Syllabus+-+Fall+2007


 * **Course Information** ||
 * Course number: || ACG 2021 ||
 * Course discipline: || Accounting ||
 * Course date: || Monday January 7th - April 28th 2008 ||
 * Location: || CL1 121 ||
 * Meeting day(s): || Monday ||
 * Meeting time(s): || 6:00 - 7:45 (approximately) - This is an M class with reduced seat time ||
 * Prerequisite(s): || Sophomore standing and college algebra or the equivalent ||


 * **Instructor Information** ||
 * Name: || Dr. Steven Hornik, CPA, PhD ||
 * Email: || shornik@bus.ucf.edu ||
 * Office location: || BA1 432 ||
 * Office hours: || Monday 10-12, 5-6; Wednesday 9-1 and by appointment ||
 * Second Life Office Hours: || Tuesday and Thursday 9:00-11:00 AM, 10:00-11:00 PM and by appointment ||
 * Phone: || 407-823-5739 ||
 * Teaching assistants: || Ling Huang ||
 * || Office Hours: TBA ||
 * || ucf0205@yahoo.com ||

Textbooks:
//Financial Accounting//, Harrison & Horngren, Pearson Prentice Hall, Second Custom Edition for UCF 2005, 0-536-98600-2

Course Goals:
The basic objective of this course is to provide you with a working knowledge of accounting processes and concepts, the content of financial statements, and the framework of accounting theory.

**Teaching & Learning Approach**:
This is a Mixed-Model class. For this class all lectures will be delivered on-line via various formats. These lectures will be accessible within WebCT, additionally the lectures will also be made available in the 3-D virtual world of Second Life, at my website [|mydebitcredit.com], and as an iPod video download. Time in-class will be spent discussing the material and doing practice problems to ensure your understanding of the material. Students are expected to read all assigned material carefully, watch the lectures on-line, and work all assigned problems before coming to class.

On-Line Lectures:
Each chapter has multiple small lectures ranging from 4 - 6 per chapter with no lecture lasting longer then 27 minutes. You should listen to these lectures in the order in which the material is presented in the book, but afterwards you can go back and listen to them again if needed in any order. Most individual lectures are less then 25 minutes long so you don't need to set aside a 3 hour block of time as you would if this was a traditional class. Listen to these lectures when you can devote **100%** of your attention to them, taking notes and re-listening to parts that are unclear. Come to class prepared to ask questions about a particular lecture and to work problems covering the material for that weeks chapter.

Technology for 2021 (Second Life, Cmap Tools and Twitter):
Just as you utilize technology to watch the class lectures, this course leverages different technology to help reinforce the concepts from the book and lectures. The Cmap Tools and Second Life programs thought quite different server the same purpose, to help you gain a mastery of financial accounting. There use is **not optional** and as described below are an integral part of your homework assignments.

Second Life Guidelines:
In using Second Life for this course you are expected to follow the [|guidelines] set out by Linden Labs, as well as guidelines specific to our our course. Specifically:
 * Clothing is Mandatory, but there is no dress code, wear whatever you'd like - express yourself!
 * Accounting objects (3-d models, T-account games) will be shared.
 * We share space on Teaching 4, be respectful.
 * Of other Builds
 * Of Other Avatars
 * If we have scheduled Events, show up on time.

Adopted from IBM Virtual World Guidelines:
 * Engage within Second Life, but explore responsibly.
 * Use Good Judgment, if witnessing inappropriate behavior.
 * Log off
 * Teleport Home (Ctrl-H)
 * Protect the name of UCF
 * You are representing UCF when on Teaching 4
 * You are representing UCF when you go anywhere in Second Life with the UCFCBA Accounting group activated
 * Protect others Privacy

Inappropriate behavior can lead to Linden Labs banning your account/avatar from accessing Second Life. If I witness any inappropriate behavior on Teaching 4, I can also ban your avatar from the UCFCBA parcel.

