Mengani Economics

Economics (Spring 2017)

Course Website

Resource Website: www.mengani.com/econ

Course Description:

The purpose of Economics is to introduce students to the various economic concepts, principles, and issues they will encounter throughout their lives. From personal income and property taxes to automobile loans to retirement investments, students will need to apply basic economic concepts, understandings, and skills. More specifically, understanding concepts such as supply and demand, opportunity cost, recession, the business cycle, resources, scarcity, and economic growth will enable students to analyze local, state, national, and international economic questions and issues. Additionally, students will learn about the connections that link various global economic issues and concerns as well as the operation of the interdependent world economy and the various roles played by consumers, workers, producers, investors, voters, and political leaders.

3C Economics Standards:

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Mengani Economics

1. D2.Eco.1.9-12: Analyze how incentives influence choices that may result in policies with a range of costs and benefits for different groups.

2. D2.Eco.2.9-12: Use marginal benefits and marginal costs to construct an argument for or against an approach or solution to an economic issue.

3. D2.Eco.3.9-12: Analyze the ways in which incentives influence what is produced and distributed in a market system.

4. D2.Eco.4.9-12: Evaluate the extent to which competition among sellers and among buyers exists in specific markets.

5. D2.Eco.5.9-12: Describe the consequences of competition in specific markets.

6. D2.Eco.6.9-12: Generate possible explanations for a government role in markets when market inefficiencies exist.

7. D2.Eco.7.9-12: Use benefits and costs to evaluate the effectiveness of government policies to improve market outcomes.

8. D2.Eco.8.9-12: Describe the possible consequences, both intended and unintended, of government policies to improve market outcomes.

9. D2.Eco.9.9-12: Describe the roles of institutions such as clearly defined property rights and the rule of law in a market economy.

10. D2.Eco.10.9-12: Use current data to explain the influence of changes in spending, production, and the money supply on various economic conditions.

11. D2.Eco.11.9-12: Use economic indicators to analyze the current and future state of the economy.

12. D2.Eco.12.9-12: Evaluate the selection of monetary and fiscal policies in a variety of economic conditions.

13. D2.Eco.13.9-12: Explain why advancements in technology and investments in capital goods and human capital increase economic growth and standards of living.

14. D2.Eco.14.9-12. Analyze the role of comparative advantage in international trade of goods and services.

15. D2.Eco.15.9-12. Explain how current globalization trends and policies affect economic growth, labor markets, rights of citizens, the environment, and resource and income distribution in different nations.

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Mengani Economics

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Mengani Economics

Units of Study

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Mengani Economics

THEME 1: THE ECONOMIC WAY OF THINKING

1 – How to Really Be a Millionaire

2 – The Economic Way of Thinking

3 – Decision Making

THEME 2: EARNING INCOME

4 – Looking for a Job

5 – Making Your Own Job

6 – Why Some Jobs Pay More Than Others

7 – Uncle Sam Takes a Bite

THEME 3: MONEY MANAGEMENT

8 – Managing Your Money

9 – Banking Basics

10 – Managing Risk

THEME 4: SPENDING AND CREDIT

11 – What Is Credit?

12 – Making Credit Choices

13 – Applying for Credit

14 – All About Interest

15 – Shopping for a Credit Card

16 – Shopping for a Mortgage

17 – Shopping for an Auto Loan

18 – Consumer Credit Protection

19 – Scams and Schemes

THEME 5: SAVING AND INVESTING

20 – What’s the Cost of Spending and Saving?

21 – There Is No Free Lunch in Investing

22 – Internet Tools and Investing

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Mengani Economics

Activities

· Activities will usually be assigned every day.

· It is expected that you will finish this work in class and turn it in. Any unfinished class work will automatically become homework and is due the following school day.

· Each individual assignment will be graded according to the Homework Rubric listed on the Class Grading System handout (separate).

· Late work will be accepted but with penalty for lateness; any assignment submitted over a week late will receive a grade of no more than a (65%/D).

· Activities will compose at least 25% of your final grade.

Exams

· Exams will usually be scheduled at the end of each unit.

· These exams will be announced no later than one week prior to their occurrence.

· The format of the exam is typically 40-50 multiple choice questions (2pts each).

· Make-up exams will only be given on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation.

· At the conclusion of the term, there will be a cumulative final exam that will be worth two regular test grades.

· Exams will compose at least 25% of your grade.

Projects

· Different projects will be assigned that based on the different units they are associated with.

· Specific grading and format information will accompany each project.

· Late projects will be accepted on a case-by-case basis but with a penalty for lateness; any assignment submitted over a week late will receive a grade of no more than a D (65%).

· Projects will compose at least 25% of your final grade.

Participation

· Every month your punctuality, preparedness, participation and behavior will be graded based on the Classroom Participation Rubric listed on the Class Grading System handout (separate).

· Coming late, being unprepared and/or being uncooperative will lower your daily score.

· Asking questions, answering questions, volunteering to assist in class and going “above and beyond” will raise your grade.

· Participation will compose at least 25% of your final grade.

Extra Credit

· Extra Credit assignments may only be completed if a student is not missing any work.

· They will be posted on the website and may be completed at any time during the term.

· Each assignment will correspond with a specific activity.

· Depending on the quality of the submission, extra points will be added to the corresponding Reading Assignment score.

· You may complete as many extra credit assignments as you like, however you may not complete the same extra credit assignment twice.

Required Materials

Each student is expected to have with them at all sessions:

· One dedicated three ring loose-leaf binder (or a dedicated section of a larger binder).

· Sufficient Loose-leaf Paper.

· Pens, pencils and a highlighter.

Instructor Availability

· If you or your parents need to contact me outside of class, the best way is by e-mail at: (DO NOT USE MY DOE E-MAIL). Please allow 24 hours for me to reply.

· I can be reached by phone or fax by calling the school’s numbers:

o 718-461-2219 (phone)

o 718-461-2633 (fax)

· My availability for extra help or personal meetings will be posted outside Room 208. I am available by appointment during 4th, 6th and 7th period as well as before and after school.

· REMEMBER: As students, one of YOUR responsibilities to be actively involved in monitoring your progress (checking PupilPath regularly) and seeking help when you need it. I cannot help you if you are not interested in doing your best!

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