syllabus.qmd

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title: Syllabus
subtitle: "AREC 280-A1/224 (Fall 2025)"
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## Course Information

**Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics**

**Course Name**: Introduction to Agribusiness Entrepreneurship

**Course Number:** [AREC 280-A1/224](https://colostate.instructure.com/courses/212872) (CRN 78381) 

**Time**: 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM T R

**Location**: Clark C 248

**Term:** August 25 -- December 14, 2025

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**Instructor**: Dr. Lauren Chenarides

**Email**: <Lauren.Chenarides@colostate.edu>	

**Office Hours:** T 11-noon; Th 2-3 pm

**Office Location:** Nutrien 201

**Teaching Assistant (TA):** Diya Khatiwada

**TA Email**: <dikshya.khatiwada@colostate.edu>	
:::

## Course Links

- [Link to Canvas](https://colostate.instructure.com/courses/212872)
- [Link to Course Website](https://laurenchenarides.github.io/csu-arec-224/)
- [Link to Coursepack](https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/1220179)

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## Required Readings

This course draws on two primary sources:

- **Kuratko, Donald F.** *Entrepreneurship: Theory, Process, Practice*, 12th Edition. Cengage.  
  This is our core textbook. Weekly quizzes will be based on assigned chapters.

- **Harvard Business Publishing Coursepack**  
  Includes all required case studies used for Thursday case discussions.  
  👉 [Access Coursepack Here](https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/1220179)

Both the textbook and case studies are required for full participation in the course. Additional readings and materials may be posted online throughout the semester.
 

## Assignments & Grading

Final grades will be calculated as follows:

<div style="width:600px">
Item                           | Weight | Notes
-------------------------------|--------|-------------------------------------
Weekly Quizzes                 | 10 %   | 12 quizzes, lowest two scores dropped
Midterm Exam                   | 20 %   | In-class exam covering weeks 2–7
Case Study: Fishbowl Assignment | 20 %   | Based on your assigned fishbowl week
Case Study: Observer Assignment | 10 %   | Based on your assigned observer week
Case Study: Weekly Reflections  | 15 %   | 9 required + 1 homework assignment for the Case Companion in Week 1
Podcase                         | 10 %   | Team-produced episode and transcript
Business Case Competition       | 15 %   | Final pitch + written brief
</div>

All assignments—quizzes, reflections, case write-ups, and project materials—will be submitted via **Canvas**. Deadlines and submission links will be listed in the weekly modules.

> Students will be placed in teams of four for both the podcase and the final business case competition. Each pod will be paired with a [mentor](mentors/mentors.qmd) based on preferences and interests. Think of this as a "mentor match," and you’ll stick with this team throughout the semester.

### Grading Policies

- **Late submissions are not accepted.** Any assignment submitted after the deadline will automatically receive a zero.
- **Quiz Policy:** The **two lowest quiz scores will be dropped** when calculating your final grade.
- All graded components are weighted individually and not curved.
- Participation in both Fishbowl and Observer roles is required for passing the course.

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### LockDown Browser Requirement

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online quizzes. Watch this video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser:

[https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml](https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml)

### Download Instructions

Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

[https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=787854830](https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=787854830)

**Once Installed**

1. Start LockDown Browser
2. Log into to Canvas
3. Navigate to the quiz

> Note: You won't be able to access an quiz that requires LockDown Browser with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the quiz to continue.

### Guidelines

When taking an online quiz follow these guidelines:

1. Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
2. Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach
3. Clear your area of all external materials - books, papers, other computers, or devices
4. Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
5. LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

### Getting Help

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

- The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an quiz requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
- Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from [support.respondus.com](support.respondus.com). Select "LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor" as the product to view helpful articles.
- If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to [support.respondus.com](support.respondus.com) and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it
:::

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## Grading Scale

<div style="width:400px">
Grade | Range       | Grade | Range
------|-------------|-------|------------
A+    | 100% – 96.67% | C+  | 79.99% – 76.67%
A     | 96.66% – 93.34% | C   | 76.66% – 70.00%
A-    | 93.33% – 90.00% | D   | 69.99% – 60.00%
B+    | 89.99% – 86.67% | F   | < 60.00%
B     | 86.66% – 83.34% |     | 
B-    | 83.33% – 80.00% |     | 
</div>

[*In accordance with Canvas Grading Schemes.*](https://canvas.colostate.edu/grading-schemes/)

> Grades are assigned based on demonstrated learning outcomes—not effort alone. However, consistent effort *does* improve your ability to meet expectations and raise your performance over time.

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### What Do These Grades Represent?

- **A+ (Exceptional):** Demonstrates *mastery* of the material with *original insight* or *exceptional quality*. Represents the highest level of academic performance and intellectual engagement. Reserved for work that exceeds typical A-level expectations in clarity, depth, and creativity.
- **A / A- (Excellent):** Indicates strong understanding, analytical skill, and consistent engagement. Work is thorough, well-reasoned, and clearly presented.
- **B Range (Good):** Solid performance with room for deeper insight or stronger execution. Meets course expectations and reflects a competent grasp of material.
- **C Range (Satisfactory):** Adequate understanding of core concepts, though analysis may be basic or inconsistently applied.
- **D (Poor):** Partial understanding or weak demonstration of concepts. Assignments may be incomplete or show significant gaps.
- **F (Failing):** Inadequate performance or failure to meet minimum course requirements.
:::

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## Student Resources

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