AP ECONOMICS

Course Expectations / Academic Syllabus

Mr. Whitwam

twhitwam@aptoshs.net

Room C 106 – Preparation Period 2

Course Description

AP Economics is a college level course designed to give students an introductory look at macroeconomics. In this course students will build economics models to analyze the workings of the aggregate economy. The models will be used to examine the determination of a country’s income, employment level, and price level. The models will also be used to show how tools which the government might use (such as taxes, spending, and controlling the money supply) can affect reaching economic goals (such as economic growth, high employment, and stable prices). What you learn in this course will help you to make more informed decisions in your roles as voters, consumers, workers, and citizens.

Textbook

McConnell and Brue. Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies 15^th ed.

Materials

• 3 Ring binder with paper– I will give you lots of handouts and I want them secured in an easily accessible and safe place. Also, your notes should go in here.
• Folder
• Pencil, colored pencils for graphing (if you wish – sometimes it makes it easier to understand the graph).
• Pens – blue or black ONLY

Units of Study

• Unit 1: Basic Concepts: Production Possibility Frontiers and Supply and Demand (8 Days)
• Unit 2: Measurement of Performance: Gross Domestic Product and More (8 Days)
• Unit 3: National Income and Price Determination: Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand (10 Days)
• Unit 4: Financial Sector: Money, the Federal Reserve, Interest Rates (9 Days)
• Unit 5: Stabilization, Economic Growth, Foreign Trade: (9 Days)
• The remaining days of the semester are devoted to Tests, Test Corrections, and Administrative technicalities.

• The timeline will remain relatively true, however, I reserve the right to slow down or pick up the pace when I feel it is necessary.

Since this is an AP course I expect all students to go beyond the basics. It is crucial not only to recall the information but also to analyze the information, comprehend the situations, and apply the facts to the appropriate graphs, charts, and examples. In order to be successful you will need to complete all the reading assignments, chapter outlines, and graphing worksheets. Your hard work now will result in payoffs later. Remember it is all about opportunity costs!

Studying is key. Asking questions is key. Finding a study partner(s) is key. Coming in for help is key. My duties as teacher will be to explain the information and concepts, simplify and organize learning, and evaluate your learning. Your responsibilities as students are to read (study) the assignments, learn information and concepts, and think about applications and connections. If we both hold up our end of this “bargain” then all students should be successful.

Grades

Grades will be figured on a weighted system for the entire semester (not by averaging the two quarters).

Tests: 30%

Reading Quizzes: 10%

Quizzes (graphing,

Vocab, etc.) 10%

Final: 20%

Essays: 10%

Current Event: 5%

Notes: 5%

H/W: 10%

Classroom Procedures

Here are the procedures that will be followed during class. Some may be added as the year progresses.

1. 5 minute reading quiz to begin class every day.
2. HW will be checked at this point.
3. Classroom discussion and practices of economic models.
4. HW assigned.

• Throughout the year policies I adhere to are the following:
• NO late work allowed.
• NO extra credit accepted.

Classroom Management and Discipline

In order for the class to run at optimal level there need to be NO disruptions. That being said here are the rules:

1. Come Prepared: This means you will have your work complete and with you and you will have all the necessary supplies in order to receive the most out of the days lesson.
2. Come on time: Every class will start with a 5 minute quiz. If you are late you will miss the quiz and you will lose points as well as vital information.
3. Respect: Listen when I am talking – this means ALLOW ME TO TEACH!!!!! follow the rules, allow for intellectual discussions, treat others kindly.

Consequences:

1. Teacher warning.
2. Class time detention (parent phone call)
3. School detention (parent phone call)
4. Parent meeting

• I reserve the right to jump past any of these consequences based on the severity of your actions.