FIN 352: Investments I  -   Professor Dow

Welcome to the Online Syllabus! (Under Construction)

This is an introductory course in investments. This course is organized around 14 topics, divided into 5 parts.  Each topic is built around readings (either from the textbook, online sources or class-specific items), problem sets (from the textbook; discussed in class but not turned in), worksheets (completed on your own but not turned in) and assignments (which are turned in at cobaeonline.com).  In addition, the class will have two midterms and a final. 

The textbook for the course is Jones Investments.  10 of the topics are based on chapters of Jones, 4 are supplemental. 

The Syllabus The Schedule for Spring 2013 The Assignments How this course fits into the Finance curriculum

Careers in Investing Personal Finance Basics at CSUN Investment Basics for Non-Majors Link

Course Outline:
  (Click on each section to get the checklists and learning goals for that part)
  (Click on each topic to go to the page with assignments and readings)

Part I.  Investing Basics

1.   Understanding Investments  (Jones, chapter 1)
2.   Investment Alternatives  (Jones, chapter 2)
3.   Indirect Investing  (Jones, chapter 3)
4.   Asset Allocation

Part II.  The Mechanics of Investing

5.   Securities Markets  (Jones, chapter 4)
6.   How Securities are Traded   (Jones, chapter 5)
7.   Returns and Risks from Investing   (Jones, chapter 6)
8.   Taxes and Investment Planning for Retirement

Part III.  Portfolio Theory

9.   Market Efficiency and Investing Strategy
10.  Portfolio Theory

Part IV.  Stock Valuation and Fundamental Analysis

11.  Common Stock Valuation   (Jones, chapter 10)
12.  Company Analysis   (Jones, chapter 15)

Part V.   Alternative Investments

13.  Bond Yields and Prices   (Jones, chapter 17)
14.  Options and Futures  (Jones, chapter 19 & 20)