Instructor:	Dr. Stephanie M. (Brewer) Jozefowicz
Email:	smjozef@iup.edu  (Note:  I tend to check email fairly infrequently.)
Economics Dept. Phone:	724-357-2640
My Office Location:	McElhaney Hall 202B
My Office Phone:	724-357-2642
Office Hours:	MW 1:15-3:15 pm, Thursdays 8:30-9:30 am, or by appointment
Course Website:	http://www.chss.iup.edu/smbrewer/brewerteach.html
Course Prerequisites:	ECON 122
Course Description:	An introduction to laboratory methods and testing used to study economic behavior. The course covers basic laboratory techniques and examines the most common laboratory trading institutions. The course will examine applications of experimental methods to areas such as bargaining and auctions, public and externalities, game theory and individual choice.
Course Objectives:	This course aims at helping students understand:  1)  the development of experimental economics as a field of study, 2)  experimental design basics, 3) examples of experimental studies across an array of literature (bargaining, auction, asset market, trust/reciprocity, public goods, common pool resources, and industry studies), and 4) hands on experience participating in and conducting experiments.  This course also aims to improve student writing through a variety of writing opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

The course reading material is designed to facilitate learning both inside and outside the classroom.  Assignments from the course reading material are included on the course outline and will be mentioned about once a week.  You will know what you should be reading if you check the course outline.  Lectures will make more sense if you read the course reading material first; the course reading material will make more sense if you attend lecture first.  Although exam questions are based on the lecture material, the course reading material parallels the lectures.  Hence, the readings in the course reading material should be thought of as a supplement to the lecture material.  The course packet will be available at Copies Now under Dr. S. Jozefowicz’s name for ECON 281 Experimental Economics.

I have set up a website for this class.  The specific html address location is given above.  (This page is linked off of the Department of Economics website, as well, if you cannot remember the address.)  A variety of information will be accessible via this website.  I intend to update an “Announcements” page after every class.  Announce-ments will include the topic of the lecture material covered in class on a given day and any homework/quiz/extra-credit assignments collected or announced that day.

Class Participation:  Due to the hands-on nature of learning about experimental economics by participating in experiments, there will be a class participation component of your grade.  Participation in most experiments can only occur when you are physically present in class since there is a simultaneous decision-making element for these experiments.  Hence, experiment participation points cannot be made up in the event of an absence.  Participation in in-class experiments will comprise 5% of your final course grade.   Aside from the need to be present to participate in the experiments for this course, I believe, in general, that class attendance and participation are closely linked with how well students learn and perform on exams.  All students will be expected to participate fully in the discussion of materials.  In other words, I expect you to be present in mind as well as body when you come to class.  Students routinely will be called upon to provide definitions of terms, examples for theories under consideration, and theories for examples under discussion.  This is non-punitive behavior–it merely enhances the learning environment.  Cardinal rule:  never, never, never cut class because you are unprepared:  such behavior will only compound how far behind you are.

Summary Outlines: You will be asked to read an average of one published or working research paper related to a specific branch of the experimental economic literature each week.  By reading one of these papers, you should be able to get a sense of the background research leading to the paper, the significance of the paper, an example of at least one experimental design within the particular branch of the literature, an example of the parameters used in implementing the experiment(s), and a grasp of the meaning of the basic results of the study.  You will NOT be responsible for understanding the mathematical and econometric theory used in testing the data and generating the results.  You will be asked to type an outline of the papers you are asked to read.  You should ALWAYS print TWO outlines–one to turn in and one to refer to and on which you can jot additional notes as part of small group discussions about the paper.  The outline will be due at the beginning of class on the day the paper is to be discussed.  If you know you will be absent from a class in which an outline is due, then you either may turn in your outline or send a copy of your outline via email before class, or you may  send your outline with a friend to class.  Points will be deducted from any assignments turned in after they are due unless prior arrangements with the instructor have been made.  An assignment will not be accepted for a late grade once that assignment has been graded and returned to the class.  The summary outlines will comprise 15% of your final course grade.  (You will be able to drop the lowest of your outline grades without penalty.  Note that this policy implicitly takes into account you may need to miss class for illness, family or other emergency, a faulty alarm clock, etc. Translation: don’t blow off an assignment early in the semester and then get yourself in a bind later in the semester with an unexpected illness or other problem.)

