Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
Welcome to Advanced Placement (A.P.) Macroeconomics! This course promises to be
challenging and rewarding experience for you as the student and me as the teacher.
Macroeconomics is a half-year course and will be unlike any you have ever taken in your
academic career. This class will be very hands on and very demanding. You will always be
treated like adults in this class and I expect the same in return.
This course in AP Macroeconomics is designed to replicate an introductory Macroeconomics
class taught at the collegiate level. Consequently, this class will require a level of commitment,
dedication, and effort that is not typical at the high school level.
Required Pre-Course Reading (Naked Economics):
Provided by teacher before class begins. Due during Regents Week.
Provided Text One:
Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies by Campbell R. McConnell and Stanley L. Brue16th Edition (McGraw – Hill 2005)
Provided Text Two:
Advanced Placement Economics: Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook (Paperback) by John S. Morton
Required Purchase: One black dry erase marker for use on personal white boards. I will provide
the personal white boards for in class use.
Time Commitment
I will assign readings from the textbook and study guide regularly. It is expected that you will have
finished the readings and assignments before class. Late work will not be accepted nor is it
acceptable in a college level class. Plan on spending one and half to two hours out of class
preparing for each class meeting.
I will hold after school review sessions regularly during activity period (if you ask for it). I strongly
recommended that you attend these review sessions. This class will move quickly. These review
sessions are your opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You will also be assigned a significant service project which will be due near the end of the
course.
Costs:
You are expected to take the AP Macroeconomics Exam. The fee for the AP Macroeconomics
Exam is $83.00 (at last check).
1
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
Class Preparation and Participation:
1. When class begins I expect you have finished your homework (readings and exercises) and
be prepared to discuss any questions you have about the assignment.
2. As class progresses I expect you take notes, participate in activities, ask questions, and
maintain a positive attitude.
3. After class ends, I expect you review what was covered in class, determine what areas you
have questions about, attend activity periods to ask these questions, participate in the Online
Learning Community, and complete your out of class assignments (readings, activities, etc).
These three steps should be repeated for every class meeting.
Attendance:
To maximize your potential in this class and on the AP exam you must, to put it bluntly, attend
every class. Students who anticipate attendance issues should transfer to another Economics
class.
Attendance in class is critical. Students who miss class often (for any reason) are jeopardizing
their grade in this course and the AP exam. If a student is absent, the entire responsibility for
obtaining and making up missed work is the student's.
COLLEGE VISITS: There are many days during the school year when
BH-BL is not in session. This is when you should plan your college visits. It is strongly
recommend you attend class when it is in session.
Course Goals:
I have four goals for this class.
This class will:
1. provide an introduction to macroeconomics at a collegiate level.
2. prepare students for the academic collegiate experience.
3. teach analytical skills.
4. give students the opportunity to score well on the AP Macroeconomics Exam.
General Guidelines:
1. It is required that you bring a notebook, pen, binder/folder, and textbook to class everyday.
You must always be ready to take notes and participate. This class will use the McGraw-Hill Irwin
textbook: Economics by Campbell R. McConnell and Stanley L. Brue. You are expected to keep
your own folders/binders.
2. I expect that each of you will participate every day both in class and on our online learning
community found at http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/.
3. I will assign homework every night. You must complete your homework to pass this class. I do
not accept late homework. Extenuating circumstances must be brought to my attention.
4. I believe in writing referrals for academic reasons. Referrals are a communication tools
between myself, your parents, the guidance councilors, and the administration. I will call home to
2
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
inform your parents of your successes and difficulties. This is part of my job as a teacher and I
take it very seriously.
5. Burnt Hills High School policy states that cell phones are not permitted in classrooms. If you
have a cell phone or iPod/MP3/CD player, please keep them in your bags. I do not want to see
them, ever. If your phone rings during class it will be confiscated and returned following the
lesson. Texting is unacceptable and will be dealt with harshly.
6. This class will make use of Internet technology for many assignments and activities. These
activities can be found at:
http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
If you are concerned that you do not have adequate Internet access, I am more than happy to
solve these problems. Please bring these concerns to my attention immediately. The high school
has ample resources to accommodate these concerns.
