EconomicsMrs. Duffield
Welcome to our Class! This course is an exploration into both
micro and macro economics. The course utilizes a practical approach
and deals primarily with theory, as well as a small amount of basic
math/graphing. Our class begins with the study of basic economic
concepts and continues with studies of money, supply theory, demand
theory, government influence, and an overview of macroeconomics.
This course provides a social studies credit, and is required for
graduation by the State of Michigan and Okemos High School.
Microeconomic Subject OverviewUnit One: Introduction to
Economics, Economic Systems, American Free Enterprise Chapters 1,
2, 3
Unit Two: Demand, Supply, Prices Chapters 4, 5, 6Unit Three:
Market Structures, Business Organizations, Labor Chapters 7, 8,
9
Unit Four: Money and Banking, Financial Markets Chapters 10,
11
Macroeconomic Subject OverviewUnit Five: GDP and Growth,
Economic Challenges, Chapters 12, 13
Unit Six: Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy, International
Trade Chapters 16, 17GradingFor school-wide policy, please refer to
the grading scale in the student handbook. In this class, points
will be earned for daily assignments, projects, papers, and tests.
There will be no weighted grades. Each quarter grade will be based
on the cumulative total of the points earned on all
assignments/tests/quizzes completed during the quarter. The
semester exam will count for 15% of the semester grade. The
semester grade will be calculated as follows: 42.5% quarter 1
grade, 42.5% quarter 2 grade, and 15% semester exam. Extra credit
opportunities will be offered periodically, and I encourage all
students to take advantage of these opportunities. I encourage both
parents and students to monitor class grades online at any time by
using the PowerSchool program that is accessible through the school
website: www.okemosschools.net. Per school policy, by Friday of
each week I will enter into Power School all assignments that have
been given in class that week. The students grade for each
assignment will often be entered at a later time, however, as it
takes a varying amount of time to finish grading various essays,
tests, etc Please be assured that I will enter student grades for
each assignment as soon as I am able to finish grading them.
Assignments and Activities Posted Each DayEach days activity and
assignments are posted in two places: 1) on my Economics website,
and 2) in the daily planner located on the table in the front of
the classroom. It is the responsibility of the student to find out
what assignments they have missed during an absence by checking one
of those two locations. All missed handouts can be found in the
hanging file folders labeled Economics on the counter in the
classroom, and they can be downloaded from the class website, as
well. Of course, full credit is given on all make up work due to
excused absences. The class website can be accessed from the High
Schools homepage/departments/social studies/Whitney Duffield. By
clicking on the calendar tab you will see the class
activities/homework posted at the conclusion of each school day,
and by clicking on the economics tab you will see electronic files
of all handouts and powerpoints given in class.
Late WorkEach student is issued three late work passes per
semester. If a student has not completed an assignment on time,
they may turn it in late with a late work pass and they will be
eligible to receive full credit on that assignment. Therefore,
students have three opportunities each semester to spare themselves
from being penalized for failing to complete an assignment on time.
Beyond each students three passes, no late work will be
accepted.Passes may not be turned in for major projects or papers.
If a major project or paper is turned in late, 10% will be deducted
for the first day late, 20% for the second, and 30% for the third,
up to a 50% deduction.
Classroom Expectations The overarching theme that will guide our
class through the year is respect and consideration for each other,
and for the learning that will go on in class each day. At all
times we will speak to each other courteously and respect the ideas
that each of us brings to class. Behavior that impedes a students
learning process, or that of any other individual in class, is not
acceptable. Students are expected to come to class each day on
time, with all class materials (textbook, pen, notebook, etc), and
ready to learn. No food or drinks aside from water are allowed in
class. In accordance with school policy, electronic devices (mp3
players, calculators, cell phones) are allowed in class at my
discretion. If you are using an electronic device in class and I
have not given you or the entire class explicit permission to do
so, then I will confiscate the device and assign a detention. This
is in accordance with school policy. If you arent certain whether
you may use a device at any given time, ask me first--before you
begin to use it.
HelpIf you need any help throughout the semester, I am always
available. You may come and see me in room A201 before or after
school if youd like my undivided attention. If you want to be sure
that I am going to be available before/after school on a given
date, you may prearrange a meeting with me. I encourage all
students to see me for extra help! You may also email or leave me a
voicemail with questions/concerns at any time. I will respond
within 24 hours of your message. I want to help all students to
succeed in this course and will do whatever I can to ensure that
you have a positive experience! If you have concerns or questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me at school. My phone number is
706-4798, and my email address is
[email protected].
