BA 3562, Fall 2019 Life Insurance Syllabus Page 1 of 11 About the Instructor Contact information: Steven V. Griffey 636 734 6007 Photo [email protected]Office Hours: By appointment only Welcome Hello Everyone, Welcome to Principles of Insurance! I love to teach this course because I’ve spent my entire career in insurance – 40 years! I think you’ll find I have laid the course out in a simple to understand fashion and I sincerely hope you find it somewhat entertaining and hopefully an enriching experience that adds to the value of our education! You will start the course by going online to the “Home” folder in our course. You will then be directed to the “Modules” folder where you will find the pertinent material for the course!. Teaching Philosophy My teaching style is pretty straight forward in that I have tried to structure the course in a very basic manner since I believe my subject material is very new to 90% of my students. I provided what I consider to be straight forward lectures each followed up by a quiz that allows each student to become a little more familiar with the material. I also provide what I consider are easy to follow instructions on how to be successful in my course. I would end by saying that my course definitely requires a diligent and consistent effort in order to achieve a “C” or better grade. While the course material is NOT that difficult to understand, again, it is brand new to most students and there is a lot of it. About this course: Required text: Principles of Insurance - 2 nd Edition Issued by LOMA; Life Office Management Association, cc 2017
Transcript
BA 3562, Fall 2019
Life Insurance
Syllabus
Page 1 of 11
About the Instructor Contact information: Steven V. Griffey 636 734 6007 Photo [email protected] Office Hours: By appointment only
Welcome Hello Everyone, Welcome to Principles of Insurance!
I love to teach this course because I’ve spent my entire career in insurance – 40 years!
I think you’ll find I have laid the course out in a simple to understand fashion and I sincerely hope you find it
somewhat entertaining and hopefully an enriching experience that adds to the value of our education!
You will start the course by going online to the “Home” folder in our course. You will then be directed to the
“Modules” folder where you will find the pertinent material for the course!.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching style is pretty straight forward in that I have tried to structure the course in a very basic manner
since I believe my subject material is very new to 90% of my students.
I provided what I consider to be straight forward lectures each followed up by a quiz that allows each student
to become a little more familiar with the material.
I also provide what I consider are easy to follow instructions on how to be successful in my course.
I would end by saying that my course definitely requires a diligent and consistent effort in order to achieve a
“C” or better grade. While the course material is NOT that difficult to understand, again, it is brand new to
most students and there is a lot of it.
About this course:
Required text:
Principles of Insurance - 2nd Edition
Issued by LOMA; Life Office Management Association, cc 2017
BA 3562, Fall 2019
Life Insurance
Syllabus
Page 2 of 11
Time Requirements: This is an active online senior level course that requires a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of your time each week to include; time it takes to read the required materials, watch the video presentations, and complete a quiz assignment and every other week contribute to a discussion board. Your time commitment will vary depending on the chapter assigned and the length and depth of the material being covered. Technology Requirements: As a student in an online course, you are expected to have reliable internet access almost every day. If you have computing problems, it is your responsibility to address these or to use campus computing labs. Problems with your computer or other technology issues are not an excuse for delays in meeting expectations and missed deadlines for the course. If you have a problem, get help in solving it immediately. At a minimum, you will need the following software/hardware to participate in this course:
1. Computer with an updated operating system (e.g. Windows, Mac, Linux)
2. Updated Internet browsers (Apple Safari, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
3. Ability to navigate MyGateway (Blackboard Learning Management System)
4. Minimum Processor Speed of 1 GHz or higher recommended.
5. DSL or Cable Internet connection or a connection speed no less than 6 Mbps.
6. Media player such as VLC Media Player.
7. Adobe Flash player (free): http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
8. Adobe Reader or alternative PDF reader (free): http://get.adobe.com/reader/?promoid=HRZAC
10. Microsoft Silverlight plugin (free): http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight
11. A webcam and/or microphone is highly recommended.
Course Description: FINANCE 3562 Life Insurance and Employee Benefits: 3 semester hours This is a course intended to introduce students to the basic concepts of life insurance. Topics include the basic principles of insurance, individual life insurance, life insurance policy provisions and ownership rights, annuities, individual retirement arrangements, and group life insurance. This course further explores the life insurance business from the perspective of both the consumer and provider. Coverage will include an analysis of the various types of life insurance products, aspects of life insurance evaluation, reinsurance, underwriting, and uses of life insurance in financial planning. Also included is an examination of the tax, legal, and ethical requirements. Prerequisites: FINANCE 3500 or equivalent and a minimum campus GPA of 2.0.
