Instructor: James Cammack

Email: cammackje@lamarpa.edu

Phone: 409-984-6386

Office Location and Hours: SC 405 MW: 8:00-9:00 & TTH 7:30-9:30

Personal and family accounts, budgets and budgetary control, bank accounts, charge accounts, borrowing, investing, insurance, standards of living, renting or home ownership, and wills and trust plans.

Textbook: You do not need to purchase a textbook for this course. The primary content for this course will come from various sources, all accessible online, for no cost. Course content will include instructor-generated and AI-generated materials, various Open Educational Resources (OER), other publicly available materials, and the course, Financial Literacy, from the Khan Academy.   

User Accounts: You may also be required to have user accounts for various services, such as Khan Academy, Google, OneDrive, etc. These can be obtained at no cost to the student. The instructor will provide details when we get to the relevant section of the course.

Lab Access: A computer lab is located in the Madison Monroe Building. If the software is not available on a lab computer, ask someone on staff if there is another computer with the appropriate software. A valid Student ID is required in order to use lab facilities available on the Lamar campus. You may also need to bring earbuds or headphones if you need audio capability. You may also check with the Port Arthur Public Library or other public libraries for computer access. 

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

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

1. Understand how financial decisions made today can affect their future financial stability. 
2. Possess the analytical tools they need to think intelligently about personal finance decisions. 
3. Use sound reasoning skills in evaluating personal finance alternatives.
4. Be conversant on a variety of personal finance issues. 
5. Understand the language and vocabulary of personal finance

PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills - Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion.

PSLO 2: Communication Skills - Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.

Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task.

PSLO 3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills - Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

Identifies mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; uses mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task; analyzes how to use the principles; and applies problem-solving skills in mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete task with correct informed conclusions.

PSLO 6: Personal Responsibility Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Recognizes ethical issues when presented in a complex, multilayered (gray) context; recognizes cross- relationships among the issues; discusses in detail/ analyzes core beliefs; the discussion has greater depth and clarity showing the independent application of ethical perspectives/ concepts to an ethical question accurately; and is able to consider full implications of the application.

1. Budgeting and Saving: Creating budgets, tracking spending, saving money.
2. Consumer Credit: Understanding credit, credit scores, and responsible use.
3. Financial Goals: Setting and achieving financial milestones.
4. Loans and Debt: Managing different types of loans and debt.
5. Insurance: Health, auto, renters, and life insurance basics.
6. Investments and Retirement: Stocks, bonds, retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s).
7. Scams & Fraud: Protecting yourself from financial scams.
8. Careers and Education: Connecting education and career to finances.
9. Taxes and Tax Forms: Understanding income tax, W-2s, 1099s, etc..
10. Employment: Paychecks, benefits, and job-related finances.
11. Banking: Checking/savings accounts, bank services.
12. Car Buying: Costs, financing, and insurance for vehicles.
13. Housing: Renting vs. buying, mortgages, and related costs.

1. Budgeting and Saving: Creating budgets, tracking spending, saving money.
2. Consumer Credit: Understanding credit, credit scores, and responsible use.
3. Financial Goals: Setting and achieving financial milestones.
4. Loans and Debt: Managing different types of loans and debt.
5. Insurance: Health, auto, renters, and life insurance basics.
6. Investments and Retirement: Stocks, bonds, retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s).
7. Scams & Fraud: Protecting yourself from financial scams.
8. Careers and Education: Connecting education and career to finances.
9. Taxes and Tax Forms: Understanding income tax, W-2s, 1099s, etc..
10. Employment: Paychecks, benefits, and job-related finances.
11. Banking: Checking/savings accounts, bank services.
12. Car Buying: Costs, financing, and insurance for vehicles.
13. Housing: Renting vs. buying, mortgages, and related costs.

The final Exam will be taken the week of November 30, 2026.

90 - 100 = A 80 - 89 = B 70 - 79 = C 60 - 69 = D Below 59 = F

DETERMINATION OF GRADE - ONLINE CLASSES

Final course grades are based on two major components:

1. Proctored Exam – 70% of Final Grade

The proctored Final Exam assesses students' understanding, application, and synthesis of course concepts from throughout the semester. The exam is completed under proctored conditions.

2. Assignments & Mastery Work – 30% of Final Grade

This category includes instructor-assigned coursework and required mastery of designated Khan Academy modules.

Important Grade Policies

• To pass the course, you must have at least a 60 average in Assignments & Mastery Work. If your Assignments & Mastery Work average is below 60 at the end of the semester, you may not be allowed to take the Final Exam.
• Grade calculations displayed in Blackboard may not always accurately reflect the grading method described in this syllabus. You should monitor your own grades using the syllabus grade calculation and report any discrepancies to your instructor.
• The instructor may select a subset of assignments for grading. Not all assignments will necessarily be graded. Your Assignments & Mastery Work grade will be based on the average of the assignments selected for grading.

Final Exam Information for Online Students

• The Final Exam is required and covers material from the entire semester.
• The Final Exam must be taken on campus during the week of November 30, 2026.
• Specific exam dates, times, and locations will be provided during the semester. Multiple testing times will be available, and students will select from available testing periods on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If you anticipate a conflict or have an issue that may prevent you from taking the Final Exam on campus during the scheduled testing period, you must discuss it with your instructor during the first week of the semester.
• The exam must be completed using an LSCPA computer. Personal laptops may not be used.
• You may be observed and/or recorded through an electronic monitoring program while completing the exam, and your screen activity may be recorded.
• You must present a valid Student ID, Texas driver's license (TDL), or other approved photo ID to take the Final Exam.
• You will have 1.5 hours to complete the Final Exam.
• All personal electronic devices must be put away during the exam. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches/electronic watches, headphones, earbuds, and electronic eyewear.

