SPECIMEN 1 5 COURSE SYLLABUS 2014/2015 ECONOMICS School: BASIS Flagstaff Instructor: Neal Barnett Email: neal.barnett@basisflagstaff.org Course Description This is an introductory course that is geared toward preparing students for AP Economics. Students will be exposed to a wide array of everyday economic concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics and international economics. The course will begin with the foundations of economics which will include scarcity, consumer choice theory, and economics systems. Microeconomics will cover various topics including competition, entrepreneurship and market failure. Macroeconomics will study the economy as a whole and include the role of the government and the Federal Reserve, inflation, unemployment and economic growth. International economics will compare the economies of countries with different economics systems, discuss exchange rates, trade and protectionism. Grading Policy Trimester grades will be calculated as follows: 1. Unit Exams: 100 Points Each 2. Quizzes: 20 Points Each (lowest 2 dropped) 4. Homework Assignments: 10 Points Each 5. Unit Lecture Notes & Terms 5 Points Each 6. In-class assignments 5 Points Each 7. Papers/Projects 50 Points Each 8. Participation Grade 10 Points Trimester 2 grade will be calculated as follows: Trimester Grade - 70% Pre-Comprehensive Exam - 30% End of the year grade will be calculated as follows: 3 Trimester Grades - 51% (Each Trimester @ 17% each) Comprehensive Exam - 49%
Economics SPECIMEN 2 5 Classroom Policy Participation Grade Each trimester you will receive a participation grade. This grade will be based on a good attendance record, contributions to class, and timely submission of work. Deductions from the participation grade occur through excessive absences, tardies, and detractions from the learning environment. The participation grade will determine the outcome of a borderline grade (any grade that is less than one percentage point from the next higher grade). Quizzes There will be a quiz most weeks to review information learned in class. They will be a mix of multiple choice, free response and short answer questions Article Reviews (Part of HW) Certain Fridays students will be responsible for turning in a 1-page (typed and double spaced) article review where they find news relating to material covered that week in class. Articles can be taken from any news source like the Wall Street Journal, Arizona Daily Star, USA Today etc. Students must print out or cut out the news article and attach to the 1 page review. Students will: - cite and explain the economic principle(s) that are relevant in the news article - tell me how this article enhanced/changed your understanding of the economic principle(s) - Ask 2 follow questions about the principle (does not necessarily have to be in reference to its role in the article) * Include a graph or other economic illustration if applicable Attendance, Discipline and Exams 1. Students with an EXCUSED absence will have one day for each day absent to complete and turn in missed work for full credit. A student with an excused absence should arrange with the instructor to make up missed exams during a conference or other period within one week following his/her return to school. Note: it is the student's responsibility to keep track of late or missing assignments. 2. Late assignments are accepted but they automatically lose 20% of their value and decrease in value as more time lapses (amount dependant upon instructors discretion). Note: it is the student's responsibility to keep track of late or missing assignments. 3. Students who anticipate a school excused absence (field trips, athletics, etc.) must arrange with the instructor to take exams or submit papers due during the planned absence in advance of the date due. Essays or other written work may be submitted electronically to the instructor. Note: it is the student's responsibility to keep track of late or missing assignments. 4. Deportment: Students that ar edisrupting the learning environment through inattentiveness, talking, tardiness or lack of preparation may be issued a verbal warning, receive disciplinary action in a student's communication journal or be referred to administration. Students are expected to focus on this class and not have non-school materials or work from another class out once entering the room. There are no cell phones, headphones or other electronics (unless otherwise approved) allowed in the class. 5. Cheating: Students caught cheating or plagerizing on tests, quizzes, projects or other assignments will receive a zero for the assignment and his/her parents will be notified. Avoid the appearance of impropriety on exams by keeping your eyes on your own exam. 6. No food and drink allowed in class water bottles are okay
Economics SPECIMEN 3 5 Ethics Policies In the interest of maintaining integrity in the classroom and underscoring the values that will best serve students in the long run, all students in my class will duly acknowledge the following policies for the record. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in the consequences outlined below. 1. Unless specifically instructed, you must complete assigned work without the assistance of other students. Homework assignments may not be shared. Homework that is shared receives a zero. 2. Unless indicated by the teacher s written instruction, essays, papers, take-home exams and other written work down outside of this classroom must be the original, independent work of the student. This syllabus is subject to change upon the instructor's discretion. Instructional Materials Course Resource: Title: Principles of Economics Author: Dirk Mateer Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (August 7, 2013) ISBN-10: 0393933369 ISBN-13: 978-0393933369 Title: Naked Economics (Undressing the Dismal Science) Author: Charles Wheelan Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Fully Revised and Updated edition (April 19, 2010) ISBN-10: 0393337642 ISBN-13: 978-0393337648 Note: This is a highly reccomended text that provides great and interesting examples of all the concepts covered in class. Free Resources: Reffonomics.com Dr. Jodie Beggs' EconGirl Youtube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qov_ehodl1y [https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qov_ehodl1y] Khan Academy Videos School Supplies Pens (Black, Blue, Green, Red)
Economics SPECIMEN 4 5 Pencils 5 Subject, college ruled, three-hole-punched, perforated notebook with folders (devoted to economics) - Will be turned in on exam days for a grade 2-inch, 3-ring binder with clear front pocket (devoted to economics) - Will be turned in on exam days for a grade Dry Erase Markers (At least 2 colors) Communication Journal 3x5 Note Cards Calculator (Scientific or graphing) All quizzes, tests, handouts and notes will be taken and stored daily in college ruled notebooks. Students will transfer and organize all class material (including carefuly torn out notes from the notebook) into their binders before unit exams and turn in their binders on the day of the exam for a grade. Note: Binders do not have to be brought to school for class unless it is an exam day or otherwise instructed. Other Information This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Please consult Mr. Barnett if you have any questions or concerns! Dear Parent/Guardian and Student,
Economics SPECIMEN 5 5 After having read the syllabus, please sign on the line below and send the entire packet back with the student. Your signatures will indicate that both parent/guardian and student have read and understand the syllabus. The syllabus should be in the student s notebook at all times. Please feel free to make a copy of this form for your records. We have read the entire syllabus for this class. We understand its contents and agree to abide by it. Parent Name (please print) Student Name (please print) I have read and do now understand the classroom procedures and expectations put forth in this syllabus and will help my child to abide by and fulfill these requirements. Parent Signature Date Student Signature Date Contact Information Student E-mail: Parent E-mail: Parent Phone Number: