Download Economics Fall 2013 Objectives: Student will be able to relate the

Economics
Fall 2013
Objectives: Student will
1. be able to relate the science of Economics to their lives.
2. be able to explain and demonstrate basic economic concepts.
3. be able to identify different influences on economic systems.
4. be able to analyze the different types of economic institutions.
5. build an understanding of the organization and formation of the American system of government.
6. build an understanding of multiple perspectives and global interdependence.
7. understand the essentials of health economics.
8. be able to work cooperatively and communicate clearly.
9. learn effective note taking skills.
This semester course fulfills the Economics requirement required by the State of Idaho.
Overview:
This is a survey course that covers the basics of economics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics.
This course is designed to introduce students to economics on an individual, local, national and global
level. Students will come away from this class with basic economic tools designed to fuel an interest in
continuing with the topic of economics post high school.
Philosophy:
Learning involves a process of discovery and a process of mastery and the most successful way students
learn is through an active self-conscious interpretation of the material. According to research, of the
information students retain 60% of it comes from student-to-student discussion, 20% comes from
summarizing and note taking, 10% from review and practice and only 10% from lecture. This means
that a student is more apt to remember what they discussed with their peers rather than what was told to
them from the podium. It is therefore the philosophy of this classroom that students will participate in
group discussions every day as well as listen, summarize and review the course material. This class will
be very active and will be geared toward student involvement in the process of learning.
General Information:
This class will be taught using a variety of methods to keep students engaged and productive for the
duration of 90-minute classes. We will be participating in cooperative learning, open discussions,
debates, research, simulations, and lectures. Grades will be based on daily assignments, participation,
essay writings, quizzes, tests, projects and a comprehensive final exam.
The grading scale is the mandated MMACHS scale.
The point system:
Tests (100 points) = 25%
Final Exam = 10%
Projects = 25%
Quizzes, daily assignments, and pre/reviews = 20%
Portfolio/Participation = 20%
Supplies:
You will need a notebook, maybe two.
A computer almost everyday
Classroom rules and expectations:
1. Always come to class on time, focused and prepared to work with notebook, writing utensils and
homework.
2. Absolutely no cell phones.
3. Respect other students, teachers, guests and the classroom is mandatory. Any issues will be dealt
with swiftly and may include verbal warnings, parent calls and administrative response.
4. Late work will be accepted for 50% of original points, unless previous arrangements have been
made with me prior to due date. Students may not work on homework in class the day it is due.
5. A comprehensive essay will be available after every test to increase score if student wishes to
partake.
6. Participation in classroom discussions and activities will be a part of overall grade.
7. *** There will be times when students will be expected to do out of class research and
participate in online forums
8. Make-up work is the student’s responsibility and must be turned in two days post absence. It is
the student’s responsibility to collect missed assignments on their own time, not during class, and
the same late policy applies after the two days grace period.
9. Cheating is not tolerated and parents and administration will be contacted immediately.
Consequences:
See student handbook for school wide discipline policies and procedures.
Course Calendar: (tentative)
Unit One: Scarcity/Economic Systems: 2 ½ weeks
Define scarcity and explain its implications in decision making.
Compare and contrast the characteristics of different economic systems.
Explain the basic functions of government in a mixed economic system.
Identify the incentives that determine what is produced and distributed in a competitive market system.
Identify ways in which the interaction of all buyers and sellers influence prices.
Identify laws and policies adopted in the United States to regulate competition.
Unit Two: Supply and Demand: 3 weeks
Define market systems.
Identify how markets function.
Identify ways in which the interaction of all buyers and sellers influence prices.
Explain and illustrate the impact of economic policies and decisions made by governments, business and
individuals.
Identify the incentives that determine what is produced and distributed in a competitive market system.
Unit Three: Microeconomics: 3 weeks
Describe the elements of entrepreneurship.
What are the types of businesses and explain their characteristics.
Explain how businesses and consumers interact in a market system.
Identity the role of the financial markets and institutions in regulation and protection.
Explain the purpose of labor unions.
Unit Four: Role of the Consumer/Investment: 2 ½ weeks
Explain and apply the elements of responsible personal fiscal management such as budgets, interest,
investment, credit and debt.
Identify and evaluate sources and examples of consumers’ responsibilities and rights.
Discuss the impact of taxation as applied to personal finances.
Explain and illustrate the impact of economic policies and decisions made by governments, business and
individuals.
Unit Five: Macroeconomics: 3 weeks
Define and understand the concept of the common good.
Explain how governments affect the standard of living.
Explain and illustrate the impact of economic policies and decisions made by governments, business and
individuals.
Define monetary policy and look at the causes of inflation and unemployment.
Explain the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy.
Analyze the various parts of the business cycle and its effect on the economy.
Unit Six: Trade and the Global Economy: 3 weeks
Identify ways in which the interaction of all buyers and sellers influence prices.
Describe the involvement of the United States in international economic organizations and treaties such
as GATT, NAFTA and the WTO.
Analyze global economic interdependence and competition.
Apply economic concepts to explain the role of imports/exports both nationally and internationally.
Identity laws and policies adopted in the United States to regulate competition.
Additional Information
Edmodo Code:
pou6io
Contact Information:
Monica Church – [email protected]
CELL: 208-340-2605