Economics
Fall 2013
Mr. Terpstra
Mayo High School, Room #2-103
phone 328-5506
e-mail:
Textbook: Pennington, Robert L. Economics. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, New York. 2003.
Economics Course Outline
Intro to Economics: We will look at the ideas of scarcity, choice, resource allocation and different economics systems in use today.
Microeconomic Concepts: These include supply and demand, prices, investing, stocks, bonds and futures and different market structures and labor markets.
Macroeconomics Concepts: This will cover trade, GDP, GNP, net income, etc. and unemployment, poverty and inflation.
The Role of Government: We will look briefly at money and banking, and the Federal Reserve and how it effects our everyday lives.
International Economics: We will look at developing countries, the European Union, WTO, NAFTA, trade deficits and surpluses and currency exchange.
Economics
Classroom Policies
House Rules
Please respect the Teacher Spaces. Personal and confidential materials may be in those spaces (especially the office).
Cleanliness is a sign of respect. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom. If I see it, I take it.
Electronic Devices including cell phones, Discmans, I-Pods, etc. are not allowed in the room unless I give you permission during work times. Otherwise, if I see them, I WILL take them. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.
Daily Work (notes, quizzes over assignments, worksheets, seminar preparation, etc.)
Homework assignments are designed to prepare the student for the next class lesson. You must be prepared for class in order to receive the full benefit of the lesson that day. Once that lesson has passed, the potential benefit of the assignment has been greatly reduced. Therefore, credit will be reduced by 10% per school day for late daily work assignments. Assignments submitted at the beginning of the hour of the due date will receive full credit. Anytime after I call for them at the beginning of the hour will result in late penalties being applied as above.
Stock Project and Paper/Project Late Policy
The same late rules that apply to late daily work also apply to late papers and projects (see bottom of previous page). You will also be assigned a Stock Project during this course. Completion of the Stock Project is required to pass the course. The Stock Project accounts for 10% of your semester grade for this course (essentially, the first half of your final exam.).
Tests and Quizzes
A test will be given at the end of each chapter or unit and will be announced well in advance. If you miss the day of a test, you will be expected to take the test the day you return to school. Failure to do so will result in a 15% reduction of your test score. Do not expect to retake tests. Quizzes will generally be announced, but may be short notice, at my discretion.
Semester Exam
The written portion final semester exam will be comprehensive and account for 10% of the total semester grade. The stock project accounts for an additional 10% of your total semester grade.
Grade Calculation
All points in the course are of equal value. (The quarters and semester exam are not weighted in any particular way.) You should not expect extra credit.
Grading Scale
A 90 - 100% B 80 - 89% C 70 - 79% D 60 - 69% F Below 60%
Attendance Policy
Absences are an unfortunate reality of schooling. However, being gone does not excuse you from missed work. As a student, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to see Mr. Terpstra the day you get back to get caught up as soon as possible. Any work that was due the day you were gone is due the day you get back.
Absences that are anticipated must be brought to Mr. Terpstra’s attention before you will be gone. These kinds of absences include vacations, field trips, and doctor or other appointments. If I know ahead of time you will be gone, I can get you the work sooner, and you won’t get swamped with homework after you get back (planning ahead, wow!).
*Tardiness will be dutifully noted. Five (5) tardies will equal one unexcused absence. (In order
to be considered “not tardy”, be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.)
*One unexcused absence will result in a 5% grade reduction, up to a maximum of 20%.
Other Classroom Expectations
All district and building behavior expectations will be enforced in this classroom. Special emphasis will be placed on the observance of the harassment policy. All students will feel welcomed and respected.
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