Explorations in Economics
Biotechnology High School 2016-2017
Mr. Thomas Evancho
Office Hours: By Appointment
Overview:
Explorations in Economics is a two and one half credit social studies course for tenth grade students. This course will introduce students to basic economic theory, vocabulary and practices of the banking and investment worlds, and the practical applications of budgets and money management. This is both a content and application based course. After a working knowledge of unit specific vocabulary and terms is established, students will have the opportunity to work through practical, real world scenarios relating to each unit. The combination of understanding basic economic theory and exposure to situations that require a practical application of informed money management will prepare students to make responsible personal financial decisions.
Objectives:
The goals of this course as stated are:
1. Students will understand the central concepts of economics and that effective economic decision-making requires comparing costs of alternatives with the additional benefits.
2. Students will differentiate between macroeconomic, microeconomic and personal financial strategies.
3. Students will describe elements of the market economy.
4. Students will evaluate the impact of economic factors on variety of levels and with respect to other subject areas such as history and the sciences.
5. Students will identify thematic trends in the economy and relate them to specific causes and effects.
6. Students will identify responsible economic decision-making on a variety of levels.
7. Students will analyze how personal and cultural values impact spending and other financial decisions.
8. Students will compare and contrast the risks and benefits of entrepreneurship with traditional careers.
9. Students will compare and contrast strategies for saving and investing.
10. Students will compare the risk, return and liquidity of various savings and investment alternatives.
11. Students will summarize the concept and types of taxes used to fund public initiatives.
12. Students will analyze risks and benefits in various financial institutions and situations.
13. Students will evaluate individual and family needs for insurance protection using opportunity – cost analysis.
14. Students will construct and analyze a personal savings and spending plan based on various sources of income.
15. Students will determine the most appropriate use of various financial products and services (e.g. ATM, debit and credit cards, checkbooks).
16. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the terminology associated with different types of credit (e.g. credit cards, mortgages, installment loans) and compare the interest rates associated with each.
BTHS Assessment:
Course Grade / Marking Period40% Marking Period 3
40% Marking Period 4
10% Midterm
10% Final / 60% Major Assessments
• Tests, Projects, Essays, Designated Presentations
30% Minor Assessments
• Quizzes, In-Class Activities, Discussions, Writing Tasks
10% Homework
• Homework
Late/Missing Assignments:
· All assignments are due at the beginning of the period that the particular section meets, or at the given time/date in the case of electronic assignments. Unless there is a legitimate school absence, no credit may be given for late homework or minor assessments. In the event an absence, students should hand in any owed assignments immediately upon returning to school and will have 24 hours to make up any work missed. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what it was that they missed, and to make up work or obtain class notes. In the event of a prolonged absence, special arrangements should be made through the guidance department.
· Late major assessments/projects/essays will have a 10% reduction in grade per calendar day.
Academic Integrity:
· Plagiarism can be understood as either the intentional or unintentional use of another’s ideas or words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information. Academic dishonesty may include handing in another’s work as your own, cheating on an assignment/test/project, or the unauthorized reuse of an assignment created for another class. Both plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious violations and may result in disciplinary action against the student/s according to school board policy.
Required Course Materials:
· Krueger, Alan B., and David A. Anderson. Explorations in Economics. New York: Worth Publishers, 2014.
· Notebook and folder or three-ring binder
· Writing implement
Classroom Behavior:
· Students are expected to be respectful & attentive in class. Class participation is an essential component of the course. Students must prepare before class to be able to successfully contribute to it. Participation is a significant part of the course grade.
· To be counted as on time to class, you must be in your seat with what you are required to bring that day (binder, assignments, pens/pencils) and be ready to work when the bell rings. Otherwise, you will be counted as late to class.
· Follow all school rules at all times within the classroom. Respect everyone and always follow your conscience when making a decision or participating in a discussion. Always allow me to teach and others to learn.
Miscellaneous:
· Students are expected to check the wiki and/or their email regularly for any assignments given.
· Some course assignments will be submitted electronically. Please be prepared to satisfy those requirements.
· Students are expected to take care of the course text throughout the duration of the semester. The book must be returned to satisfy the requirements of the class.
Pedagogy:
Listed below are a series of personal, educational principles I believe to be paramount to success for this class and its students.
· I believe that education and learning are ways of life, and do not simply occur from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
· I believe that all students can learn, but not all students learn in the same way.
· I believe in an active, democratic classroom where students feel respected by their teacher and their peers.
· I believe that learning takes place on an individual and group level, that cooperation and collaboration are hallmarks of a successful environment.
· I believe that the material engaged throughout this course is meaningful and influential to a student’s growth and development.
Questions and Concerns:
If you have a question or concern about class work, want to schedule make-up assignments, or have a question about a grade, I am always available to meet with you by appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Course Topic Outline
Week 1
Part I: Introduction to Economics
Week 2
Part II: Supply and Demand: Fundamental Forces in Markets
Week 3
Part II: Supply and Demand: Fundamental Forces in Markets
Week 4
Part III: Market Efficiency and Welfare, Exam 1
Week 5
Part III: Market Efficiency and Welfare
Week 6
Part IV: Applications of Microeconomics, Exam 2
Week 7
Part IV: Applications of Microeconomics
Week 8
Midterm
Week 9
Part V: Macroeconomics
Week 10
Part V: Macroeconomics
Week 11
Part V: Macroeconomics, Exam 3
Week 12
Part VI: International Trade and Development
Week 13
Part VI: International Trade and Development
Week 14
Part VII: Personal Finance, Exam 4
Week 15
Part VII: Personal Finance
Week 16
Part VII: Personal Finance
Week 17
Final Exam