ACCT301 Syllabus Reference

STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference.
Please use this syllabus as a reference only until the professor opens the classroom and you have access to the updated course
syllabus. Please do NOT purchase any books or start any work based on this syllabus; this syllabus may NOT be the one that your
individual instructor uses for a course that has not yet started. If you need to verify course textbooks, please refer to the online
course description through your student portal. This syllabus is proprietary material of APUS.
School of Business
ACCT301
Intermediate Accounting I
3 Credit Hours
8 weeks
Prerequisite: ACCT101 Accounting II
Table of Contents
Table of Contents Evaluation Procedures

Course Description Grading Scale
Course Scope Course Outline
Course Objectives Policies
Course Delivery Method Academic Services
Course Resources Selected Bibliography
Course Description (Catalog)
This course examines the accounting process, including the adoption of the International Accounting Standards
(IAS) and financial reporting (i.e. balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows).
Prerequisites: College Algebra, Accounting I and II.
Table of Contents
Course Scope
This course is the first of three intermediate accounting courses. This course provides the student with the
breath, depth, and application of the accounting standards and regulations. The course stresses the
understanding of GAAP and iGAAP as well as the practical implementation of these principles.
Table of Contents
Course Objectives
1
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to
CO 1. Recognize the importance of the SEC, AICPA, AAA, and IRS to financial reporting.
CO 2. Analyze a company’s performance and financial position through the computation of financial ratios.
CO 3. Explain how income is measured, including the revenue recognition and expense matching concepts.
CO 4. Identify the primary criteria for revenue recognition.
Table of Contents
Course Delivery Method
This course, delivered via distance learning, will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible
manner, completely online. Course resources and access to an online learning management system will be made
available to each student. Online assignments are due each week as noted and include forum questions
(accomplished in groups through a threaded forum), examinations, and individual assignments submitted for
review by the Faculty Member. Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course.
Table of Contents
Course Resources
Required Course Textbook

Stice, E. & Stice J. (2012). Intermediate accounting (18th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.
APUS custom edition ISBN 1133664644
Websites
In addition to the required course texts, the following public domain websites are useful. Please abide by the
university’s academic honesty policy when using Internet sources. Note website addresses are subject to
change.
• Stice & Stice Textbook Companion Website

• American Psychological Association (APA) Style Website
• Purdue Online Writing Lab
• Turnitin Website
Table of Contents
Evaluation Procedures
Grade Instruments Points Percentage

Forums (Weeks 1-7) 100 points each 30
Homework Problems (Weeks 1-3, 5-7) 100 points each 30
Quizzes (Weeks 1-8) 100 points each 30
Final Assessment (Week 8 Paper) 100 points 10
Final Course Grade 100
2
Forums
Please join the forums during weekly sessions. Students must post a main response to the weekly forum
question by Day 3, and at least two replies to other students by Day 7. Active participation is required by
replying to classmates during the week of discussion. Therefore, replies after the end of the each week will not
be graded. The forums are for student interaction and submitting input after the end of the week serves no
learning objective and does not constitute participation. Students should demonstrate their own knowledge in
the forums and avoid copying and pasting from websites.
Your grade earned for your responses will be based on the Forums Grading Criteria:
Guidelines Forum Grading Criteria

• All forum questions are answered completely.
• Responses are original in content with a minimum of one external reference.
Quality Guidelines (50%):
• All posts demonstrate analysis of the topic.
• Responses to classmates are significant and advance the discussion.
• Main response is posted by Day 3.
• Main response is no less than 250 words.
Participation Guidelines (30%):
• Reply to at least two of their classmates by Day 7.
• Responses to classmates are at least 100 words.
• Responses are organized and logical.
Clarity, Organization, & • Minimal spelling or grammatical errors.
Professionalism Guidelines (20%): • References are used and cited properly.
• Appropriate language, respect, and consideration toward peers/instructor.
Homework Assignments
Assigned problems should demonstrate an understanding and thorough application of chapter objectives. Excel
homework templates are in Assignments in order to make it easier to complete the problems assigned. Please
save your assignment file as “lastnamefirstinitial-ACCT301-Week#”, and submit by midnight Eastern Time,
Day 7.
Your homework exercises/problems will be evaluated according to the following Homework Grading Criteria:
Grade Homework Problems Grading Criteria

