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Enterprise Hall 4400 University Drive, MS 1B1
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: (703) 993-1880
Fax: (703) 993-1867
Survey of Accounting – ACCT 203
(This Syllabus is tentative and subject to change.)
Instructor:
GMU Email:
Course Website:
Class Meeting Times & Location:
Recitation Meeting Times:
Office Hours:
Office Location:
Course Description
This course provides a detailed overview of both financial and managerial accounting. In financial accounting, you'll learn how to record transactions, create financial reports, and prepare financial statements for people outside the company, like investors and creditors. Managerial accounting, on the other hand, focuses on how managers within the company use financial information to make decisions. The course will teach you important financial accounting concepts, such as the steps in the accounting cycle and how to understand key accounts on the balance sheet. It also covers managerial accounting topics, including how to calculate the cost of goods manufactured, perform cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis, and determine the break-even point, which are all tools that help managers plan and make decisions. Recommended prerequisite: ECON 103; A third attempt will require academic advisor approval. Limited to two attempts.
Required Course Materials
- Required Text: This course is part of the First Day Access program, which means you'll have instant access to your textbook through the course website on the first day of classes. The cost of the textbook has already been added to your student account at a discounted price. The university has teamed up with the bookstore and the publisher to make sure you get the best deal. On the first day of class, you'll receive an email from the bookstore with more details. After the Add/Drop period ends, GMU will charge your account for the textbook. This textbook comes with an online management system called Connect. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the First Day program, please review Student Accounts Course Material Information.
- Required Calculator: You are required to use a basic calculator that only performs simple functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can buy one of these calculators at the GMU Bookstore. A simple calculator is non-graphing and typically has buttons for +, -, ×, and ÷, along with a decimal point. Some may also have a % button for calculating percentages. Any brand is acceptable as long as it meets these requirements. This basic calculator is required for ACCT 303.
- Notebook: You are required to bring a notebook to class. Note taking is essential to learning.
Course Learning Objectives
In Person Sections
Plan to dedicate a minimum of 8 hours per week outside of class to engage with the course materials.
Asynchronous Sections
Plan to dedicate a minimum of 15 hours per week, at least 4 days a week to engage with the course materials.
Start organizing your time effectively now. Key learning objectives for the course encompass:
- Defining and recalling key terms in accounting vocabulary and elucidating basic financial accounting concepts and principles.
- Demonstrating the sequence of steps in the accounting cycle and proficiently preparing journal entries and trial balances.
- Applying knowledge to identify financial accounting concepts and principles for analyzing business operations.
- Explaining basic managerial accounting terms and solving fundamental problems associated with them.
Costello College of Business Undergraduate Program Learning Objectives
In addition to the Course Learning Objectives listed above, this course also includes overarching learning objectives required by Costello College of Business:
- The social, global, ethical, and legal contexts of business and will be able to reflect on the role of the individual in business.
- The ability to apply knowledge of professional skills necessary for success in business including effective business writing.
- Technical and analytic skills appropriate for success in business.
- The ability to apply knowledge of core business disciplines including accounting, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and operations management.
- How research in the business disciplines contributes to knowledge and how such research is conducted.
Course Schedule
Refer to the Course Calendar. All due dates are firm and subject to change only by the instructor.
- Late work is not permitted. Deadlines are set to help you stay on track, give you enough time to understand each chapter, and seek help before moving on to the next topic. This approach also increases your chances of doing well on exams. As mentioned below, consistent practice is essential for mastering accounting. All assignments are available a week before the first class, start working ahead if you want to add some flexibility to your schedule.
- Dropped assignments due to unforeseen circumstances:
- (1) homework assignment
- (1) video lecture & question assignment
- 3/10 or (30%) in-class activities
- (1) recitation assignment
How to Study Accounting
- Before class, make sure to watch the Video Lecture & Questions and carefully read the chapter or PPT slides, working through each example provided.
- For assignments, focus on recognizing patterns rather than just memorizing procedures.
- If you're struggling to understand a concept after completing the assigned exercises, do additional practice and seek help from a TA.
- Attend all classes, including recitations, and make it a priority to visit a TA for extra help each week.
- Practice weekly repetition to reinforce what you've learned.
- Review the week's material at the end of each week by working through problems and understanding the reasons behind the answers.
- Continuous practice is key to mastering the course's learning objectives.
- If you need help, reach out to a TA first, visit my office, or send me an email.
Review the Accounting Study Skills Guide for tips on how to study for this course.
