LAKE TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE SYLLABUS

ECONOMICS AND THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM

Teacher:
Conference:
Email:
Phone

Nort Seever
7:50-8:40 AM, Periods 4A and 1B, and as arranged
seevern@ltisdschools.org
413-6441

Usually the best way to contact me is by Email, which I check a few times each day.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Economics is a one semester course emphasizing the principles and beliefs upon which the economic systems of
the world operate. Students analyze major concepts of free enterprise (capitalism), free markets, command
systems, and developing markets. The role of individuals, businesses, and government are all examined in this
course. Other economic systems are discussed in a comparative model. Students are expected to be able to
analyze the impact of individuals, groups, politics, and the media upon the US economic system. During the
course, economic models and graphing will be used to highlight principles and effects of economic decision
making.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Notebook with adequate paper (preferably NOT spiral)
Black or blue ink pens
A ruler or other straight edge (for graphing exercises)
Textbook will be used in class often and should be brought to class each day
Access to the Internet and/or Email is highly recommended as some assignments will involve student research.
TEXTBOOK
Clayton, Gary, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill (New York, New York, 1995)
HOMEWORK/RETEST POLICY
Homework is due when requested on the due date. Late daily work will not be accepted. In the case of
absence, the work shall be turned in on the day the student returns to class. Normally assignments will be
posted on the teacher website so that a student who needs to complete work may find the assignment online and
then bring it to the next class. Absent students may submit their makeup work through email, yet it is the
students responsibility to assure delivery of the work within proper timeline for the makeup. In cases of
extended absence, it shall be the responsibility of the student to arrange for all makeup work with the teacher
and a schedule can be arranged to allow the student time to catch up. Re-testing will be allowed on a case by
case basis and per LTHS and classroom policy. Students who wish to re-test should note that satisfactory
written completion of the test review is a requirement and to contact the teacher for further details.
TUTORIALS AND MAKE-UP WORK
I will be available in my room most mornings from 7:40 until school starts. I recommend that students prearrange with me so that I can be sure to be available when they need assistance or need to make up a test or
quiz. Other times for tutoring or make-ups can be arranged upon request. All missed tests and/or quizzes

should be made up the next calendar day( if possible) or at least on the day a student returns to class (or
arrangements made to make up the test at the discretion of the teacher). Prior arrangement for makeup is
always recommended when possible and an email to the teacher at least the day before a request for makeup can
avoid delay and wasted time waiting for the teacher. Makeup work is the responsibility of the student to request
and complete on time. Failure to complete makeup work within guidelines will result in a grade of zero.
GRADING
Grades for the course will be determined according to the follow formula:
60%
40%

Tests and Projects

Daily Grades, Quizzes, Homework
CLASS RULES/PROCEDURES

*All LTHS rules are to be observed in class (dress code, tardy policy, behavior, etc)
*Academic honesty is expected. Cheating/plagiarism will result in a grade of zero for all involved.
*Each day, students will be expected to be aware of assignments due (which will be posted in the room and
probably online as well prior to due date)
*It is expected that students will not have to leave the room for ANY reason other than emergency. The
instructor reserves the right to deny permission to leave at his discretion.
*Food and liquids, other than water, are not permitted in the classroom.
*Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices should be turned off before entering the classroom and be out
of sight during instruction. Failure to comply with this provision may result in the instructor taking up the
device and turning it in to an administrator. Violations of this provision on test days may result in a grade of
zero on the test.
COURSE OUTLINE
First Nine Weeks
Unit One
Introduction to Economics
Unit Two
MicroeconomicsBusinesses and Markets
Unit Three
MacroeconomicsFiscal Policy
Second Nine Weeks
Unit Four
MacroeconomicsMoney and Banking
Unit Five
The Global Economy
Unit Six
Personal Finance for the 21st Century
Each unit will include one or more assessments (tests/projects) as well as daily grades.

ECONOMICS SYLLABUS
SIGNATURE PAGE
My signature below indicates that I have read and understand the syllabus for this course. I understand that if I
have questions or concerns I may use the contact information provided to arrange a conference with the teacher.
I also understand that passing this course is a requirement for graduation.
*Parent________________________________________
Date ______________________________
*Student_______________________________________
Date _____________________________