THE NEWMAN SCHOOL
BOSTON
ECONOMICS SL I
MR. TIFFANY FALL 2012
NEWMAN SCHOOL
ECONOMICS SL I
SYLLABUS
FALL 2012
Course description
The course is an introduction to the practices of economic thinking. Economists build models. Many models are introduced and assessed for the utility with which they describe or predict economic behavior. These include supply and demand curves, the theories of market equilibrium, elasticities, the theory of the firm, and various competing and overlapping market structures. Course Requirements Students will utilize both text and internet resources, so access to a networked computer is a necessity. The course text is Economics: A Course Companion, 2nd edition by Jocelyn Blink and Ian Dorton. The text is recognized by the IB organization as following the profile of the first year economics teachings required by the IB worldwide. It must be purchased. During the terms, much use will be made of current articles from the business and political press that illustrate contemporary economic debates and problems. Students must be able to read carefully and analytically; thus it is highly recommended to have access to a personal print dictionary as well as internet dictionaries. (Recommended: The American Heritage Dictionary: Fourth Edition
(21st Century Reference) [Mass Market Paperback]- $5.99) Course Goals Economics is an attempt to create a social science to answer the basic questions: “What to produce? How much to produce? For whom to produce?” The building of models to answer these fundamental questions requires mathematical skill in devising and reading tables, graphs, and equations. It will be one of the main goals to de-mystify the language of economics and enable the student to grapple with the fundamental questions in a fashion and in a language that makes the subject intelligible to high school students and their families. CLARITY OF EXPRESSION IN ENGLISH SENTENCES IS OUR HIGHEST GOAL. (Both in written assignments and in class discussions.) Course Policies Regular attendance is mandatory, as the concepts build upon each other. Falling behind becomes a drag on the entire class. Timely submission of homework assignments is expected. Failures will be accounted for in final grades. Classroom deportment can create a potential learning environment for success. Respectful attention must be paid, both to the teacher and to the other students. No side talking or mutterings in the background will be tolerated. Detention awaits those who are undisciplined with their voices, eyes, hands or other materials. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN CLASSROOM! (NORMAL NEWMAN POLICY) Academic dishonesty is intolerable and punishment will be swift and sure. Grades will be calculated by the following formula: 50% on quizzes and finals 30% on writing exercises from the materials of the contemporary media 20% on classroom participation