I. Title of Course: Senior Seminar in Finance
II. Catalog Description:
The course uses case studies to allow students an opportunity to incorporate various financial concepts and techniques in making financial decisions. The students are required to work in teams to prepare case reports and present their analyses in class.
III. Purpose:
The Senior Seminar serves as a capstone course in finance. As such, it has dual purposes: (1) to allow you to see how all the finance topics that you have studied fit together into one integrated whole, and (2) to allow you to "fill in the gaps" for your knowledge of any particular financial topic.
IV. Course Objectives:
V. Content Outline:
The content for the course is flexible, depending on the background of the students in the class. Your finance knowledge will be assessed early in the course (on a group basis); then topics and case assignments will be chosen in order to strengthen the weakest areas.
VI. Instructional Activities:
The course is a seminar – as such, discussion is the dominant activity in the course. This includes discussion of theory, discussion of your and others’ analyses of cases, discussion of current events in finance, and others. At various times, the discussion will be free-flowing (i.e., with no leader), instructor-directed, and student-directed (i.e, an assigned leader).
VII. Field and Clinical Experiences:
Not applicable.
VIII. Resources:
Individual case studies must be purchased by the students (but not at the beginning of the semester). Other resources include outside readings and internet sites. You should also consult textbooks used in prior courses.
IX. Grading:
3 Tests 50% of total grade Cases (written and verbal)* 50% of total grade 100% * If the presentation is by a team, all team members are expected to participate equally in the presentation.
Final grades will be based on points earned as a percentage of possible total points.
A – 90% and above
B – 80% to 89.9%
C – 70% to 79.9%
D – 60% to 69.9%
E – below 60.0%
X. Attendance:
Attendance in class is expected although missing a class will not affect your grade directly, i.e., your grade will not be lowered because of lack of attendance. However, you should realize that class discussion comprises a substantial portion of your grade. Therefore, failure to attend can affect your grade directly and substantially.
XI. Academic Dishonesty:
No cheating of any form is tolerated for the class. The MSU College of Business’ Policy on Academic Honesty will be followed in the event of such instances. Typically, this policy calls for failure of the course and possible expulsion from the university.
XII. Required Texts:
There is no textbook required for the course. However, the assigned cases should be purchased at the appropriate time; these cases are required for the course and will be selected following an initial assessment early in the course..
XIV. Course Prerequisite:
Senior standing in business. However, the course should be taken (as close as possible to) the last semester before graduating, in order to assure completion of as many finance courses as possible before taking the seminar.
Prerequisite knowledge:
Finance topics:
It is assumed that you are thoroughly familiar with finance theory, concepts, and practices before you begin the course.
Computer skills:
You should be able to use Microsoft Excel and Word at an intermediate-skill level and PowerPoint at a beginning-skill level.
XV. Instructor Information:
Classroom Instructor Dr. Larry Guin, CFA Office 105-B Business Building Office Phone 809-4323 Departmental Secretary's Phone 809-4188 E-Mail Address Larry.Guin@murraystate.edu Office Hours 9:15 – 10:30 MW, 2:45 – 3:30 MW, 8:00 - 10:30 F, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday
XVI. Other Information:
To help me to associate names with faces as quickly as possible, I would like to have a personal photo of each class member to help me associate names and faces. If you give your permission, I will take your picture in class using my digital camera. If you object for religious or other reasons, please let me know.
Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, age, or disability in employment, admission, or the provision of services, educational programs and activities, and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities and equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities. For information regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, 270-762-3155 (V) or (270) 762-3311 (TDD).
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