FIN310 • Course Hub Fall 2026

Money & Banking + Financial Markets & Institutions · ECON 310 / FIN 310
Prior course site: FIN310 Fall 2025
Theme:

Course Basics & Projects

Fall 2026 Syllabus

Official course information for this semester.

Syllabus (Word)

Risk Tolerance Assessment

Reusable course tool.

Open Tool

Fall 2026 Term Project

Stablecoins and the Financial System · 10% of the course grade.

Select a major stablecoin and examine how it works, reserves/redemption, benefits and risks, effects on banks/payments, U.S. regulation including the GENIUS Act, and your own analysis.

View Project Guideline

Fall 2026 Official Term Project — Stablecoins and the Financial System
  1. Select a stablecoin: USDT, USDC, PYUSD, or another major stablecoin approved by the instructor.
  2. Background: issuer, launch date, main use, and market importance.
  3. How it works: how it stays near $1, reserve assets, and purchase/redemption process.
  4. Benefits and risks: explain at least three of each.
  5. Stablecoins and banks: possible effects on deposits, bank transfers, cards, and payments.
  6. Regulation: recent U.S. stablecoin regulation, including the GENIUS Act.
  7. Your analysis: will stablecoins become an important part of the U.S. financial system? Support your answer.
  8. Optional presentation: summarize how the stablecoin works, benefits/risks, bank/payment effects, regulation, and conclusion.

Optional Alternative Term Projects — choose one instead of the main project

The official Stablecoins and the Financial System project above remains the main term project. Students who prefer a hands-on alternative may choose one of the two options below.


Option 1 — Develop a Stock Data Fetcher in Google Sheets

Build a simple stock-data tool using Google Sheets + Apps Script.

  1. Let the user enter a stock ticker and starting date.
  2. Use GOOGLEFINANCE to pull the stock name and daily closing prices.
  3. Summarize the data into monthly closing prices.
  4. Calculate monthly stock returns.
  5. Create a simple interface or web app that allows the user to run the tool.
  6. Submit the Google Sheet link, Apps Script code, sample output, and a short explanation of how the system works.
Core Apps Script idea
// Apps Script outline

function doGet() {

  return HtmlService.createHtmlOutputFromFile('index');

}

// Use GOOGLEFINANCE in the sheet for price/name fields,

// then summarize the last close of each month and compute monthly returns.

Option 2 — Design a Stablecoin Tuition Payment System

Scenario: A JU-type small private university is considering allowing students, especially international students, to pay tuition using a U.S. dollar stablecoin such as USDC.

This is a system-design project. You do not need to create a new stablecoin, use real money, or build a full blockchain system.

  1. Design the payment flow: show how a student would pay tuition with USDC and how the university would receive the payment.
  2. Choose the payment structure: explain whether the university should use a provider such as Coinbase or receive stablecoins directly in its own wallet.
  3. Student-account matching: explain how the payment would be linked to the correct student ID, invoice, and tuition balance.
  4. USD conversion: explain whether USDC should be converted immediately to U.S. dollars and transferred to the university bank account.
  5. Compare payment methods: compare stablecoin payment with credit/debit card, ACH/e-check, bank wire, and international payment services in terms of cost, speed, convenience, and availability.
  6. Risk and controls: address incorrect amounts, wrong blockchain/network, refunds, stablecoin depegging, wallet/custody risk, transaction records, and compliance.
  7. Who benefits? discuss whether the system is more useful for domestic or international students and explain why.
  8. Recommendation: should a small private university offer stablecoin tuition payments? Support your conclusion.

Required output: a written analysis plus one clear system-flow diagram. A webpage or prototype is optional.

Example flow: Student → USDC payment → Coinbase/payment provider → USD conversion → University bank account → Student tuition account updated.


Syllabus (On-Page Summary)

Use the downloadable Word syllabus above as the official semester document.

Download syllabus.docx

Meeting Information

Section: ECON 310 • 103Z • 26Fall

When/Where: TR 12:30–1:45 PM · SIJU137

Instructor: Maggie Foley · mfoley3\@ju.edu

Office: DCOBT 118A

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30–5:00 PM, and by appointment

Required Text

Money, Banking, and Financial Markets, 6th ed.

