AP Macroeconomics
Cedar Creek High School
Instructor: Margaret McBride
2015-2016 School Year
Course Description
AP Macroeconomics is a College Board designed course that introduces the skills needed to succeed in AP Social
Science courses while covering the content and concepts of Macroeconomics. Course curriculum, materials, and
expectations are designed to better prepare you for college level course work.
According to College Board, “AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the
principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of
national income and price-level determination; it also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance
measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students [will]
learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.”
Please understand that this course requires extensive reading, writing, and graphing. Be sure to utilize tutorials if
you need help.
Course Materials:
Main Text:
Ray, Margaret, and David Anderson.
Krugman's Macroeconomics for AP.
New York: Worth Publishers/BFW, 2011.
Study Guide:
Walstad, William B. and Robert C. Bingham
Study Guide to accompany Economics
McGrawHill Higher Education: 2002 Edition
Activities Manual: (I will also utilize the 4th edition as well)
Morton, John S. and Rae Jean B. Goodman
Advanced Placement Economics: Macroeconomics
National Council on Economic Education: 3rd Edition, 2003
Required Course Materials (This will be utilized as your study manual for your AP Test in May)
The following are required in class daily:
*A 3 ring binder- minimum size of 1 and half inches
* A Pack of dividers: Your dividers need to follow the topics that will be addressed in the class (See Below)
* 2 packs College Rule notebook paper
* Pencils
* Pens
* Graph Paper (if desired)
* Highlighters
* Colored Pencils
Please Note the Following Items:
*You may need to purchase items for a project (such as poster board, scissors, glue, and index
Cards, etc.).
*If you know you will have trouble obtaining any of these items, please see your instructor immediately!
*Each student will receive a packet of documents/readings that will be utilized daily in class. It is essential
That students bring their notebook to class every day and a grade may be taken on your notes.
AP Macroeconomics Course Content:
“The AP Macroeconomics course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics
and how economists use those principles to examine aggregate economic behavior. Students learn how the
measures of economic performance, such as gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, and unemployment are
constructed and how to apply them to evaluate the macroeconomic conditions of an economy. The course
recognizes the global nature of economics and provides ample opportunities to examine the impact of international
trade and finance on national economies. Various economic schools of thought are introduced as students consider
solutions to economic problems.”
Course Outline
% of AP Test
Unit 1
8-12% of AP
Unit 2
12-16% of AP
Unit 3
10-15% of AP
Unit 4
15-20% of AP
Topic
Basic Economic Concepts
Section 1
Module 1: The Study of Economics
Module 2: Introduction to Macroeconomics
Module 3: The Production Possibilities Curve Model
Module 4: Comparative Advantage and Trade
Section 2
Module 5: Introduction to Demand
Module 6: Supply and Equilibrium
Module 7: Changes in Equilibrium
Module 8: Price Controls (If we have Time)
Morton / (Anderson) Activities
(Ch. 1)
17
1 and 2 Part A
2 Part B, 49, 50
(Ch. 3)
3 and 4
5 and 6
7
Measurement of Economic Performance
Section 3
Module 10: The Circular Flow and GDP
Module 11: Interpreting RGDP
Module 12: The Meaning and Calculation of Unemployment
Module 13: The Causes and Categories of Unemployment
Module 14: Inflation: An Overview
Module 15: The Measurement and Calculation of Inflation
(Ch. 21)
10 and 12
11 Part C
11 Part A
16
11 Part B
13
National Income and Price Determination
Section 4
Module 16: Income and Expenditures
Module 17: AD: Introduction and Determinants
Module 18: AS: Introduction and Determinants
Module 19: Equilibrium in the AD/AS Model
Module 20: Economic Policy and the AD/AS Model
Module 21: Fiscal Policy and the Multiplier
(Ch. 25)
20 and 21
23
24 and 29
25 and 28
27, 30, 43 and 45
31
Financial Sector
Section 5
Module 22: Saving, Investment and the Financial System
Module 23: The Definition and Measurement of Money
Module 24: The Time Value of Money
Module 25: Banking and Money Creation
Module 26: The Fed. History and Structure
Module 27: The Fed. Monetary Policy
(Ch. 22)
34 and 35
37
38
40
Module 28: The Money Market
Module 29: The Market for Loanable Funds
Unit 5
20-30% of AP
Unit 6
5-10% of AP
Unit 7
10-15% of AP
Inflation, Unemployment and Stabilization Policies
Section 6
Module 30: Long Run Implications of Fiscal Policy:
Deficits and the Public Debt
Module 31: Monetary Policy and the interest Rate
Module 32: Money, Output and Prices in the Long Run
Module 33: Types of Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation
Module 34: Inflation and Unemployment: The Phillips Curve
Module 35: History and Alternative Views of Macroeconomics
Module 36: The Modern Macroeconomic Consensus
Economic Growth and Productivity
Section 7
Module 37: Long Run Economic Growth
Module 38: Productivity and Growth
Module 39: Growth Policy: Why Economic Growth Rates Differ
Module 40: Economic Growth in Macroeconomic Models
Open Economy: International Trade and Finance
Section 8
Module 41: Capital Flows and the Balance of Payments
51 and 52
Module 42: The Foreign Exchange Market
Module 43: Exchange Rate Policy
Module 44: Exchange Rates and Macroeconomic Policy
Module 45: Putting it All Together
Macroeconomic Graphing
Students will create a master chart of graphs and be able to create and give an analysis for:
Production Possibility Frontiers
Business Cycles and the Secular Trend
Consumption and Savings Functions and Links
Investment Demand Curve
Aggregate Supply Segments and Biases (Keynes versus Say's Law)
Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply Model
Money Supply Markets
Loanable Funds/Private Savings Market
Private, Domestic Bond Markets
Phillips Curves
Laffer Curve
Dollar Markets/Foreign Currency Markets
Post AP Exam Topics
This course is given in the Spring Semester
The US and World Stock Markets: NYSE, NASDAQ, ....
