Description of Instructional Methods:
The instructor will utilize lecture, media, and practical application. Students are strongly encouraged to bring internet accessible laptop computers if possible. Students should note that abuse of technological privileges will be met with serious consequences including a significant grade deduction.      

Course Requirements:

1. Required Text: Beth Kobliner (2009). Get a Financial Life. 3rd Ed. Simon & Schuster (ISBN-10: 0743264363/ISBN-13: 978-0743264365)
2. Class Handouts: These can be found on D2L. Students will have access to these prior to class.
3. Attendance: Due to the nature of this class, attendance is imperative. Failing to attend will result in a 1 point deduction from your grade.  In case of family emergency, death, illness, etc. the student must inform the instructor as soon as possible, and arrangements must be made for make-up work to be completed.  If an absence is anticipated, all work must be submitted before the absence. Verified medical reasons, death of family member or significant other, or verified extenuating circumstances judged acceptable by the instructor or the institution, will be honored. But, any absence, excused or unexcused, will result in a 1 point deduction from your total grade. This will be further explained the first day of class.
4. Late Work: Late work will not be accepted.
5. Academic Honesty: Any instance of cheating will be handled in accordance with established University procedures. WARNING: copying or paraphrasing another student's homework will be treated as any other form of academic misconduct. Both will result in students receiving a score of zero for their work. Students failing to contribute in group activities will receive zero points for that assignment.
6. Add/Drop dates: See Academic Calendar.

Course Goals and Student Learning Outcomes:
The instructor will deliver information intended to align with the following outcomes. Having successfully completed this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand personal finance terminology (financial literacy)
2. Gain an understanding of financial decisions they may encounter
3. Evaluate large purchasing decisions and their various intricacies
4. Obtain tools and resources to help manage their finances
5. Gain an appreciation for managing financial risk
6. Increase their wealth via investing in various asset classes

Evaluation Procedures:
Each assignment (and Exams) will be graded on a point basis as outlined in the assignments. Please note that participation counts for more than 28% of your grade.

Projects - 120 points = 30.2% of grade
Quizzes and Exams - 165 points = 41.6% of grade
Participation - 112 points = 28.2% of grade

A = 90-100%
B = 80-90%
C = 70-80%
D = 60-70%
F = 59% and below

ADA Statement:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Nancy Hartenhoff-Crooks, Coordinator of Disability Services (605-688-4504 or Fax, 605-688-4987) to privately discuss your specific needs. The Office of Disability Services is located in room 065, the Student Union.

If you are a student with a disability that makes the use of a standard “clicker” device difficult or impossible please do not buy a device at the campus bookstore. Instead please contact Instructional Design Services at 605.688.6312. IDS will assist you in obtaining an accessible version of the technology to fit your needs.

Course Schedule/Matrix:
I reserve the right to make adjustments to the course schedule and syllabus but will take into account many considerations before doing so.

Week 1:
Skim Chapter 1
Introduction PPT
Economy PPT
How to know when you're being sold PPT

Week 2:
Chapter 2
PV and FV PPT
Personal accounting PPT
Managing income PPT

Week 3:
No chapter reading
Expenses finish income statement PPT
Large purchases (non home stuff) PPT
Large purchases
Quiz #1

Week 4:
Chapter 7
Large purchases PPT continued
Buying a home PPT
Personal income statement project due

Week 5:
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Debt PPT
Credit fraud, identity theft PPT
Banking PPT
Personal balance sheet project due

Week 6:
Chapter 8
Insurance PPT
Quiz #2

Week 7:
Chapter 9
Taxes PPT

Week 8:
Chapter 6
Retirement and building wealth PPT
Asset allocation calculator
Mid-term exam

Week 9:
Chapter 5
Paths to building wealth PPT
Benchmarking PPT
Beginnings to valuation PPT
Asset allocation project due

Week 10:
Stock valuation
Quiz #3

Week 11:
Small business valuation PPT
Benchmarking project due

Week 12:
Real estate PPT
Valuation project due

Week 13:
Options and Derivitives and Forex PPT
Short selling PPT
Estate planning (use the situation we are dealing with) PPT
Real estate analysis project due
Quiz #4

Week 14:
Debt investing PPT
Bonds PPT
Prosper and crowd funding PPT

Week 15:
Final exam
Money management video

Freedom in Learning:
Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any courses of study. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of the course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may contact the department head.

Instructor’s Disclaimer:
I reserve the right to make adjustments to the course and coursework. Occasionally, circumstances may arise where a change in the course and coursework is warranted. Students should not manage their grade (E.G. determining what it takes to get an ‘A’, and then doing the minimum work required to get that grade). 

 
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