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Course SyllabusCourse
objectives Course ObjectivesRE 619 is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to real estate development. As a consequence, we will try and avoid a traditional textbook treatment of the subject. Instead, we will invite a number of developers and other industry participants to speak as guest lecturers. I may also try and schedule a field trip or two over the course of the semester. Text and Materials
The Peiser book is a professional handbook that provides specific insights into problems and issues that arise with different types of development. It is an excellent reference guide that is used by many professionals in the business. In addition to the case packet and the recommended texts, I encourage you to you’re your favorite newspapers and real estate periodicals regularly. Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal contains a special section entitled the Property Report that provides good information about real estate activity around the country. In addition, the Wichita Business Journal and the Wichita Eagle are essential reading for becoming familiar with the local real estate market. You never know what might give you an idea for a project or investment, so read the local publications religiously. Finally, you will need to use Excel or another spreadsheet in order to conduct the financial analysis of your proposed project. Although I can help with some basic spreadsheet design questions and with the financial analysis calculations, you need make sure you (or someone in your group) are proficient in working with spreadsheets. GradingGrades for this course will be based on the following:
Because of the hands-on nature of this course and the small size of the class, effective class participation is essential. This means more than just being physically present. I expect all students to actively participate in class discussions and ask questions of guest speakers. Attendance is mandatory; students missing more than two class sessions will receive on automatic one letter grade reduction. Each week you will turn in a summary of the prior week’s guest lecture. Treat these write-ups as memos summarizing the lecture for a supervisor that could not attend. As such, they should be typewritten and professional in appearance. Your goal should be to be succinct and complete. In the past, good write-ups have been one to two pages in length, but this depends on your font, formatting, etc. If you miss the lecture, you may not do a write-up for that week. Recognizing that circumstances beyond your control may cause you to miss class at some point during the semester, I will drop your lowest two write-up grades. The bulk of your course grade will revolve around your development project. You will be assigned to teams of 3 or 4 students to prepare a development proposal. Contacting Me I encourage you to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about any aspect of this course. I am also happy to answer questions about homework assignments as well, although you should first attempt to resolve any questions through discussions with your classmates. I do not hold regular “office hours,” as such. Instead, you may feel free to stop by my office any time. Although I do not promise that I will be able to speak with you immediately, I am generally able to do so. In any event, your best bet is to call first and make an appointment; that way, you can be certain I’ll be available and able to devote my full attention to you. The best way to reach me, however, is via e-mail (stan.longhofer@wichita.edu). In addition, I will often conduct class correspondence using your official WSU e-mail addresses. Thus, each of you should configure your WSU account so that you can access your e-mail several times a week, preferably daily. You can do this on MyWSU, where I also encourage you to update your official phone listing so that I can reach by phone if necessary. I will usually respond to my e-mail immediately when I am in the office, and within a day in any event (unless I am out of town). Finally, you may always send me anonymous comments using the course feedback form on the class web site. You are responsible for any material I distribute to the class via e-mail or on the class web site. I will post grades on the website on an ongoing basis. On the first assignment of the semester, please provide me with a nickname known only to you; I will use this in place of your name on the public version of my grade sheet that I will post on the website. Plagiarism and Academic HonestyIt should not come as a surprise to you that I expect each of you to do your own work. I will prosecute violations of academic honesty vigorously. Anyone caught cheating or turning in work that is not his or her own will be subject to punishment ranging from a zero on the exam/assignment to failing the course to expulsion from the University. Expect a severe punishment if I catch you cheating in this class. NOTE WELL: You may NOT use cell phones or personal digital assistants during quizzes and exams. I understand that these devices often have good financial calculator emulators. Nevertheless their potential for misuse is great. Any student caught using a cell phone, personal digital assistant or similar device during an exam or quiz will automatically receive a zero on that exam/quiz. Required University ADA StatementIf you have a physical, psychiatric/emotional, or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, I encourage you to contact the Office of Disability Services (DS). The office is located in Grace Wilkie Annex, 978-3309 (voice/tty). DS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what academic accommodations are necessary and appropriate for you. All information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by DS without your written permission. Schedule and Lecture NotesSee the schedule section of the web site.
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