - 2:50pm RVS RVSG 9137

Course Requirements

Austin Community College

Principles of Macroeconomics – ECON 2301

Spring 2026 | Synonyms: 16164, 16175 | Sections: 020, 041

Instructor: Dr. Jack A. Bucco
Email: jbucco@austincc.edu
Phone: (512) 223-6687
Office Location: Room 1141.1, RVS Campus
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (or by appointment)

Course Overview

Course Description:
This course introduces the principles of macroeconomics, focusing on the economy as a whole. Topics include national income, unemployment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, and the role of government and central banking in stabilizing the economy.

Instructional Methodology:
Instruction is delivered through a blend of lecture, Socratic dialogue, class notes, and multimedia resources.

Prerequisites:
Students must meet ACC proficiency requirements in reading, writing, and math. Strong study skills and daily engagement are essential for success.

Course Rationale

The course equips students with a fundamental understanding of the U.S. economy and current economic policy debates. It serves as a foundation for future studies in economics, finance, business, marketing, social sciences, and public administration.

Required Materials

  • Recommended Textbook: Macroeconomics by William Boyes and Michael Melvin

  • Required Study Guide: Study Guide/Manual by Dr. Pat Bonner

  • Additional Tools: Graphing paper and calculator

Note: The study guide is essential. It reinforces lecture material and contains review sheets for all exams.

Course Requirements & Expectations

Attendance Policy

  • Attendance is mandatory.

  • More than four absences will result in a full letter grade reduction.

  • Punctuality is required; tardiness counts as an absence.

  • Students are responsible for missed content—notes will not be distributed by the instructor.

  • No exceptions will be made for trivial absences.

Grading Policy

Component Weight
Exams I–IV (Mini Exams) 30% (10% each, lowest dropped)
Midterm Exam 35%
Final Exam 35%

Grading Scale:

Grade Score
A 90–100
B 80–89
C 70–79
D 60–69
F <60

Note: There are no make-up exams for Exams I–IV. One will be dropped. Only verified medical emergencies (pertaining to the student) may be considered for midterm/final makeup.

Example Grade Calculation:

  • Exam I: 9.0

  • Exam II: 8.3

  • Exam III: 8.8

  • Exam IV: 1.2 (dropped)

  • Midterm: 85

  • Final: 88

Final Grade:
9 + 8.3 + 8.8 + (85 × 0.35) + (88 × 0.35) = 86.65 → B

Course Schedule & Outline

Exams will be announced one week in advance.

Chapter Topic Evaluation
I The Nature and Method of Economics  
II The Economizing Problem  
III Supply and Demand Exam I (Ch. 1–3) – 10%
IV Pure Capitalism Exam II (Ch. 1–4) – 10%
V The Mixed Economy Midterm (Ch. 1–5) – 35%
VI National Income Accounting  
VII Exchange Rates / Balance Sheet Exam III (Ch. 6–7) – 10%
VIII Unemployment and Inflation  
IX Aggregate Expenditure Model Exam IV (Ch. 6–9) – 10%
X–XII Multiplier, Fiscal Policy, Money & Banking Final Exam (Ch. 6–12) – 35%

Final exam date to be announced. Lowest of Exams I–IV will be dropped. No make-ups allowed.

Course Objectives & Student Learning Outcomes

Common Course Objectives:

Students will be able to:

  • Define key economic concepts and graph models (e.g., PPC, supply and demand)

  • Explain inflation, GDP, and unemployment

  • Distinguish between fiscal and monetary policy types

  • Analyze components of aggregate demand/supply

  • Explain the role of the Federal Reserve and money supply

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate macroeconomic data

  • Explain and analyze business cycles

  • Use AS/AD models effectively

  • Understand exchange rates and policy applications

Academic Policies

Scholastic Dishonesty

Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. Academic integrity is expected at all times.

AI & Generative Tools Policy

All coursework must be fully original and generated exclusively by the student.
The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT or similar is strictly prohibited and constitutes plagiarism. Violations will result in a failing grade and possible suspension.

Classroom Etiquette

  • No electronics (laptops, phones, etc.)

  • No food allowed. Beverages are permitted.

  • No side conversations. Raise your hand to participate.

  • Disruption will result in a warning; continued violations may result in dismissal or being dropped with an “F.”

