Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:15 am to 9:00 or by appointment. AP Economics Course Information

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1 Instructor: Phil Cox Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:15 am to 9:00 or by appointment AP Economics Course Information Teaching Philosophy: Economics is at the heart of the human experience because economics is all about choices, how we come to make these choices, and what the consequences of these choices are to us as individuals as well as the people around us. One of my personal opinions on economics is that sometimes what we see as a matter of common sense, economists make into something difficult to understand; therefore, all of us need to work together to find ways to make the forces and principles of economics easier to comprehend, relevant to our lives, and relate it back to the common sense notions we all share. To do so requires an up to date knowledge of the world, a desire to explore together the world of economics, and a willingness to discuss these topics within small groups as well as the class as a whole. Expectations of Integrity: As a teacher, I will adhere to the definition of academic dishonesty as outlined in the LCPS Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook. I take very seriously the principle of academic integrity and expect my students to complete any assignments on their own without assistance of any kind (verbally, in writing, through Facebook or IM, texting, etc.) from classmates, siblings, friends, or parents. I also expect that students understand that sharing their completed work (verbally, in writing, through Facebook or IM, texting, etc.) with classmates, siblings or friends is just as bad as receiving assistance; therefore, there will be consequences for both those who received unauthorized assistance as well as the person who gave the assistance. Directions for each assignment will be very clear as to whether or not you may work with a classmate to complete the assignment. Otherwise, all assignments must be completed on an INDIVIDUAL basis. Policies and Procedures: 1. Attendance: a. All students are expected to be in class when the bell rings. You are late if you are not in the classroom after the class period begins. Please make all efforts to socialize, use the restroom, etc. within the given passing time. b. All students are expected to be in attendance whenever possible. If you are sick STAY HOME! If you are going on vacation HAVE FUN! However, you are responsible for making up any class work or homework assignments you missed due to an absence. These assignments must be handed in within a reasonable amount of time after your absence, preferably before the unit test or quiz. If you are not sure what you missed, check the class website or come see me! 2. Exams and assignments a. Missed exams (tests and/or quizzes) must be made up within one week of your return to class. Other arrangements can be made with prior authorization from the instructor. b. Homework is to be turned in at the beginning of class on the day the assignment is due; however, an assignment may be turned in late for up to half credit if handed in by the end of the marking period.

2 c. Projects should be turned in on time. Projects turned in late will be marked down by at least one letter grade if handed in by the end of the marking period. If an exception to the above is desired, a written note from a parent is needed in such a case. d. Note: Make sure your name, date, and period are clearly identified in the top right hand corner of ALL papers. I may forgive one nameless wonder paper, but any ensuing nameless papers will receive a zero. 3. Grading Policy: a. Standard Loudoun County Grading Scale is as follows: A = 4.3 A = 4.0 A = 3.7 B = 3.3 B = 3.0 B = 2.7 C = 2.3 C = 2.0 C = 1.7 D = 1.3 D = 1.0 D = 0.7 F 59 and below = 0.0 b. Quarterly Grading Scale Each assignment/assessment will be given a numerical value; however, tests and quizzes will count more heavily towards your quarter grade. c. Weighted Percentages of Quarterly Grade Unit Tests/Final Exams 50% Chapter/Reading Quizzes 20% Projects and Long-term assignments 20% Formative Assessments 10% d. Extra Credit There will be a few occasions for you to earn extra credit throughout the year. However, the easiest way to earn extra credit is to prepare for all tests and quizzes and to turn in all assignments and projects on time e. Status Reports Periodically you will be given a progress report that will alert you to any missing assignments as well as your current grade in the class. If you are receiving a D or F in the course, I will contact your parent or guardian to alert them of this fact. In addition, during the 3 rd quarter, I will contact your parent or guardian if there is a possibility that you might fail this course unless your work improves. 4. Final Grade Your Final Grade will be comprised of the average of the 4 Academic-Year Quarters (i.e. each quarter grade is worth 25% of your Final Grade). a. Both the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics portions of the course end with a final exam. The Microeconomics Final Exam will count as an exam grade during the 2 nd (or 3 rd ) quarter and your Macroeconomics Final Exam will count as an exam grade during the 4 th quarter. Your Macroeconomics Final Exam will be given PRIOR to the Micro and Macro AP Exams.

3 5. Format and Procedures a. Homework Homework assignments are listed in each unit packet and on my class website. It is your responsibility to know what your homework assignment is for each class. Homework consists mainly of reading the textbook and taking an in-class or online assessment that is due by 8am on the due date. Other homework is to be handed in at the beginning of class. I will not always remind you that homework is due. Please see the late homework policy above. b. Notebook You will keep an organized 3-ring notebook. The notebook will be divided into the following sections: Class Notes, Chapter Readings, Teacher Handouts, and Projects. All class activities and handouts will be placed in the appropriate notebook sections. I reserve the right to collect, with ample notice, and grade your notebook whenever necessary. c. Pacing, Tests, and, Projects Generally we will cover each unit or topic about every 2 to 4 weeks. This time period will include tests and/or quizzes. In addition, you may have at least one major project and several minor projects assigned each quarter. d. Extra Help If you require extra help in understanding the material we are covering in this class, you are encouraged to come before school or during your study hall period (if I am available). In addition, prior to a unit exam, the mid-term exam, and the final exam, I am available to conduct review sessions to help you study and prepare for those exams. You are strongly advised to schedule a review session even if you think you understand the material sufficiently. It can only help your grade! e. Hall Passes - Typically only two students will be allowed out of the classroom at a time. In general, 5 to 7 minutes is adequate time to leave and return to the classroom. A classroom pass from Mr. Cox is REQUIRED for a student to leave class for a restroom/locker visit. Six minutes of passing time is adequate to go to a locker/restroom, and therefore I expect that this privilege will be seldom used. However, if this privilege is abused by the students, other steps to limit bathroom/locker visits during class will be taken. No student will be allowed to leave the classroom during the first 15 and last 15 minutes of the class period. ****Please read the syllabus and course information packets and then tear off the last page. Please read this acknowledgement form, sign it (both student and parent), and return it to Mr. Cox. Please make sure you read the part about grades and s! *****

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5 AP Economics Syllabus and Course Information Acknowledgement Form Mr. Cox Students AND Parents: Please print off and complete this page and return it signed within by WEDNESDAY September 6 (A-Day)/THURSDAY September 7 (B-Day). AP Economics Syllabus and Course Information Agreement Form Student Name: Student ID No.: (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and LEGIBLY) I have read the above syllabus and course information sheet and understand their contents. I know that if I have questions regarding the course, its requirements, or the grading policy, I should contact the instructor immediately by to set up a conference. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Date Date Parents: From time to time, you and/or I will find it necessary to discuss your student s progress in this class via . However, with all electronic correspondence, security issues must be considered. Therefore, I need your permission to discuss grades via . By checking this box, I agree to discuss my student s grades via . My/Our Name(s) (Please Print): My address(es)is: (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and LEGIBLY)