AP Economics 2014-15 Email: jon_hollander@hcpss.

org
Howard High School Website: http://h-doghohs.weebly.com/
Instructor: Jon Hollander
Office (B104) Classroom (N100)


1. Course overview and content

AP Economics is designed at a conceptually advanced level and includes topics in both microeconomics and
macroeconomics. In addition to preparing students for the AP exam, the purpose of this course is to allow students to
develop a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that can be applied to everyday life. Students will
develop an economic way of thinking and problem solving that will enlighten the decisions they will make as
consumers, members of the work force, citizens, voters and participants in a larger economic system and global
marketplace.

The study of economics can be fascinating, fun, confusing, and frustrating often all at the same time. Although
material may seem straightforward, students should note that economic principles can be deceptively complex and
that there is frequently a difference between reading and fully understanding the material. Accordingly, strong
conceptual, analytical and reasoning skills as well as a strong work ethic are needed to succeed in this class. Students
who are enrolled in this course are strongly encouraged to take the AP Micro and/or AP Macro exam.

Microeconomics
I. Basic Economic Concepts
II. The Nature and Functions of Product Markets
III. Factor Markets
IV. Market Failure and the Role of Government

Macroeconomics
I. Basic Economic Concepts
II. Measurement of Economic Performance
III. National Income and Price Determination
IV. Financial Sector
V. Inflation, Unemployment, and Stabilization Policies
VI. Economic Growth and Productivity

Course Outline (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap-economics-course-description.pdf)


2. AP Exam(s)

This course will prepare you for both the AP exams in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The AP exams are
scheduled for May 14 (Macro/pm) and May 15 (Micro/am). Both exams have a 70-minute multiple-choice section,
consisting of 60 questions and a 50-minute free response section, consisting of one long free response question and
two short free response questions.
Our class will complete the introduction of new material by early May as to allow one to two weeks to review material
in preparation for the exams. Cumulative exams will be administered for those students not taking the AP exams in
May and will count toward their grade.






3. Textbook and Materials

Required Text
Krugman, Paul and Wells, Robin. Economics. 2nd ed. New York: Worth Publications, 2009 (Provided)

It is recommended that students purchase an AP study guide in the spring. The suggested guide is 5 Steps to a 5 AP
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics by Eric R. Dodge


Students will need the following materials for class:
Binder with Dividers (3 sections: Classwork/Notes; Tests/Quizzes; Vocabulary/Problem Sets)
Pens and pencils (blue and black ink only)
Composition book
Calculator

4. Academic Preparation

Class preparation and participation are extremely important. The classroom is a place of mutual respect with learning
as our goal.
The reading for this course is both exciting and rigorous. It is the students responsibility to set aside time to
thoroughly read each section of the assigned material. Mastery of this material will prove invaluable during class
discussions, activities and lectures as well as on the AP exam itself. Just because something is not covered in class does
not mean that it will not be tested. You are expected to complete assigned readings regardless of whether or not
they are covered in class.
Dont forget Murphys Law: What can go wrong will. Do not leave your online work until the last minute, because that
is when your computer will crash. That excuse is the 21
st
century version of my dog ate my homework. There is an old
saying-A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part. If there is a printer failure you
can always email the assignment to me.
Students will be expected to persist with P.R.I.D.E.!

5. Academic Integrity

Students are required to complete their own work. Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the
language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work. Any work that is
copied or provided for other students to copy is a violation of policy.
Cheating is unacceptable and will be dealt with according to the Student Handbook. This includes looking at another
students work or copying another students work. Any type of cheating will result in a 0 grade, parent contact and
an office referral.
To ensure that all students have the same academic environment for testing, all tests, essays, and quizzes will be
designated as SILENT. All other conversations (no matter how trivial) will be considered a violation of this agreement
and considered cheating. Violations will result in a grade of ZERO on the assignment.

6. Grading Policy

All graded work will be given a point score. Student grades are based upon the POINT SYSTEM. The total number of
points the student earns on all graded work is divided by the total possible number of points the student could have
earned to receive the marking period grade. There will also be a Midterm Exam and Final Exam that will impact the
students final grade for this course.
If a student has a legitimate reason for absence that student is afforded the opportunity to make-up all missed work.
The student will only have the exact number of days he/she was absent to make-up the missed work and turn it in for
grading. Students should consult Mr. Hollander for assistance with meeting this deadline in a timely manner.
Assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit. Students can earn up to 50% credit for the assignment if
turned in the next time the class meets. Each student needs to take responsibility and be accountable for his/her grade
and learning.



GRADING SCALE

Grading will reflect the level of achievement of a student. Marking period grades will be determined as follows:

A (90-100%)
B (80-89%)
C (70-79%)
D (60-69%)
E (59% or lower)



7. Do it over
The Social Studies Department believes in the success of all students; therefore, we support redo opportunities.

8. Electronics Policy: Cant be seen, cant be heard, classroom bell to classroom bell speaks for itself.

9. Disruption of class or violation of school rules will result in the application of the PBIS disciplinary ladder and/or an
office referral.

P.R.I.D.E. Pact

By signing, I acknowledge that I fully understand the expectations and requirements as set forth in AP Economics for
the 2014-15 school year. I also will complete the student/parent information survey that is on Mr. Hollanders website.



_____________________________ Student Name _______________________________ Student signature

_____________________________ Parent Signature ______________ Date
Percent scores are rounded to the nearest whole number. Therefore,
any score below .5 rounds down and any score ending in .5 and above
rounds up. (Example 1: 89.49% rounds to 89; Example 2: 89.50% rounds
to 90)