• Assigned exercises/problems are completed in full.
• Work demonstrates effective application of the concepts/principles covered in the chapter.
90-100%
• Work thoroughly explains answers and calculations.
• Solutions are calculated with no errors or insignificant errors.
• Assigned exercises/problems are completed in full or are significantly complete.
• Work demonstrates effective application of most concepts/principles covered in the chapter.
80-89%
• Work thoroughly explains most answers and calculations.
• Solutions are calculated with insignificant errors.
• Assigned exercises/problems are mostly complete.
• Work demonstrates effective application of some concepts/principles covered in the chapter.
70-79%
• Work explains some answers and calculations.
• Solutions are calculated with significant errors.
3
• Assigned exercises/problems are fairly complete.

• Work demonstrates effective application of a few concepts/principles covered in the chapter.
60-69%
• Work explains a few answers and calculations.
• Solutions are calculated with significant errors.
• Assigned exercises/problems are less than 50% complete.
• Work does not demonstrate effective application of the concepts covered in the chapter.
0-59%
• Work submitted does not thoroughly explain answers and calculations.
• Solutions are not calculated or are calculated with significant errors.
Writing Assignment
The writing assignment will demonstrate writing across the curriculum by responding to the topic selected in a
500-700 word, APA 6th edition formatted paper. Details are provided in the Week 7 Assignment. Please save
your assignment file as “lastnamefirstinitial-ACCT301-8”, and submit by midnight Eastern Time, Day 7.
You are required to have your writing assignment reviewed by Turnitin before you submit it to the professor.
Turnitin.com is an excellent resource to check the content and quality of writing assignments and to avoid
plagiarism. Students are required to create an account and submit all writing assignments to Turnitin. An
Originality Report will be generated upon paper submission, which must be submitted with your assignment.
Writing Assignments will not be graded if the Originality Report (pdf) is not submitted in the assignment drop
box with the assignment. Your instructor will provide you with a course ID and password for enrollment
The Originality Report does not actually recommend changes. It does point out where you may need to add a
citation, quotation marks (if not already cited), or rewrite your work. Once you use it a few times, you will
appreciate this tool as it will assist you in improving quality and content, and avoid plagiarism. Your goal is to
keep direct quotations to a minimum and ensure that you do not just cut and paste material without proper
citation. A report with less than a 25% similarity index is acceptable for undergraduate level work.
Turnitin Access Codes

Class ID: Please see Announcements for Turnitin information
Password:
Please review Additional Resources in Lessons for the Turnitin instructions.
Your assignment will be evaluated according to the following Writing Assignment Grading Criteria:
Guidelines Writing Assignment Grading Criteria

• Response demonstrates a clear understanding of the key elements of assignment questions.
• Response thoroughly covers the elements in a substantive manner.
Content (60%) • Response demonstrates critical thinking and analysis.
• Content is complete and accurate.
• Introduction and conclusion provide adequate information on the given topic.
• Paper structure is clear and easy to follow.
• Ideas flow in a logical sequence.
Organization (20%)
• Introduction provides a sound introduction to the topic and previews major points.
• Paragraph transitions are logical and support the flow of thought throughout the paper.
4
• The conclusion thoroughly reviews the major points.

