Accounting 329-- Cost Accounting
Course Syllabus – Summer 2008
Dr. Annie McGowan

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Office: Wehner 485-K

Telephone: 845-2055.

Office hours: T-TH 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. or by appointment

TA office hours: Rachael Machita (Rmachita@gmail.com) Office Hours- Tuesday and Wednesday 12:00- 2:00pm

Class hours: M-F 10:00-11:35

E-mail address: AL-McGowan@TAMU.EDU

Course Home Page: http://acct.tamu.edu/McGowan/acc329.htm

Course schedule: Schedule of Assignments

Objectives of the course:
Welcome to Cost Accounting! The primary objectives of this course are to enhance your (1) knowledge of the concepts and techniques of cost and managerial accounting, (2) analytical and critical thinking skills, (3) written communication skills, (4) interpersonal skills, and (5) research and problem-solving skills.

Recently the accounting profession called for major changes in the way universities teach accounting at all levels, placing less emphasis on technical skills and more emphasis on communication and critical thinking skills. The report titled What Corporate America Wants in an Accountant details the areas in which deficiencies are perceived. For professors, these changes mean that we must reduce the amount of time that we spend in a traditional lecture working problems, and instead encourage students to discuss issues and concepts in class in both large and small groups. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of accounting data for strategic decision-making and control. For students, these changes will require a new way of thinking about strategies for success in the course. Emphasis will be placed on application rather than memorization. Additionally, the traditional lecture format will be replaced with facilitated class discussion and group workshops.

Prerequisites: Accounting 229,230 and 327(Grade of C or better), or equivalent

Required materials:

Cost Management: Accounting & Control 5th edition, by Hansen and Mowen.

Study Guide and Student Solution Manual—Optional (Full solutions manual on reserve at WCL)

Additional readings and materials may be provided in class.

Schedule:

The schedule is flexible, and is subject to change at any time. Consult it frequently. Schedule of Assignments

Grading Criteria:

Exam 1	100
Exam 2	100
Final Exam	100
Total	300

Final course grades will be determined based on percentage of total points earned as follows:

A	90%
B	80%
C	70%
D	60%
F	<60%

Examinations:

All exams will be based on the material in the textbook, the supplementary materials assigned, class discussions, and lectures. The format of the exams will be announced prior to the exam. All exams are comprehensive, but will emphasize the new material.

Absence from a scheduled exam will result in a grade of zero, unless the student has prior approval from the professor and the absence is in accordance with University regulations. Arrangements for make-up exams must be made within 24 hours of the missed exam. Prior semester exams and keys are available on the library's online reserve system.

Class Discussion

Instead of the traditional lecture format, we will use a question and answer format to explore the varied cost accounting concepts and techniques. Discussion guides including demo problems for each major chapter are available. Click here to view discussion guides Students will be called upon to answer these questions during class. I will act as the facilitator, guiding the discussion and the recorder, documenting the correct response. Class participation points are based in large part on performance during these discussions. (Remember, it is not necessary that your answer always be correct, however, a reasonable effort is expected).

Problems that are assigned from your textbook are for your benefit only. I will be happy to solve these problems on an as needed basis (by request).

Policies:

Aggie Honor Code Syllabus Statement

Aggie Honor Code

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”

Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the Texas A&M University community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor system. For additional information please visit:

http://www/tamu.edu/aggiehonor/

On all course work, assignments, and examinations at Texas A&M University, the following Honor pledge shall be preprinted and signed by the student: “On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”