National University




Syllabus for ACC410A: Intermediate Accounting I

Course: ACC410A - Intermediate Accounting I
Lead Faculty Dr. Connie Fajardo
Last revised: Date: October 14, 2011    By: Dr. Connie Fajardo
Textbook: For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com

Course Prerequisite(s):
Course Description: Often referred to as "Intermediate Accounting," ACC 410A, B, and C cover a substantial portion of the U.S. accounting standards known as GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles). In particular, ACC 410A provides an in-depth review of the accounting process, the principal financial statements, accounting concepts, theory and application of the time value of money, and accounting for cash, receivables, and inventories.
Course Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain the environment in which corporation operates, emphasizing events and other factors that determine generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Analyze the objectives of general purpose financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows), stressing articulation among statements, including discussion on qualitative characteristics, assumptions, concepts, elements, broad and detailed principles, and modifying conventions and disclosures.
  • Account for transactions covering all the steps in the accounting cycle.
  • Apply generally accepted accounting principles for cash, its composition, balance sheet presentation including preparation of bank reconciliation and adjusting entries, and other internal control procedures for safeguarding cash.
  • Compute estimated uncollectible accounts receivable the allowance method (balance sheet emphasis and income statement emphasis), prepare adjusting entry, and analyze the effects of the adjustment on the financial statements.
  • Compute the ending inventory, cost of goods sold, and net income under the various alternative cost flow assumptions (FIFO, LIFO, Average - periodic and perpetual), and explain the reason for management choice among alternative methods.
  • Explain the principle supporting the use of inventory valuation based on the lower-of-cost or market and its proper accounting application, compute of inventory under Dollar-Value-Lifo method and determine the rationale for the use of such method.
  • Apply appropriate method to estimate ending inventory using gross profit method and retail inventory method.
Specified Program Learning Outcomes:
  • MAJOR IN ACCOUNTANCY
    • Apply ethical and legal concepts to accounting and tax related issues.
    • Apply generally accepted accounting principles to measure and report information related to accounting for the assets, liabilities, equities, revenues and expenses, and cash flows of business enterprises and governmental and not-for-profit entities.
    • Demonstrate effective communication of accounting information.
  • MAJOR IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
    • Demonstrate oral and written communication skills needed by financial managers.
    • Examine the financial position of an organization and make financial decisions.
    • Explain the structure and operation of financial markets domestically and internationally.

Recommended Course Grading (expressed as percentages):

A 96-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69
A- 90-95 B 84-86 C 74-76 D 64-66
    B- 80-83 C- 70-73 D- 60-63

Grading Factors:
Each instructor is responsible for identifying several specific grading components and the weight to be assigned to each component. The following are examples only, and are not meant to be all inclusive:

  • Weekly quizzes
  • Midterm exam(s)
  • Homework assignments
  • Participation in classroom or chatroom discussions
  • Participation in threaded discussions (online only)
  • Short papers, term papers, and the like
  • Individual and/or group projects (written and possibly oral presentation)
  • Case study analysis and discussion
  • Field experience report
  • Final exam (comprehensive)

Definition of Grades:

Undergraduate Courses
A Outstanding Achievement Significantly exceeds standards
B Commendable Achievement Exceeds standards
C Acceptable Achievement Meets standards
D Marginal Achievement Below standards
F Failing *  
Graduate Courses
A Outstanding Achievement
B Commendable Achievement
C Marginal Achievement
D Unsatisfactory *
F Failing *

* Students receiving this grade in a course that is required for his/her degree program must repeat the course.

I

Incomplete A grade given at the discretion of the instructor when a student who has completed at least two-thirds of the course class sessions and is unable to complete the requirements of the course because of uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances. The student must convey these circumstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an "Incomplete" is warranted, the instructor must convey the conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" to the student in writing. A copy must also be placed on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "Incomplete" is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. An "Incomplete" is not assigned when the only way the student could make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the class when next offered.

An "I" that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an "F." No grade points are assigned. The "F" is calculated in the grade point average.

W

Withdrawal Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after beginning the third class session. Students who wish to withdraw must notify their admissions advisor before the beginning of the sixth class session in the case of graduate courses, or before the seventh class session in the case of undergraduate courses. Instructors are not authorized to issue a "W" grade.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.

Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.

Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.

Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:

  • Conflicting opinions among members of a class are to be respected and responded to in a professional manner.
  • Side conversations or other distracting behaviors are not to be engaged in during lectures, class discussions or presentations
  • There are to be no offensive comments, language, or gestures

Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.

The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://library.nu.edu/FindResources/ReferenceTools/citations.html

National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:

URL: http://library.nu.edu.

Contact the Library:

  • RefDesk@nu.edu
  • (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
  • 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)

Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help

  • Recorded class presentations
  • Tutorials & Guides (APA/MLA, Peer-Review, and more)