Goals of the Course:
Build general knowledge of the life insurance industry.
Explain specific knowledge of how life insurance policies function.
Explain specific knowledge about annuities, IRAs, and group life insurance.
Establish a foundation for taking other life insurance and/or investment exams.
How This Course Works: This course is divided into 3 sections broken down according to the outline below.
COURSE OUTLINE
Reading Assignments Topics
Chapter 1 Introduction to Risk & Insurance Chapter 2 The Life & Health Insurance Industry Chapter 3 The Insurance Contract Chapter 4 Life Insurance Premiums
(Financial Design of Life Insurance Products)
EXAM I
Chapter 5 Term Life Insurance Chapter 6 Cash Value Life Insurance & Endowment Insurance Chapter 8 Individual Life Insurance Policy Provisions Chapter 7 Supplemental Benefits Chapter 9 Life Insurance Policy Ownership Rights
EXAM II
Chapter 10 Introduction to Annuities Chapter 11 Annuities and Individual Retirement Accounts Chapter 13 Principles of Group Insurance Chapter 14 Group Life Insurance & Retirement Plans
EXAM III
Instructional Technology:
If this is your first online course, it is recommended that you log into Canvas and complete the Online Course
Overview listed in your Canvas course list. If you’ve already completed the orientation, you do not have to
retake it but you can refer to it for helpful videos and tutorials about the technologies used in this course.
3 Exams broken down by chapters 1 through 4, 5 through 9, and 10 through 14. No comprehensive exam
The complete grading policy is provided below.
GRADING POLICY:
OVERALL CLASS GRADING STRUCTURE
Categories and Possible Points
SECTION 1
DISC. QUIZZES DISCs EXAM INS.
INFO. SHEET
Chp 1
Chp 2
Chp 3
Chp 4
Chp 2
Chp 4 1
12 16 12 10 15 12 12 70
SECTION 2
QUIZZES DISCs EXAM
Chp 5
Chp 6
Chp 8
Chp 7
Chp 9
Chp 6
Chp 7 2
13 20 18 15 24 12 12 70
SECTION 3
QUIZZES DISCs EXAM
Chp 10
Chp 11
Chp 13
Chp 14
Chp 10
Chp 13 3
6 8 10 16 12 12 70
GRADES are assigned based on the following scale: A 94 and above A- 90 through 93 B+ 87 through 89 B 84 through 86 B- 80 through 83 C+ 77 through 79 C 74 through 76 C- 70 through 73 D 60 through 69 F 59 and below
BA 3562, Fall 2019
Life Insurance
Syllabus
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EXAM POLICY: Exams must be taken on campus.
Exam scores may be reduced for any exam NOT taken on or
before the scheduled date. Exam dates are provided during the
semester.
Feedback and Grading Timeline: All quizzes and exams are taking online (the exams MUST be taken on campus and the quizzes can be taken at any location) and the scores are provided immediately after you complete them. Discussion scores will be provided no later than 3 days after the end of the week the posts were due. Keep in mind that ALL assignments have a due date attached and late assignments will receive a score of ZERO! No exceptions! I have provided a more detailed schedule below so you know exactly what is required! Should you have any questions, do NOT hesitate to email me as [email protected].
1. Print off presentation slides and have them in front of you when you watch and listen to presentations.
2. Watch and listen to my presentations taking notes on the slides you printed.
3. Read the book taking additional notes on the slide presentations you printed.
4. Read the book paying special attention to anything I touch on in my presentations.
5. Take the chapter ending quiz and use these questions to study & better understand the material.
6. Use topical listing provided before each exam as a checklist making sure you cover all material in detail.
Course Policies
What to do IF you have Questions
o If you have any questions, the best way to ask is via email again, as [email protected] I will respond within 1 to 3 days.
o Keep in mind it is vitally important that we promote the respectful exchange of questions and ideas. This entails being sensitive to the views and beliefs expressed during any online discussions.
o Additionally, please speak with me before recording any class activities to include presentations, discussions, and class materials. It is a violation of University of Missouri policy to distribute such recordings without my authorization and the permission of others who are recorded.
o Successful completion of this course requires that a student keep up with all reading, discussion posts, quiz assignments, and exams.