Homework Assignments:
There will usually be one graded homework assignment for each chapter along with a Concept Map graded assignment. There are also ungraded homework exercises that should also be done in order to ensure your understanding of the material. Both graded and ungraded homework assignments are listed on the syllabus and are used as support for learning the material. Solutions for the ungraded homework are provided in WebCT in both the ACG2021 Documents section as well as on the home page within each chapter link. Solutions for the graded homework will also be provided once the due date has passed. The ungraded exercises listed are minimum suggestions. Additional practice may be needed for successful completion of this course.

Success in this course requires a three-pronged approach as follows: 1. In-depth study of each chapter prior to coming to class, 2. Timely completion of homework assignments, 3. Regular class attendance and participation. **Most students underestimate the time and effort required to be successful in this course.**

Due Dates:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class (5-minute grace period). Most assignments must be submitted via WebCT and WebCT will deny late homework assignments, please check the due dates of all homework assignments, it is your responsibility to make sure they are submitted to WebCT on time. If the assignment is emailed, then it must be received by the due time…not simply sent. A deadline is like a ticket for a cruise. I do not accept late work on any assignment or exam. If you turn something in late (defined as later than the due date and due time), then it will not be accepted under any circumstance. Second Life HW assignments are to be submitted in Second Life.

=Homework:=

Concept Maps:
Concept maps are graphical tools that allow you to organize and represent your knowledge of a particular subject. The maps themselves consist of concepts pertaining to the subject (represented by circles or boxes) and relationships between the concepts (represented by lines) referred to as linking words or propositions. To learn how to prepare concept maps using the Cmap tool please review the following: [|Preparing Concept Maps with Cmap].

To download the Cmap software, click [|here].

One one of the hardest things to assess in ACG 2021 (prior to the exam, that is) is how well you are understanding the accounting concepts that are being taught. Some of these concepts can be fairly straight-forward (e.g. what is an Asset), but others can be more complex (e.g. what are the methods for estimating Bad Debt Expense).

Concept maps will allow you and I to gauge your understanding of the material, PRIOR to the exam. Any misconceptions can be corrected, thus resulting in higher test scores.

Below you will find the schedule of concepts maps, what they should portray and when they are due. You must submit the concept maps via WebCT, and you MUST send the .cmap file (I do not want .jpg, .pdf, or any other type of file sent). I need the .cmap file so that I can annotate your concept map if necessary to provide you with feedback. This feedback will be provided to you as direct annotations to your Cmap, as well as in the comments section of your assignment in WebCT. Please make sure to read the comments (even if you receive a high grade) so that you can correct whatever misconceptions about the material that you have prior to the exam. MAKE SURE THAT YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME IN THE FILE NAME YOU SUBMIT! So for example if you were going to name your map, cmap1, then name it cmap1_hornik.

