COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of the AP Microeconomic course is to develop greater understanding of basic economic concepts, and individual activity in the market. The course highlights economic methodology, construction and analysis of graphic representations, and the ability to coordinate graphic and written analysis to substantiate a conclusion. The course of study leads to completion of a national exam in May.

COURSE TEXTBOOK:

Principles of Microeconomics, 3rd Ed. by Robert H. Frank and Ben S. Bernanke.

MISCELLANEOUS

This course will require a substantial volume of reading, and understanding of graphing concepts, and mathematical relationships. Classroom activity and lecture will center on expanding text material, not simply reviewing.  Students will be strongly encouraged to participate in the AP testing process in May.

There will be more emphasis on tests and test taking skills since this is the emphasis in both the AP Exam.

Individual assignments will be given a point grade, actual grade over the total possible.  EXAMPLE:  20/25

Classroom activities may not be made up, and all tests must be made up within five school days of returning to class.  

READING ASSIGNMENTS

The textbook is difficult reading. We will use the following pattern for reading assignments.  I will do an overview of the section before assigning reading.  Students will be asked to note the focal points and key concepts in their notebook. These will be expanded on as we work through the chapter.  Special emphasis will be accorded the key economic models and principles.   

USE OF TECHNOLOGY

I will be using technology extensively.  This will require students to have access to a computer, the Internet, possibly a printer, and disks.   Computers and printers will be available at school, but each student is responsible to arrange usage outside of class.  I will use a website to provide general information and resources for research activities.  I will post assignments, homework, projects, essays and supplemental reading on the “Homework Now” website.  I will make every effort to monitor activity but parents are encouraged to monitor activity occasionally and let me know if I have provided any sites they consider inappropriate. 

Since our budget is extremely limited, I may ask students to print material from the class website (graphs, supplemental reading, etc.).  I will try to keep printing requests to a minimum.

In this course, students will:

• Learn and master an economic way of thinking, meaning theywill learn to think like economists when presented with problems.

• Learn to express themselves with both written text answers and through a variety of graphical models.
• Appreciate the general development of modern economic theory.
• Become familiar with the basick language of business and be able to read and understand the business press and the basic measurements of economic performance.
• Be well prepared to continue their economics education at the college level.