Economics Syllabus and Class Guidelines This syllabus explains content that will be covered, and expectations for success in this class during the next 18 weeks. Economics is required for graduation so it is important that you do well. 1. You will be expected to keep and maintain a binder in this class. The binder will be invaluable in that it will have your notes and returned assignments that you will use in studying for tests and quizzes. You will need to use tabs to clearly mark each section of your binder. You will have a section for notes, for returned assignments, and for your classroom economy at the minimum. (You may keep your binder in your class’s designated bin.) 2. You will use the online textbook for use at home. I will have a class set, but they cannot leave the room. The online textbook url is: http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do 3. You will be expected to write in the class. You will be expected to follow MLA writing conventions. Your writing should be concise, to cover required content, and to be either typed or written so that it can be read. (If it cannot be read, then it will be returned ungraded and you will have to resubmit it for a grade. Points will be deducted for late assignments.) Writing will be graded both on structure and content. Class Guidelines 1. You may bring something to drink into class if it has a lid. If you spill it you will be expected to clean it. 2. No food is ever allowed in the class. If you arrive to school late and you need to eat before coming to class get a note from the grade level principal admitting you to class without being counted tardy. 3. Technology should remain out of sight. It may be used only with a teacher’s permission. This includes time when you are expected to read, write, or be working on individual assignments. You will be expected to remain on task when using your device for class work. If you are not on task, then you will lose the privilege of using the device in class that day. Yet you will still be responsible for making up the work. Students will receive one warning, after that he or she will be asked to give the item to the teacher, it will be returned at the end of the period. If a student chooses not to give the item to the teacher he/she will be dismissed to the office and a discipline referral written. No discussion or arguing about the issue will occur during class. If a student has technology out during a test the student will receive (0) for the test and be required to retake the test. The issue will not be discussed during the test. After the class, a student-teacher conference will occur to discuss what happened and why the technology was used at a time that it was not allowed. 4. If you are absent the day of a test or want to retest, you can make-up the test within five class days either during lunch, or before school. 5. If you are absent for several days check the Economics Edmodo page and the online textbook class page. The calendar will be updated and the work posted to the online textbook class page. You can also contact me at Rebecca.campbell@springbranchisd.com or Ms. Ebadtabrizi at Lyla.ebadtabrizi@springbranchisd.com. 6. If you have an issue with anyone class, we will discuss the issue in a calm and respectful manner. 7. All school policies will be followed in my class at all times. 8. If you are having difficulties in the class, ask for help. Class Grading Policies 1. Grade calculation: Tests/Major Projects – 50% Quizzes/Small Projects – 30% Daily/Homework – 20% 2. Any work turned in late will receive a one letter grade deduction. 3. No assignment will be accepted after 5 days. You will be given an alternative assignment to complete instead. 4. There will be an automatic five (5) point deduction (each) for not having both your name and class period on all assignments. 5. Retest policy will be followed as per district guidelines. Students must attend one tutorial session before retesting. a. Original grade x .25 b. Retest grade x .75 c. Add these two numbers = new grade 6. There will be a minimum of two writing assignments within each 9 week grading period. 7. Guided Reading Activities: in order for our classroom activities to be more practical and experimental in nature, we will be doing regular guided reading activities as homework for each Chapter to cover all required material. 8. One grade per each nine weeks will be dropped. Unit Outline Classroom Economy – Chapter 19 – Personal Finance Literacy The concept of personal finance will be taught throughout the course of the 18 weeks through our classroom economy. It will be covered through a series of classroom economy projects covering personal finance, concepts of budgeting, and savings. (Please see the classroom economy syllabus for details.) Unit 1 - Introduction to Economics Chapter 1 – What is Economics? Chapter 2 – Economic Systems Chapter 3 – American Free Enterprise Unit 2- Understanding Markets Chapter 4 – Demand Chapter 5 – Supply Chapter 6 – Prices Chapter 7 – Market Structures Unit 3 – Business and Labor Chapter 8 – Business and Organization Chapter 9 – Labor and Wages Students will develop a concept for a small business and present the business to the class. Unit 4 – Money, Banking, and Finance Chapter 10 – Money and Banking Chapter 11 – Financial Markets Unit 5 - Economic Performance Chapter 12 – Evaluating the Economy Chapter 13 – Economic Instability Unit 6 - Government and the Economy Chapter 14 – Taxes and Government Spending Chapter 15 - Fiscal Policy Chapter 16 – Monetary Policy Unit 7 - The Global Economy Chapter 17 – Resources for Global Trade Chapter 18 – Global Economic Development Personal Finance Unit Wrap Up and Auction