Course Syllabus

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Economics
Summer 2015 | June 8 – July 28, 2015
Course Number: 1514

In today’s world, students must be wise decision makers  . In this introductory course, students will use a variety of resources to become effective decision makers and evaluators of representatives decisions.  Students will learn to utilize word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentation software, web-based tools, effect of prices, price controls, opportunity cost, trade-offs, taxes, government spending, monetary policy and numerous other economic concepts.

Before you begin, please watch the orientation video found on the “Modules” page.

INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Paul Clodfelter, B.A. (IUPUI – Education)
Instructor at Center Grove High School
Financial Advisor (Sage Point Financial)
Email: clodfelterp@centergrove.k12.in.us (Second choice of communication)
Cell: 317.698.4766 (Preferred form of communication)
Canvass Communication: (Least preferred choice of communication)

Office Hours: While this is a completely online course, I will typically in be in my classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 am.  Additional times to meet are available upon request. We can meet online via Canvas Collaborations or in-person at a mutually convenient location. 

I generally respond to email within 1 hour. For general questions, please text me first. If there is an emergency, you may text or contact me on my cell phone.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Economics examines the allocation of resources and their uses for satisfying human needs and wants. The course analyzes economic reasoning used by consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, voters, and government in making decisions. Key elements of the course include study of scarcity and economic reasoning, supply and demand, market structures, role of government, national income determination, the role of financial institutions, economic stabilization, and trade. Students will explain that because resources are limited, people must make choices and understand the role that supply, demand, prices, and profits play in a market economy. The functions of government in a market economy and market structures will be examined. Students will understand economic performance, money, stabilization policies, and trade of the United States. The behavior of people, societies and institutions and economic thinking is integral to this course.

 

  • Recommended Grade Level: Grades 11 or 12
  • Recommended Prerequisites: None
  • Credits: 1 semester course, 1 credit
  • Fulfills the Economics requirement for the Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, Core 40 with Technical Honors and International Baccalaureate diplomas, a Social Studies requirement for the General Diploma, or counts as an Elective for any diploma

 

REQUIRED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
All readings and instructional materials will be provided in Canvas.  Access to a text book is provided.  Some students will choose to use this source extensively.  However, some students may prefer to use web based search engines to fine the information.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Students must have access to their school issued ipad or a personal ipad with Numbers and Pages.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Economics is a 1-credit, completely online course. There are no required face-to-face sessions, but students will be required to login at least three times/week.  Students will spend approximately 7.5 hours per week completing the required tasks. Many of the course projects involve collaborative and detailed work, and therefore students should plan ahead and allocate the time needed to such projects.  

Students are expected to complete all assignments by 11:59p.m. on the scheduled due dates. Failure to do so will result in a 10% deduction per day. Assignments will no longer be accepted after 5 days. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, students are to communicate with their instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.

You can always work ahead – but not behind.  If you are going to vacation, county fair, etc.  You should work ahead.  Please do not ask for extended time under these circumstances.

HELP-SEEKING STRATEGIES
Please be proactive and seek help whenever possible. The online environment is full of helpful people and resources.  If you are having a problem, reach out to those around you who might be able to help. Consider the following:

  1. Instructor Support. You can contact me anytime. The best ways to contact me (and are in order of preference) are:
    1. E-mail clodfelterp@centergrove.k12.in.us
    2. Text: 317.698.4766
    3. Call: 317.698.4766
    4. I do not like to use Canvas Messages.
  2. Technical Support. If you are having issues with Canvas, you may use the “help” link to search the Canvas guides, or report a problem. For technical support related to your hardware, you may file a help ticket with our Center Grove tech support team.

DISABILITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
If you have special needs that may require modification of instruction or assessment, please make sure a copy of your IEP is on file. You may contact Kathy Stricker, Director of Special Needs at strikerk@centergrove.k12.in.us, so that we can determine how to make necessary accommodations to best support your learning needs.   

GRADING
Grades and assignment feedback will be posted within 48-72 hours of submission (set your standards), pending an on-time submission. In some circumstances, you may be permitted to resubmit your work for a higher grade.  All assignments will be graded on a point basis and final grades will be determined as follows:

All assignments will be graded on a point basis and final grades will be determined as follows:

100 - 95 A

94 -  90 A-

89 -  87 B+

86 -  84 B

83 -  80 B-

79 -  77 C+

76 -  74 C

73 -  70 C-

OVERVIEW OF ASSIGNMENTS

Module 1: Running in Place
Module 2: Adam Smith at Work
Module 3: Markets Interact (May excuse the final turn in)

Module 4: Budget Simulation (May Excuse the Final Presentation)
Module 5: The President’s Dilemma

Course Summary:

Date Details Due