The Cmap files will be located in your My Documents folder within the folder labeled My Cmaps. Items within [ //under the Topic column// ] are the //**minimum**// concepts that should be included as you prepare you maps. If annotated I will inlcude a .cmap file after grading your assignments which can be downloaded and opened using Cmap Tools, [|watch this video] to see the steps needed to do this. Map4: How does the accounting system work? [t//ransactions, debit, credit, journal entries, T-accounts/general ledger, trial balance, financial statements//] || 9/03/07 ||
 * Assignment # || Chapter || Topic || Due Date ||
 * 1 ||  || Map1: How will I learn Accounting? || 8/24/07 ||
 * 2 || 1 || Map2: What is Accounting? [//accounting equation, assets, liabilities, equity, dividends, revenue, expenses financial statements//, balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement] || 8/27/07 ||
 * 3 || 2 || Map3: What are accounting concepts and principles (material from chapter 1)
 * 4 || 3 || Map5: What is the accrual method of accounting? [//deferrals, accruals//] || 9/14/07 ||
 * 5 || 4 || Map6: How can bank statements be used to control cash? [//internal control, bank reconciliation//] || 10/01/07 ||
 * 6 || 5 || Map7: How do you account for uncollected accounts receivable? [//methods, allowance method, % of sales, aging of AR, direct-write off method, bad debt expense, estimate//] || 10/05/07 ||
 * 7 || 6 || Map8: How do you account for Inventory? [//sale price vs. inventory price, perpetual vs. periodic system, LIFO, FIFO, Average and Specific cost methods//] || 10/22/07 ||
 * 8 || 7 || Map9: How do you account for long-lived assets? [//categories: land, PP&E, natural resources, intangibles, costs, lump-sum purchase, depreciation, straight-line, units-of-production, double-declining balance, taxes//] || 10/29/07 ||
 * 9 || 8 || Map10: How do you account for bonds? [//types of bonds, stated-interest rate, market-interest rate, par-value, discount, premium, issuing, accruing interest, paying off, effective interest method, straight-line method//] || 11/02/07 ||
 * 10 || 9 || Map11: How do you account for equity transactions? [//paid-in capital, retained earnings, common stock, preferred stock, treasury stock, dividends: cash, stock, splits//] || 11/26/07 ||
 * 11 || 11 || Map12: What are the elements of the Income Statement? [//types of statements, continuing operations, special items, earnings per share//] || 12/03/07 ||
 * 12 || 12 || Map13: What are the elements of the Statement of Cash Flows? [//operating, investing, financing//] || 12/07/07 ||

= = =Homework: Textbook Problems=

Homework, that is doing homework is essential to doing well in this class. However, as adults I believe that having to grade homework to assure that it is done is disservice to students and does not help in preparing you to take on the responsibilities necessary to achieve success that will be expected of you further into your education and obviously on your job. Therefore, I do not grade the homework assignments listed in the schedule below. However, I have assigned one problem as graded homework from each chapter. Therefore you will have a total of 11 graded homework problems. Simply doing this one problem will not be enough to prepare for the exams. Instead use this problem as a test for your preparedness to take each exam.

8-7B p.411 || 11/2/07 ||
 * __**Assignment #**__ || __**Problem**__ || __**Due Date**__ ||
 * 1 || 1-8B p.43 || 8/27/07 ||
 * 2 || 2-6B p.99 || 9/03/07 ||
 * 3 || 3-7B p.164 || 9/14/07 ||
 * 4 || 4-4B p. 211 || 10/01/07 ||
 * 5 || 5-3B p. 253 || 10/05/07 ||
 * 6 || 6-3B p. 303 || 10/22/07 ||
 * 7 || 7-5B p. 357 || 10/29/07 ||
 * 8 || 8-2B p. 410 and
 * 9 || 9-5B p. 461 || 11/26/07 ||
 * 10 || 11-1B p. 539 || 12/03/07 ||
 * 11 || 12-3B p. 597 || 12/07/07 ||


 * **Course Requirements** ||
 * Requirements: || **Grades will be based as follows:** ||
 * Grade Component || Points ||
 * Homework: Concept Maps (5 pts. each) || 65 ||
 * Homework: Problems (5 pts. each) || 60 ||
 * Exam 1 || 100 ||
 * Exam 2 || 100 ||
 * Exam 3 || 100 ||
 * Final Exam || 150 ||
 * Total Points || 575 ||


 * Grade || Minimum Points Needed for Grade ||
 * A (575 x .90%) || 517 ||
 * B+ (575 x 87%) || 500 ||
 * B (575 x 80%) || 460 ||
 * C+ (575 x 77%) || 442 ||
 * C (575 x 70%) || 402 ||
 * D (575 x 60%) || 345 ||
 * F || <345 ||  ||

Exams - Testing Lab Procedures:
All exams will be held in the testing lab, located in BA2 104. The exams will be delivered via WebCT and you can only access the exams from the computers in the Testing Lab. You may be required to enter a password to gain access to the exam, if so the password will be e-mailed to you prior to the exam start date. If there is no password you will still receive a password screen when you first log into the Respondus Lockdown browser, simply click no password and proceed to the exam. You will not be allowed any material in the testing lab, except for scratch paper which will be provided for you. The Windows calculator will be available and you can bring in a Financial Calculator. Graphic calculators, cell phones, or other devices are NOT permitted in the testing lab.

