Your tex
tbook, Economics: Principles,
Problems and Policies, is the AP economics textbook used in
all
of
the
Alief high schools. The pace for this course is extremely fast, since we
have only
18 weeks
to cover the entire book. As a consequence, some information in the
chapters will be
compressed in the PAK work. Nevertheless, you are expected to read each
chapter studied in its entirety and you will be tested on that material.
This course is the equivalent of a college course.
The course itself is divided into four general topics, which will overlap the two terms devoted to the material. We have a total of 18 PAKs, which means you must complete at least one PAK per week in addition to talking all tests and quizzes, researching one research project each term and writing an extensive paper. The topics are as follows:
1. Thinking in Economic Terms
2. National Economics and the Government
3. Money and Banking
4. Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Survey
With all of this in mind, we have attempted to create an economics course which will equip you to deal with economics as an adult without driving you too crazy while you are still in high school. The work is constant, but not difficult.
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PAK Work – There are 18 PAKs in AP economics, which means you will complete 1 PAK per week during the course. That gives you about 4 days to complete each PAK. Check the calendar you were given and/or the website calendar for deadlines and due dates. |
1) Complete all of the Appendix and Review activities included at the end of a PAK
2) Pay close attention to the highlighted vocabulary words throughout the chapters. Economics provides you with an entirely new vocabulary that is crucial to your understanding of the subject and you can count on that material being tested. Read your PAK carefully for any additional questions or mini projects you must complete for the PAK.
3) As you complete each PAK, pick up a Vocabulary Quiz from the counter and take the quiz in the center – WITHOUT the use of your textbook.
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Computer Modules – Some of the PAKs have computer modules which accompany them. These modules are a separate grade from the daily work. Turn them in stapled to the back of your PAK work. Be sure to list the computer module separately on the turn in sheet. Computer modules may be completed with a group of two or three other economics students. |
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Videos – Some PAKs will require you to watch a video. These may be checked out from the counter and watched in the center. They may not be checked out to take home. |
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PowerPoint Presentations
- An online PowerPoint presentation is available for each
chapter and provide will provide additional tutorial material. Log on to
Student Center at: |
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Mini Projects – In some PAKs you will find a small project which requires you to do more than just answer questions. These will count as quiz grades and are usually individual projects. |
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Tests – You will take a test over each chapter that you study. Review the key terms and Chapter Assessment material at the end of each chapter before you go to take the test. Although this material will not be turned in for a grade, it will serve as your test review. In addition, you must complete the test review provided with each PAK before you are issued a test pass. |
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Projects – Over the course of the two terms, you are required to complete three projects. These will count as double test grades. |
1) Budget Blues: Term 1 – For six weeks, you and a partner will research your options as roommates living on your own. You will inventory your assets and create a working budget which fits your situation. The catch is, I decide your living situation! Details for this project will be presented in a seminar at the end of Week 1. Deadlines will be posted both on the website and your calendar. This is an ongoing project and research must be completed in addition to regularly scheduled PAK work.
2) Stock Market Project: Term 2 - For four weeks in the second term, you will be required to follow four real stocks that you and your group select from the New York Stock Exchange. Details for this project will be presented in a seminar at the beginning of Week 1 of Term 2. Deadlines will be posted both on this website and your calendar. This is an ongoing project and research must be completed in addition to regularly scheduled PAK work.
3) Research Paper: Term 2. The culmination of your two terms of AP economics will be a college level research paper which will cover several aspects of one economic topic. Details for this paper will be presented at the appropriate time. At this point, allow me to remind you that plagiarism of any kind in this kind of research is not only unacceptable, but unethical. Do Your Own Work.