Textbook/Supplies/Software: The student will be responsible for any assignments given. Reliable Internet access is required for ALL courses. Computer failure and lack of internet access are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams.

No Assignments Accepted Late:  Assignments for each week are due at the end of the day on Sundays unless otherwise directed in the assignment. New assignments for the next week should become available by noon on Monday. All assignments, quizzes, and exams must be completed and submitted before the due date. Because you have ample time to complete assignments, late work will not be accepted. You should start early enough so that if/when you experience problems, we can work them out prior to the due date. Working with technology can be challenging. You will have problems. Websites will go down, Internet connections will not work, devices will not charge, etc. If you wait until the due date, you risk not completing your work on time. When you have technical issues, contact me early. Technical problems on the due date are NOT an excuse for turning in assignments late. I do occasionally extend due dates if you have a good reason for asking for the extension, and if you have contacted me early. 

It is important that you always look in the Content section each week for your assignments. Don't just look at the items that are due, or at the Blackboard calendar, etc. Work through the folder(s) assigned for the week, from top to bottom in the order they are presented in the folder.

Resubmitting Assignments:  For most assignments, you are allowed two attempts prior to the due date (this does not apply to exams). If you submit two attempts, only the second attempt will be graded. You are not allowed to resubmit after the due date or after an assignment has been graded.  

Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. You are expected to complete all assignments yourself. All exams must be completed on your own, with no assistance from anyone else and without the use of notes, textbooks, or any other materials, unless specifically expressed in the exam instructions. This includes, but is not limited to, accessing previous homework, accessing websites, or communicating with others when taking the exam. You are also NOT allowed to share information about exams with others. Some exams may be password-protected. You are NOT allowed to share passwords with anyone else for any reason.

Accommodations:   If you have accommodations from the Office for Disability, talk to your instructor about these during the first week of the semester. Students with accommodations should also check with the teacher two weeks prior to exam(s) to arrange for any accommodations.

Confirm Arrangements:  Always confirm any important arrangements or discussions with me by emailing me using your Lamar email. Verbal communication, phone calls, etc will not be “official” unless confirmed in an email. Always confirm any important arrangements or discussions with me by emailing me using your Lamar email. Verbal communication, phone calls, etc will not be “official” unless confirmed in an email.   

Original Coursework: All coursework must be original for this semester. If you took this course previously, or have done a similar assignment in the past (in another class, for example), you must recreate your assignments this semester. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and similar technologies is encouraged as a learning and study tool in this course. Students are encouraged to use AI to help them better understand course concepts, review material, ask questions, generate additional examples, practice applying concepts, and prepare for quizzes and exams.

However, AI may not be used to complete graded coursework unless the instructor specifically states otherwise.

Appropriate Uses of AI

Students may use AI to:

• Explain difficult concepts in different ways.
• Ask questions about course topics.
• Generate examples or practice problems.
• Create study guides, summaries, flashcards, or practice quizzes.
• Receive feedback on their understanding of a concept.
• Practice applying course concepts to new situations.
• Prepare for quizzes and exams.

Prohibited Uses of AI

Students may not use AI:

• During quizzes or exams.
• To answer quiz or exam questions.
• To complete graded assignments.
• To generate answers that are submitted for a grade.
• In any situation in which the instructor specifically prohibits AI use.

Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, all work submitted for a grade must represent the student's own knowledge and work without AI assistance.

The Purpose of This Policy

AI can be an extremely useful tutor, study partner, and learning resource. The goal of this course is to help students learn how to use these tools effectively while also ensuring that each student personally masters the required course content.

A useful rule to remember is:

Use AI to help you learn the material—not to do your graded work for you.

Students are ultimately responsible for knowing and understanding the course material. AI-generated information can be incomplete or incorrect, so students should verify important information using course materials and other reliable sources..

Additional Policies for In-person (Face-to-Face) Classes

• Turn your cell phones to vibrate when in the classroom.
• No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.
• Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.
• Electronic devices (including, but not restricted to, watches, cell phones, tablets, electronic eyewear, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
• Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Your instructor has an obligation to reduce such disruptions and may impose such restrictions as he deems necessary.
• Unless specifically designated otherwise by your instructor, exams must be taken in the classroom, during class time, and without access to any outside resources and without communication with anyone other than the instructor. You are not allowed to share exam login passwords with anyone else and you are not allowed to take the exam outside of the classroom.
• If you are tardy for any exam or quiz, you will be allowed to take the exam or quiz only with the instructor’s approval. If you are allowed to take the exam, you will only have the timeframe allocated to the class to complete the exam. You will not be allowed additional time for the time you missed by being tardy.
• Missed quizzes and missed in-class assignments (assignments to be completed during a class period) will each be recorded as a zero. No makeup quizzes or in-class assignments will be given. Quizzes and In-class assignments are considered Assignment grades.
• You are responsible for completing and submitting all assigned homework when due, and for being prepared for each class meeting. This applies even if you were absent for the previous class meeting. 

The instructor reserves the right to drop you from the class if you do not submit coursework regularly. Submitting coursework regularly means you submit coursework weekly. If you are inactive for more than one week and/or if you do not submit assignments for a week, and if you do not email the instructor with an acceptable explanation, the instructor reserves the right to drop you from the class. To be successful in the class, you are expected to exert sufficient effort.   

If at any time you have failed to complete at least 50% of the weekly assignments, you may be dropped from the class.

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.