Syllabus
Course description:
This one semester course will study basic, practical economic concepts within the framework of the personal, local, national, and international settings to help each student better understand his/her contemporary world.
Through the examination of a variety of topics students will be able to analyze economic activity, identify recurring problems, and make reasoned, objective judgments about current issues.
I believe that students graduating from high school should have some background in economics as it relates to their personal lives as well as at a societal level. Each student should have a fundamental understanding of consumer economics, business economics, finance and investment economics, and the role of government in economics.
We will explore such topics as:
|
Factors of Production |
Investment |
Economic Systems |
|
Competition |
Inflation/Deflation |
Interest Rates |
|
Supply and Demand |
Taxation |
Money and Banking |
|
Global Economy/Trade |
Personal Finance |
Federal Budget |
|
Environmental Issues |
Personal/National Wealth |
Fiscal and Monetary Policy |
General Expectations
I am looking forward to being a part of your senior year. It is important to me to create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. This class is much more fun if you will be willing to take an interest and participate. In building an atmosphere where you and your classmates feel comfortable and secure asking questions, sharing comments and opinions, everyone should work to live up to the six pillars of character: respect, responsibility, citizenship, trustworthiness, fairness, and caring.
Communication is essential to creating and maintaining this environment. If you have any concerns or questions I want you to feel comfortable in talking with me.
A note on maturity: You are in a senior class. You are expected to act in a mature manner at all times in my classroom. I believe that most students have an understanding of what it means to be mature. You will take responsibility for your actions/choices academically and socially. I work off of an understanding of mutual respect. You are expected to not only offer me respect in the classroom, but offer it to your classmates as well.
A little definition of what respect means to me and what I will be expecting of you:
- Be conscious of how your actions and comments affect people around you. Think before you act or comment.
- While it is true that everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is not necessary that all negative opinions need to be expressed. It may do a person well to keep some of their negative opinions to themselves.
- Positive attitude. Begin with positive assumptions.
- The little things can make a difference. While it’s not the end of the world to be late, or to line up at the end of the period, it is often the accumulation of little things that make the difference in people’s (especially teachers’) days.
Academic expectations:
Attendance will be taken seriously in this class. It is necessary to be in class and on time to be successful. Beyond that, it is also essential for all students to contribute positive things to the classroom. To that end participation will be a factor in your grade.
When class is missed is the responsibility of the student to acquire missed material/schedule make-up time.
Grades are based on total points throughout the semester. I will maintain a running total for the semester.
Notebooks are required and all assignments, notes, etc. should be kept in the notebook.
There will be a comprehensive final at the end of the semester. You will be able to use anything from your notebook on that test.
Specific Issues
Tardies:
If you are tardy for class you will be held after class. If it is a chronic problem (more than 3) I will then hold you after and deduct 10 points from the assignment or test we worked on that day.
Absences and make-up:
Do not miss class!
Zeros destroy grades and your grade will not represent an assessment of what you have learned.
I will give partial credit for any late work turned in. You must make up tests during student access time or after school by appointment.
