Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Materials
- Ethics in Accounting, A Decision-Making Approach, Gordon Klein, Wiley, 2016, ISBN 978-1-118-92833-2
- Blind Spots, Max H. Bazerman and Ann E. Tenbrunsel, Princeton, 2011
- Regulations
- Various additional short readings (available for download in the Resources page of each module on Canvas)
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|
| Exam One (proctored) | 15% |
| Exam Two (proctored) | 15% |
| Exam Three (proctored) | 15% |
| Exam Four (proctored) | 15% |
| Live Session Group Discussions | 12% |
| Online Postings/Reflection Papers | 12% |
| Live Session Group Presentation | 10% |
| Project | 4% |
| Class Evaluation | 2% |
| Total: | 100% |
Scale
In assigning grades I consider the overall class performance in determining the final grade cutoffs. However, the following are minimum cut-offs to earn the grades indicated:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Exams
You’ll be tested regularly throughout the course to ensure that you are keeping up with the material and have developed an appropriate understanding of the issues. All exams will be proctored by a third party. More information about proctoring will be provided in the Getting Started module.
You'll have 75 minutes to finish the exam. You will be allowed to reference the HANDWRITTEN notes on ONE side of ONE 8.5 * 11-inch sheet while taking the exams. You will be required to scan your notes and turn them in with your exam. The thoroughness of your note sheet will constitute 10% of your exam grade. We have suggested a few smartphone apps you can use to transform your smartphone into a document scanner.
Live Session Participation
For Live Sessions 1 to 7, participation will be factored into your overall course grade. There are two ways in which you can earn points.
- Participate Live: This option should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real-time.
- Make-Up (Watch Recording and Submit Response): In the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session then provide a written response to the questions and cases discussed in class. You must submit your written response before the next Live Session.
Note: Be sure to utilize option 1 or 2 for each of Live Sessions 1 to 7 to receive full points. Regardless of when the session occurred, you must post your response based on option 1 or 2.
In Live Session 8, the groups will present Group Presentations. Thus, you should plan on participating live for session 8 if at all possible. If you do not believe you will be able to attend Live Session 8, please contact me as soon as possible.
Online Discussion Boards
Active and thoughtful participation will be key to your grade in this course. Each week, you'll be required to contribute to online discussion boards, respond to your peers, and/or send me your reflection on a given topic. These activities will be factored into your overall course grade.
- Post original posting to all discussion boards by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. (Central)
- Provide reflection papers and respond to post made by another student on each of the discussion boards by Saturday at 11:59 p.m. (Central)
Group Presentation
At the end of the course, you will be assigned to work with a group of your peers to create a presentation in which you will apply what you’ve learned in this class to a given scenario or real-world example.
Class Evaluation
One way to earn points is to complete the end-of-the-term course evaluation. Your comments and responses will remain confidential. However, you will need to provide proof that you have taken the evaluation. You can upload a screenshot of the "Complete" screen in Canvas in order to get credit.
Course Policies
Communication
Class announcements will be sent using Canvas and will go to your OU email account. You are responsible for checking your OU email regularly. Failure to check OU email is not an acceptable excuse for missing an announcement.
- If you have any general questions about assignments, class logistics, due dates, etc., please post a question in the Course Help Board in the “Start Here” module. You can post questions about the course to the Course Help Board throughout the semester.
- If you have a personal question (grades, feedback, requests for special accommodation, etc.) please send me a private message via email. In the subject line, write “ACCT 5403 online“ before your subject. For example, if you have a question about a grade, your email subject would read “ACCT 5403 online – grade inquiry”.
Students are welcome to communicate with me. I will try to respond to all emails within 24-48 hours. The tail end of each Live Session is also a good time to chat.
All emails sent by your professors will be sent to the email registered in your name at the University of Oklahoma.
If you wish to also receive course emails at another email address, go to your profile in Canvas and you can add 1 or more alternate emails to your account.
Late Policy
Life Happens. You are welcome to join Live Sessions at any time. However, students entering more than 30 minutes late or leaving more than 30 minutes before class completion will not be considered “attending class”.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|