Economics

Welcome to your senior year of high school! Youve (almost) made it! But wait, before you leave our happy campus, do you know what the economy is, what all the hullabaloo is about it, and how it relates to the likelihood of your finding a job in 2016? You might be surprised to learn that, despite being taught by a Social Studies teacher, economics is really a math based course. Before you let that scare you if math isnt a strength, please know its math based in that theres a lot of graphing, but I think youll find that its really logical, real world, and makes sense. Welcome to Economics! Heres how I run things: GradingAll grades are calculated on a total points basis. This means that the points you earn on any assessment (including the in-class ones) will be divided by the total points possible on the assessment. Grades will be comprised of a variety of assessments, including tests and quizzes, projects, homework, and discussion of current events. You will be expected to excel in your comfort zone and also challenge yourself to go outside of it. Tests will be the opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of the topics weve recently studied. They will include multiple choice questions from past AP Economics exams, problems, and will nearly always require you to demonstrate analysis and application rather than recall.

Economics
Class ParticipationClass participation is made up of all those little things that happen in a classroom that allow solid learning to occur. This can involve anything from bringing in a newspaper article related to class to being polite and courteous to everyone in the room (whomever he/she might be). I also consider your prompt arrival to class as part of your participation; if you arent here for the duration of the class, how can you help ensure it is a productive one? Prompt arrival means you are seated BEFORE the first BELL. Submission of workAll work is expected to arrive to class fit to be submitted. Your work should be printed before your arrival, although email submission or using recycled paper is encouraged!! Work that is not submitted at the beginning of class will have ten percent per day of school from it. As this is an Economics course, and this topic has been so important in recent world, national, state, and local news, I expect that we will ALL be following the news. Current events will be discussed regularly, and they will also serve as a formal assessment. (More information on this assessment to follow). No matter how far under a rock youve been living, you know that the global economy is weak and there are many comparisons being made to todays American economy being better or worse than during the Great Depression. A deeper understanding of economics means all this stuff doesnt go over your head, you have a better means by which to evaluate those people for whom youll vote starting this or next year, and youll understand why you can get last years hot ipod for super cheap during this years Black Friday sales. I want you to know I have very high expectations for you in this class. I anticipate you will work your hardest, ask me for help when you need it, and arrive to class prepared. As seniors, my expectation is that you will behave as adults who take responsibility for their actions. From me, you can expect the same but youll also find that I want this to be your classif something is not working, please let me know about it and I will work with you, as a class, to determine an appropriate solution for us all. Good luck, try hard, and ask for help when you need it!!