7. You are all adults and I will treat you as such. I expect the same in return. Respect each other
and your surroundings.
8. If you miss a class, you must see me the next day (not the next class) during a free block or
Activity Period for missed work and to turn in work due the day of the absence.
If you are legally absent for a test/quiz, you must see me to schedule a make up either during a
free block or during Activity Period. You will be given up to THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS to take
the test upon return to school. If it is not made up by the deadline, you will receive a zero. The
class website will have a great deal of content available to you to make up work including class
notes.
9. Seats are assigned and may not be changed without my approval. If you need to use the
bathroom or get a drink of water, feel free to do so. Please do not abuse this privilege. If you have
any concerns or special needs, do not hesitate to see me after class.
10. Any questions about your grade should be addressed after class or during A.A.P.
11. If you have a concern or a question please ask. I will do everything in my power to help you
succeed in this class and in your senior year.
A word about expectations:
You will notice, as the semester progresses that I expect a great deal from you. You are, in my
opinion, adults and deserve to be treated as such. It is my goal to prepare you for college and/or
the professional world when you leave this school in June. I expect that you come to my class on
time with your assignments completed. That is your job as students. It is my job, as your teacher,
to prepare interesting and relevant lessons about Macroeconomics.
3
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
Topics, Allocation of Class Time, and Activities
Please note all of the following is tentative
and subject to change.
1. Basic Economic Concepts
(8–12% of course or approximately 4 Classes)
A. Scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs (chapter 1, 2)
B. Production possibilities curve (chapter 2)
C. Comparative advantage, absolute advantage, specialization, and exchange (chapter
D. Demand, supply, and market equilibrium (Chapter 3)
E. Macroeconomic issues: business cycle, unemployment, inflation, growth (chapter 7, 8)
Activities/Assessments for Section 1: (tentative)
1) Chapter 1 Quiz
2) Chapter 2 Quiz
3) Chapter 3 Quiz
4) Chapter 4 Quiz
5) Section 1 Test
6) Economics Reading/Response (approximate 10 page reading with a 2 page typed response)
7) Complete pages 5 – 55 in Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook by John S. Morton
8) Macroeconomics: An Introduction read, response, present (in class group exercise)
9) Macroeconomic goals activity (in class exercise)
10) Supply and Demand “word problems” with graphing (in class exercise)
11) Supply and Demand read, response, and graph exercise (in class)
12) AP Exam Long Answers Questions (in class exercises)
Additional Resources:
http://www.ncee.net
http://www.reffonomics.com
http://www.lemonadegame.com
Video: Pertaining to Basic Economic Principals from Economics: Principles, Problems, and
Policies (McConnell and Brue)
4
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
2. Measurement of Economic Performance
(12–16% of course or approximately 3 Classes)
A. National income accounts
1. Circular flow (page 34)
2. Gross domestic product (Chapter 7)
3. Basic Macroeconomic Relationships (Chapter 9)
a) income-consumption and income-savings relationships
b) MPC and MPS
c) Investment-Rate to Investment Relationship
d) Multiplier Effect
4. Components of gross domestic product (Chapter 7)
5. Real versus nominal gross domestic product (Chapter 7)
B. Inflation measurement and adjustment
1. Price indices (Chapter 8)
2. Nominal and real values (Chapter 8)
3. Costs of inflation (Chapter 8)
C. Unemployment (Chapter 8)
1. Definition and measurement (Chapter 8)
2. Types of unemployment (Chapter 8)
3. Natural rate of unemployment (Chapter 8)
Activities/Assessments for Section 2: (tentative)
1) Chapter 9 Quiz (Basic Macroeconomic Relationships)
2) Circular Flow Creation and Quiz
3) Components of GDP Quiz
4) Calculation of Unemployment Quiz
5) Inflation Quiz
6) Section 2 Test
7) Economics Reading/Response (approximate 10 page reading with a 2 page typed response)
8) Complete pages 61 – 104 in Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook by John S. Morton
9) AP Macroeconomics Journal Assignment: Writing and Graphing
Topic: GDP
10) Inflation Activity (in class exercise)
11) Circular Flow Creation (in class activities)
12) CPI activities (in class activities)
Additional Resources:
http://www.reffonomics.com
Video: Pertaining to Measurements of Economic Performance from Economics: Principles,
Problems, and Policies (McConnell and Brue)
5
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
3. National Income and Price Determination
(10–15% of course or approximately 3 Classes)
A. Aggregate demand
1. Determinants of aggregate demand (Chapter 11)
2. Multiplier and crowding-out effects (Chapter 9 - pg 164)
B. Aggregate supply (Chapter 11)
1. Short-run and long-run analyses
2. Sticky versus flexible wages and prices
3. Determinants of aggregate supply
C. Macroeconomic equilibrium (Chapter 11)
1. Real output and price level
2. Short and long run
3. Actual versus full-employment output
4. Economic fluctuations
Activities/Assessments for Section 3: (tentative)
1) Chapter 10 Quiz (Aggregate Expenditures Model)
2) Chapter 11 Quiz (Aggregate Demand and Supply)
3) Section 3 Test
4) Economics Reading/Response (approximate 10 page reading with a 2 page typed response)
5) Complete pages 109 – 168 in Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook by John S.