IRS Taxes and 1040 forms
State and Regional Economics
Personal Economics like banking, loans, credit cards....
39
41 and 44
(Ch. 26)
43
42
46
48
(Ch. 28)
47
(Ch. 27)
53
54 and 55
These topics are part of the general economics curriculum of the state and are covered as time permits from
the mid May exam time to the time of finals. Time usually committed to this unit: 2 weeks
Tests and Quizzes
Chapter tests are taken from multiple sources. All multiple choice questions contain 5 answer choices, phrased in the
same style as the College Board AP test.
Most test will contain 30-50 questions and will be given in one 50 minute class period. Daily grades will include
reading quizzes, graphing problems, sample "free response" questions, and workbook activities.
The free response questions will be taken from older AP test samples or variations of those questions.
Cedar Creek High School’s World History Grading Policy:
Your average will consist of grades, both major and daily that count as follows:
*60% Major Assessments-These will consist of essays, unit exams, and book reports
*40% Daily Work- These Assignments will consist of the following:
*Homework Assignments,
*Random Notebook Checks
*Unit Quizzes (Snapshots)
*Active Participation in daily classroom activities and instruction,
*Daily Warm Ups and,
*Closure Activities
* I also STONGLY recommend watching at least ten minutes of the national/international news each day.
Late Work: What is late work?
* According to the Bastrop ISD’s District Student Policy, any assignment not completed the by its due date is
considered late. All assignments will be given a due date that is typically due by the end of their class period or on an
assigned due date. Students may submit a late assignment with the understanding that 10 points will be deducted
every day the assignment is NOT turned in. For example, if an assignment is submitted 2 days late, 20 points will be
deducted from the grade.
* Work can be turned in until the end of the grading period, either the progress report or report card; whichever
comes next; otherwise it will be counted as a zero (0). It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for all make
up work and exams.
Absence Policy:
*If you are absent, then...
Stop by my classroom before school to ask for assignments
*If you are absent during the day as assignment is due, then…
Your assignment is due the day you return; otherwise it will be considered late.
*If you are absent during the day of a test, then…
You will take the test on the day of your return. If you have not made up the test, you will receive a grade of
Zero (0)
Retests & Redemption:
Grades reflect your grasp of the curriculum through your performance on daily and major assignments. If you fail a
test, you may correct the test during the designated tutoring times in order to raise your grade to a 70%. If you fail a
quiz, you have the option of retaking the quiz for up to a 70%. Test and quiz make-ups for those who were absent
must be made up during the designated tutoring hours. For all makeup tests, quizzes, and retests, you have up to
one week from the testing date to complete them. Refer to the BISD retesting policy as reflected in the CCHS
Student Code of Conduct.
Tutorials:
I will be available for tutorials on most mornings at 8am before the start of school. I will be available after school
most afternoons until 4:45 pm. If you are unable to reach me, other teachers in the Social Studies Department will
be able to provide tutoring if a student is not able to get to school during my designated tutorial times. If student
needs to arrange a specific time to meet with me, please contact by e-mail and I will make every effort to be
available for his/her needs.
Other Important Information:
According to Cedar Creek High School’s School Policy, ALL students are required to be in their designated class
during the first and last ten minutes of the class period unless there is an emergency or you are called from an office.
The tardy, attendance, dress code, ID, and electronics policies will be enforced in my class, every day. Please refer to
your Student Code of Conduct for all campus and district policies.
Behavioral Expectations:
In this class, we commit to…
1. Respect ourselves, others, and their belongings
2. Be seated and prepared to learn EVERY DAY
3. Turn in quality work ON TIME.
Discipline Issues:
If you choose to not commit to the above classroom expectations, you will be subject to BOTH Cedar Creek High
School’s and my discipline policies. The following disciplinary actions constitute action from your teacher:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Excessive talking and disruptive behavior
Interrupting the teacher
Being disrespectful to students in speech or conduct
Consistent tardiness
Sleeping
Unauthorized use of Electronics -CELL PHONES/IPODS/IPADS/MP3S/ are to be utilized in class upon the
teacher’s discretion. If a student is caught using their electronic device inappropriately, the device will be
immediately confiscated and taken to the Assistant Principal’s office. If the student refuses to hand their
device to the teacher, the student will receive a discipline referral for non-compliance. Emergencies will be
handled by the front office.