• Sentences are well constructed, complete, clear, and concise.
• Words used are specific and unambiguous.
Writing Style, • The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
Grammar, • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct.
APA Format (20%) • APA guidelines (6th edition) are followed, such as headers, citations, references, etc.
• Effective use of aids, such as sections, summaries, table of contents, indices, and appendices
(if appropriate).
Quizzes
The Quizzes will consist of 10 multiple choice questions from the chapters covered during each week. Each quiz is
accessible only once and is available for a 1-hour time period. Once a quiz is accessed, you will not be able to
access it again if you disconnect. Therefore, allocate time to complete your quiz. Weekly quizzes must be
submitted by midnight Eastern Time, Day 7.
Submission of assignments and grading

Be sure to turn in assignments and exams as scheduled. Assignments will be graded within five days after the end
of the week in which they are assigned according to APUS policy. If your assignment is submitted after the weekly
grading, it will be graded during the next grading period for this class. It is preferred that students refer to the 8-
Week Course Outline for a weekly schedule of assignments and their due dates. Assignments submitted three
days after their due date will be assessed a 10% late penalty.
Refer to the Student Handbook for policies relevant to academic honesty and other procedures and policies
related to this course. Refer to the Online Resource Center for any research assistance. Plagiarized papers or
incidents of academic dishonesty will receive an F.
APUS Grading System
Grade Quality Points/Grading Percent

A 4.0/ 100 - 94
A- 3.67/ 93 - 90
B+ 3.33/ 89 - 87
B 3.0/ 86 - 84
B- 2.67/ 83 - 80
C+ 2.33/ 79 - 77
C 2.0/ 76 - 73
C- 1.67/ 72 - 70
D+ 1.33/ 69 - 67
D 1.0/ 66 - 64
D- 0.67/ 63 - 60
F 0.0/ 59 - 0
Table of Contents
5
8 – Week Course Outline
Week Topic Learning Objectives Readings Assignment

1 Financial Reporting L.O. 1- Describe the purpose Text Readings: Required Forum:
of financial reporting and Chapters 1 & 2 Post your Introduction. It must be
identify the primary at least 250 words.
financial statements. In Assignments:
Homework Template Forum 2
L.O. 2- Explain the function Statement of Financial Accounting
of accounting standards and Online Websites: Concepts No. 1 states that one of
describe the role of the Chapter 1 Crossword the objectives of financial reporting
FASB in setting those Puzzle is to help “current and potential
standards in the United investors and creditors (and other
States. Chapter 2 Crossword users) in assessing the amounts,
Puzzle timing, and uncertainty of future
L.O. 3- Recognize the cash flows such as dividends or
importance of the SEC, interest payments.” Generally
AICPA, AAA, and IRS to Accepted Accounting Principles
financial reporting. (GAAP) require the use of the
accrual basis of accounting.
L.O. 4- Identify and explain
the basic steps in the Explain the difference between the
accounting process accrual basis and the cash basis of
(accounting cycle). accounting and why GAAP requires
the accrual basis.
L.O. 5- Analyze transactions
and make and post journal Submit main response by midnight
entries. Eastern Time, Day 3, and respond
to at least two other students’
posts by midnight Eastern Time,
Day 7.
Homework Problems:
Chapter 2, Exercise 27
Chapter 2, Problem 34
Submit in homework template by

midnight Eastern Time, Day 7.
Quiz:
10 Multiple Choice Questions. Quiz
is accessible only once for a period
of one hour. Submit by midnight
Eastern Time, Day 7.
2 The Balance Sheet L.O. 1- Describe the specific Text Readings: Forum:
elements of the balance Chapter 3 Your friend has just purchased one
sheet (assets, liabilities, and hundred shares of the common
6
owners’ equity), and In Assignments: stock of the Davidson Corporation.

prepare a balance sheet Homework Template Your friend notices that the
with assets and liabilities company shows an amount of
properly classified into Online Websites: $5,000,000 labeled as bond payable
current and noncurrent Chapter 3 Crossword in the balance sheet. You have just
categories. Puzzle recently received your license as a
CPA and your friend has come to
L.O. 2- Identify the different you for advice. She begins by
formats used to present asking: “What are bonds payable
balance sheet data. and what should I know about
them in terms of my investment in
L.O. 3- Analyze a company’s Davidson Corporation?”
performance and financial
position through the Required:
computation of financial
ratios. How would you respond to the
question posed by your friend?
L.O. 4- Recognize the
importance of the notes to Submit main response by midnight
the financial statements, Eastern Time, Day 3, and respond
and outline the types of to at least two other students’
disclosures made in the posts by midnight Eastern Time,
notes. Day 7.
Homework Problems:

