Main Content
Syllabus
ACCTG 472: Intermediate Financial Accounting II
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.Overview | Objectives | Course Structure | Materials | Technical Requirements | Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Policies
Overview
This course is a continuation of intermediate accounting and provides students with an in depth look at generally accepted accounting principles and procedures so that they properly account for and present information in financial statements prepared for external users. Topics covered in this course include: revenue recognition, current liabilities and contingencies, long-term liabilities, investments, leases, pensions, income taxes, shareholders’ equity, taxes, earnings per share and the statement of cash flows.
Course Objectives
After completion of this course, you will be able to:
- build upon Intermediate Accounting I.
- apply the conceptual foundation of financial accounting.
- apply accounting standards.
- evaluate and select among alternative accounting treatments for economic event.
- interpret the results of financial position of an entity.
Course Structure
The course will be structured along the following lessons.
- Course Orientation and Review of Financial Accounting
- Investments
- Current Liabilities and Contingencies
- Bonds and Long-Term Notes
- Bonds and Long-Term Notes, Continued
- Accounting for Income Taxes
- Revenue Recognition
- Revenue Recognition, Continued
- Leases
- Leases, Continued
- Accounting for Pensions
- Stockholders' Equity
- Stockholders' Equity, Continued
- Share Based Compensation and Earnings Per Share
- Statement of Cash Flows
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.Connect
Penn State World Campus ACCTG 472 courses will be using a third-party solution called Connect for some course content. This solution is produced by McGraw-Hill. In order to use Connect, you will need to create an account by either using the code provided in your purchased bundled package or by buying separate login access.
Discounted bundled packages of the loose-leaf, binder-ready version of the textbook come with a Connect code and can be purchased directly from Barnes & Noble College. OR you may purchase all-digital access to Connect through your Connect course’s website. This option includes direct access to your course’s specific Connect URL (provided by your instructor). If you are comfortable with the all-digital option, select "buy online" on the Connect site to make your purchase (credit card needed).
If you decide to purchase digital access, the e-book version of your textbook will be included.
If you are waiting for your BNC package to arrive, or if you are not sure you’ll remain in the course, courtesy access on the site provides complimentary access to Connect and the e-book for two consecutive weeks. This usually equates to the first two weeks of class. At the end of your two-week trial, you will need to enter the 20-digit code from the BNC package or purchase access online. Any work you complete during these two weeks will be saved.
Register for Connect
An announcement from your instructor will be made within the first week of the semester that will include a URL to your specific Connect section of ACCTG 472.
On the Connect website, click "register now" to begin the registration process. When you enter your e-mail address, we recommend you use your Penn State e-mail, but DO NOT use your Penn State password. If you already signed up for Connect from a previous or concurrent course, enter that same e-mail address and continue with registering for the Connect section of ACCTG 472.
If you purchased the discounted package from BNC, enter the 20-digit Connect code in the "have a registration code" area and complete the registration process.
Once you register, you will have access to Connect for 540 days. If you encounter any issues registering for Connect, contact support at 1-800-331-5094 or McGraw-Hill.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Requirements
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Requirements and Grading
There are 1,100 possible total points to be earned in this course.
Connect Problems
Lesson content understanding will be assessed via Connect problems on the material covered in that lesson. You should always read the lesson commentary and assigned readings prior to attempting the Connect problems. This course includes Connect problems in 10 lessons. Each set of problems is worth 10 points for a total of 100 points in this category. All lesson problems will be completed using McGraw Hill's Connect. You have unlimited attempts for all Connect problems. All Connect problems are due by their due date listed in the course scheudle.
Quizzes
Lesson content understanding will be assessed via a quiz on the material covered in that lesson. You should always read the lesson commentary and assigned readings prior to attempting the lesson quiz. Ten quizzes will be administered through McGraw Hill's Connect during the semester. The dates of the quizzes are on the Course Schedule. Each quiz will consist of ten randomly selected questions which can come from any of the material covered in the lesson. Each quiz is worth 10 points for a total of 100 points in this category. You will have two attempts and 20 minutes to complete the quiz. You have a week to complete the quiz for the lesson. If you elect to wait until Saturday or Sunday to begin working on the lesson, you do so at your own risk.
Additional Problems and Excel Exercises
There are 10 assignments that will be administered during the semester in this category. Each assignment is worth 15 points for a total of 150 points in this category. The due dates for the assignments are on the Course Schedule. Assignments use either Connect or the Microsoft Excel software.
You are required to use the Excel spreadsheet provided by the course instructor to complete these assignments when one is provided for you.
SmartBook Reading Assignments
SmartBook is an adaptive learning platform in McGraw Hill's Connect that will enhance your textbook reading experience by customizing guiding questions, prompting you to review areas where you may be struggling, and allowing you to move more quickly through sections of the reading that you've already mastered. For each chapter, you will earn 10 points by completing your reading using the SmartBook system in Connect.
Discussion Forums
Discussion forums are meant to be an ongoing conversation, with you submitting your ideas first, then commenting on at least 2 other person's comments unless otherwise noted in the discussion board directions. You should plan to view the discussion topic early in the week, adding your comments where appropriate, and then, return later to see what others in the class had to say. Students should post first by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET and then return to the discussion forum for their follow-up posts due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET. There are 10 total discussion forums worth 15 points each for a total of 150 points in this category.
Midterm Exam
The Midterm Exam is 250 points covers material from chapters 6, 12, 13, 14, and 16 (Lessons 1-8). You will have 150 minutes to complete the Exam. The Midterm Exam is due no later than Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (ET) of the week assigned. This exam will be proctored.