Course Teaching Assistant (TA) Support
This course is supported by several TAs who are currently pursuing their master’s degree in accounting and have a strong grasp of the course material. They hold office hours on various days and times throughout the week, and you are highly encouraged to visit them regularly for extra help. Don’t wait until after Exam 1 to seek assistance—start early.
The TAs are here to help you with assignments, review your work, clarify chapter PowerPoint slides, provide exam strategies, and more. You can find their office hours and email contacts on the course webpage.
Grading
The final course grade will be based on the following scale:
| Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 980 – 1000 points (98%-100%) | A+ |
| 930 – 979 points (93%-97.99%) | A |
| 900 – 929 points (90%-92.99%) | A- |
| 870 – 899 points (87%-89.99%) | B+ |
| 830 – 869 points (83%-86.99%) | B |
| 800 – 829 points (80%-82.99%) | B- |
| 770 – 799 points (77%-79.99%) | C+ |
| 700 – 769 points (70%-76.99%) | C |
| 600 – 699 points (60%-69.99%) | D |
| Below 600 points (0-59.99%) | F |
Please note that grades of C-, D+ and D- are not given. No curves. There is no rounding up.
| Assessment Description | Maximum Possible Points |
|---|---|
| Video Lecture & Questions (complete before class) | 100 |
| Class Case Studies/Other Activities at Instructor’s Discretion | 50 |
| Recitation Assignments (includes Orientation Videos) | 25 |
| Homework (includes Required Certification in Module 1) | 100 |
| Exam Review Assignments | 50 |
| Exam 1 (chapters 1, 14, 18) | 200 |
| Exam 2 (chapters 2, 3 with some emphasis from chapter 1) | 225 |
| Exam 3 (covers chapters 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 with some emphasis from chapters 1 & 2) | 250 |
| Total | 1000 |
| Lack of Professionalism | -4% (40 points) |
Assignments
- Video Lecture & Questions: Watch the instructional videos and answer the questions. You will have (1) attempts to complete and unlimited check my work.
- Need-to-Know Videos: Step by step video walkthroughs are found at the end of each learning block within a chapter. These demonstrations test your understanding of the key material you just learned and guide you through important procedures needed for homework and exams. These exercises are not graded but are provided for your reference and learning.
- Class Case Studies using EDGAR/Other Activities: A variety of learning activities will occur during class time only. These activities may be required to be completed during class time. You are expected to attend classes. In class activities will occur throughout the semester and your instructor will provide more information during the two weeks of class.
- Recitation: During recitations, you will work through sample homework problems, learn test strategies, reinforce learning, and review for exams.
- Homework: Series of practice problems to help you learn based on the recitation assignments. You will have (1) attempts to complete, hints, and unlimited check my work. Click ‘submit’ only when you fully completed the assignment. Suggestion: solve homework in a notebook to help you retain the chapter lessons.
- Study Attempts: After the assignment due date, you'll have unlimited attempts on all Connect assignments for extra practice to help you prepare for exams. These additional attempts are for your study purposes only and will not affect your grade. Please note that no extensions will be granted on assignments, as these study attempts provide ample opportunity for review and practice.
- Exam Review: Dedicate at least 1 hour each week to working through extra practice problems and multiple-choice questions. This consistent, weekly practice will help you grasp the steps needed to solve problems and reinforce the concepts covered in each chapter, making it easier to retain what you’ve learned.
Recitations
Recitation sessions, led by a TA on Fridays, serve as a homework preview to help you effectively tackle your assignments. These sessions are a crucial component of the course, offering you the opportunity to apply lecture concepts to homework problems and prepare for exams. During recitation, you will work through multiple-choice questions and exercises that mirror your homework, providing you with a head start on how to approach these tasks. Attendance is highly encouraged to maximize your understanding and success in the course. Additionally, recitation sessions may include employer visits and other course support activities, further enhancing your learning experience.
Discussion Board Postings
Your instructor may opt to use the Discussion Board as an additional means of communication, and/or engagement assignments. Ask your instructor for more information.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit Menu (No Extensions) – Maximum of 30 Points (not percentage points):
- Attendance at the Accounting Town Hall: 10 extra credit points
- Accounting Game: 5 extra credit points
- Recitation Attendance: a maximum of 10 extra credit points (full class attendance required)
- Course Evaluation: 5 extra credit points
Extra credit points will be added to your Homework Assignment grade at the end of the semester.