Any or consist use of the above actions constitutes action from my personal classroom discipline procedures. Mrs.
McBride’s Three Strike Policy is as follows:
First Offense: Verbal Warning
Second Offense: The student’s name will be written on the board
Additional Behavioral and Classroom Offenses: The student will receive up to three (but no more than) by
Their name each time I have to redirect your chose behavior.
Behavioral Consequences:
*1-3 Strikes: Each strike represents the amount of times; the teacher has redirecting and conferencing with the
student about choosing to not follow the classroom’s expectations. Mrs. McBride chooses to conference with the
student after the class period. Each time, the Parent/Guardian, coach, and Assistant Principal will be notified about
the student’s behavior.
*3 Strikes: This will result in an automatic phone call (and email) home and a morning/after school detention.
*Repeated Behavioral Offenses (More than 3 Strikes): By choosing to not follow my classroom expectations, and
procedures, the student’s actions will result in a discipline referral to the Assistant Principal’s Office
Immediate Referral/Removal from Class:
The following Actions Constitute Immediate Referral and/or Removal from My Class:
1. Cussing and/or abusive language directed towards myself or another student
2. Physical action taken against another student
3. Lewd behavior/language in the classroom
Please Note: Positive Behavior is often rewarded in my class and students are given ample opportunities to have
tallies and their names removed from the board. The student will begin each week with a clean plate with no tallies.
Cedar Creek High School’s Tardy Policy: A student is considered tardy, if they are not in their assigned seat when
the bell rings. If a student is tardy to class, they are expected to adhere to the following procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
If a student is tardy for any reason, you may not enter my room until I received a signed pass from the
Personal Accountability Center (PAC).
When the tardy bell rings, I will shut the door. If the student is late, the student MAY NOT enter my room for
any reason.
The student will walk to the Personal Accountability Center.
The student will obtain a tardy pass from the responsible adult in the center.
The student will promptly walk back to my classroom.
The student may enter my classroom with a completed pass. Please be aware that entering my class late is a
violation of my classroom policy. As a result, the student will endure consequences from both myself and
the student’s assistant principal.
Then the student will proceed to the classroom following the dictated classroom procedures.
How to Find Success in this Class:
1. The Single most important contributor to student success is whether he/she completes each assignment. There is no
Substitute.
2. Keep an organized notebook and use it to review. Proper prior planning prevents poor performance. This is
Especially true of college courses.
3. Do not worry about your grade unless it is failing.
4. Form and join an informal study group with students in the same class. These are very successful. The group is not
A substitute for reading or doing the work, but two heads are often better than one. This also allows you to
Get missing notes. And, phone numbers so you all can call each other if need be.
5. If you have a question or concern, call, email, or come by classroom. I will help you all as much as is possible, but
you have to see me outside of class. My conference and tutorial times are posted and I am usually at school before
classes start and after school.
AP Macroeconomics
Cedar Creek High School
Parent/Guardian Agreement
Student Name (PLEASE PRINT):_______________________________ Grade Level: __________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (PLEASE PRINT): _______________________ Relationship to student: _________________
Contact info
Þ Home number: ________________________ The best time to call is: ______________
Þ Work or Mobile: __________________________________________________________
Þ Parent/Family Email Address: ________________________________________________
Þ Does student have a smart phone or other device with wireless internet capability? (Circle one) Y N
Primary language at home:
English
Spanish
Other: __________________________
Signatures:
By signing below, both the student and parent/guardian agree that they have received and understand the course
syllabus, classroom expectations and agree to the expectations for Mrs. McBride’s World History course.
Student Signature: __________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________
Please note any expected extra-curricular activities, sports or any other special circumstances below: (you may use
back if necessary)
AP Macroeconomics Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Directions: Once you have been sorted into groups begin to answer the questions below from your syllabus. The
correct answers must be written in marker on the one the large piece of chart paper provided. When you think you
have answered all the questions correctly hang it up on the wall with tape and flag me down to check your answers.
The first team to finish with all answers correct wins a prize
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
What is the name of our text book?
When are my tutorials?
How many units will we cover and what are their titles?
How are assessments structured in this course?
What are the two types of grades and their weight (%) offered in this class?
Explain the retest and redemption policy?
List four materials required for this class
What are the divider sections your binder must have?
What is the late work policy?
List two ways you and your peers can find success in this class.
AP Macroeconomics Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Directions: Once you have been sorted into groups begin to answer the questions below from your syllabus. The
correct answers must be written in marker on the one the large piece of chart paper provided. When you think you
have answered all the questions correctly hang it up on the wall with tape and flag me down to check your answers.
The first team to finish with all answers correct wins a prize
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
1) What is the name of our text book?
When are my tutorials?
How many units will we cover and what are their titles?
How are assessments structured in this course?
What are the two types of grades and their weight (%) offered in this class?
Explain the retest and redemption policy?
List four materials required for this class
What are the divider sections your binder must have?
What is the late work policy?
List two ways you and your peers can find success in this class.