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BA 318 - External Reporting
Winter 2007

Instructor Information:

Professor:                   Monica Banyi

Office:             224D Bexell Hall

Telephone:                 737-6011

Class Times:              Section 1:  MWF   9:30 am – 10:40 am

                                    Section 2:  MWF 11:00 am –  12:10 pm

                                    Section 3:  MWF  12:30 pm –   1:40 pm

Office Hours:             Monday 2pm – 3pm; Tues 9am – 10am; Weds 8:20 – 9:20

                                    Or by appointment

E-mail:                        Monica.Banyi@bus.oregonstate.edu

 

Learning Outcomes and Instructional Objectives:

Prerequisite:               BA 317 and BA 340 with a “C” or better

                                    Acceptance into the Accounting Program

 

BA 318 is the second in a three-course series in intermediate financial accounting which explore financial accounting and reporting topics in more depth.  The purpose of the intermediate accounting series is to extend the students’ knowledge and understanding of the conceptual framework of accounting as well as financial reporting practices and principles.  Students will learn how to account for complex accounting transactions relating to assets and liabilities and how to prepare and interpret financial statements and related footnotes.  These objectives will be achieved not only through textbook readings and problems but also through examining actual financial statements, working problems based on actual financial statements, and reading and discussing articles from the financial press on relevant accounting issues.

 

The course is intended for students preparing to become practitioners in either the public or private sector. Additionally, the course can provide a valuable background for those preparing for various managerial or financial careers.

 

Course Requirements:

Required Text and Materials:

Kieso, Weygant, and Warfield, Intermediate Accounting,

12th Edition

 

Recommended Text:

      May and May, Effective Writing:  A Handbook for Accountants, Seventh Edition[1]

 

Homework, Assignments, and Examinations: 

Daily Assignments:  Preparation of daily homework assignments is critical for success in any intermediate accounting course.  The attached homework schedule indicates problems and exercises that will be reviewed in class on the days indicated.   Students are expected to demonstrate their preparation by answering questions posed about the assigned problems.  The assigned homework is an integral part of the course experience, and as such, all students are required to prepare their written solutions to the assigned problems before the in-class discussions. 

 

In-Class Assignments:  During the term, several in-class assignments will be conducted in a variety of formats including homework audits, quizzes, and group problems.  The purpose of these assignments is three-fold:  to encourage regular attendance, to encourage preparation for the daily class material, and to test the student’s understanding and competencies in the current course materials.   Due to the nature of the assignments, no make-ups will be given. 

 

Blackboard Quizzes:  Six Blackboard quizzes will be conducted during the term and the deadlines are noted in the course schedule.  The purpose of these quizzes is to promote preparation and assess mastery of the course materials.  The content of the multiple choice quizzes will cover problems and materials covered since the last quiz or test and concepts of any chapter readings due by the deadline of the exam.  For example, Quiz 2 can cover any materials from Chapter 8 and content materials easily obtained from reading Chapter 9.  These quizzes are open book and open note but are of limited time duration.  These quizzes reflect individual effort; thus, any consultations with current students, former students, or other individuals except the course instructor will be considered violations of the University’s academic integrity policies.

Please check that Blackboard has recorded a grade after you complete the quiz.  If a grade is not recorded in Blackboard by the due date, the student will receive a zero for that quiz.

 

**  All quizzes are due at 9am on the due date.  There are NO exceptions.  **

 

Written Case:  The intermediate accounting courses are designed to provide the accounting student with a strong foundation in accounting standards and other relevant rules; however, the body of authoritative literature is constantly changing to reflect changes in the financial environment.  Accounting professionals must understand how to access this body of authoritative literature, understand it, and apply it to situations.  Accounting professionals must also be able to logically and clearly communicate these findings to other parties in documents which could be provided as evidence in a court of law.  Students will individually prepare a written solution for one case and turn it in to the instructor on the assigned due date for that case (four cases are offered over the term – each with its own due date).  Sign-ups for the cases will begin on Friday, January 11th at 2pm  on the Blackboard discussion boards.  No more than 22 students may sign up for a single case and each is offered on a first-come first-serve basis.   After deciding upon a case, no substitutions are allowed and no late cases are accepted.  The purpose of this assignment is to provide the students with a forum to use the knowledge they have gained and other research to develop an understanding of real-world accounting events and scenarios.  Since communication skills are essential to the profession, 40% of the grade will reflect the quality of the communication including writing clarity, conciseness, appropriate organization, and attention to audience.  The remaining 60% is allocated to accurate content, document completeness, technical correctness and support, and quality of the overall paper.   It is recommended that students consult the May and May text before completing this assignment.  Further documentation of the requirements of this assignment will be provided.  This is an individual assignment.

