Texts:    Economics for Everybody, Third Edition, Gerston Antell/Walter Hams, Amsco School Publi                            Publications.

Supplemental Readings: Outside reading is required in the subject area. Selections depend on the    the teacher’s choice and the availability of choices.   Some selections might include articles from:

The Wall Street Journal    Fortune    U.S. News     Consumer Reports    

The Philadelphia Inquirer   Time        Newsweek     Business Week

Click here for class notes. <PowerPoint>

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:

• §         To teach the basic principles of economics.

• §         To improve specific terminology/vocabulary for reading and practical applications.

• §         To foster a lifelong understanding of the principles of economics.

• §         To encourage independent reading and analysis.

• §         To strengthen the student’s life skills.

• §         To encourage critical and independent thinking

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:         

• Major tests 50%  (Outside reading is one test grade)

•                    

• Homework/Composition/Essay 20%

•                     

• Vocabulary/Content Quizzes 20%

• 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.