In-Class Small Group Discussion Question Assignments: I am intentionally designing this course to implement a collaborative learning style teaching process.  This means that you will be assigned to one of several small groups which will have 3-4 members each.  You will work with the others in the group to answer questions related to the reading assignments.  Your preparation for small group discussions will involve reading the assigned paper and writing an outline.  Your preparation will have an impact on the success of the group in discussing and answering specific questions regarding the paper.  In-class assignments will be due by the end of the class period.  If you must miss class, then you will have to answer the discussion questions on your own.  However, since a significant component of these discussion assignments is discussion with your small group members, points will be deducted if you are not present in class.  Points will be deducted from any assignments turned in after they are due unless prior arrangements with the instructor have been made.  An assignment will not be accepted for a late grade once that assignment has been graded and returned to the class.  In-class assignments will count as 15% of your final course grade.  (You will be able to drop the lowest of your small group discussion grades without penalty.  Note that this policy implicitly takes into account you may need to miss class for illness, family or other emergency, a faulty alarm clock, etc.  In other words, don’t blow off an assignment early in the semester and then get yourself in a bind later in the semester with an unexpected illness or other problem.)

Group Project–Experiment Preparation and In-Class Presentation:  You will be assigned to work with at least one other person in the class.  Your group will be given a paper to read regarding a specific classroom experiment.  You will prepare the necessary materials and be in charge of conducting the experiment on an assigned day of class.  This assignment is designed to give you experience actually running an experiment.  This assignment will be discussed in greater detail as the course progresses.  This assignment will count as 5% of your final course grade.

Peer/Self-Evaluation: Periodically you will be asked to complete an evaluation instrument regarding your other small group members, as well as, yourself.  The instrument will ask you to rate each group member’s participation and preparedness with respect to completing the in-class assignments.  This evaluation instrument is being included to increase your incentive to really be prepared for class since your level of preparedness will have a spillover (either positive or negative) on your other group members.  The evaluations will count as 2% of your final course grade.

Major exams:  There will be two major exams given in class during the semester.  Each exam will be worth 100 points, and each will count as 19% of your final semester grade.   The tentative exam dates are Major Exam #1: Thursday, February 12 and Major Exam #2: Thursday, March 25.   There will be NO make-up exams in this class regardless of circumstances.  You may choose not to take one (and only one) of the two in-class exams simply by informing me prior to the end of the exam period.  (Thus, you may decide during the course of taking an exam that you do not wish to hand in the exam.  If this is your choice, then DO NOT turn in the exam.  If you walk out the door with the exam in your possession, I will assume your final decision (in the words of Regis Philbin!) is to not have the exam to count as part of your grade.)  Any exam turned in to me at the end of an exam period WILL BE graded and WILL partially determine your course grade.  If you elect not to take one of the two in-class exams, the comprehensive final exam will take on the additional weight of the missed exam.  Exam questions will stress analysis including short essay questions, numerical problem solving, and defining terms or concepts.  You may be asked to use graphs to illustrate your reasoning.  Any written answer that cannot be deciphered due to handwriting illegibility will be counted as a wrong answer.  Exams will be based on the material covered in class and the assigned readings.  You may use a basic, non-programmable calculator on exams.  Cell phones should be turned off and put away before any exam begins.  Once the exam is handed out, you will not leave the room until you are ready to hand in the exam.

Final exam:  There will be a final exam given on Thursday, April 29 from 10:15am - 12:15 pm in McElhaney 205.  The final exam will have the same format as the major exams.  The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all of the course material for the whole semester.  The final exam will count as 20% of your final semester grade.  (This means that if you miss either the first or second major exam, then the final exam will count as 39% or your final semester grade.)  You may use a basic, non-programmable calculator on exams.  Cell phones should be turned off and put away before any exam begins.  Once the exam is handed out, you will not leave the room until you are ready to hand in the exam.  Once the exam is handed out, you will not leave the room until you are ready to hand in the exam.   Unless alternative arrangements are made before the final exam, a score of zero will be entered in my grade sheet for the final exam if you do not show up in the correct room and at the correct time for the final exam.

Summary of grading :
      Class Participation:                                                                            5%
      Summary Outlines:                                                                           15%
      In-Class Small Group Discussion Question Assignments:                  15%
      Group Project–Experiment Preparation and In-Class Presentation:      5%
      Peer/Self-Evaluation:                                                                          2%
      Major Exam #1:                                                                               19%
      Major Exam #2:                                                                               19%
      Final exam:                                                                                       20%
                                                                                                            100%
Extra-credit:  Under no circumstances will I give extra-credit work to individual students.  However, during the semester, I may offer optional class exercises for which extra-credit points can be earned.  Offering opportunities for extra-credit is subject to my discretion.

Many students may find it beneficial to discuss the course material with one another.  You are encouraged to share helpful suggestions for studying and mastering the material.  There is an underlying principle of learning when working together in small groups like this–you can determine what you know as you are forced to explain the concepts and problem solutions to one another.

I follow the policy outlined in the IUP Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures with regard to cheating and academic dishonesty.  I will give an incomplete only for the specific reasons outlined in the IUP Incomplete policy, so please don't ask for exceptions to these rules.  Both policies can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog 2003 - 2004.

