Welcome to AP Economics

Instructor: Mr. Borden

APECON 2015-2016
Medway High School

cborden@medwayschools.org
(508) 533-6643 X4598
@BordenMedway
Descriptive Overview
The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of
economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the
economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of
factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.
The purpose of the AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of
economics that apply to an economic system as a whole .The course places particular emphasis on the study of national
income and price-level determination, and also develops students familiarity with economic performance measures,
the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.

Grading Criteria
Grades will be determined by the following criteria.
Tests:

65%

Quizzes:

35%

Homework:
Total

5%
100%

Classroom Expectations
Like all Medway High School social studies courses, you are expected to follow the four Ps:
1. Be Prepared: Please come to class everyday with your book, three-ring binder or notebook, and a proper writing
utensil. If you are in need of any of these items, please see me before class begins so that we can ensure you have all
of the materials you need for a successful class. If you have homework due, please make sure that you have placed
it in a location which you will not forget. When you enter the classroom, please go directly to your seat and take out
your materials to begin.
2. Be Prompt: As with the Medway High School handbook, you are expected to be on time to class. Three or more
unexcused (no pass) tardies will result in a write-up to the office. Please remember that being late not only causes a
disruption to the entire class, but may also cause you to miss important information and announcements.
3. Be Positive: Just like being positive can be contagious, so can being negative. Please be open to learning and
engaging in all classroom activities and topics. This will not only benefit you, but the class as a whole.
4. Be Polite: You will be expected to treat your teacher and all of your peers with the utmost respect and consideration.
You also have the right to be treated as such. If you feel someone in the classroom has made you feel uncomfortable
or disrespected in any way at any time, please see me immediately.

Late-work Policy
All of your classroom assignments will be accepted until the fifth day past the due date (including weekends). For every
day late, ten points will be taken off of your overall score. After the fifth day, your score will be a 0 and the assignment
will not be accepted. In addition, if you hand in an assignment after the period in which it is due, it will be considered
one day late. If you know you will not be in school the day an assignment is due, it is expected that you will hand it in
prior to the due date or via e-mail the day of the due date. If extenuating circumstances apply, please speak with me
concerning the matter.

Absentee Policy
Because of the fast-paced nature of this course, there is no room to fall behind in the curriculum. Since all of your
assignments are easily accessible online as well as given with a great deal of advance notice, you are expected to
complete all assignments and be prepared to take all tests and quizzes on the expected date. It is highly suggested that
you bring your book home with you every night in case of an emergency or snow day. Worksheets and handouts are
available both online and in your class assigned folder in the classroom. You are responsible for obtaining any handouts
you did not receive. If you are absent on the day of the test, you will be expected to take that test or quiz the day that
you return. As stated in the Medway High School handbook, you will have as many consecutive days to make up
work as you are absent. However, if extenuating circumstances apply, please email me before the date of your return
so that a proper make-up schedule may be created that will best suit your needs without compromising your success in
this course.

Classroom Policies
1. As with school policy, the use or visibility of cell phones, IPods, and/or any other school prohibited
electronic devices will not be allowed in the classroom unless considered part of the lesson and prior approval
is given. Consider this your first and only warning. If it is seen or heard from this point forward it will be
confiscated and returned to you at the end of the school day by either myself or an administrator. If you need
to make an important phone call, simply ask me and I will provide you with a pass to the office.
2. Any food or drink (excluding water) is strictly prohibited in the classroom. If you choose to bring a bottle of
water to class, please keep the bottle on the floor. If you have a medical need in which you must have food or
drink during class, please speak with me on an individual basis.
3. You are asked to please refrain from touching anything on the walls, going into any drawers or closets, etc.
In addition, you are strictly prohibited from going behind the teachers desk or using the teachers computer
unless permission has been given by me.
Classroom Website
Important information and updates, can be found using your account at:
http://medway.itslearning.com
Any important assignments, announcements, as well as downloadable materials can be found on this site. It is advised
that you check this site as well as your email frequently. NOTE: There is no www before the site.

TEACHER CONTACT
I am always available both before and after school. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with me, please email at
cborden@medwayschools.org Please be advised that due to events such as faculty and department meetings, you
should attempt to make arrangements to meet with me well before the proposed test date as to avoid any conflict.

Year Overview

SEMESTER ONE:
MICROECONOMICS
a) BASIC ECONOMIC CONCEPTS (CHAPTERS 1-3)
b) THE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF PRODUCT MARKETS
(CHAPTERS 4-8 & 21)
c) THE THEORY OF THE FIRM (CHAPTERS 13-17)
d) FACTORS MARKETS (CHAPTERS 18-20)
e) THE ECONOMIC FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT
(CHAPTERS 10-12)

SEMESTER TWO
MACROECONOMICS
a) BASIC ECON. CONCEPTS (CHAPTERS 1-3)
b) MEASURING ECONOMIC CONCEPTS (CHAPTERS 2325 & 28)
c) AGGREGATE DEMAND AND AGGREGATE SUPPLY
(CHAPTERS 33 & 34)
d) MONEY: MONETARY POLICY AND ECONOMIC
STABILITY (CHAPTERS 26, 27, 29 & 30)
e) INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS (CHAPTERS 9, 31 & 32)