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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "FIN 312"
COURSE NAME: "Investment Analysis"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Abhishek Gupta
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 6:00PM 7:15PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: FIN 301
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course unit develops the understanding and application of the theory, tools, terminology, and professional ethics of investments from a finance viewpoint. To maximize transferability of knowledge and skills, this course unit emphasizes on general investment principles instead of details on specific securities and investment vehicles, which are subject to regular changes. Successful completion of the course lays the foundation for students wishing to pursue a career that involves providing and implementing investment advice.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course concentrates on the operation and function of securities markets. It emphasizes basic techniques for investing in stocks and bonds. Technical analysis is introduced and portfolio theory discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

· acquire knowledge of the theory, tools, terminology and professional ethics of

investment management

· understand the limits of such knowledge and its effects on analyses and

interpretation

· develop numeracy and computational skills, power of inquiry, logical thinking,

critical analyses of arguments and evidence, capacity for independent and selfmanaged

learning.

· acquire familiarity with the latest research developments and issues.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Investments - Global Edition (10th Edition)Bodie, Kane & MarcusMcgraw-Hill0077161149     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Quiz 1 15
Quiz 2 15
Assignment 25
Participation & Attendance 10
Final Exam 35

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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.
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.

SCHEDULE

Week 1: Introduction

(19/1 , 21/1)

Week 2: Risk aversion

(26/1 , 27/1)

Week 3: Asset allocation

(2/2 , 4/2)

Week 4: Equilibrium asset pricing

(9/2 , 11/2)

Week 5: Bond portfolio management 1

(16/2 , 18/2)

Week 6: Bond portfolio management 2

(23/2 , 25/2)

Week 7: Equity valuation  & Quiz 1

(2/3 , 4/3)

Week 8: International diversification

(9/3 , 11/3)

Week 9: Performance evaluation 1

(16/3 , 18/3)

Week 10:  Performance evaluation 2 & Quiz 2

(23/3 , 25/3)

Week 11: Empirical evidence on security returns

(30/3 , 1/4)

Week 12: Behavioral finance

(13/4 , 15/4)

Week 13: Professional ethics

(20/4, 22/4)

Week 14: Professional ethics & Review

(27/4, 29/4)

TBD: Final Exam

* 6/4 to 10/4 à Spring Break 

* Course Content & Dates are Subject to Change