Morton
6) AP Macroeconomics Journal Assignment: Writing and Graphing
Topic: Aggregate Demand and Supply
7) Aggregate Supply and Demand Packet and Graphing (in class exercises)
Additional Resources:
http://www.reffonomics.com
http://www.ncee.net
6
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
4. Financial Sector
(15–20% of course or approximately 4 Classes)
A. Money, banking, and financial markets (Chapter 13)
1. Definition of financial assets: money, stocks, bonds
2. Time value of money (present and future value)
3. Measures of money supply
4. Banks and creation of money
5. Money demand
6. Money market
7. Loanable funds market
B. Central bank and control of the money supply (Chapter 14, 15)
1. Tools of central bank policy
2. Quantity theory of money
3. Real versus nominal interest rates
Activities/Assessments for Section 4: (tentative)
1) Chapter 13 Quiz
2) Chapter 14 Quiz
3) Chapter 15 Quiz
4) Section 4 Test
5) AP Macroeconomics Journal Assignment: Writing and Graphing
Topic: Monetary Policy
6) Economics Reading/Response (approximate 10 page reading with a 2 page typed response)
7) Complete pages 183 – 222 in Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook by John S.
Morton
Additional Resources:
http://www.ncee.net
http://www.reffonomics.com
http://federalreserve.gov/
Video: Pertaining to Financial Sector in Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies
(McConnell and Brue)
7
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
5. Inflation, Unemployment, and Stabilization Policies
(20–30% of course or approximately 7 Classes)
A. Fiscal and monetary policies (Chapter 12)
1. Demand-side effects
2. Supply-side effects
3. Policy mix
4. Government deficits and debt (chapter 18)
B. Inflation and unemployment (Chapter 16)
1. Types of inflation
a. Demand-pull inflation
b. Cost-push inflation
2. The Phillips curve: short run versus long run (Chapter 16)
3. Role of expectations
Activities/Assessments for Section 5: (tentative)
1) Chapter 12 Quiz
2) Chapter 16 Quiz
3) Chapter 18 Quiz
3) Section 5 Test
4) Economics Reading/Response (approximate 10 page reading with a 2 page typed response)
6) Complete pages 239 – 265 in Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook by John S.
