Delmar High School



Delmar School DistrictCourse Syllabus and Outline2020-2021Faculty Member: Thomas Nichols Course Title: Enhanced Economics Grade Level: Sophomore Textbook: Keys to Financial Success; 2014. Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia (No hard copy of text; we will be producing our own textbook using Keys to Financial Success resources throughout the course). Method of Contacting Teacher: School Phone Number: (302) 846-9544 Email Address: Thomas.nichols@delmar.k12.de.us Preparation period: 5th PeriodsCourse Description Enhanced Economics will combine the study of both classic economics and personal finance. Economics analyzes how individuals and societies produce, allocate, distribute, and expend resources. Students learn to examine the inherent relationship between costs and benefits, and the values associated with them. The course will also examine how limited financial resources compel responsible individuals to make decisions by weighing the benefits against the opportunity cost of each alternative. All financial decisions have short, intermediate and long term consequences. Course Rationale An understanding of economic principles, whole economies, and the interactions between different types of economies help students comprehend the movement and exchange of information, capital, and products across the globe. Citizens need to be able to assess the impact of market influences and governmental actions on the economy in which they live. The study of economics equips individuals to make better personal economic decisions, and to participate responsibly and effectively in social decision-making as citizens in an increasingly competitive and interdependent global economy. A citizen that lives within his or her income has more control over his or her life while expanding choices. Individuals engage in savings and investing to achieve short, intermediate, and long term financial goals. Having the knowledge and skills to understand and evaluate various types of goods and services, and how to pay for them, can help prevent or limit financial loss. Course Objectives Students successfully completing this course will: - demonstrate how individual economic choices are made within the context of a market economy in which markets influence the production and distribution of goods and services. - develop an understanding of how economies function as a whole, including the causes and effects of inflation, unemployment, business cycles, and monetary and fiscal policies. - analyze the wide range of opportunities and consequences resulting from the current transitions from command to market economies in many countries. - examine and interpret the influence of the distribution of the world's resources, political stability, national efforts to encourage or discourage trade, and the flow of investment on patterns of international trade. - apply problem-solving strategies and cost benefit analysis to assess the consequences of financial decisions. - evaluate the costs and benefits of major savings and investing options. - understand how to evaluate financial products and services to minimize financial risks. - examine how ability to pay and personal credit history influences an individual’s financial opportunities and choices. Student will need at minimum a 1.5 inch binderExpectations of StudentsIt is expected that each student will: Participate in class discussions and in group activities. Come to class prepared and on time. Make necessary arrangements to make up assignments when absent. This is your responsibility—not the teacher’s. Complete all reading, writing, class, and research assignments on time. I reserve the right not accept late assignments. If I do accept your assignment expect partial credit and slow return time.Be Responsible, Respectful and Safe. This encompasses a broad set of values I will expect you to navigate. We will have fun in here, but not at the expense of others. Learning Activities Students will be provided a variety of learning opportunities such as the following: - textbook and supplemental readings - class discussions - debates - class simulations - research projects - cooperative group activities Homework Policy Homework is due at the beginning of class. Late assignments may be accepted on a case by case basis but in general the assignment is due at the beginning of class or at the earliest opportunity if you are not here at that time.Absence Policy After absences, students need to look in the ―Missed Assignment folder. You will find that day’s objective, agenda, and any assignments given. Look in the drawer for your period and find any handouts or returned papers. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed assignment. Any work that is due on the day you were absent will be due on the day you return—including taking announced tests. General Classroom Procedures 1. Students will be in the classroom when the bell rings ready to begin class. 2. Students should not expect to use the bathroom during class time. Bathroom privileges are at teacher discretion. 3. After absences, students need to check the missed assignment book at the beginning of class. (see absence policy above). Assignments and class material will also be posted on class website. 4. Students are permitted to report to another teacher only after first reporting to class and getting permission. 5. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers once class has started. 6. Students are not permitted to sit on top of the desks at anytime. 7. Students will be given bonus participation and behavior points added to the students’ total points at the end of each quarter. Bonus points will be deducted for inappropriate behavior. No other opportunities for extra credit will be given. 8. Students are expected to be respectful in class, allowing others to speak without interruption or ridicule. In addition, respect needs to be shown for the teacher’s property as well as other students’ property. 9. Follow all school policies outlined in the Student Handbook. Student Evaluation/Grading Policy Students will be evaluated by objective and essay tests, quizzes, various writing assignments, debates, simulations, projects, and presentations to class. The grading system is based on a weighted point system. Assignments will be worth a specific number of points relative to the assignment. To better reflect the value of specific assignments they will be given a “weight” or multiplier. Course Outline and Topics Dates and pacing are subject to and likely to change, but for now the schedule looks like: Intro/Economics is a Way of thinkingScarcity and Opportunity CostsMarginal Cost and Marginal BenefitEconomic SystemsEconomics in Your LifeFoundations of the Market SystemEconomic Growth and The Circular FlowThe Economic Role of the Government Supply and DemandDemand – A Model for Consumer BehaviorSupply – A Model for Producer BehaviorSupply and Demand IIEquilibrium Price and QuantityElasticity and Total RevenuePrice ControlsYour Consumer Role in the EconomyIncome vs. WealthSaving and InterestRisk, Reward and LiquidityYour Labor Role in the EconomySupply and Demand – The Labor MarketNominal Wages, Real Wages and InflationUnions and Collective BargainingFull Employment in the EconomyEmployment, Productivity and Standard of LivingFrictional, Cyclical and Structural UnemploymentFull EmploymentYour Business Role in the EconomyMarket StructuresBusiness OrganizationsThe Financial SectorYour Government’s Role in the EconomyThe Economic Provisions of the ConstitutionGoals of the Federal Government in the US EconomyTaxes and BudgetsTotal ProductionGDP (Gross Domestic Product)Aggregate Demand and Aggregate SupplyFiscal Policy; Expansionary vs ContractionaryStability in the Economy The Federal Reserve and Monetary PolicyInflation vs UnemploymentThe Business CyclePublic Policy in the EconomyPolitical Influence and ApathyPoverty and income reallocationSocial SecurityYour Nation and the Global EconomySpecialization and the Benefits of TradeAbsolute and Comparative AdvantageTrade Deficit and Trade Surplus ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download