THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER

Department of Economics

Business Economics 230 - Principles of Marketing
Professor John W. Sell
Spring 2006

This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of Marketing from an Economic perspective.  It is primarily concerned with the entrepreneurial aspects of establishing mutually-beneficial exchange relationships.  An important goal of the course is to show you that Economics and Marketing are complements:  Economics provides an analytical framework for Marketing activities and Marketing gives Economics a firm grounding in real-world activities.  We will discuss market research and segmentation strategies as well as product development, promotion, pricing, and distribution.  A major theme of the course is that marketing activities are significant for both buyers and sellers and have importance for nonprofit institutions as well as profit-seeking enterprises.

Each student is expected to send me an e-mail by the end of the first week of classes to indicate that s/he has found and read this document and understands the expectations of the course.

Since this course is based in economics, Economics 101 - Principles of Economics (at Wooster or its equivalent elsewhere) is a prerequisite for the course.

The course is conducted under the Code of Academic Integrity as printed in the Scot's Key. Anything that you submit for credit, must be your own work, done independently.  Plagarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be dealt with appropriately including a grade of "F" for the course and possible referral to the College's judicial system.  If have questions about this generally or with respect to any assignment, please ask me about them at once.

Course grades are interpreted consistent with the College Catalogue and are determined solely on the basis of four examinations. All examinations based on class material and readings are cumulative and each counts 20%. The final examination will be given during the final examination period which, for this course, is Monday May 8, 2006 at 7:00pm. There will be no make-up examinations. In the unlikely event that you should miss one of the midterm examinations for a legitimate reason, the weights of the remaining examinations will be increased proportionately.  Since Marketing is an applied subject, there will be in-class marketing case studies on Thursdays that are designed to help you see the importance of the class material in the real world.   Short quizzes on the case studies will be periodically graded and  your performance on these counts 5% of your final grade.

The remainder of your grade is based on a marketing simulation that we will play throughout the semester (described separately).  How your firm performs in this simulation is irrelevant to your grade, but your analysis of its performance counts 15%.

While class attendance is not mandatory, it is advisable since lecture material is not a simple summary of the required reading. If you choose to come to class, you are expected to arrive on time. This class meets TTh 2:30 - 3:50pm.

Finally, if you are not satisfied with your performance in the class, please see me early in the semester. I can probably help you achieve better results, but only if I know of your problem soon enough. It is up to you to contact me to discuss your concerns. I am available and willing to talk as follows:

Office, office hours, contact methods.

or, e-mail to: jwsell@wooster.edu

revised by Jws on 15 January 2006.