This course may require you to take exams using certain proctoring software that uses your computer's webcam or other technology to monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen, viewing you and your surroundings, recording and storing any and all activity (including visual and audio recordings) during the proctoring process. By enrolling in this course, you consent to the use of the proctoring software selected by your instructor, including but not limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded. Please contact your instructor with any questions. Please see the Honorlock section below for details about the proctoring software used in this course.
Final Exam
The Final Exam is 250 points covers material from chapters 15, 17, 18, 19, and 21 (Lessons 9-15). You will have 150 minutes to complete the Exam. The Final Exam takes place during the final exam period. This exam will be proctored.
Exams (Proctored)
This course will require you to take exams using certain proctoring software that uses your computer's webcam or other technology to monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen, viewing you and your surroundings, and recording and storing any and all activity (including visual and audio recordings) during the proctoring process. By enrolling in this course, you consent to the use of the proctoring software selected by your instructor, including but not limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded. Please contact your instructor with any questions.
Honorlock
Honorlock will proctor your exams this semester. Honorlock is an online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home. You do not need to create an account or schedule an appointment in advance. Honorlock is available 24/7, and all that is required is a computer, a working webcam/microphone, your ID, and a stable internet connection. See How to Use Honorlock (Student Guide) for an example session.
To get started, you will need Google Chrome and download the Honorlock Chrome Extension .
When you are ready to complete your assessment during the scheduled exam window, log into Canvas, go to your course, select your proctored exam and “Take the Quiz” to start the process. Then read and accept terms, review exam rules, and run the system checks. Select "Launch Proctoring" to begin the Honorlock authentication process, where you will take a picture of yourself, show your ID, and complete a scan of your room . Honorlock will be recording your exam session through your webcam, microphone, and recording your screen. Honorlock also has an integrity algorithm that can detect search-engine use, so please do not attempt to search for answers, even if it's on a secondary device. Also note that you will need to disconnect any external display monitors during the exam and close out of all tabs and windows except for your exam.
Honorlock support is available 24/7/365. If you encounter any issues, you may contact them through live chat on the support page or within the exam itself. Some guides you should review are Honorlock MSRs , Student FAQ , Honorlock Knowledge Base , and How to Use Honorlock . You may also wish to review Penn State's knowledge base article on Honorlock . Good luck!
Tutor.com
Tutor.com is a 24/7 tutoring service that provides students with assistance in coursework, test preparation, research, writing, and more for various subjects. The tutors are subject-matter experts, and each student will have personalized one-on-one sessions with them. Students can schedule their own tutoring appointments to engage in interactive sessions that include a whiteboard and chat feature. The service can be utilized on any device that has Internet access. Students are encouraged to use the service throughout the semester.
You can access this service by selecting Tutor.com from your course navigation menu. Here you fill out a questionnaire and begin your tutoring session.
Grading
| Numerical value | Letter grade |
|---|---|
| 93 and above | A |
| 90–92.99 | A- |
| 87–89.99 | B+ |
| 83–86.99 | B |
| 80–82.99 | B- |
| 77–79.99 | C+ |
| 70–76.99 | C |
| 60–69.99 | D |
| below 60 | F |
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
The schedule below outlines the topics we will be covering in this course, along with the associated time frames and assignments. Note that assignments are due based on Eastern Time (ET). This ensures that all students have the same deadlines regardless of where they live.
All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. North American Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday of the week assigned unless otherwise stated.
Lesson 1: Course Orientation and Review of Accounting Cycle
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Lesson 2: Investments
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Lesson 3: Current Liabilities and Contingencies
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Lesson 4: Bonds and Long-Term Notes
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Lesson 5: Bonds and Long-Term Notes, Continued
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Lesson 6: Accounting for Income Taxes
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Lesson 7: Revenue Recognition
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Lesson 8: Revenue Recognition, Continued
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Lesson 9: Leases
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Lesson 10: Leases, Continued
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Lesson 11: Accounting for Pensions
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Lesson 12: Stockholders' Equity
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Lesson 13: Stockholders' Equity, Continued
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Lesson 14: Share Based Compensation and Earnings Per Share
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Lesson 15: Statement of Cash Flows
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Final Exam
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Additional Academic Integrity Violations
Please note: Various tutoring websites claim to offer you the opportunity to download answers to everything from accounting problems to quiz questions for little to no cost. Full papers can also be downloaded to submit in place of your own work. Use of these materials, or “ghosting,” is considered cheating and an academic integrity violation. Similarly, uploading exams, course materials, or your work to one of these sites is considered an academic integrity violation.
Using online services that complete assignments for you is considered an academic integrity violation.
Giving your Penn State Access ID and password to someone else to do your work is against University policy AD95/AD96 and an academic integrity violation; sanctions will be given for these violations.
Student Responsibilities and Conduct
- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Values.
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Veterans and Military Personal
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Privacy Notice
In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.
One Year Course Access
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Late Policy
Late Assignments will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the due date of an assignment if you are aware of extenuating circumstances that will impact your ability to meet a deadline. The instructor will determine if alternative arrangements may be made.
Blank or Erroneous Assignment Submissions
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have uploaded the correct document to each assignment prior to the assignment due date. Please check your assignment submission immediately after uploading a file in Canvas to ensure that it contains content and is the correct file. If you notice an error, such as a blank or incorrect file, you must resubmit the assignment before the assignment due date. Similarly, you are responsible for ensuring that discussion forum initial posts are not blank and that any website URL submissions (such as links to documents, video recordings, etc.) have the correct sharing settings enabled so that they can be viewed by recipients. Any blank or erroneous submissions that you have not resubmitted by the assignment due date will receive a zero for the assignment.