Cecchetti & Schoenholtz · McGraw-Hill Irwin · 2020

ISBN: 978-1260571363


Course Outcomes
  • Describe major U.S. financial markets and primary financial instruments.
  • Explain the relationship between risk and return.
  • Identify major economic factors that influence interest rates.
  • Explain stock market efficiency.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of derivatives.
  • Explain financial intermediation and direct finance.
  • Analyze current monetary policy and its effects.
  • Communicate using standard financial and economic terminology.

Grading & Coursework

ComponentWeight
Two Mid-Term Exams40%
Final Exam20%
Term Project10%
Homework20%
Quizzes10%

Exams are closed book and closed notes. Quizzes are given at the end of class and also serve as attendance checks. Up to six missed quizzes are allowed without penalty.


Fall 2026 Letter Grade Scale
Course %GradeCourse %Grade
89.5–100A89.0–89.49A−
88.5–88.99B+79.5–88.49B
79.0–79.49B−78.5–78.99C+
69.5–78.49C69.0–69.49C−
68.5–68.99D+59.5–68.49D
59.0–59.49D−Below 59.0F

Course Policies — short reminders
  • Homework: due as assigned; late work may receive a penalty.
  • Make-ups: valid documentation is required; notify the instructor before an exam when possible.
  • Electronic devices: generally not allowed unless required for a class activity.
  • Extra credit: no more than 5 extra-credit points across opportunities announced by the instructor.
  • Academic integrity, AI, disability support, FERPA, and copyright policies are stated in the official syllabus.

Fall 2026 Schedule Subject to change
DateTopic / Activity
Tue 8/18Course Introduction
Thu 8/20Gold vs. Stocks / Current-Market Discussion
Tue 8/25Session 1: The Federal Reserve
Thu 8/27Session 2: Monetary Policy – Part I
Tue 9/1Session 2: Monetary Policy – Part II
Thu 9/3Session 3: What Is Money? – Part I
Tue 9/8Session 3: What Is Money? – Part II + Session 4 Introduction
Thu 9/10Session 4: Crypto, Stablecoins & Digital Payments
Tue 9/15Sessions 5–6: Banking System & Banking Regulation
Thu 9/17Session 7: Fractional Reserve Banking + Midterm Review
Tue 9/22First Midterm Exam
Thu 9/24Session 9: Bank Failures, Deposit Insurance & Credit Unions
Tue 9/29Session 8: Banking & Stablecoin Discussion
Thu 10/1Financial Markets & Instruments
Tue 10/6Stocks, Risk & Diversification
Thu 10/8Session 10: Commodities, Gold & ETFs
Tue 10/13Session 11: Futures & Hedging
Thu 10/15Session 12: Mutual Funds
Tue 10/20Session 13: Foreign Exchange Markets
Thu 10/22Session 14: Options & Hedging
Tue 10/27Midterm Review
Thu 10/29Second Midterm Exam
Tue 11/3Session 15: Mortgage-Backed Securities
Thu 11/5Session 16: Asset-Backed Securities
Tue 11/10Session 17: Money Markets & Repo
Thu 11/12Current Financial Market Topics
Tue 11/17Blockchain, Bitcoin & Ethereum
Thu 11/19Final Exam Review
Sat 11/21Final Exam, 3:00–5:30 PM & Term Project Due

Exam Solutions & Study Guides

The section is kept from the 2025 site, but semester-specific files are not linked to old exams. Fall 2026 files will be added when ready.

First Midterm 9/22/2026

Study Guide — To be updated Solution — To be updated

Second Midterm 10/29/2026

Study Guide — To be updated Solution — To be updated

Final Exam 11/21/2026 · 3:00–5:30 PM

Final Study Guide — To be updated Solution — To be updated

Course Grade Calculator

Reusable calculator remains in the Fall 2025 folder.

Open FIN310 Grade Calculator

Trading Game Tools (FINVIZ + MarketWatch)

Use these for the class MarketWatch game. Open an app, pick candidates in FINVIZ, then size the trade properly.

Short-Only Scanner

Daily shorts with presets, risk tool, checklist.

Open Short App

Long-Only Position Builder

Fundamentals + technical entries, sector mix planner.

Open Long App

MarketWatch Games

Virtual Stock Exchange.

Open MarketWatch Games

FINVIZ Screener

Screen stocks, then use the apps above for sizing and diversification.

Open FINVIZ
How to Win the MarketWatch Game
  • Risk about 1% per trade and journal each trade.
  • Diversify; avoid crowding one sector or one theme.
  • Long entries: buy dips in uptrends. Short entries: fade weak bounces.
  • Check news and catalysts before trading.
  • Protect winners with partial exits and trailing stops.

