Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
This course is intended for MAcc or B/MAcc students, so I will assume an intermediate-level background in financial accounting. This includes comfort with debit/credit mechanics, financial statement components, and present value calculations, as well as familiarity with general accounting for periodic expenses and long-term assets.
A basic understanding of oil & gas exploration and production operations is invaluable to understanding the accounting for these activities. Although we will spend one module going over basic E&P operations, I highly encourage you to familiarize yourself with the topic prior to the start of class.
Course Materials
Required Materials
- Fundamentals of Oil & Gas Accounting, 6th edition by Charlotte J. Wright. ISBN: 978-1593703639.
- The ebook version of this textbook is available through Vitalsource.com by following this link: https://www.vitalsource.com/products/fundamentals-of-oil-amp-gas-accounting-charlotte-j-wright-phd-cpa-v9781593706760
When appropriate, exhibits from the textbook and additional examples of information commonly used by upstream oil & gas companies will be made available in Canvas.
Reference Materials
For a more detailed overview of oil & gas exploration and production operations, I recommend the following textbook, which is available online through OU Libraries:
Note: To access this resource, you will need to log in using your OU 4×4 and password.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description/Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| In-Class Activities | 12 assignments, 20 points each (lowest 2 grades will be dropped) | 15% |
| Live Session Attendance | 12 Live Sessions, 4 points each | 5% |
| Vocabulary Quizzes | 12 quizzes, 20 points each (lowest single grade will be dropped) | 10% |
| Virtual Field Trip Participation | 1 interactive tour video with accompanying quiz | 10% |
| Exams | 4 exams, 100 points each | 60% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Live Session Attendance
You are expected to attend each Live Session. Tardiness or other disruptive behaviors will not be appreciated. During Live Sessions, you will be expected to have your video on, as these sessions are intended to be interactive.
For those students who are unable to attend the Live Session synchronously, a makeup activity is available and due on the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
In-Class Activities
Each week, the Live Session will include an in-class activity at the end of class, allowing students to actively apply concepts learned. MS Excel will be used for all Live Session problem walkthroughs and the in-class activity.
Vocabulary Quizzes
There will also be vocabulary quizzes to encourage students to become familiar with essential terminology and application. Lists of targeted vocabulary words for each quiz will be posted in Canvas in advance, and basic definitions will be readily found in the textbook, textbook glossary, supplemental texts, and assorted online sources.
Exams
There are four (4) exams scheduled throughout the semester. These exams are not strictly cumulative, as each will cover the topics addressed in the weeks since the previous exam. The exams will be timed and will be proctored using LockDown Browser. If you do not have LockDown Browser installed on the computer you will be using to take exams, follow this link for instructions on how to install and launch the browser. Please note, you will not be able to take the exam unless you have LockDown Browser loaded,
Course Policies
Grade Adjustment
To accommodate potential conflicts with your schedules during a given week, I will automatically drop your two (2) lowest in-class activity scores and your one (1) lowest vocabulary quiz score.
Communication
Announcements, course materials, and grades will be posted in Canvas throughout the semester. I may also contact you using your OU email as needed.
Email is the best way to contact the professor. You can expect a prompt response, within 24–36 hours.
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.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
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
INTEGRITY is your most valuable asset….DO NOT SACRAFICE YOURS FOR A GRADE!! The University of Oklahoma’s Student Code of Responsibility and Conduct as contained in the student handbook will be adhered to explicitly. Of particular relevance are the pages addressing academic conduct.
The accounting and finance professions demand adherence to ethical standards, and I expect integrity in all you do in this class. Any attempt to unfairly influence your grade or the grade of another student (including submitting the work of another student or team as your own, misrepresenting attendance for yourself or others, violating stated exam policies, or lying to your instructor or teammates to influence outcomes) violates the OU Academic Integrity Code and will be reported accordingly. For specific definitions on what constitutes cheating, review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/students_guide.html
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|