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Texts:
Economics: Principles in Action, Prentice Hall 2000.
Supplemental Readings:
Outside
reading is required in the subject area. Selections depend
on the tethe teacher’s choice and the availability of
titles. Some selections might include articles from:
The Wall Street Journal
Fortune
U.S. News
Consumer Reports
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Time
Newsweek
Business Week
Content:
This is a one-semester survey course that covers the major
principles found in economics—from the laws of supply and
demand to the stock market to the global economy.
Goals:
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To teach the basic principles of
economics.
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To improve specific
terminology/vocabulary for reading and practical
applications.
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To foster a lifelong understanding of the
principles of economics.
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To encourage independent reading and
analysis.
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To strengthen the student’s life skills.
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To encourage critical and independent
thinking
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Homework:
As written homework should be typed. Reading
assignments are just as important as written work. Homework
is assigned every night and should take a minimum of 20
minutes, but often more time is needed for reading. Notes
should be taken from the reading. Outside reading, reports,
and special projects also constitute homework. Each
assignment/test/quiz is announced in advance along with the
due date. Assignments are expected to be complete, correctly
done, and handed in on time in order to get full credit and
best mark. Late assignments suffer a loss of 10 points a day
if perfect; however, all assignments must be completed, even
for a lowered grade. Zeros kill an average. Poor work merits
poor marks. Deadlines are to be met and quality work is
demanded just as in the business world.
Notebook: A
single, large notebook is necessary for this course. We take
a lot of notes. Periodically, it may be evaluated. The
notebook to should reflect the information taught in class
and should be used as a resource for study prior the
testing.
Research Paper:
Each student is required to complete a typed
research paper that conforms to all of the criteria of
parenthetical documentation. More than likely, this paper
will be due in the second quarter and hopefully will be a
learning experience. This research paper has many marks tied
up in it and the percentages of grading will differ. The
instructor must confirm topics.
Outside reading:
One major test grade per quarter consists of
points gained through written reports on various items about
economic topics. Quality and analysis of information are
stressed. Topics may be taken from newspaper articles,
magazine articles, reports on economics from various media,
on-line information relating to economic issues, as well as
personal insights/uses of economics related topics. I
recommend NPR (WHYY 91 FM) for business news, “Marketplace”
is available every evening at 6:30, “Sound Money” airs on
Saturdays, CNN, and CNBC and other economic-oriented
information sources. Each item submitted is read and
evaluated on a point basis by the instructor.
Folder:
Each student is required to have a folder
that contains all handouts as well as all returned and
graded work. It is important to keep receipts. Any mark that
is below a 70 must be signed by a parent/guardian.
Grading:
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Major tests 50% (Outside reading is one
test grade)
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Homework/Composition/Essay 20%
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Vocabulary/Content Quizzes 20%
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Preparedness and Participation 10 %
An exam, which
covers the entire course contents, is given at the end of
the semester, unless we are mandated to give quarterlies as
we did last year. In the case of quarterlies, the grade
might be an exam, which covers everything from the quarter,
or may be a project or a combination of projects whose
grades would make up the quarterly grade.
Additional Info:
Social Studies test days are 3 and 6.
Students should always be prepared to write
in class and be possessed of the appropriate materiel.
Preparedness and participation are expected for each class.
Correct books and materiel should be brought daily. Both in
class and out of class compositions are required. Work
should appear businesslike and professional. Whenever the
computer can be made use of as a homework or business tool,
it is preferred. Homework and assignments should be the
student’s original work. Plagiarism, copying, and/or
cheating are not tolerated and will be rewarded with zeros
and appropriate disciplinary measures. Proper credit must
always be given to the information’s source.
Absence does not excuse work. Assignments and
tests are to be made up immediately upon return to class.
Makeup tests are to be taken during the student’s
study/lunch/free period at my convenience—not during my
class time. If a student knows of an absence prior to the
date, (s)he is expected to inform me ahead of time, since
that is the responsible and courteous thing to do.
Late work is unacceptable in the real world
and severely discounted in economics class. Late is defined
as handed in at any other time than when collected from the
class as per assigned due date. Productivity, efficiency and
a good work ethic are highly valued commodities.
There is no excuse for improper and/or
unseemly behavior or language in my class. Misbehavior,
failure to follow policy, lack of cooperation, ill
preparedness, lack of participation, or inattention will not
be tolerated. Each student is expected to know how to behave
in class and work towards the best possible marks.
Toleration of one another and the respect for
diversity is very important, not only in the workplace, but
especially within a caring, Catholic community.
E-mail:
My
e-mail address is
Grief4all@aol.com.
Outside reading, homework assignments,
important messages, etc. can be sent to me via this address.
This is a courtesy and I expect this to be honored and used
appropriately. Voice Mail is #430.
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