SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
ECONOMICS
CONTACT: Mr. Mark Francis
Telephone: 831.674.2751 Email:
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Meets SMCJUHSD graduation & CSU/UC entrance requirements.
The student will study economics in an effort to improve an understanding of the economic conditions we face as citizens of the United States. Topics of study will include introductory economics, comparative economic systems, business organization, GDP, unemployment, inflation, the Federal Reserve System, monetary policy, fiscal policy and the theory of taxation.
Units and Topics: Units may or may not be covered in this order.
Unit 1: Fundamental Economic Concepts
Unit 2: Microeconomics: Prices and Markets
Unit 3: Economic Institutions and Issues
Unit 4: Macroeconomics: Performance and Stabilization
Unit 5: The Global Economy
COURSE OBJECTIVES; BASED ON THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS:
The student will:
* Understand common economic terms and concepts and economic reasoning.
* Analyze the elements of America's market economy in a global setting.
* Analyze the influence of the federal government on the American economy
* Analyze the elements of the U.S. labor market in a global setting.
* Analyze the aggregate economic behavior of the U.S. economy.
* Analyze issues of international trade and explain how the U.S. economy affects, and
is affected by, economic forces beyond the United States’ borders.
COURSE OBJECTIVES; BASED ON CALIFORNIA STATE STANDARDS:
The following are the Economics Principles that will be covered during the semester as presented by the California State Standards:
· 12.1 Students understand common economic terms and concepts and economic reasoning.
· 12.2 Students analyze the elements of America's market economy in a global setting.
· 12.3 Students analyze the influence of the federal government on the American economy.
· 12.4 Students analyze the elements of the U.S. labor market in a global setting.
· 12.5 Students analyze the aggregate economic behavior of the U.S. economy.
· 12.6 Students analyze issues of international trade and explain how the U.S. economy affects, and is affected by, economic forces beyond the United States' borders.
CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT:
The student will adhere to all school rules and district policies as summarized in the Parent/Student handbook.
GRADING SCALE: ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION (AR) 5121 (a)
Grades for each grading period as follows:
A 90-100% Outstanding Achievement 4.0 Grade points
B 80-89% Above Average Achievement 3.0 Grade points
C 70-79% Average Achievement 2.0 Grade points
D 60-69% Below Average Achievement 1.0 Grade points
F 0-59% Little or No Achievement 0.0 Grade points
I Incomplete 0.0 Grade points
An incomplete shall be given only when a student’s work was not finished because of illness or other excused absence. If not made up (six weeks), incomplete becomes F.
Board Policy 5121 (b) – Effects of Absences on Grades:
If a student misses class without an excuse and does not subsequently turn in homework, take a test, or fulfill another class requirement which he/she missed, the teacher may lower the student’s grade for nonperformance, based on the value of the missed assignment.
The Board believes that 5 unexcused absences per grading period constitute excessive unexcused absences. Students with excessive unexcused absences may receive a failing grade and not receive credit for the class(es). Students and parents/guardians shall be informed by the teachers if class credit is withheld due to excessive unexcused absences. Each time an unexcused absence occurs the student and parent/guardian shall again be notified of the district’s policy regarding excessive unexcused absences.
ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS: Currently planned, but subject to change based on the needs of the students.
Assessment/Assignment / Number / Points Total ValueChapter Review Quiz / 14 / 350 / Points
Unit 1 Test / 1 / 100 / For an "A" / 1143
Unit 2 Test / 1 / 100 / For a "B" / 1016
Unit 3 Test / 1 / 100 / For a "C" / 889
Final / 1 / 200 / For a "D" / 762
Article Reviews / 12 / 60
Quick Writes / 15 / 75
Participation / 94 / 285
Total= / 1270
Homework is assigned frequently in this class. Assignments will be in the form of extensive reading, projects, analyzing primary sources, and writing assignments. We will have tests and quizzes throughout the semester. Tests and quiz questions will not only come from the text material, but also from class lectures and discussions, student questions and comments, simulations, videos, and guest speakers. Anything that takes place in the classroom is fair game to show up on tests and quizzes. Students will need to have a sharpened #2 pencil. I would suggest bringing two pencils, a pen and a highlighter. Generally, I will inform you well in advance and give you the information you will need to succeed. I do reserve the right, however, to have an unannounced quiz if the need arises.
Ø NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. All homework is due at the beginning of the class, or when collected during the class period. Exceptions for excused absences only.
Ø Three (3) “tokens” are provided to each student, which will allow the student to receive a “not applicable” grade instead of a zero (“0”) on any homework and select classwork assignments. This does not include projects, quizzes, tests, or assignments worth more than 25 points.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Technology- throughout the semester, expect to be encouraged to make use of the internet. In addition, I encourage the use of word-processing on major assignments. I would suggest creating a disk/USB for the work you do in this course. Most importantly, remember that observing some websites (not curriculum based) can permanently disable your computer privilege. Be sure to read and understand your Technology Contract before you sign it.
Plagiarism- there is ZERO tolerance for academic dishonesty and plagiarism in this classroom. Students are expected to do all of their own work and cite all references/sources used for assignments. Any student caught cheating or passing off someone else’s work as their own will receive a “0” for the assignment and the incident will be reported to administration.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Students will be expected to do extensive reading, research, writing and critical thinking in this course. In general, students are expected to spend approximately 2-4 hours per week completing homework assignments. Special projects will warrant additional time. Please budget your time wisely during this semester so that you will successfully complete your coursework.
MATERIAL RESOURCES PROVIDED:
v Glencoe Economics: Principles and Practices (2008)
v School Library Hours 7:30-4:00 M-F (school days only)
v All homework is posted online through the school website (http://www.greenfieldhs.org/apps/classes/)
v The Remind application is used to provide daily assignment reminders to interested students and parents. Notices go directly to smart phones or email addresses. (https://www.remind.com/)