Student Resources
Access, Disability and Communication
Your academic success is important. If you have a documented disability that may have an impact upon your
work in this class, please contact Disability Access Services (DAS) immediately. Students must provide
documentation of their disability to the office of Disability Access Services in order to receive official University
services and accommodations. The staff is available to answer questions regarding accommodations or assist
you in your pursuit of accommodations. Information about your disability is confidential. Once DAS reviews your
medical documentation, they will provide you with the information and steps to inform me about the
accommodations to which you are entitled. Your accommodations will begin as soon as we discuss your
o Be self-reflective before you post an emotional response and reread what you have written to be sure it is positive. Think of your comments as printed in the newspaper. Your online comments will be seen, heard and remembered by others in the class.
o Use effective communication.
o Avoid the use of all caps or multiple punctuation elements (!!!, ??? etc). o Be polite, understate rather than overstate your point, and use positive language. o If you are using acronyms, jargon or uncommon terms, be sure to explain them so everyone can
understand and participate in the discussion.
o Ask for clarification to a point if you feel emotional from a classmate’s post. It is likely that you misunderstood his/her point. This strategy will also help you step away from the intensity of the moment to allow for more reflection.
o Sign your name. It is easier to build a classroom community when you know to whom you are responding.
o Foster community. Share your great ideas and contribute to ongoing discussions. Consider each comment you
make as one that is adding to, or detracting from, a positive learning environment for you and your classmates. o Be constructive. You can challenge ideas and the course content, but avoid becoming negative online. When
you disagree politely you stimulate and encourage great discussion. You also maintain positive relationships with others with whom you may disagree on a certain point.
o Keep the conversation on topic by responding to questions, adding thoughtful comments about the topics at hand. Online dialogue is like conversation. If there is a particular dialogue going on, please add to it, but if you have something new to say, please post it in another thread.
o Define your terms. When using acronyms or terms that are particular to your field (or new to our course),
please define them for others.
BA 3562, Fall 2019
Life Insurance
Syllabus
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Academic Integrity/Plagiarism
You are responsible for being attentive to and observant of University policies about academic honesty as stated in the University’s Campus Policies and Code of Student Conduct found in the UMSL Bulletin
o Academic dishonesty is a serious offense that may lead to probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University. One form of academic dishonesty is plagiarism – the use of an author's ideas, statements, or approaches without crediting the source. Academic dishonesty also includes such acts as cheating by using any unauthorized sources of information and providing or receiving unauthorized assistance on any form of academic work or engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by the faculty member (e.g., copying someone else’s answers on tests and quizzes). Unauthorized possession or distribution of academic materials is another type of academic misconduct. It includes the unauthorized use, selling or purchasing of examinations or other academic work, using or stealing another student’s work, unauthorized entry or use of material in a computer file, and using information from or possessing exams that an instructor did not authorize for release to students. Falsification is any untruth, either verbal or written, in one’s academic work. Facilitation is knowingly assisting another to commit an act of academic misconduct. Plagiarism, cheating, and falsification are not acceptable.
o All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs who will determine whether you will appear before the Student Conduct Committee for possible administrative sanctions such as dismissal from the university. The instructor will make an academic judgment about the student’s grade on that work in this course. The campus process regarding academic dishonesty is described in the “Policies” section of the Academic Affairs website
o Explain the style format (e.g., MLA, APA, etc.) expected for citation
Sample statements:
Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting that person.
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and may lead to failure on an assignment, in the class, and dismissal from the University, per the UMSL academic dishonesty policy.
Students are responsible for being attentive to and observant of campus policies about academic honesty as stated in the University’s Student Conduct Code.
To avoid accusations of academic dishonesty, please submit all written work to the Turnitin System before finalizing what you submit for evaluation. Check information about The Writing Center on UMSL’s website.
In adherence to the policies of Title IX and to promote a safe and secure educational environment, it is
strongly recommended statements similar to those below be added to your course syllabus:
Mandatory Reporting: Under Title IX, all UMSL faculty, staff, and administrators (with limited exception) are obligated to report any incidents of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or gender discrimination to the Student Affairs office and/or other University officials. This ensures that all parties are protected from further abuses and that victim(s) are supported by trained counselors and professionals. Note: There are several offices at UMSL (e.g., Counseling Services, Health Services, Community Psychological Service, Center for Trauma Recovery, and Student Social Services) whose staff are exempt from Title IX mandated reporting, when the information is learned in the course of a confidential communication.
