Description and Objectives

Designed for both users and producers of accounting data. Balanced coverage of procedures used
to prepare financial statements, the measurement theories underlying the procedures, and the
economic environment in which accounting operates. Analysis of financial statement
information. Minimal focus on bookkeeping techniques, but includes adequate conceptual
preparation in accounting processes for students intending to take additional courses.
Provides a firm foundation in accounting – the language of business – to help understand and use
the results in managerial decision-making. The accounting process entails the: recording of
financially measurable events in the life of a business, reporting of those events to outside
stakeholders (investors, creditors, regulators, employees), and assessing the quality of the
financial position of an organization.

Textbooks

There is no textbook in this class, but there are instructional videos and lessons on the website from The Catholic University of America.

Module 1: Financial Accounting and Business Decisions
Module 2: Processing Accounting Information
Module 3: Accrual Basis of Accounting

Module 4: Understanding Financial Statements
Exam I (Modules 1 to 4)
Module 5: Accounting for Merchandising Operations
Module 6: Accounting for Inventory
Module 7: Internal Control and Cash
Module 8: Accounting for Receivables
Module 9: Accounting for Long-Lived and Intangible Assets
Exam II (Modules 5 to 9)
Module 10: Accounting for Liabilities
Module 11: Stockholders’ Equity
Module 12: Statement of Cash Flows
Module 13: Analysis and Interpretation of Financial Statements
Review; AND Final Examination (Module Chapter 10–13 and select topics from Modules
1-9)

Course Requirements

Accounting is best learned by:
(a) reading (understanding well the principles and concepts),
(b) practicing (regularly and rigorously solving assignments) and
(c) testing (performing well on quizzes, presentations, and exams.)
As with learning other rigorous subjects (e.g. music, math, foreign language) and competitive
sports (e.g. track, swimming), it requires daily practice, diligence, and discipline. Train hard and
earn success.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Microsoft Office – Word and Powerpoint
SUPPORTING TOOLS:
Calculator – a basic calculator is sufficient for this course
Note: – cell phones are NOT allowed as calculators when taking quizzes or examinations.

CLASS POLICIES
● Attendance
Mandatory – As each chapter and class builds on prior knowledge – attending and
participating in every class is essential for success.
If you will not be attending a class, please email the Instructor of the class to explain your
situation.
● Technology
A computer or tablet and internet access is required for this course. The learning
management system works best with Google Chrome.

● Homework Assignments and Make-Up Exams

Homework Assignments: Homework is done online using myBusinessCourse (MBC). A
class code for MBC will be posted in Blackboard (under “Course Materials”, then
“Coursework”); it is needed along with the access code to use MBC.
It is best to work on the assignments each week as the course progresses. There may
be several assignments per chapter so please ensure that you do all the assignments.
Late assignments will only be accepted if approved ahead of time. A summary of
homework and due dates is included later in this syllabus.
Exams are conducted on the assigned day and time. Makeup exams will only be given for
medical reasons or extenuating personal circumstances.

Successful Students

Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Identify and explain the fundamental concepts and principles in accounting;
B. Perform the recording of common business transactions through a complete
accounting cycle;
C. Describe the fundamentals of an effective accounting system, including the
necessary internal control features;
D. Demonstrate the ability to prepare the basic journal entries; and
E. Apply the theories and practices learned to real world situations.

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be proficient in the language of business –
Accounting – and understand financial statements and how they are derived. This is an
invaluable asset to any employer. It will enhance the student’s ability to land a good job
opportunity upon graduation, and leverage this proficiency during their entire career.