SYLLABUS
ECONOMCS
Economics
TEACHER INFORMATION:
Name:
Office Telephone Number:
School Email:
Preparation Period:
Rueben L. Nelson Jr.
231-7000
ruebennelsonjr@yahoo.com
5th, 6th 7th
COURSE INFORMATION:
TEXTBOOK(S):
Primary Text: GLENCOE, Economics Principles & Practices
Students will scan out for their textbooks by number and will be responsible for turning
in that same textbook at the end of the term. Books will be checked by number and
students will only receive credit for turning in a book if they turn in the correct book.
Books should be turned in the same condition in which they were received. Students will
have to pay for damaged or lost books.
MATERIALS:
1 ea notebook (spiral or three ring binder)
1 ea folder for keeping returned papers
Loose-leaf paper
Pen and pencil
Other materials as required
Students may use either a spiral notebook or a three binder. If a student prefers to use a
spiral notebook, the pages should have perforated edges for ease of tearing. Students
should not turn in papers with jagged edges.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Economics is a one-semester (nine-weeks on 7 period schedule) required course for the
twelfth grade that focuses on functions and institutions of modern-day systems and
economic theory. Students use the knowledge and analytical-thinking skills learned in
previous courses and grades to analyze issues and problems in contemporary economic
systems. They examine the consequences of public policies and their impact upon
current economic conditions. Mastering economics knowledge and skills enables
students to anticipate changes in economic conditions and to take appropriate action that
improves their lives as well as society.
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance, lateness
A student must be in attendance for the required number of days as established by the
State of Alabama for each term in order to complete one of the minimum requirements
for class. The student must attend class for the specific number of clock hours
established by the state and pass the assigned work. See Parent-Student Handbook, page
13.
Six (6) or more absences from a class, whether excused or unexcused, may result in loss
of credit. In cases of prolonged absence due to illness, the parent or guardian should seek
assistance from the Homebound Program. See Parent-Student Handbook, page 13.
Students are expected to arrive in class on time, and be prepared to begin work
immediately. A student is late if not in the room and seated when they the tardy bell
rings. The tardy bell is not the signal to rush into classroom.
Attendance cont.
The school will request a parent conference when a student is tardy or absent an
excessive number of days. See Parent-Student Handbook, page 14.
Class Participation
Students are expected to participate in class, but only positive participation will be
rewarded. They are many ways to participate. I realize that some students are shy and
will have to be called upon to encourage active participation, but that’s all right. For
example, answering a question correctly, voluntarily, or when called upon in class, is an
example of positive participation. Even saying awake in class and taking notes as
required is an example of positive participation. Sleeping, or talking at inappropriate
times, are examples of not participating, or of participating in a negative way. You are
not contributing to the class if you are disrupting the class.
Missed exams or assignments
When a student returns to school after an absence, an excuse must be presented within
three (3) days. Students MUST accept responsibility for scheduling make-up work on the
first day that they return to school. STUDENTS HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 3 DAYS
TO MAKE UP WORK. This does not mean that students automatically have 3 days
to make up work. Three days is the maximum allowable time. If the excuse is not
presented to the assistant principal during this time period, the absence will be
coded unexcused, and make-up work will not be permitted. Also, the 3 days refers
to school days, not class days in a particular class.
Work should be turned in the first day that a students returns to class when possible.
If a student fails to turn in an assignment on time for reasons other than being absent, the
student may still submit the assignment for reduced credit. The maximum amount of
time allowed for make-up work will be three days from due date.
A physician’s excuse is required to make up a missed 9-weeks or semester exam.
Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This includes both cheating on exams,
copying homework, and plagiarism. Plagiarism means taking credit for other people’s
work or not properly documenting the use of their work. When in doubt as to what is
acceptable, ask, and I will be glad to explain. As a minimum, academic dishonesty will
result in a zero for the assignment.
Grading
Grades will be weighted as follows.
Tests
Homework
Class Participation
50%
25%
25%
Grades will be posted on I-Parent on a continuing basis and mid-term progress reports
will be sent home with students.
MISCELLANEOUS
Students are not allowed to bring food or drink into the classroom.
AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES
Tutoring is normally provided at Ramsay High School in all subject areas. Tutoring is
not ongoing at this time due to a lack of funding. If and when tutoring is reinstated, this
information will be provided to students.
Additional support service is provided by the Alabama Virtual Library at
http://www.avl.lib.al.us/. The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) provides a world of
quality library information for Alabama library users. Materials include magazine
articles, newspapers, encyclopedias, and other reference sources. Access is granted to all
Alabama citizens at Alabama public libraries and at libraries of public education
facilities. Home access is also provided to Alabama citizens through local public
libraries. To register for an access card, an individual must visit his local public library
and meet local library registration policies.
Another aid for students is the stateside homework service, LIVE HOMEWORK
HELP! This is an innovative program that connects students with expert tutors for live,
one-on-one help with homework assignments via the Internet. This service operates
seven days a week from 3:00 P.M. until midnight and can be accessed at http://
www.homeworkalabama.org/.
Finally, let’s not forget the school library, and other public libraries, which provide
valuable resources for student use, including Internet access. Each classroom also has
three computers that can be accessed with the teacher’s permission.