  • If late to a quiz (8+ minutes), you receive a 0.

  • If late to an exam (10+ minutes), 15 points will be deducted.

Absolutely no cell phones. Visible phones = dismissal. Multiple offenses = automatic grade penalties or course withdrawal.

Only one person may speak at a time—and that is the instructor.

Studying daily for 40–50 minutes distraction-free is your best path to success.

Institutional Policies

Withdrawals

Students may be withdrawn for missing exam deadlines or poor performance. You may also withdraw yourself. Refer to the ACC calendar for deadlines. No reinstatements after the withdrawal deadline.

Incompletes

“Incomplete” grades are issued only for documented medical emergencies (pertaining to the student), and only if 70% of the course has been completed with at least a 70 average. All incomplete work must be submitted within four weeks of the following semester.

Scholastic Accommodations (ADA)

Students with documented disabilities should request accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Early notification (preferably three weeks before the semester begins) is encouraged.

Academic Freedom

Students are encouraged to engage in critical discussion and express differing viewpoints. Your grade will never be affected by your opinions. Respectful discourse is essential.

Email Policy

All official college communication will be sent to your ACCmail account. You are responsible for checking it regularly.
Activate your account: ACCmail Activation

Testing Center Use (if applicable)

When assigned, students may use the ACC Testing Center. Review the full policy: ACC Testing Center

Student Privacy

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), this course protects the confidentiality of your educational records. Your grades, attendance, and other personally identifiable information will not be shared with anyone—including parents, spouses, or other third parties—without your written consent, excpt as permitted by law. You have the right to inspect and request corrections to your records by following the procedures outlined in the college’s FERPA policy.

Emergency Procedures & Campus Safety

Students are expected to be familiar with ACC’s emergency procedures. Sign up for alerts and review emergency guidelines at:
ACC Emergency Info

Support Services

  • Tutoring & Learning Labs: Free tutoring is available. Visit: ACC Tutoring Services

  • Student Services Overview: Current Students Info

  • Technical Support (Gmail, ACCeID, Blackboard): Available in any Learning Lab.

Attendance & Grade Tracking

Attendance Scorecard

Use the system below to track your attendance:

Date              
Mark "+" Present            
Mark "-" Absent            
Mark "L" Late            

Attendance Policy is strictly enforced.

Grade Tracker

Assessment Score
Exam I  
Exam II  
Exam III  
Exam  

 

 

Readings

Recommended: Textbook: Macroeconomics:                          Author: William Boyes/Michael Melvin

Recommended: Study Guide/Manual                                                Author: Dr. Pat Bonner

Graphing Paper and Calculator

The study guide contains various practice problems to re-enforce class lectures and all review sheets for all exams! The study guide is an absolute must because it helps aid significantly in your comprehension and organization of the material.

Course Subjects

Common Course Objectives

Define economics.

What are the three basic steps to economic policy making?

Be able to define, explain, and graph the production possibility curve.

Understanding and applying supply and demand analysis.

Distinguishing between a change in demand and a change in quantity demand.

Be able to define and explain the six features of capitalism.

Be able to define and explain both functional and personal distributions of income.

Define national income accounting and its components.

Understanding value-added approach.

Define and discuss what is meant by inflation.

Explain how inflation is measured.

Define and explain unemployment.

Explain and discuss what is meant by GDP.

List the components of GDP.

Define and discuss the meaning of the concept aggregate demand.

Define and discuss the meaning of the concept aggregate supply.

Define and discuss the meaning of the inflationary gap.

Define and discuss the meaning of the inflationary in the context of AD-AS analysis.

Define and discuss the meaning of fiscal policy.

Distinguish between expansionary and contractionary fiscal policy and give an example of both.

Define what money is and explain its functions.

Define and discuss various measures of the money supply.

Explain how a fractional reserve banking system works.

Explain the structure and functioning of the Federal Reserve System.

List the tools of monetary policy.

Distinguish between expansionary and contractionary Monetary Policy and be able to give an example of both.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate macroeconomic data

  • Explain and analyze business cycles

  • Use AS/AD models effectively

  • Understand exchange rates and policy applications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office Hours

M W F 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM RVS 1141.1

NOTE And by appointment

Office Hours

M W F 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM RVS 1141.1

NOTE And by appointment

Published: 01/14/2026 09:18:32