👉Class Game Room — Fall 2026 LIVE

Join the MarketWatch trading game here.

Game - fin310-26f (Live) Password: havefun



What Is Happening in the World Now?

🪙 Gold vs. 📈 Stocks — Grandma's $1,000 Challenge

8/20

Before we begin Session 1, we will start with a current-market discussion. If you receive $1,000, what would you do with it: buy gold or buy stocks?

Listen to different views, think about what is happening in financial markets, weigh the pros and cons, and then make a choice.

Quiz 1 — Group Work of 3

What is your choice — GOLD or STOCKS?
Show your rationale. Work together in a group of 3 and be ready to explain why your group made that choice.


Part I — Money & Banking

Session 1 · The Federal Reserve

8/25

Federal Reserve history, structure, leadership, 12 Reserve Banks, Board of Governors, FOMC, dual mandate, major responsibilities, videos, and Quiz 1 study review.

Open Session 1

Session 2 · Monetary Policy

8/27 & 9/1

Compare 100-, 50-, and 25-bps cuts, staying put, and a rate hike; trace consequences for inflation, jobs, the dollar, stocks, bonds, gold, households, retirees, and global stability. Includes the highlighted easing/tightening toolkit, QE/QT, New York Fed operations, and Quizzes 1–3.

Open Session 2

Session 3 · What Is Money?

9/3 & 9/8

Money versus income and wealth; M0, the monetary base, M1 and M2; bank deposits and money creation; velocity, inflation, interest-rate policy, QT, and federal debt. Includes interactive explanations, videos, homework, and 66 professor-approved questions and answers.

Open Session 3

Session 4 · Crypto, Stablecoins & Digital Payments

9/8 & 9/10

Web3, blockchain, Bitcoin, stablecoin design and reserves, digital payments, bank-issued stablecoins, the GENIUS Act, financial risks, money and Treasury connections, and payment safety. Includes videos, hands-on activities, homework, and 50 professor-approved questions and answers.

Open Session 4

Part II — Banks & Money/Payments

Session 5 · Banking System

9/15

Balance sheets, capital, liquidity, deposit insurance, supervision, lender of last resort.

Open Session 5

Session 6 · Banking Regulation

9/15

Post-2008 rules, post-2018 tailoring, Basel, capital/liquidity rules, stress tests, resolution.

Open Session 6

Session 7 · Fractional Reserve Banking

9/17

T-accounts, money multiplier, real-world frictions, capital limits, simulator and quiz.

Open Session 7

Session 9 · Credit Unions & VyStar

9/24

Credit unions, NCUA insurance, field of membership, and local VyStar case study.

Open Session 9

Session 8 · Banking & Stablecoin Discussion

9/29

TBTF, stablecoins vs. banks, starting a bank, and bank-failure scenarios.

Open Session 8

Part III — Markets & Trading Applications

Financial Markets & Instruments

10/1

Market structure, financial instruments, intermediaries, and direct finance.

Class notes / existing course materials

Stocks, Risk & Diversification

10/6

Risk-return tradeoffs, diversification, stock selection, and class trading tools.

Risk Tolerance Tool

Session 10 · Commodities, Gold & ETFs

10/8

Gold history, ETFs, futures, drivers, and interactive labs.

Open Session 10

Session 11 · Futures & Hedging

10/13

Contract specs, margin, P/L, basis, hedge ratios, and case studies.

Open Session 11

Session 13 · Foreign Exchange

10/20

Rate gaps, parity basics, floating vs. fixed rates, and drivers of the U.S. dollar.

Open Session 13

Session 15 · Mortgage-Backed Securities

11/3

Mortgage securitization, pass-throughs, agency/non-agency MBS, prepayments, TBA basics, 2008.

Open Session 15 — MBS

Session 16 · Asset-Backed Securities

11/5

Student loans, credit cards, auto ABS, tranches, ratings, safety and liquidity.

Open Session 16 — ABS

Session 17 · Money Markets & Repo

11/10

T-bills, CDs, commercial paper, repo, ON RRP, SOFR, safety and liquidity.

Open Session 17

Current Financial Market Topics

11/12

Current developments selected during the semester.

In-class current topics

Session 18 (FYI) · Investing Choices

Personal-finance framework; not on the final.

Open investment.html

Session 19 (FYI) · IRA — Roth vs Traditional

Plain-English overview of IRA types; informational only.

Open ira.html