COURSE SYLLABUS

I. COURSE CODE: SOC. SCI. 113

II. COURSE TITLE: BASIC ECONOMICS WITH LAND REFORM AND TAXATION
III. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course presents a general background of economics, the interaction of its various elements
and its effect in general to peoples lives. It also includes a general background of the laws of taxation and
land reform.
IV. COURSE CREDITS: 3 UNITS
V. PRE_REQUISITE: NONE
VI. TIME ALLOTMENT: 54 HOURS
VII. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this course is three-fold. Students, at the end of the semester are expected to: first,
better understand basic economic principles and processes i.e. resources, market, money etc.; second,
appreciate the importance of taxation as means of supporting the government in sustaining its programs
and projects as opposed to common notion on taxation as a burden and; lastly, realize the necessity for
land reform program as means of states pursuit of social justice.
At the end of the course, students will be able to;
1. Understand basic economic terms.
2. Understand basic economic processes.
3. Comprehend the processes of production, distribution and consumption.
4. Aware of the function of the market and money in economic activities.
5. Familiar with the Philippine Financial System.
6. Realize that Economics and Politics are intertwined and not mutually exclusive
7. Relate how Politics affect Economics and vice-versa.
8. Understand basic concepts of taxation.
9. Realize the value of taxation in the sustenance of our government.
10. Identify different kinds of taxes.
11. Familiar with the basic components in a tax system like exemption and avoidance.
12. Realize the importance and necessity of land reform as means of pursuing social justice.
13. Understand land reform by looking at its bases in economic, socio-cultural and moral aspects.
14. Recognize the agrarian reform efforts of the Philippine Government.
VIII. COURSE METHODOLOGY:
1. Discussion
2. Lecture
3. Film viewing
4. Oral presentations
IX. COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Basic Economic Principles
A. What is Economics
B. Economic Resources

C. Economic Systems and Tools

2. Economic Activities
A. Circular Flow of Economic Activities
B. Supply and Demand
C. Production, Cost and Profit
D. Monopoly and Competition
E. Philippine Financial System
F. Money and Monetary Policy
3. Political Economy
A. Political Economic Framework
B. Two Ideal Type Political Economies
C. Key Problem for Each Ideal Type Political Economies
D. Mixed Economy
E. Isms in Political Economy
4. General Principles of Taxation
A. Taxation
B. Nature of Taxation
C. Taxation Distinguished from other Powers of the State
5. Limitation on the Powers of Taxation
A. Inherent Limitations of Taxation
B. Constitutional Limitations
6. Double Taxation and Tax Exemptions
A. Kinds of Double Exemptions
B. Kinds of Tax Exemptions
7. Income Taxation
A. Definition of: Income, Income Tax, Gross Income, and Taxable Income
B. Personal and Additional Exemptions
C. Computation of Individual Income Tax
D. Filing of Returns and Payment
8. Land Reform
A. Meaning of Land Reform
B. Meaning of Agrarian Reform
C. Components of Agrarian Reform
9. Aspects of Agrarian Reform
A. Economic, Socio-cultural Biblical, Moral, Legal, and Political Aspects
B. History of Philippine Agrarian Problem
C. The Role of Peasants and Land Lord
10. RA 6657 - Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
A. Need for CARP
B. Objectives of the CARP
C. The CARL (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law)

X. REFERENCES AND READINGS

Aban, Benjamin. 2006. Law of Basic Taxation in the Philippines. Manila: National Book Store.
Danziger, James. 2000. Understanding the Political World (5th Ed.). New York: Longman.
De Leon, Hector. 2002. Textbook on Philippine Constitution. Quezon City: Rex Book Store.
De Leon, Hector. 2005. Textbook on Agrarian Reform and Taxation. Quezon City: Rex Book Store.
Pagoso, Cristobal and Virgilio Pagoso. 2004. Principles of Economics. Paraaque: Nelson Publication.
Villegas, Bernardo. 2000. A Guide to Economics for Filipinos.
XI. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Four major exams.

Active classroom participation.
Submission of research papers/projects.
Qualify four exams.

XII. GRADING:
Exams 50%
Active classroom participation 25%
Project/Research 25%