Quiz
3 The Income Statement L.O. 1- Define the concept Text Readings: Forum:
of income. Chapter 4 A significant part of the
compensation received by the
L.O. 2- Explain why an In Assignments: leaders of large business entities
income measure is Homework Template comes from company-sponsored
important. bonus plans. Determination of the
Online Websites: amount of compensation to be
L.O. 3- Explain how income Chapter 4 Crossword awarded under many of these
is measured, including the Puzzle bonus plans is based on net income
revenue recognition and or some variant of net income.
expense-matching concepts.
Bonus plans typically provide for a
7
target earnings number that must

be achieved in order for bonuses to
be paid. This target amount of
earnings usually is a percentage
either of shareholders’ equity or
total assets. If earnings fall below
the target, then no bonuses are
awarded. A bonus plan may also
provide for a maximum amount of
earnings above which no bonus will
be paid.
Accounting research suggests that

managers of firms with bonus plans
are more likely to choose
accounting procedures that shift
reported earnings from future
periods to the current period. In
light of this finding, consider how
managers might behave given the
following situations:
1. Earnings are far below the target

level for the bonus.
2. Earnings are just slightly below
the target level for the bonus.
3. Earnings are above the upper
limit provided by the bonus plan;
no bonus would be paid beyond
this upper limit.
Required:
Describe what you believe would
be the likely behavior of managers
under each of the three situations
described above.
Homework Problems:

Quiz:
8
4 Week 4 Reflection Week 4 Reflection (Chapters 1-4).

10 Multiple Choice Questions. Exam
Week 4 Reflection Forum: The

following information is available
for Ohio & West Virginia, Inc, from
the company’s annual Form 10-K:
“Ohio & West Virginia, Inc. (OWV) is
a world-class provider of rail-freight
transportation and its supporting
services. OWV functions as a
holding company with subsidiaries
that own and operate regional
freight railroads. We own or have
interests in 47 railroads in five
countries (United States, Canada,
Mexico, Bolivia and Australia), and
operate over 9,300 miles of owned
and leased track and more than
3,000 additional miles under track-
access arrangements.
Our revenues are generated
primarily from the movement of
freight over track owned or
operated by our railroads. At the
heart of OWV's success is the
integration of our railroads into
strong regional rail systems. Our
subsidiary, LinkRail, Inc., provides
freight car switching and rail-
related services to industrial
companies operating extensive
railroad facilities within their own
complexes”.
Information from the company’s
income statement contained in the
Form 10-K annual report to the
Securities and Exchange
Commission is as follows:
5 Statement of Cash L.O. 1- Describe the Text Readings: Forum:

Flows circumstances in which the Chapters 5 & 6 One of the four factors that
cash flow statement is a motivate managers to manage
particularly important In Assignments: reported earnings is meeting
companion of the income Homework Template external expectations. Which
statement. external stakeholders have an
9
Online Websites: interest in a company’s financial

L.O. 2- Outline the structure Chapter 5 Crossword performance, and why?
of and information reported Puzzle
in the three main categories Submit main response by midnight
of the cash flow statement: Chapter 6 Crossword Eastern Time, Day 3, and respond
operating, investing, and Puzzle to at least two other students’
financing. posts by midnight Eastern Time,
Day 7.
L.O. 3- Compute cash flow
from operations using Homework Problems:
either the direct or the Chapter 5, Exercise 23
indirect method. Chapter 5, Exercise 27
L.O. 4- Identify the factors
that motivate earnings Submit in homework template by
management. midnight Eastern Time, Day 7.
L.O. 5- Critically discuss Quiz:

