Sidney Lanier High School
1201 PAYTON GIN
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78758
(512) 414-2514
Ryan Hopkins
Principal
AP Macroeconomics Course Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Hellums
Room: T8
Phone: 512-414-6452
Email: chris.hellums@austinisd.org Conference Period: 4th and 7th
Tutoring: After school daily; Lunch by appointment
Course Overview
AP Macroeconomics is a one-semester, college level course. The purpose of the course is to give students a
thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. First, a
foundation in basic economic concepts is developed. After the basics are covered, the course places particular
emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’
familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic
growth, international trade and international finance. Upon successful completion (‘B’ average or higher) of
the course the student should be able to earn college credit by taking the Macroeconomics Advanced
Placement Exam in May 2013 offered by the College Board.
A.P. Course Expectations
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college-level introduction to Macroeconomics. All students
are expected to take the AP Macroeconomics Exam in May. Since the exam is timed with both multiplechoice and free-response sections, we will be practicing these types of questions to increase your proficiency.
In order to participate effectively in class discussions and activities, you must consistently complete reading
and homework assignments in a thoughtful manner. Economics content knowledge is cumulative throughout
the semester, meaning that each successive lesson will build upon your understanding of previous lessons.
Materials Needed
All A.P. Economics students will bring the following supplies to class every day:
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Binder
Pen or pencil (various colors recommended)
Interactive Notebook
Students are also expected to purchase one of the following classroom items during the first week of school:
 Box of scotch tape (without dispenser)
 Box of Dry-Erase Markers
 Box of Tissue
 Hand sanitizer
 Paper Towel Roll
Textbook
McConnell, Campbell, and Stanley Brue. Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies, 15th ed. McGrawHill/Irwin, 2002.
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Classroom Expectations
Show respect for all people and all property at all times.
 Be Polite. Help keep our room and supplies in order.
Come to class prepared to participate positively.
 Arrive on time, with your homework completed.
 Complete daily activities in a thoughtful manner.
 Don’t be afraid to take chances!
Be in your seat and ready to start work when the tardy bell rings.
Follow all Lanier school rules and AISD policies.
 Dress appropriately for our classroom.
 No food or drink (water is the only exception) during class.
Course Requirements and Grading
Attendance, classroom participation, completion of all assignments and performance on exams are all-important
contributors to the successful completion of this course.
GRADING POLICY:
Quizzes and Homework-20%
FRQs- 30%
Tests – 50%
Student Absences and Make-Up Work
It is the responsibility of a student or the student’s parent to request the opportunity to make up class work missed.
This guideline will promote student responsibility without denying students reasonable opportunities to exhibit
mastery of curriculum concepts and skills. It is Sidney Lanier High School’s policy to allow one day to make up
work for each day the student is absent from the time the student returns to a class.
Student Late Work
If a student fails to turn in an assignment by the required due date, the student is given three additional days to
turn in the assignment for a maximum of seventy percent credit. If the student has not turned in an assignment by
the end of the three days, the student will get zero credit for the assignment.
Academic Honesty
Cheating and plagiarism are taken seriously. Consequences for academic dishonesty include a zero for the
assignment without an opportunity for making-up the assignment. Additional consequences may be assigned,
as appropriate, for highly serious or persistent incidents.
Attendance, Tardiness, and Hall Passes
Students must be INSIDE the classroom when the bell rings. If you arrive late to class, please enter the room,
quietly move to your desk, and begin work quickly. You may not leave the room with a hall pass during a class
period when you arrived late.
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Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Cell phones are prohibited during class. Students should have their phones turned off and out of sight, and
failure to comply with this rule will result in confiscation of the phone for the remainder of the class period.
Continued violations of cell phone policy will result in the phone being turned into an administrator. If this
happens, the fee to pick up a phone from the office is $15.
Tutoring
I will be available for extra help before and after school in our classroom during the times listed on the front of the
syllabus. In order to receive the full benefits of tutoring, you must arrive as close to the beginning of the scheduled
time as possible. Please contact me when you have questions. The email and phone number are listed on the front of
the syllabus.
Please complete the attached contact information sheet and return it to me. I look forward to working with you this
semester as we explore the fascinating world of Macroeconomics.
*** Please read the syllabus, then sign and return this portion of the page to Mr. Hellums. Thank you!
***
Student: I have read the syllabus and understand its content, and am willing to take on the challenges of a University level
AP Course.
___________________________________
(Student’s Name)
_________________________________
(Signature)
_________________
(Date)
Student Email: ________________________________________________________________________
Student Phone: _______________________________________________________
Best times for tutoring: _____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian: I have read the contents of the syllabus. My son/daughter will be expected to follow its contents, and I
will support them in the challenges of a University level AP Course.
__________________________________
(Parent/Guardian’s Name)
___________________________________
(Parent/Guardian’s Signature)
_________________
(Date)
Phone number where parent/guardian can be reached during school hours: _______________________
Best time to contact: _____________________
Languages spoken at home? ______________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s email: __________________________________________________________________________
Additional information for Mr. Hellums to know: ___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
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