Open Testing:
As of Spring 2007, all exams taking place via the testing lab, will be on an open seating basis. What does this mean? When an exam for your class is listed you will have approximately 30 hours to come to the testing lab and take the exam. You do NOT need to sign up for the time you wish to come in. Simply come to BA2 104, and check-in (see below) to take your exam. All exams for this course begin on a Friday starting at 7:00 AM and end at 9:00 PM on Monday (the lab is closed over the weekend). Exam times are listed in the course schedule and from the Testing Lab web page which indicates the [|seats available], make sure you view the [|times the testing lab is open.]

To access your exam you [|MUST log in via WebCT], NOT via MyUCF. This means that you will have to know how to log in via WebCT, so please make sure to do this prior to taking your exam. Since the exams are open for 30 hours, I will not be present in the testing lab (but may be in my office), proctors however will be and they will be monitoring you. This means that I cannot help you to log into WebCT and will not be available to answer questions pertaining to the exam. Once you start the exam you must finish it, you will not be allowed to re-take an exam once it has been started, so don't ask me to do this. The only exception to this rule is if a proctor informs me of a problem with WebCT, which to date has never happened. If you feel WebCT has caused a problem you will need to get a proctor to verify this, otherwise your test score will reflect only those questions you have answered. **If you experience a problem with WebCT during the exam you MUST have this documented by a proctor before submitting the exam and logging out of WebCT.**

__Prior to an exam.__ At the time of a scheduled exam, students should quietly congregate in the atrium area outside the Testing Lab.

__Check-in for an exam.__ When the door to the Lab opens students will check-in for the exam by lining-up in an orderly fashion. **//A valid UCF Student ID Card is required to gain entrance to the Lab.//** Your UCF ID will be electronically scanned to authenticate your access to the exam by the Lab Manager, other Lab staff, or course proctors. You may or may not be assigned to sit at a particular computer workstation.

__Reporting problems.__ If you encounter difficulty with any equipment or software in the Testing Lab, you must report the problem to a proctor or staff member for assistance before proceeding/attempting to fix the problem on your own. Report as much information about the problem and your location as you can. Because many exams are timed, reporting a technical problem as quickly as possible will minimize the time required to get back online and complete the exam.
 * NOTE: The Testing Lab environment and its computers are electronically monitored/recorded to include real-time video.**

__Acceptable use.__ Students in the Testing Lab are expected to use the resources responsibly and in accordance with the [|Campus Use of Information Technology and Resources Policy]//.//

Computer workstations must not be turned off, moved, or unplugged. When departing the testing area, each student should return his or her keyboard, mouse, and chair to their normal positions, and remove all paper trash from the area.
 * No unauthorized materials. No cell phones, PDAs, graphing calculators, backpacks, books, papers, or any other materials will be allowed in the testing area, unless it has been pre-approved by the course instructor. If these materials are brought into the Lab, they must be turned off and students will have to store them in the cubicles or lockers located near the entrance. **Note that 27 lockers are provided that can be locked, but students must bring in their own lock**.
 * Food and Drink. No food or drinks may be brought into the Lab. Individuals who bring them will be asked to throw out the items or they will be asked to leave the Lab.
 * Leaving the testing area. Once a student is seated for an exam, he or she is not permitted to move from that location for the duration of the exam. Should an emergency occur in which a student must leave the exam, he or she will be accompanied by a proctor if he or she wishes to return to the exam. Otherwise, the student will not be allowed to re-enter the Lab.

Make-up Exams:
Since all exams are over an extended period of time (2 days) THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO MAKE-UP EXAMS GIVEN! Missing an exam will result in a score of zero being assessed. Check your calendars and make NO plans to go out of town during an exam period.

