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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "FIN 301-1"
COURSE NAME: "Finance"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring Semester 2012
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Merva Mary
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 8:30-9:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisites: FIN 201, FIN 202, EC 202, MA 208
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to first provide students with an in-depth understand of the main financial theories and tools that are used as a basis to analyze more complex financial situations. The major topics include financial statement analysis, the operations of financial markets and their efficiency, international financial transactions, time value of money, diversification and analysis of risk, valuation of financial assets (stocks and bonds), capital budgeting, capital structure, and an introduction to derivatives.
Emphasis is given to both theory and application with particular attention paid to critical-thinking, use of spreadsheets to build simple financial models, working with a case study, understanding how banks operate and the role of central banks in financial markets, and writing of brief reports. The course provides a foundation for students who may consider the Chartered Financial Analysis (CFA) Level I exam but is also relevant for all business and international affairs majors who require an understand of finance to follow some of the major events in the world economy.
Students are strongly encouraged to review the prerequisites in accounting, macroeconomics, and statistics before and during the course as necessary.
High ethical standards are expected of every student.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
OVERVIEW This course covers topics in finance: financial statement analysis, the operations of financial markets and their efficiency, international financial transactions, time value of money, diversification and analysis of risk, valuation of financial assets (stocks and bonds), capital budgeting, capital structure, and an introduction to derivatives. Emphasis is given to both theory and application with particular attention paid to using spreadsheets for building simple financial models, working with a case study, and write-up of brief reports.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
· Develop critical analysis with respect to finance and economic decisions
· Learn to use quantitative methods to assist in critical analysis
· Analyze financial statements with Excel
· Write up financial reports
· Use the Internet to find and interpret basic financial data.
· Develop basic financial tools to promote continuous learning
· Analyze financial situations to improve decision-making skills
· Apply economic concepts
· Develop an awareness of ethical issues in finance.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Corporate Finance | Michael Ehrhardt and Eugene Brigham | Southwestern Cengage | 13-978-1-4390-7811-2 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Exam 1 | Problem set exam. | 20% |
| Exam 2 | Problem set exam | 20% |
| Exam 3 | Case study. | 20% |
| Projects | Short projects | 5% |
| Final Exam | Comprehensive final exam | 35% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Art History tenure-track position John Cabot University, an American, regionally accredited four-year liberal arts college in Rome, Italy, seeks a full-time Art History professor for a two-year appointment with possibility for tenure. Level of appointment depends on the candidate’s background. The candidate should have a PhD and a record of scholarly research. She or he should be able to teach survey classes in at least two of the following four broad areas of art history: (i) Stone Age to Late Antiquity; (ii) Medieval; (iii) Renaissance and Baroque; and (iv) Modern and Contemporary. Teaching load is normally six courses per year and administrative work is expected. Preference will be given to candidates who have administrative experience. The candidate should be fluent in Italian and English and have an excellent knowledge of Rome. Send CV, cover letter with teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching excellence, and 3 letters of reference by January 31, 2012 to: [email protected]. JCU is an equal opportunity employer. Art History tenure-track position John Cabot University, an American, regionally accredited four-year liberal arts college in Rome, Italy, seeks a full-time Art History professor for a two-year appointment with possibility for tenure. Level of appointment depends on the candidate’s background. The candidate should have a PhD and a record of scholarly research. She or he should be able to teach survey classes in at least two of the following four broad areas of art history: (i) Stone Age to Late Antiquity; (ii) Medieval; (iii) Renaissance and Baroque; and (iv) Modern and Contemporary. Teaching load is normally six courses per year and administrative work is expected. Preference will be given to candidates who have administrative experience. The candidate should be fluent in Italian and English and have an excellent knowledge of Rome. Send CV, cover letter with teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching excellence, and 3 letters of reference by January 31, 2012 to: [email protected]. JCU is an equal opportunity employer.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are expected to come to class prepared with the readings so that they may participate in the lectures. Students must bring a basic calculator to class that includes the exponential function. During class no electronic devices are allowed unless there is a specific project we are working on which will be indicated by the instructor.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Week 1: January 17, 19
Chapter 1: An Overview
Chapter 2: Financial Statements and Cash Flows (2.1 – 2.7)
Week 2: January 24, 26
Chapter 3: Analysis of Financial Statements – focus on commercial banks
Economics of a financial crisis – see additional readings
Chapter 12: Financial Planning and Forecasting Financial Statements: Sales Forecasts and Additional Funds Needed (sections 12.1, 12.2, 12.3)
Week 3: January 31, February 2
Chapter 4: Time Value of Money
Week 4: February 7, 9
Chapter 4: (cont.)
Week 5: February 14, 16
Tuesday Exam 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 12
Chapter 5: Bonds, Bond Valuation, and Interest Rates
Week 6: February 21, 23
Chapter 5: (cont.)
Week 7: February 28, March 1
Chapter 6: Risk, Return, and the Capital Asset Pricing Model
Week 8: March 6, 8
Chapter 6: (cont.)
Chapter 7: Stocks, Stock Valuation, and Stock Market Equilibrium
Week 9: March 13, 15
Chapter 7: (cont.)
Thursday Exam 2: Chapters 5, 6, 7
Week 10: March 27, 29
Begin Exam 3 - Case Study on Capital Budgeting
Chapter 9: The Cost of Capital
Chapter 10: The Basics of Capital Budgeting
Week 11: April 3, 5
Chapter 11: Cash Flow Estimation and Risk Analysis
Week 12: April 10, 12
Tuesday Exam 3: Capital Budgeting Case due and in-class test
Chapter 17: Multinational Financial Management
Week 13: April 17, 19
Chapter 17: (cont.)
Introduction to Derivatives: hedging with foreign exchange risk with futures
Week 14:
Comprehensive course review
Final Exam: Comprehensive following the University’s Final Exam schedule.
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