whether a company should 10 Multiple Choice Questions. Quiz
manage its earnings. is accessible only once for a period
6 Receivables/Cash L.O. 1- Explain the normal Text Readings: Forum:
operating cycle of a Chapter 7 Cash, the most liquid of all assets,
business. must be safeguarded. Cash can be
In Assignments: easily concealed and transported,
L.O. 2- Prepare journal Homework Template bears no marks of ownership, and is
entries to record sales universally valued and accepted.
revenue, including the Online Websites: Risk of theft of cash is directly
accounting for bad debts Chapter 7 Crossword correlated to the accessibility of
and warranties for service Puzzle cash and cash records. Businesses
or replacement. address these problems through a
system of internal control.
L.O. 3- Analyze accounts
receivable to measure how Required:
efficiently a firm is using this
operating asset. 1. Discuss generally what a system
of internal control is designed to
L.O. 4- Discuss the accomplish and identify general
composition, management, controls over cash that should
and control of cash, be implemented.
including the use of a bank 2. Identify internal control
reconciliation. procedures for cash receipts.
3. Identify internal control
procedures for cash
disbursements.
Submit main response by midnight

Eastern Time, Day 3, and respond
10

Day 7.
Homework Problems:

Quiz:
7 Revenue Recognition L.O. 1- Identify the primary Text Readings: Forum:
criteria for revenue Chapter 8 D.C. System Services provides its
recognition. customers with computer-based
In Assignments: services over an extended period.
L.O. 2- Discuss the revenue Homework Template Customers are required to prepay
recognition issues and the entire fee for the extended
abuses underlying the Online Websites: service. D. C. performs initial setup
examples used in SAB 101. Chapter 8 Crossword activities to enter a customer into
Puzzle its system. The initial setup allows
L.O. 3- Describe the contract the customer to receive automated
approach to revenue services from D. C. from that point
recognition that is currently forward in the service agreement.
being considered by the
FASB and IASB. The management of D.C. plans to
recognize the revenue over the life
L.O. 4- Record journal of the service contract, but plans to
entries for long-term recognize a disproportionate
construction-type contracts amount of revenue at the beginning
using percentage-of- of the contract as a result of the
completion and completed- completion of the setup activities
contract methods. and the cost incurred in connection
with the completion of the setup
activities.
Required:
Do you agree with the proposal by

the management of D.C. regarding
revenue recognition related to the
setup activities? How should
revenue be recognized for an
agreement such as this?
11
Submit main response by midnight

Eastern Time, Day 3, and respond
Day 7.
Homework Problems:

Quiz:
8 Week 8 Reflection Paper:
Please turn in a 600-750 word
paper following APA 6th edition
formatting.
Briefly describe some of the

similarities and differences
between U.S. GAAP and iGAAP with
respect to balance sheet reporting.
Week 8 Quiz
25 Questions from all chapters
assigned. The exam is accessible
only once, for a period of 2-hours.
Submit by midnight Eastern, Time,
Day 6.
Table of Contents
Policies
Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked questions
about policies are listed below.
Drop/Withdrawal Policy
Plagiarism Policy
Extension Process and Policy
Disability Accommodations
12
Citation and Reference Style