Accounting Town Hall
This is a professional development and student/employer engagement event held during recitation. Please refer to the course calendar for specific location and time details. Your instructor will provide additional information as the event approaches. Attendance is highly recommended.
Accounting Game
The Accounting Game is an interactive tool to help you master key concepts and prepare for ACCT 303. Key Points:
- Follow the instructions on the course website.
- The game opens after Exam 1.
- Complete all 5 levels to earn a score.
- Score at least 70% (700 points) to earn 5 extra credit points.
- Complete all levels to get a score.
- Take a screen shot of your score after you have completed level 5 and upload it to the assignment folder.
Attendance
While class attendance is not graded, it is crucial for successfully completing the course. Recitation attendance is strongly encouraged and offers an opportunity to earn extra credit (see Extra Credit section).
Regular attendance and active participation are essential for mastering challenging concepts and analytical techniques. Please arrive on time, stay for the entire class period, and actively engage in discussions. Late arrivals will be marked as absent, and leaving during class is discouraged. This course relies heavily on group activities, making attendance vital to your success. You are responsible for all material covered in class, whether or not you attend. The course includes lectures and discussions, and questions are always welcome.
Absences
Students unable to attend class due to sanctioned university events or exceptional circumstances, such as illness, accident, or hospitalization, should notify the instructor promptly and provide written verification of the absence.
- In-Person Attendance: In-class students are expected to attend in person, except when unwell. Consistent absence with the expectation of accessing everything online is not acceptable.
- Login to Course Webpage: Login daily to read announcements and stay up-to-date with course information.
- Missed Classes: If you must miss class for a valid reason, notify me in advance if possible. You are still responsible for any missed work, and missing class does not excuse you from submitting assignments on time. Always check the course calendar for assignments and required readings.
- Study Buddy: It is recommended to have a ‘study buddy’ in the class to obtain notes in case of an absence. You are responsible for all material covered, even if absent.
- Documentation: If you miss class due to illness, especially if seeking an extension, provide documentation such as a doctor’s note.
- TA Office Hours: Attend ACCT 203 Course TA office hours for extra help when you miss classes. You can also reach out to TAs for assistance even if you haven't missed any classes.
- Instructor Appointments: Schedule an appointment with me for any questions or concerns you may have
Exams
All exams will be completed in class online using Connect. Your instructor may also require the use of Connect+Proctorio, an online proctoring system, during exams.
- Exam Components: You are expected to demonstrate conceptual knowledge and solve problems.
- Laptop Requirements: You are expected to bring your laptop to class along with the power cord. Please ensure your laptop is fully charged before arriving.
- Students with Academic Accommodations: If you require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to provide the Faculty Contact Sheet to your instructor within the first two weeks of the course. Additionally, you must coordinate with the Office of Disability Services to complete the exam ahead of the scheduled exam date.
- Asynchronous students: You are required to have a laptop with a working webcam and microphone for exams.
Exam Guidelines
Your instructor will provide additional details as needed:
- Closed Note/Book: Exams are closed note and closed book.
- Content Coverage: Exams will cover all course material, including recitations.
- Individual Work: Exams must be completed individually with no collaboration. Sharing exam content with other students, whether in your section or another, is strictly prohibited.
- Assigned Platform: You must take the exam in the platform assigned to your section. Each exam allows only one attempt. Exams 1 and 2 are timed at 75 minutes each, while the Final Exam is timed at 2.5 hours.
- Assigned Location: Failure to take the exam in the assigned room/platform for your section will result in a grade of “zero” for that exam.
- Formula Sheets: Formula sheets will not be provided. You are expected to learn and memorize all necessary formulas.
- No Photos: Taking photos of the exam or writing down exam information is not allowed.
- Honor Code: You must always adhere to the GMU Honor Code during the exam.
- No Devices: Phones and other devices are not permitted during the exam.
- Scrap Paper: You may use one piece of blank scrap paper during the exam.
There is no exam replacement and no exam grade drop. Students who miss an exam without notifying the instructor will receive a 0%. However, in the case of an extreme, rare emergency, contact the instructor immediately. Alternative exam arrangements may be offered at the instructor's discretion. Email the instructor before the exam begins and provide written evidence afterward. The instructor will decide if the absence qualifies for alternative arrangements. If an alternative exam is granted, it may differ from the exam given to your classmates
Additional Exam Information
- Present Your Student ID: You must present a valid student ID at each exam. Acceptable IDs include your GMU student ID (virtual ID is ok), state-issued driver’s license, military ID, or passport. Failure to show an ID may result in a “zero” for the exam.
