Economics

Course Syllabus

Course Title: Economics
Course Length: One Semester
Classification of Course: Graduation Requirement / Required Senior Social Studies Course
Grade: 12
Instructor: Mr. Moy
Contact Information: [email protected] and Schoology
Course Description

The major purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive study of the basic institutions, concepts, principles, and practices of economics. Instruction covers basic economic concepts that underlie the United States market system and its operations. Instructional units apply these concepts at both the micro and macro levels; promote informed voter and consumer decision making; provide information about major economic theories and prominent economists; and emphasize how economics influences the lives of ordinary citizens. In addition the course investigates the complex political and economics issues confronting national, state, and local governments. The course also includes an analysis of the American free enterprise system through a study of comparative economics. Included is instruction on the international dimensions of economics and the "global" economy. Throughout this course, measurement concepts and methods involving tables, charts, graphs, ratios, percentages, and index numbers are introduced to understand the relationship between economic variables, thus adding to their mastery of economic thought and method.

Textbook (online or physical version): “Economics: Principles in Action” 2019 Pearson
General Course Outline

Major figures, events, movements, and issues significant in the area of Economics will be identified, evaluated, and analyzed while examining the following themes and topics: *Covering ALS Focus Standards 1.1, 2.7, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.2, 5.2, and 6.1*
I. What is Economics? ( Scarcity and the Factors of Production, Opportunity Cost, Production

Possibilities Graphs) (6 days)
--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1

I. Budget Project (10 days)
--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1 and 2.7

I. Economic Systems (Free Market and Centrally Planned Economics) (2 days) -- Supports student achievement of standards #2.7, 3.1, 3.3

I. Demand, Supply, and Prices (12 days)
--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1, 2.7, 3.1, 3.3, 6.1

I. Marketing Project (10 days)
--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1, 2.7, 6.1

I. Market Structures (Monopoly) and Business Organization (7 days)
--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1, 2.7, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4

I. Advertisement Project (10 days)
--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1, 2.7, 6.1

I. Financial Markets (Saving and Investing, Bonds, Stock Market) (6 days) --Supports student achievement of standards #3.1, 3.3, 3.4

I. Stock Market Project (10 days overlapping unit 10)
--Supports student achievement of standards #3.1, 3.3, 3.4

I. Economic Challenges (Unemployment, Inflation, Poverty) (6 days) --Supports student achievement of standards #4.2, 5.2, 6.1

I. Independent Living Simulation Project (7 days)

--Supports student achievement of standards #1.1, 2.7, 4.2, 5.2, 6.1,

Assessment
An exam or alternate form of assessment such as a project or debate worth 100 total possible points will be given for each course theme. Projects graded on a four point grading scale can be translated to points, percentages, and letter grades. Students will receive a copy of the rubric and be made aware of the grading guide/standard that will be used to evaluate each graded activity.

Each grading period, Test and Project scores will be averaged. This grade average can be raised or lowered a maximum of half a grade after factoring in the student’s performance on homework and class assignments. Excessive absences and tardies can negatively affect a student’s letter grade as well as “work habits” and “cooperation” marks. Good attendance and active participation in class activities will be considered and can improve a student’s grade in the case of a borderline grade situation.

All students are encouraged to monitor their progress on Schoology.

Unless the teacher feels that student grades should be curved, grades will be based on a standard scale:

90% -100% = A 80%-89% =B 70%-79% =C 60%-69% =D 0% -59% =F

Action Learning Systems (ALS) Focus Standards for Economics

1.1.: Examine the causal relationship scarcity and the need for choices.
2.7 : Analyze how domestic and international competition in a market economy affects goods and services produced and the quality, quantity, and price of those products.
3.1 : Understand how the role of government in a market economy often includes providing for national defense, addressing environmental concerns, defining and addressing property rights, attempting to make markets more competitive, and protecting consumers’ rights.
3.3 : Describe the aims of government fiscal policy (taxation, borrowing, spending) and their influence on production, employment, and price levels.
3.4 : Understand the aims and tools of monetary policy and their influence on economic activity (e.g., the Federal Reserve).
4.2 : Describe the current economy and labor market, including the types of goods and services produced, the types of skills workers need, the effects of technological change, and the impact of international competition.
5.2 : Define , calculate, and explain the significance an unemployment rate, the number of new jobs created monthly, an inflation or deflation rate, and a rate of economic growth.

6.1 : Identify the gains in consumption and production efficiency from trade, with emphasis on the main products and changing geographic patterns of twentieth-century trade among countries in the Western Hemisphere