Course Syllabus

Contact Information

This table includes information about how to contact your instructor and other important details about your class

Office Hours: By appointment

Phone

Email

Live Session: Mondays, 7:00-10:00 pm (Central)

Zoom link

Meeting ID

Password

John Doe, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Accounting

Course Details

Pre-Requisites

Undergraduate accounting degree or equivalent.

Course Materials

Financial Analysis & Valuation 5th Edition, by Easton, McAnally, Sommers, and Zhang,

ISBN 978-1-61853-233-96. The text is available in both hard copy and electronic format. You may purchase a hard copy of the textbook directly from the publisher. 

You may choose to use a used edition of the text. However, if you do so you still need to purchase access to the 5th edition of MyBusinessCourse (MBC). This will include the MBC homework as well as required videos and review problems.

If you want to purchase an e-book, see the information on how to access MyBusinessCourse.com.

Other course materials will be posted on this website.

Course Grades

Breakdown

Grading Strategy and Course Assessment
Activity Percentage
  MBC Homework   20%  
  Analysis Project 20%  
  Participation/ In-class Problems 10%  
  Midterm Exam 20%  
  Final Exam 30%  
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: A-90%, B-80%, C-70%, D-60%. Details on the individual analysis project option will be provided separately. 

Grade Scale
Percentage Letter Grade
90–100% A
80–89% B
70–79% C
60–69% D
Below 60% F

 

Course Components

MyBusinessCourse (MBC) Homework

Homework is to be completed individually on mybusinesscourse.com. 

Comprehensive Analysis Project (CAP)

You will work in teams to complete a CAP. The weekly assignments will be completed primarily during the Live Session. Each weekly segment will relate to the chapter covered that week. By the end of the term, you will have analyzed and conducted a valuation of a publicly-traded company. During the Live Sessions, I will illustrate the assignment using an example company. You may then meet with your team and complete the week’s assignment.

If you are working with a team, please make every effort to attend all Live Sessions. If you are not able to attend the Live Sessions regularly, you may work individually to complete an analysis of a company of your choice. If you are able to attend most Live Sessions, you may complete the sessions that you miss individually using a different company and work with the team on the weeks you are able to attend.

Participation

You will get the most out of this class if you actively engage with the course content, your fellow classmates, and me, your instructor. There are various ways you can earn participation points: 

  1. Attempt the first pass at the MyBusinessCourse Homework problems before the Live Session
  2. Submit Questions for the Live Session
  3. Engage in the Live Sessions
  4. Peer Evaluation (evaluating team members)

Live Sessions

There are two ways in which you can earn points for the Live Session.

  1. Participate Live: This option should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real-time.
  2. Make-Up (Watch Recording and Submit Summary): In the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session and then write a one-page summary of key takeaways from that evening's session. Click on the "Submit Assignment" button to type (or copy/paste) your paragraph into the text field, or upload a document. Don't worry if the system indicates that your submission is late; I can adjust that manually. You will have until the next Live Session to submit your written response. You will not be able to submit after 6:45 pm the following Monday.

If you cannot meet with your CAP team during a Live Session one week, you will be required to complete that stage of the CAP project on your own. 

Note: Be sure to utilize option 1 or 2 for each of the Live Sessions to receive full points. Regardless of when the session occurred, you must post your response based on option 1 or 2.

Exams

Midterm Exam

The midterm exam will cover material from the first half of the course. The exam will open for one week. You may complete this exam at any time during this window.

Final Exam

The final exam will open following the team presentations. You will upload your file to Canvas.

Course Policies

Course Communication

  • If you have general questions about assignments, class logistics, due dates, etc., please post a question in the help board in the “Start Here” module. You can post questions about the course here 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 5353 online" before your subject. For example, if you have a question about a grade, your email subject would read “ACCT 5353 online – grade inquiry”. It's helpful if you could send a screenshot of the issue.
  • If you have questions regarding your account at myBusinessCourse, please go to "My Tickets" which can be found in a dropbox below your name at the top right-hand side of the screen. You can fill out a request for customer support here: mbcsupport@cambridgepub.com
  • If you have general tech questions, please contact OU IT at needhelp@ou.edu.

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

Except in extremely rare circumstances (e.g. documented proof of hospitalization etc.) and except as noted above with respect to alternatives to joining a Live Session, no late submissions will be accepted.


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:

  1. Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
  5. Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.

Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.

Severe Weather Refuge Areas

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
  2. Know at least two building exits
  3. Assist those that may need help
  4. Proceed to the emergency assembly area
  5. Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
  6. Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.

OU Fire Safety on Campus Video

Course Summary:

Date Details Due