- Calculator Use: Only basic, non-programmable calculators are allowed. Using a programmable or text-entry calculator, including graphing calculators, is an honor code violation and will result in a “zero.” You must show your basic calculator to the webcam (for online exams) or the instructor (for in-person exams) at the start of the exam.
- No Phones: Phones are not permitted during exams.
- Closed Note/Book: All exams are closed notes and closed book. No additional materials or devices, such as extra computers or tablets, are allowed.
- Reviewing Your Exam: Your instructor will provide instructions on how to review your completed exam. You are not allowed to take photos of the exam or write down any information during the review.
Student Responsibilities and Expectations
Responsibilities
As a student in this course, your active participation and engagement with learning resources are essential. Here's what is expected of you:
- Reach out for help if you are having trouble with the material.
- No cells phones during class. No phones during exams.
- In Person Sections: Attend all classes and recitation sessions. and participate fully in discussions.
- Asynchronous Sections: Engage with the course materials at least 4 days a week and at least 15 hours per week.
- Keep cell phones off during class and recitations.
- Use all learning resources and catch up on any missed material during absences.
- If a class is canceled due to inclement weather, access online assignments.
- Regularly check the course website for updates and announcements.
Expectations
- Follow the course calendar and seek clarification from your instructor when needed.
- Log in to course webpage daily to engage with course content and check announcements.
- Check your GMU email daily. 4. Complete all assignments and exams on time.
- Actively ask questions and use TA office hours for additional support.
- Demonstrate professionalism and respect in all interactions.
- Use your GMU email address for all correspondence and to register the eBook.
Professionalism
The mission of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University is to create and deliver high-quality educational programs and research. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participated in these educational programs contribute to the well-being of society. High-quality educational programs require an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellent and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff and alumni accept these principles when they join the Costello College of Business community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following standards of behavior:
- Respect for the right, differences, and dignity of others.
- Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community.
- Accountability for personal behavior.
- Practicing proper conduct including physical, verbal, and written professional communication.
Integrity is an essential ingredient of a successful learning community. Ethical standards of behavior help promote a safe and productive community environment and ensure every member the opportunity to pursue excellent. Costello College of Business can and should be a living model of these behavioral standards. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these standards into every aspect of their experience at the Costello College of Business. Through our personal commitment to these Community Standards of Behavior, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential. Students who act unprofessionally will receive up to a 4% final grade deduction at the sole discretion of the professor.
Privacy and E-mail Etiquette
In this class, it's crucial to develop professional email communication skills. Proper email etiquette is important for your success, both now and in your future career. Here are the guidelines you must follow:
- Use Your GMU Email: University policy requires students to use their GMU email for all communications with faculty and staff. I will not respond to emails sent from non-Mason addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo).
- Proofread Your Emails: Always spell check and proofread your emails before sending them.
- Response Time: I aim to respond to emails within 24 hours during the week. Emails sent between Friday evening and Sunday evening will be answered by the end of the day Monday. Sometimes, I may send a quick reply and follow up with a full response later.
- Include Your Details: Always include your full name and section number in your emails.
Failure to follow these email etiquette rules may result in a delay or lack of response to your emails.
Additional Syllabus Information
Copyright
Any audio or visual recording of lectures, reuse or remix of course materials, or further dissemination of course content is not permitted without prior written consent from me and George Mason University unless the recording is part of an approved accommodation plan.
Costello College of Business Standards of Behavior
The mission of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University is to create and deliver high-quality educational programs and research. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participate in these educational programs contribute to the well-being of society. High-quality educational programs require an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when they join the Costello College of Business community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following standards of behavior:
- Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
- Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
- Accountability for personal behavior
Integrity is an essential ingredient of a successful learning community. Ethical standards of behavior help promote a safe and productive community environment and ensure every member the opportunity to pursue excellence. The Costello College of Business can and should be a living model of these behavioral standards. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these standards into every aspect of their experience at the Costello College of Business. Through our personal commitment to these Community Standards of Behavior, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.
Honor Code Statement
By choosing to take this course, you agree to uphold the George Mason University Honor Code. Please refer to the Office of Academic Integrity for further details.
George Mason University Honor Code
To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the University Community have set forth this: Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, and/or lie in matters related to academic work.
In your work on all written assignments, keep in mind that you may not present as your own the words, work, or the opinions of someone else without proper acknowledgement. You also may not borrow the sequence of ideas, the arrangement of material, or the pattern of thought of someone else without proper acknowledgement.
