Course Description

 

This course is designed to educate the St. Thomas student to an understanding of the basic theories of economics. The course curriculum begins with the basic classifications of economic systems and then focuses on a practical economics unit and the Houston Chronicle Stock Market Game.  We will continue the semester by studying both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. 

 

Textbook

            Miller, Roger LeRoy.  Economics:  Today and Tomorrow.  Glencoe McGraw-Hill, New York:  1999

 

Grades

 

Use the following scale to calculate your average during each grade period:

 

Major tests and projects:                      60%

Quizzes and assignments:                      30%

Participation:                                         10%

 

LAPs

 

For each unit, I will provide a LAP.  The LAP will be a detailed schedule of discussion and note topics, assignments, quizzes, and tests.  The LAP will also contain chapter/unit objectives.  You are to use it as a guide for study throughout the semester.  They will also serve as your Final Exam study guides. 

 

Quizzes and Tests

 

There will be many quizzes each grade period.  The quizzes will cover class notes and reading assignments.  The quizzes will take the form of fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and matching questions.  Quizzes will be frequent and it is the student’s responsibility to schedule make-up quizzes when appropriate. 

            Tests will cover a unit at a time.  The material is very extensive and students must keep up with class notes and reading assignment in order to be successful on the tests.  The tests will contain an objective section which will count for 75 percent, and an essay question worth 25 percent.

            Students must bring a #2 pencil and a pen to class each test day.

 

            If a student is absent the day before a test, he still must take the test.

 

 

 

Stock Market Portfolio

 

Throughout the semester, students will participate in the Houston Chronicle Stock Market game.  Each student will be assigned a team and given money with which to invest.  Each team is responsible for stock print-outs, research on each of their stocks purchased, and several other assignments that will be combined in a portfolio.  The finished product will be due during the 4^th quarter and count as two test grades.

 

Edline

 

            I use Edline extensively in this course.  The current LAP, important notes and information, and the weekly assignments will all be on the webpage.  (I also have a yahoo/geocities website that I will keep for those who are unable to access Edline.)   Each week, a new assignment relating to the current material will be posted.  Students are expected to check the webpage often to get the assignments and complete them on time.  You will have one week to complete the assignments.

 

Web Address:  www.geocities.com/gensheic 

 

Assignments, Notes, and Make-Up Work

 

            All assignments are on the LAP and/or my webpage.  All assignments must be completed in ink or typed.  Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class, or it will be counted late.  Late work will be accepted at the teacher’s discretion with a deduction of 10 points per day. 

            Students are expected to take notes while reading and in class.  Throughout the grading period, I will frequently check notebooks for the correct notes.  These checks will count as daily grades.  We will also have graded class discussions based on these notes.

            If a student is absent, it is his responsibility to complete and turn in all missed assignments, quizzes, and tests.  Make Up Tests will be short answer and essay.  If you miss a scheduled make-up, you will receive a grade of “0.”  I will be available all mornings and Tuesday through Thursday afternoons for make up and assignment.

 

Class Materials

 

Email:  [email protected]   Phone:    x   424

All students are required to bring to class, everyday:

 

1.     Textbook

2.     Notebook with LAPs, notes, and hand-outs.

3.     Loose-leaf paper

4.     Blue or black pens for assignments and tests.

5.     #2 pencils for tests.

 

Cheating

 

Any student who is caught of cheating will receive a grade of “0” for the assignment or test. In addition, the student will be sent to the Dean of Students and parents will be notified.