Note: Students will follow the APA 6th edition as the sole citation and reference style used in written work
submitted as part of coursework to the University. Assignments completed in a narrative essay or composition
format must follow the citation style cited in the APA 6th edition.
Late Assignments
Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course
according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, I understand you must
manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please
contact your instructor before the due date to discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution.
Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final
course grade.
Netiquette
Online universities promote the advancement of knowledge through positive and constructive debate - both
inside and outside the classroom. Discussions on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into
needless insults and “flaming.” Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university
setting - basic academic rules of good behavior and proper “Netiquette” must persist. Remember that you are in
a place for the fun and excitement of learning, and that does not include descent to personal attacks or student
attempts to stifle the discussion of others.
Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and – especially - satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If
you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add “emoticons” to help alert your readers: ;-), : ), , etc.
Disclaimer Statement
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group.
Table of Contents
Online Library
The Online Library is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your
starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to
support your classes and are generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the
Online Library provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with
your studies. Questions can be directed to librarian@apus.edu.
• Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited
number of supporting volumes, collections of our professors’ publications, and services to search and
borrow research books and articles from other libraries.
• Electronic Books: You can use the Online Library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which
have been scanned and made available in electronic format.
• Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in
electronic form and only through limited subscription services.
13
• Tutor.com: AMU and APU Civilian & Coast Guard students are eligible for 10 free hours of tutoring
provided by APUS. Tutor.com connects you with a professional tutor online 24/7 to provide help with
assignments, studying, test prep, resume writing, and more. Tutor.com is tutoring the way it was meant
to be. You get expert tutoring whenever you need help, and you work one-to-one with your tutor in
your online classroom on your specific problem until it is done.
Request a Library Guide for your course (http://apus.libguides.com/index.php)

The AMU/APU Library Guides provide access to collections of trusted sites on the Open Web and licensed
resources on the Deep Web. The following are specially tailored for academic research at APUS:
• Program Portals contain topical and methodological resources to help launch general research in the
degree program. To locate, search by department name, or navigate by school.
• Course Lib-Guides narrow the focus to relevant resources for the corresponding course. To locate,
search by class code (e.g., SOCI111), or class name.
If a guide you need is not available yet, please email the APUS Library: librarian@apus.edu.
Table of Contents
Turnitin.com
Turnitin.com is an excellent resource to check the content and quality of writing assignments and to avoid
plagiarism. Students are required to create an account and submit all writing assignments to turnitin.com. An
Originality Report will be generated upon paper submission, which must be submitted with your assignment.
Writing Assignments will not be graded if the Originality Report is not submitted in the assignment drop box
with the assignment. Your instructor will provide you with a class ID and password to enroll in the class.
The Originality Report does not actually recommend changes. It does point out where you may need to add a
citation or quotation marks (if not already cited). Once you use it a few times, you will appreciate this tool, as it
will assist you in improving quality and content, as well as avoiding plagiarism. Your goal is to keep direct
quotations to a minimum and make sure that you do not just cut and paste material. Ensure that all your
references are cited. A report less than 30% is acceptable for undergraduate level work.
Table of Contents
Selected Bibliography
Textbook Companion Website

Table of Contents
14

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ACCT301 Syllabus Reference

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STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory reference.

Table of Contents Evaluation Procedures

Course Description (Catalog)

Prerequisites: College Algebra, Accounting I and II.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to

Required Course Textbook

• Stice & Stice Textbook Companion Website

Grade Instruments Points Percentage

Guidelines Forum Grading Criteria

Grade Homework Problems Grading Criteria

• Assigned exercises/problems are fairly complete.

Turnitin Access Codes

Please review Additional Resources in Lessons for the Turnitin instructions.

Guidelines Writing Assignment Grading Criteria

• The conclusion thoroughly reviews the major points.

Submission of assignments and grading

APUS Grading System

Grade Quality Points/Grading Percent

8 – Week Course Outline

Week Topic Learning Objectives Readings Assignment

Submit in homework template by

owners’ equity), and In Assignments: stock of the Davidson Corporation.

Submit in homework template by

target earnings number that must

Accounting research suggests that

1. Earnings are far below the target

Submit in homework template by

4 Week 4 Reflection Week 4 Reflection (Chapters 1-4).

Week 4 Reflection Forum: The

5 Statement of Cash L.O. 1- Describe the Text Readings: Forum:

Online Websites: interest in a company’s financial

L.O. 5- Critically discuss Quiz:

Submit main response by midnight

to at least two other students’

Submit in homework template by

Do you agree with the proposal by

Submit main response by midnight

Submit in homework template by

Briefly describe some of the

Citation and Reference Style

Request a Library Guide for your course (http://apus.libguides.com/index.php)

Textbook Companion Website

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