Some kinds of participation in online study sites violate the Mason Honor code: these include accessing exam or quiz questions for this class; accessing exam, quiz, or assignment answers for this class; uploading of any of the instructor’s materials or exams; and uploading any of your own answers or finished work. Always consult your syllabus and your professor before using these sites.
The appropriate version of the Costello College of Business “Recommendations for Honor Code Violations” should be attached. They are included in the handouts and can be found here.
Academic Dishonesty
The accounting profession is based on the foundation of sound honest and ethical principles. Cheating of any sort will not be tolerated. Even small acts of dishonesty will be fully punished. Students caught cheating will be referred to the GMU Honor Code Office. Students caught cheating will receive a failing grade in the course. Students who are aware of cheating but fail to report it are in violation of academic honesty policies in this course. These students can expect to receive the same sanctions listed above as the students who cheat.
Disability Services
Disability Services at George Mason University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students by upholding the laws that ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities. If you are seeking accommodations for this class, please first visit the Disability Services Website for detailed information about the Disability Services registration process. Then please discuss your approved accommodations with me. Accommodation requests should be completed during the first two weeks of the semester. More information about ODS is available at the Disability Services Website.
Email Communications/Privacy
George Mason Email must be always used for correspondence with the instructor. No exceptions. Students should clearly identify themselves and their course number and section in any Email correspondence. I will not respond to messages sent from or send messages to a non-Mason email address.
Students must use their Mason email account to receive important University information, including communications related to this class. I will not respond to messages sent from or send messages to a non-Mason email address.
Inclement Weather and Campus Emergencies
- Information regarding weather-related changes in the University’s schedule (e.g., closing or late opening) will be provided on the GMU website and via MasonAlert. Students can sign up for the Mason Alert system and learn about emergency procedures at the Mason Ready website.
- An emergency poster exists in each classroom explaining what to do in the event of crises and that further information about emergency procedures exists on Mason Ready's Be Prepared web page.
- If the campus closes, or if a class meeting needs to be canceled or adjusted due to weather or other concern, students should check the course website (Canvas) for updates on how to continue learning and for information about any changes to events or assignments.
- Laptop policy and/or electronic device policy for your class.
- Review Costello Undergraduate Laptop Requirements.
- The need for a camera (and microphone), while in the laptop policy, should be noted on the syllabus as well. The Steans Center provides the following which may be adapted:
Business Library Liaison Information
- Kayla Gourlay, Business and Economics Liaison Librarian
- Fenwick Library Fairfax Campus
- University Libraries Business InfoGuides
Religion
Students who will miss class for religious reasons should inform the instructor of their anticipated absences during the first two weeks of the semester. Please review the University’s policy for class absences due to religious observances here: AP.1 Registration and Attendance < George Mason University.
Counseling Center
George Mason University has a counseling center that can provide assistance if you find yourself overwhelmed by life, want training in academic or life skills, or the like. More information is available at Counseling and Psychological Services.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity is one of the university’s core values. Please support the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Name and pronoun use: If you wish, please share your name and gender pronouns with me and indicate how best to address you in class and via email.
- Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence
- George Mason University is committed to providing a learning, living and working environment that is free from discrimination and a campus that is free of sexual misconduct and other acts of interpersonal violence in order to promote community well-being and student success. All incidents of sexual misconduct will be reported to the University Title IX Coordinator ((703) 993-8730 or e-mail titleix@gmu.edu).
- As a faculty member, I am designated as a “Non-Confidential Employee,” and must report all disclosures of sexual assault, sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, complicity, and retaliation to Mason’s Title IX Coordinator per University Policy 1202. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact one of Mason’s confidential resources, such as Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) at (703) 993-3686 or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (703) 993- 2380. You may also seek assistance or support measures from Mason’s Title IX Coordinator by calling (703) 993-8730, or emailing titleix@gmu.edu.
Writing Guidelines
- All writing assignments should be formatted as follows, unless otherwise specified: double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins. Use APA style to cite and reference all sources. Specific instructions for in-text citations and referencing are found in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Edition or at APA Style (7th Edition) - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
- George Mason University has a writing center that can help you improve your English writing skills. More information is available at The Writing Center
Online courses
- Activities and assignments in this course may regularly use web-conferencing software (Zoom / Canvas). In addition to the requirements above, students are required to have a device with a functional camera and microphone. In an emergency, students can connect through a telephone call, but video connection is the expected norm.