Readings assigned for a particular day should be done before class that day, because this is the material that will be discussed in class that day. Because we will use the Internet extensively to find current prices, bar charts, and market analyses for agricultural commodities, I have put together a course web site using the CourseInfo software. This web site will contain links to relevant web sites, important announcements and assignment information, and will allow you to submit assignments electronically. You can change your password after you are logged onto the system. Item Points Possible Pct.
Material covered during class discussion periods is integral to the content of the course.
Therefore, attendance at and participation in class sessions is expected and required, and will affect your grade through discussion and participation points. By the beginning of the second week of the semester, you will select an agricultural commodity that is traded on one of the major futures exchanges. Over the balance of the semester, you will research this commodity and carefully follow its price movements. You will compile a notebook on the commodity, which will include charts, news and wire-service clippings, and other relevant information dealing with this commodity. For your notebook, you must check the markets for your commodity on a daily basis and update the notebook each day, similar to the way in which you would keep a daily journal.