APPLIED STATISTICS
BUSN 130 - ECON 130 - FIN 130
Professor Lemke
Department of Economics, Business, and Finance
Lake Forest College
Fall 2017

Contact Information:

Office: 418 Young Hall
Office Phone: 847-735-5143
E-mail: lemke@lakeforest.edu
Class Webpage: All documents are posted on the Moodle webpage for the class.

College Catalog Description

ECON 130 Applied Statistics Distribution analysis, sampling theory, statistical inference, and regression analysis, with emphasis on the application of statistical techniques using spreadsheet software to analyze economic and business issues. Students who have taken this course will not receive credit for MATH 150. Prerequisite or corequisite: ECON 129. Cross-listed as: BUSN 130, FIN 130.

Objectives and Expectations

There are three primary areas of study that we will cover: probability, statistics, and regression analysis. I expect you will come to class every day, do the assigned reading before class (including attempting in-note practice problems), work the assignments, and see me outside of class at the first sign of difficulty. I also expect you will be a productive member of any study group you join.

Class Lectures

I teach two sections of ECON 130. Section 1 meets 9:00 - 9:50 MWF in 313 Young Hall. Section 2 meets 10:00 - 10:50 MWF in 313 Young Hall. Regular attendance and active participation in classroom discussions is expected. Participation includes asking and answering questions, offering ideas on a topic, presenting answers to problems, etc. I expect you will be on time with your phone turned off. I reserve the right to lower anyone's grade who is habitually absent, disruptive, without ideas, or without answers. Please do not excuse yourself during class except for in an emmergency.

Office Hours

Office hours are 11:00am - 1:00pm MWF, and by appointment. Although I ask that you try to see me during ofice hours if possible, you are also welcome to stop by my office anytime to see if I am available. Outside of stopping by my office, the best way to contact me is by e-mail at lemke@lakeforest.edu.

Paulina Mwesiga, the paper grader for the class, will hold office hours in 202 of the Library from 8:00 - 9:00 on Sunday nights and 12:00 - 1:00 on Thursday afternoons. Attending Paulina's office hours is an excellent opportunity for you to get help on the problem sets, get answers to questions concerning your notes, and to work through extra problems.

Textbook

Rather than having a formal textbook, you must purchase your own copy of the lecture notes for $25. Each student is required to bring their own copy of the notes to class each day. You can pay in the business office (North Hall) from 8:30 - 3:30 or you can pay online with a credit card at http://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=041a02 . When you pay, you will be given or emailed a receipt. Take the receipt to Harriet Doud (121 Young Hall) who will then give you a copy of the notes.

Daily Reading

One part of your assignment everyday is to read the next 5 to 6 pages of the notes from wherever lecture ended. Also, the notes include many Practice Problems that resemble test questions. Sometimes the answers to the practice problems are provided in the notes. In these cases, be sure to read the answer to the point where you understand what was done. Sometimes, however, blank space rather than the answer is provided. We will solve these practice problems together during class, but you must attempt each practice problem on your own before class.

Assignments (10%)

Problems will be assigned frequently. You must turn in your own set of answers. You can ask Prof. Lemke, the tutor, and friends for help, but you must do your own work. Answers are due at the start of class. Late papers will not be accepted. Answers to all assignments will be posted to the Moodle webpage. All but one question on each assignement will be worth 1 point if an answer is provided. One question on each assignment will be graded out of 5 points for correctness. You are encouraged to read answers to the problem sets as they are posted, not just when reviewing for the test. Your performance on the assignments will determine 10 percent of your overall grade.

Exams (90%)

There will be six exams during the semester (one after each chapter), including the cumulative final. The dates of the five mid-term exams are Monday, Sept. 11 (Chapter 1), Monday, Sept. 25 (Chapter 2), Friday, October 20 (Chapter 3), Friday, November 3 (Chapter 4), and Monday, November 20 (Chapter 5). The final exams are 1:30 - 4:30pm on Monday, May 8 for Section 1 (9:00 class) and 1:30 - 4:30pm on Saturday, May 6 for Section 2 (10:00 class).

Exams will factor into your grade in one of three ways, whichever is best for you: (1) Each exam including the final will be worth 15%, (2) Each of the five mid-term exams will be worth 10% and the final will be worth 40%, or (3) Your worst midterm exam will be worth 5%, the remaining four mid-term exams will be worth 15% each, and your final exam will be worth 25%. Make-up exams will be given only in unforeseeable and extraordinary situations.

College Policies

Non-Discriminiation Policies

This class will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation and welcome both respectful discourse and reasoned debate. However, if your language or conduct at any time demonstrates a lack of respect for anyone’s race, gender, sexuality, culture, beliefs, or abilities, you will not be permitted to participate further.

Statement about Sexual Misconduct

Lake Forest College is committed to providing students with a safe learning environment. College policy prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, discrimination, non-consensual sexual intercourse and contact, domestic and dating violence and stalking. More information regarding the College’s Policy can be found at www.lakeforest.edu/about.administration/sexualmisconduct/. As a responsible faculty member and as required by College policy and federal law, I will report incidents of sexual misconduct of which I am informed to the Title IX Coordinator, Julie Yura at yura@lakeforest.edu or 847-735-6009.

Statement about Disability Services

If you are a student who needs an accommodation because of a disability or medical or psychological condition that limits your ability to fully participate in this course, please contact Teryn Robinson, Assistant Dean of Faculty for Learning Support, to document your disability with the College and with me for this course. Academic accommodations should be reasonable and not alter the fundamental nature of this course. As it can take a week or more to arrange requested accommodations, you are encouraged to establish your semester accommodations as early in the semester as possible.

Assistant Dean Robinson’s contact information is robinson@lakeforest.edu or 847-735-5167. For more information about services for students with disabilities at Lake Forest College, please see www.lakeforest.edu/academics/resources/disability/.