AP Microeconomics
Syllabus
2013-2014 School Year
Detailed syllabus for AP Microeconomics
Mr. Daniel A. Gagnon
2013-2014
Advanced Placement Microeconomics
Cherokee High School
2013-2014
Daniel A. Gagnon
Course Description:
The purpose of AP Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding
of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both
consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on
the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the
role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. It includes the
following concepts: scarcity, opportunity costs and production possibilities, specialization and
comparative advantage, the functions of any economic system, the nature and functions of
product market, supply and demand, models of consumer choice, firm production, costs,
revenues, product pricing and outputs, efficiency and government policy, factor markets,
efficiency, equity, and the role of government.
Course Themes:
1.
Basic Economic Concepts (8-14% of AP Exam)
2.
The Nature and Functions of product Markets (55-70% of AP Exam)
3.
Factor Markets (10-18% of AP Exam)
4.
Market Failure and the Role of Government (12-18% of AP Exam)
Course Materials:
Text:
Rittenberg and Tregarthen, Principles of Microeconomics Online Textbook
Accessed at http://www.flatworldknowledge.com
Supplement:
Morton, John, and Rae Goodman, AP Economics Teacher Resource Manual and
Workbook, New York: The National Council on Economic Education
Additional Text:
Levitt, Steven, Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of
Everything,
The Economist Magazine
Course Format:
Readings. Students will be given a list of reading assignments from the Brue
text. Students are to read each assignment on or before the date indicated and be prepared to
discuss the contents in class the next day. Readings are to be completed on the date assigned
regardless of absence or school cancellation. Students are responsible for all material
covered in the readings.
Additional Readings. Throughout the course, students will be required to read the listed
additional texts. The assignments for reading will be as follows:
Freakonomics
The Economists
Units 1 and 2
All Units
Students will have essay and short answer questions they will be required to complete for each
additional reading assignment. Reading assignments will be posted on my website.
Lecture. Lecture will be used when a reading topic needs to be clarified or
warrants the inclusion of outside information. Students are expected to be attentive and
respectful during lecture. It is imperative that students ask questions if they need help to
understand a concept.
Class Work. Students will engage in various classroom activities to aid in
developing skills necessary for success on the AP Microeconomics Exam. Activities utilized
include analysis of graphs, economic concepts, and real world scenario modeling. Class work
will consist of both individual, small group, and large group tasks.
Class Discussions. Discussion among students on the topics addressed in AP
Microeconomics will be frequent and students are expected to be prepared to participate. This
preparation will be achieved through carefully reading and analyzing the text and by being
present in class as much as possible.
Writing. The AP Microeconomics Exam has three writing tasks: one long essay
and two shorter essay questions. Students will spend time throughout the course learning
how to construct these items. Students will receive training in how these essays are graded
by exam readers and will be given opportunities to dissect sample essays, as well as practice
writing pieces themselves. During the course, students will compose each style of essay for
every unit. Essays will be timed to simulate the A.P. Exam.
Quizzes/Tests/Exams. Quiz and test dates will be announced with ample time
for preparation. Most tests will cover multiple chapters and will usually consist of multiple
choice questions to prepare students for the multiple choice portion of the AP Exam. Unit
exams will be in paragraph/ essay form. All students are required to take a midterm and
final exam.
Course Grading:
Tests:
Quizzes:
Projects/ Writing/ Daily:
Mid-term:
Final Exam:
40%
20%
10%
15%
15%
* Cherokee County will add in the Economics EOCT score with the student’s final class grade.
The Economics EOCT will count 15 % of the overall grade.
Classroom Expectations:
 Students will come prepared with text, pencil, paper, and positive attitude to class
daily.
 Assignments will be written in pencil or blue or black ink.
 Students will use class time wisely and will minimize distractions for peers,
teacher, and self.
 Students will be on time. Tardies will be counted. If tardy, students will come
into the room silently and be seated without distracting others.
 Students will be responsible with food and water or privileges will be revoked.
 Students will be responsible for discussing work missed due to absence with the
teacher upon return. School board policy states that a student has a time limit within which
all makeup work must be completed. The time limit is not to exceed 10 school days from
the date of the absence. Realize that absence, excused or unexcused, will result in missing
something from class. Be diligent about practicing good attendance habits.
 Students will comply with all rules laid out in the student handbook, paying
special attention to items on dress code, cell phones, and attendance.
 Late work will not be accepted.
 Extra Credit will not be given.
Additional Requirements:
 AP Microeconomics utilizes a Classroom Management System (CMS) known as
Moodle as a supplement to classroom discussion. Students will turn in homework and
writing assignments via Moodle. Blog postings and off-line discussion will also be
facilitated via Moodle. Students are required to have a valid and appropriate email address
in order to utilize Moodle. If a student does not have an email, one can be acquired from
Google or Yahoo. Parents are encouraged to download the calendar from Moodle to stay
up to date with their students’ assignments. Ample class time will be devoted so that
students without internet access at home will have computer time in class.
Course Outline:
The following information explains the four major units of study in AP
Microeconomics. Along with each unit is the amount of the AP Exam that is devoted to the
unit, an estimate of the time we will spend on each unit in class, and a few highlights of what
students will study. More detailed expectations will be given with each unit.
SEE READING GUIDE FOR DETAILED READING AND HOMEWORK
ASSIGNMENTS
Unit 1: Basic Economic Concepts
8-14% of Exam
Approx. 2 Weeks: August-Early September
Topics Include:
Scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs
Production possibilities curve
Comparative advantage, absolute advantage, specialization, and trade
Economic systems
Property rights and the role of incentives
Marginal analysis
Unit 2: The Nature and Functions of Product Markets
55-70% of Exam
Approx. 5 Weeks: Mid September-Late October
Topics Include:
Supply and demand
Theory of consumer choice
Production and costs
Firm behavior and market structure
Unit 3: Factor Markets
10-18% of Exam
Approx. 5 Weeks: Late October-Mid December
Topics Include:
Derived factor demand
Marginal revenue product
Labor market and firms’ hiring labor
Market distribution of income
Unit 4: Market Failure and the Role of Government
12-18% of Exam
Approx. 4 Weeks: January-Mid February
Topics Include:
Externalities
Public goods
Public policy to promote competition
Income distribution
Email:
dan.gagnon@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Website: http://mysite.cherokee.k12.ga.us/personal/dan_gagnon/site/default.aspx
Twitter:
@chsgagnon
Moodle:
http://moodle2.cherokee.k12.ga.us/cherokee_hs
Telephone: 770-479-4112
Progress Report and Report Card Dates:
Progress report:
September 4, 2013
End of first quarter:
home 10-18-13)
October 11, 2013
Progress report:
November 13, 2013
End of first semester:
home 1-10-14)
December 20, 2013
(Report cards go
(Report cards go