Morton
7) Interest Rates Assignment (read and two page typed response)
8) “Fiscal Policy Made Simple (with a lot left out)” discussion (in class)
Additional Resources:
http://www.ncee.net
http://www.reffonomics.com
http://federalreserve.gov/
http://www.house.gov/
http://www.senate.gov/
Video: Pertaining to Inflation, Unemployment, and Stabilization Policies found in Economics:
Principles, Problems, and Policies (McConnell and Brue)
8
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
6. Economic Growth and Productivity
(5–10% of course or approximately 2 Classes)
A. Investment in human capital (Chapter 17)
B. Investment in physical capital
C. Research and development, and technological progress
D. Growth policy
Activities/Assessments for Section 6: (tentative)
1) Chapter 17 Quiz
Additional Resources:
http://www.reffonomics.com
Video: Pertaining to Economic Growth and Productivity found in Economics: Principles,
Problems, and Policies (McConnell and Brue)
9
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
7. Open Economy: International Trade and Finance
(10–15% of course or approximately 3 Classes)
A. Balance of payments accounts (Chapter 38)
1. Balance of trade
2. Current account
3. Capital account
B. Foreign exchange market (Chapter 6)
1. Demand for and supply of foreign exchange
2. Exchange rate determination
3. Currency appreciation and depreciation (Chapter 38/6)
C. Net exports and capital flows
D. Links to financial and goods markets
Activities/Assessments for Section 7: (tentative)
1) Chapter 38 Quiz
2) Chapter 6 Quiz
3) Section 7 Test
4) AP Macroeconomics Journal Assignment: Writing and Graphing
Topic: International Trade
5) Complete pages 285 – 319 in Macroeconomics: Student Activities Workbook by John S.
Morton
6) Economics Reading/Response (approximate 10 page reading with a 2 page typed response)
7) The Cost of Cheaper Paper Towels” Read/Response/Discussion
Additional Resources:
http://www.ncee.net
http://www.reffonomics.com
Video: Pertaining to International Trade and Finance found in Economics: Principles, Problems,
and Policies (McConnell and Brue)
Total: Approximately 30 - 31 Classes
10
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
Grading (Quarter):
1. Tests (2 or 3 per quarter at 100 points per test) = 1/3rd of quarter average
2. Quizzes (several per quarter at 100 points per quiz) = 1/3rd of quarter average
3. Homework/Participation Assignments (several per quarter) = 1/3rd of quarter average (Please
note that the term “participation” is used to describe tangible activities that are not tests, quizzes,
or projects.)
To determine your quarter average: 1, 2, and 3 are individually totaled and given a grade of 1 –
100. The three numbers are then added together and divided by 3.
Grading (Final Average)
1. Quarter 3
2. Quarter 3
3. Quarter 4
4. Quarter 4
5. “Final Exam” (Reflective paper on “Seniors for Sale” or other service learning project)
To determine your final average: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are added together and divided by 5.
General Rubric for Written Tests:
1) Did you read what I asked? It will become clear to me you either did, or you didn't in your
writing.
Value: 25 points
2) Did you make an effort to answer the questions posed as part of the test?
Value: 25 points
3) What was the quality of your ideas and arguments?
Value: 25 points
4) What was the quality of your writing? Was it collegiate level writing?
Value: 25 points
11
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics – Syllabus
Mr. Mosall
2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Email: mmosall@bhbl.org (quickest contact method)
Website: http://admin.bhbl.neric.org/~mmosall/
Homework: http://twitter.com/mosallhomework
(You do not need a Twitter account to view this homework feed)
Other Points:
Entering the room: I will greet you as you enter the room with a handshake. I believe it is
important that I personally say hello to you every class. You will find graded assignments and
class handouts on the table to your right. Please take what you need and find your seat.
Participation: I expect that each of you participate in some way every block. It is expected that
you will engage each other kindly, tolerantly, and in a normal speaking voice. I expect that you
raise your hand to share your thoughts, ideas, and questions.
Leaving the Room: You may get a drink of water or go to the restrooms when you feel an
overwhelming need to do so. Please do not interrupt class. Leave your seat, sign out on the clip
board, take the bathroom/water pass, and use the facilities. Return immediately. Only one person
may leave the classroom at a time. Please ask if you need to go to your locker. I think you will
find this is a very reasonable policy. You are adults in my eyes and deserve to be treated as
such. Please remember however that this policy will become vastly more restrictive if I feel it is
being abused.
Fire Drills and the Hallway: Please treat Fire Drills with the seriousness they deserve. Please
stay with me in the hall way and proceed orderly out of the building. I take these drills seriously
and I expect the same from you.
As Class Ends…. Lessons in my class will, typically, take the entire 82 minute block. In the rare
instance that our class material is covered in less then 82 minutes, the remaining time is yours to
use as you see fit. The only two requests I have are that you use normal speaking voices and that
you stay in your seats. You are not to line up at the door under any circumstances.
12