BUS 641
Seminar in Financial Accounting Theory Dr. Pamela H. Church
Spring 2008 Phone: 843-3920 (work) 751-0898 (home)
Office Hours: 10:45-11:30 TTh, 9:30-10:30 Wed.; other hours by appointment
Course Description: An in-depth analysis of the measurement and reporting of financial information to
investors and managers. Conventional accounting methods, asset valuation, and income determination, as
well as other current topics, will be explored. The course will utilize current articles to study contemporary
research issues in financial accounting. Prerequisites: Completion of core courses.
Textbooks and Course Materials:
Intermediate Accounting, Spiceland, et al., 4th edition, McGraw Hill/Irwin (or other intermediate text)
Wiley CPA Examination Review: Financial Accounting and Reporting, 2008
Articles and readings
Grade Determination:
Problems/Quizzes/Class participation 20
Three tests 45
Final exam 15
Paper/ presentation 20
100
Format. This course is arranged according to topics in financial accounting. For each topic, articles,
problems, and explanatory materials will be utilized to analyze the underlying concepts, as well as the
practical applications of accounting principles.
Class preparation: Assignments will include real-world types of cases and problems, as well as
problems similar to those on the CPA exam. Students are to complete all problems assigned and come to
class prepared to participate in discussing the solutions. Also, students must print out and bring with them
all articles, FASB pronouncements, and other reading materials for the day’s class.
Paper/presentation: Students will prepare a paper and presentation concerning one of the key issues in
the class. Topics on the syllabus marked by an asterisk are those available for selection.
Attendance and participation: Students are expected to participate fully in the class. Failure to attend
and participate will affect the grade. The professor may lower the final grade by 3 points for each
unexcused absence in excess of 3.
Honor Code: The Rhodes Honor Code is expected to be followed in all aspects of the course. All work is
to be pledged.