 

Examinations:   Four one-hour tests and one final exam will be given.  If you cannot take an exam at the scheduled date/time, you must contact the instructor at least 5 days in advance to discuss alternative arrangements.  A make-up examination may be available for unavoidable conflicts (for example, the Beta Gamma Sigma initiation on January 19th)  known in advance of the test.  Students who miss a test without an excused absence will not be given a makeup exam. They will be given a mark of 0.

 

The final exam is mandatory.  Students who miss the final exam and are not excused will receive a failing grade in the course.  Because the final exam is cumulative, the instructor may increase the weight on the comprehensive final exam if it is to your advantage.

 

Course Policies:

Evaluation of Student Performance:  The following items may comprise your final grade:

            Test 1 (Chapter 7)                                    60

            Test 2 (Chapters 8-9)                               75

            Test 3 (Chapters 10-12)                           75

            Test 4 (Chapters 13-14)                           75

            Final Exam (March 22rd)                         150

            Written Case                                            60

            Blackboard Quizzes                                  60

            In-Class Assignments                    45

                                                                          600

At the end of the course, after the final exam, letter grades will be assigned based on a percentage of points earned to total points available.  I anticipate applying the following minimum grading standard in assigning final grades.  Any adjustment or curve will be applied only to final grades:

 

            90 – 100                      A

            80 –   89                      B

            70 –   79                      C

            60 –   69                      D

            Below 60                     F    

 

It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the course on or before the deadline.  Failure to complete minimum requirements will result in a failing grade.  

 

Course Communication:  Course materials and announcements are available on Blackboard.  All email communication will occur through the COB email accounts.  If necessary, please forward your account.   

 

Professional Behavior:   Regular attendance and active participation are imperative if this class is to be a meaningful experience for all students.  An excessive number of absences and/or lack of active participation will be considered when determining the final grade in this course.  Students are expected to treat their fellow students and instructor with respect.  Professionalism will pervade our classroom conduct.  It is not professional to impede a classmate’s desire to learn.  The following rules are a basis of the professional behavior within our classroom:

 

All efforts to promote a friendly, constructive learning environment (attend all classes, frequently participate in class), are greatly appreciated and will enhance your grade.  Alternatively, actions that can damage the learning environment of the class are strongly discouraged as they can hurt other students’ learning and grades.  Specifically, actions such as coming late to class, being disruptive in class (reading newspaper, talking with your neighbor), being disrespectful to fellow students or the professor or leaving before the class is over will adversely affect your grade.  Achieving the course objectives will require a great deal of effort on both of our parts! 

 

Academic Integrity:   Academic dishonesty is not tolerated in any form.  See http://oregonstate.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm. 

 

Availability of Graded Assignments and Grading Errors:  Graded assignments are returned during class.  If you miss class when an assignment is returned, please see the instructor during office hours.  All graded exams remain the property of the instructor.  Students may examine graded tests at any time during the term during office hours or by appointment.  Students have seven class days after an exam or other graded assignment is returned to bring grading errors to the instructor’s attention. 

 

Other Information:  Students are expected to assume a high degree of responsibility for meeting course requirements.  Financial accounting rules are comprehensive and ever-evolving.  The professor may not be able to cover every topic in class that might be included on exams.  Careful reading of the textbook, regular class attendance and completion of all assignments are necessary to succeed in this course.   A grade of C or better is required in order to enroll in BA 319.

 

Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities:  Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).  Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of term to discuss accommodations.  Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.

 

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and course schedule as necessary.  Any changes to the course content or syllabus will be announced during a regular class period.

 



[1] A copy of this text is on reserve in the Valley Library.