Course Description
Analysis of the changing role of the consumer in society. Examination of a variety of consumer problems and issues, including the identification of the consumer interest, impact of advertising, use of credit, consumer rights and responsibilities, fraud, and legal protections available to consumers.
Athena Title
CONS IN OUR SOCIETY
Prerequisite
First- or second-year student standing
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1) gain a better understanding of the American economic system 2) understand how the consumer functions in the marketplace and identify the social, economic, and political forces that shape consumer demand 3) utilize economic concepts critical to consumer success 4) analyze current issues and problems as they affect the individual consumer, the household as a consuming unit, and society at large 5) recognize frauds and misrepresentations in the marketplace 6) examine the roles played by local, state, and federal consumer protection agencies
Topical Outline
FORCES INFLUENCING CONSUMER DEMAND IN THE MARKET Societal pressures to spend Why Americans aren’t savers The influence of marketing and advertising CURRENT ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN (specific topics will vary by semester): Financial Institutions and Services Buying and Leasing Cars Credit Credit Reports and Scores Renting A Home/Apartment Insurance The Internet and the Web Protecting Privacy Protecting Identity Telemarketing and Junk Mail/E-Mail TV and Telephone Service CURRENT ISSUES, PROBLEMS, AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR (specific topics will vary by semester): Children as Consumers Low-income Consumers Elderly Consumers Immigrant Consumers Disabled Consumers EVALUATING SOURCES OF CONSUMER INFORMATION OPTIONS FOR CONSUMER REDRESS Dispute Resolution Programs Small Claims Court (Magistrate’s Court in Georgia)
General Education Core
CORE V: Social SciencesSyllabus