Extra-Credit:
Throughout the semester I will be providing extra-credit opportunities. There will be various ways for you to earn extra-credit including but not limited too:
 * 1) In-class problems (yes, that means if you don't come to class you can't take advantage of this opportunity).
 * 2) Accounting questions sent to you via [|Twitter] randomly throughout the semester (not during class time).
 * 3) Concept-Maps (beyond those required for a homework grade, see below).
 * 4) Got an idea, ask me maybe I'll give you extra-credit.

Now extra-credit is fine, but I've seen students spend too much time trying to earn one or two extra points when their time would be better served studying the material, listening to lectures, meeting with groups, working on problems, etc. So, please don't get caught up trying to earn these points - extra credit is too help you move from a borderline grade, say a B+ to an A-, it is not to make sure you pass the course if you are unable to pass the exams. Extra-credit will no longer be available after the final exam.

Extra-Credit Concept Maps:

 * Update your concept map started in chapter 2 containing accounting concepts and principles with the concepts and principles found in chapter 3 and chapter 6. **Due Date: 10/22/07**
 * Update (or make a new map) from chapter 6 by including the journal entries necessary to account for Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold. **Due date: 10/29/07**
 * Update (or make a new map) from chapter 6 by including concepts related to the tax consequences of choosing LIFO vs. FIFO. **Due date: 10/29/07**
 * Have an idea for another concept map, let me know it might count.

Any concept map you create for extra-credit will be worth 2 points each.

Grade Appeals:
If you have a concern about your grade, you must make an appeal in writing to the instructor within one week (7 calendar days) of the receipt of your grade. The appeal must clearly state why you feel the grade to be unfair or the nature of the error.

Student as Customer/Student as Employee:
As students you have the right to demand a strong program and competent instruction. In this sense, you are my customer. Where possible I will request feedback as to how I can provide you a better product. At times I may be able to make mid-semester adjustments, but other times I may have to wait until future semesters to improve the product. At the same time, though, you are my employee. While you may have outside employment, this class should also be considered to be a job and as your manager I have the right to expect you to be prepared to do your job. I expect that your work is completed, that you are completely prepared in all classes, and that I reserve the right to comment and evaluate work. I have the right to set the schedule and set the workload. When you don’t do your work, I will comment on this and your performance evaluation (grades) will reflect my judgments.

Class Behavior:
Inappropriate behavior distracts from the ability of others to profit from their in-class experience. Such behavior includes arriving late, leaving early, talking, cell-phone use (talking, texting), etc. Rude and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Since it is my responsibility to provide an environment that is conducive to learning for everyone in the class, I will deduct points from the grade of any student who chooses to repeatedly distract others. Although this class will incorporate the use of Twitter for communicating extra-credit opportunities, this will not be done during class-time, so there should be no need to use cell-phones during class.

Attendance:
Eventhough this is an Mixed-mode class, I do expect 100% attendance for my classes. A fundamental component of learning accounting is by working the problems and this is what we will do during class time, you should be there.

Academic Integrity:
I strongly believe in academic and professional integrity. I expect students to complete all work consistent with these ideals. I expect that all submitted work reflect the work of the individual or group who completed the assignment, and not the work of others. Therefore, cases of academic misconduct will be treated consistent with the Golden Rule and UCF policy. It is your responsibility to take the time to acquaint yourself with these policies. Please act responsibly so we are not in a position to have to discuss this issue. For further information on this, refer to the [|policy on academic honesty].

Students with Disabilities:
Any student in this class who has a documented visual or physical impairment, hearing disability, or any other disability covered by the university’s services for students with disabilities should contact me during the first week of class to discuss and arrange any instructional accommodations that may be necessary. Students who would like to serve as volunteer tutors, readers, or note takers for students needing special assistance are encouraged to contact me during the first week of class.

Accommodations for International Students:
International students may use a dictionary in class and during exams, but no additional time will be provided to complete exams, assignments and projects. International students who wish to have additional support in improving English writing skills may feel free to contact the Writing Center (407-823-2197).

Fall 2007 Course Schedule