I will be available for questions or comments about class during my office hours.  I will arrange to see you by appointment if you are not able to come see me during the designated office hours.  Please talk with me after class or send me email to arrange any appointments.

You may wish to bring colored pens/pencils with you to class.  For some graphical analyses, I will use colored chalk in my presentation.  Some students have expressed that having colors of their own greatly enhances their ability to understand their notes.

(Announcements about upcoming assignments and extra-credit opportunities will be made in class, as well as confirmation of/changes in the tentative exam dates.)

Week 1:  (1/13, 1/15)    Syllabus; Introductions; Microeconomic classroom demonstrations; Leap into learning; Collaborative Learning; What is Experimental Economics?–An Overview

Week 2:  (1/20,1/22)     Small group assignments; Team building; Experimental economics background

Drop/Add ends SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Computer Lab Date: THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, McElhaney Hall Computer Lab

Week 4:  (2/3,2/5)    Game theory basics continued–Prisoner’s Dilemma; Dictator, centipede, and other games

Week 5:  (2/10,2/12)    English, Dutch, sealed-bid auction literature

MAJOR EXAM #1: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

6 O’Clock Series:  Monday, February 16 “Cracking the Hidden Job Market: How to Beat 1000 to 1 Odds to Land Your Dream Job!” – Speaker - Don Asher
(Note: my office hours and classes will be cancelled on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 as I will be attending the National Association of Economic Educators Professional Development conference.  An alternate assignment will be given to make up for class time missed.)

Week 8:  (3/2,3/4)    Double oral auction literature

Week 9:  (3/9,3/11)    No classes–Spring Break!!!

Week 10:  (3/16,3/18)    Asset market literature

Students can view mid-term grades on Banner:  Monday, March 15, 8:00 am
Computer Lab Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 16, McElhaney Hall Computer Lab

Last Day for Automatic Individual Course Withdrawal: TUESDAY, MARCH 23
MAJOR EXAM #2: THURSDAY, MARCH 25

Week 13:  (4/6, 4/8)    Externalities, rivalry, excludability; Public goods literature

Week 14:  (4/13, 4/15)    Public goods literature continued; Charitable giving;

University-wide holiday–No Class!–Monday, April 12
Computer Lab Date: TUESDAY, APRIL 13, McElhaney Hall Computer Lab

 Reading Days:  Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28
 FINAL EXAM: THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 10:15 AM -12:15 PM; Location--McElhaney 205
 Spring 2004 Commencement:  Saturday, May 8
 Spring 2004 semester grades are available on Banner:  Friday, May 14

1. Attend class regularly.  Missing class means you lose out on easy attendance points, course lecture material that is vital to successful performance on quizzes and exams, in-class quizzes, in-class assignments, and valuable discussion with peers.

2. Be on time for your own benefit and out of consideration for others–the disruptions you cause by coming in late affect everyone (in economics, we call such impacts negative externalities).

3. If you know you will have to leave before class ends, then sit by the door to minimize disruptions and interruptions for your classmates that will occur if you don’t sit near the door and have to stomp over the top of them and/or parade across the front of the room as you exit (furthermore, I would appreciate if you would kindly mention your need to leave to me before class starts).

4. Having to get up and leave in the middle of class in the case of an emergency is one thing, but DO NOT make it a habit to wander into and out of lecture–this is rude and disruptive behavior causing a NEGATIVE impact on your fellow classmates and instructor.

5. KEEP UP--the materials build as the semester progresses--very few students can succeed by just studying the night before the exam.  You have many opportunities for working on sample quiz and exam questions between formal in-class and homework assignments, the course packet, materials on the web, graded multiple choice quiz questions, and practice written response questions on the back of quizzes.  Students who perform at the top of the class generally are the ones who work on these sample questions and ask questions as they go about what they don’t understand.

6. Take excellent class notes–write out explanations and examples of the concepts covered rather than just copying down the definitions or graphs–this will help you immensely as you work on assignments and as you study for quizzes and exams.

7. Look over your class notes and text readings before (yes, I said before!) coming to class–for each section of notes, go back and think how you can reorganize them so they make sense to you (students have found that making flow diagrams can help connect the material in a personally meaningful way).

8. Make use of office hours–clear up questions as they arise and are fresh on your mind... generally students find I am friendly and helpful in office hours, and the additional one-on-one attention does wonders for truly comprehending the material.

9. Realize at the outset that you may have really buckle down and approach studying for this class differently.  This class will require much more than basic memorization and regurgitation of definitions.  This class has the reputation of being “hard” for a reason.  Merely showing up every day for class is likely to be insufficient to secure an “A” or even a “B” letter grade.  Expect that generally speaking, we will have class every day and that we will stay the entire length of class.  Class time is a mixture of lecture/note taking, in-class practice problem solving, and peer discussion.

10. Just as you expect to be treated with respect, remember to treat your fellow students and me with the same high level of respect.
 

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