Welcome to Economics: From the Greek: oikos (house) + nemian (to manage)
Overview
Economics is all about CHOICES. We all, as individuals and as members of a larger society, choose how to allocate scarce resources. In doing so, we hopefully become good “household managers.” In this course, insight into economic terms, concepts, and institutions will derive from:
1) Analysis, discussion, and debate of past and present economic issues and events
2) Role playing exercises and Problem Based simulations
3) Topical readings and written responses
4) An independent research project
Our broad objectives are to gain an understanding of:
1) Opportunities and costs for individuals and businesses
2) Opportunities and costs for governmental fiscal and monetary policy
3) The current economic situation and the choices at hand
4) Globalization
Our underlying goal is for each student to complete this course and graduate as an informed global citizen who is historically, geographically, and politically literate.
Outline
| UNIT 1 |
Aug 24 – Sep 09 |
Micro-economics, Supply and Demand |
UNIT 2 |
Sep 19 – Oct 14 |
Macro-economics, U.S. fiscal and monetary policy
|
| UNIT 3 |
Oct 24 – Nov 18 |
Applied Economics |
| UNIT 4 |
Nov 28 – Dec 16 |
Globalization I |
| UNIT 5 |
Jan 03 – Jan 18 |
Globalization II |
Interspersed within each unit will be readings, written analysis, and ample discussion of current economic topics. Let us all agree to engage in discussion actively, with conviction, yet ever mindful and respectful of divergent views and personalities, and the proper management of our house.
Evaluation
It should be noted that teachers do not “give” grades, but rather students “earn” them through their own efforts. It is therefore the student’s responsibility to seek out the teacher for any missed work due to absence. On occasion, there will be limited opportunity to turn in a late assignment for 75% maximum credit.
How Grades are Computed
| Assignment Categories |
|
|
Letter Grades |
| Oral Presentations |
25% |
|
A: |
90% |
or above |
| Written Work/Journal |
25% |
|
B: |
80% |
or above |
| Tests |
25% |
|
C: |
70% |
or above |
| Research Paper |
20% |
|
D: |
60% |
or above |
| Study Period |
5% |
|
F: |
59% |
or below |
Notes
Oral presentations will constitute an integral part of this course. Each student will present to the class as individuals, with partners, and as members of a larger group. You will always be evaluated on an individual basis.
Each of you will have the opportunity to independently conduct research and write a paper on the topic of your choice. The paper will be due Thursday, November 17. Further details during Unit 3.
We will not be using a textbook. Some material is provided by Problem Based Learning simulations. Other readings will be derived from such publications as The Union, The Economist, The New York Times, High Country News, and Newsweek, among others. During the unit on globalization, extended excerpts will be assigned from Thomas Friedman’s The Lexus and the Olive Tree, and Fareed Zakaria’s The Post American World: Release 2.0
HINTS: Make good choices. Strive to be a good household manager. Remember that I am a resource. Advocate for yourself.
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