10-12 Economics - TTH $300 - Bob Sweat

Course Overview

During this course, students will develop an understanding of key terms and concepts in the field of economics, as well as a working knowledge of supply and demand, cost, benefit, incentives, and the general role of the market economy.  They will identify key economic theorists and their theories, such as the views of Smith, Keynes, Friedman, and Marx, and understand how each view has influenced how economists see the role of government or other regulatory bodies.  Students will understand factors that affect market prices, both nationally and internationally, as well as how scarcity, unions, price controls,minimum wage, and other factors may influence pricing.  They will identify wage differences among jobs requiring varying degrees of specialization.  Students will become familiar with concepts and measurement of Gross Domestic Product and other indices used to track growth or decline on a national scale.  They will analyze how measures of unemployment and job growth are determined.  Students will study the development and changing restrictions on international trade, the foreign exchange rate, and other factors that affect the global monetary system. Finally, they will identify factors that influence savings, investments, and the stock market.  

NOTE TO PARENTS:  This course was written to give you flexibility in constructing a course that meets the learning style of your child and your educational philosophy.  In the spirit of our unique parent choice school structure, we value your participation in this process.  You may find alternative books or articles that you would like your child to read for a given unit, or you may think of a particular learning activity that would help your child learn the content covered in the unit.  Please run these changes by your ES or High School Support Teacher.  If the reading or learning activity is of high school rigor and it falls within the general theme covered in the unit, there is a high likelihood that it will be approved by the ES or High School Support Teacher.  

Course Requirements                                                          

• Students will complete regular class assignments for each of  the six units.

• Students will complete a key assignment for four of the six units, and a final exam or project.

• Assignments will be submitted to the Teacher of Record either electronically or in person.

• Class discussion will take place live in weekly class time taught by the high school support teacher or other qualified teacher.

• This course was designed to accommodate any textbook.

• Textbooks and supplemental readings are expected to be used for this course with the approval of a high school support teacher or ES.