ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AP Macroeconomics

Transcription

1 2010 Course Syllabus Mr. Stuart Sims Course Description: This is a one-semester course to prepare students for the national AP Exam in Macroeconomics. The course allows students to develop the understanding of the following concepts: basic principles of economics, measurement of economic performance, national income and price determination, and international economics and growth. Textbook: Economics, Principles, Problems, and Policies, McConnell and Brue, 15 th Edition Other: Business Week, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register Course of Study: A. Introduction to Economics and the Economy B. National Income, Employment, and Fiscal Policy C. Money, Banking, and Monetary Policy D. Problems and Controversies in Macroeconomics E. International Economics and the World Economy Expectations: It is mandatory that you arrive to class prepared and on time. Part of being prepared includes having all assigned readings completed prior to class. This will make for a more interesting discussion versus strictly a lecture format. There will be lecture and plenty of notes for your enjoyment, however individual and group presentations, debates, and research will be regular aspects of the course. Requests, Demands, Laws 1. The Prime Law: Respect for everyone in the classroom. All other laws follow from this. 2. Respect for our shared environment. We need to keep it clean, orderly, and the basic arrangement preserved. Everyone shares the responsibility for reordering the furniture, picking up messes, etc. 3. Respect for others during discussions, lectures, etc: When one person is talking, everyone is listening. Only one discussion can go on at a time. No one puts down another s contributions. 4. No time will be wasted at the start of class. Please be seated and ready to take part in class when the period begins. Your book bag s presence at the seat does not count you must be here in person. If you have personal concerns, I will leave time at the end of class for conferences. Class Procedures 1. Assignments are due on the date assigned. Late work will be assessed a 20% penalty per day. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it to me. I must receive it before your regular class time ends. Failure to turn in a major assignment can seriously affect your grade. All honest attempts are rewarded. Always try. All missed tests must be made up during the class session you return. 2. All major assignments must be typed using a 12-point standard font and double-spaced with one-inch margins. All other homework can be completed in blue or black pen or pencil and easily readable. 3. Suggestion: Save all your papers and keep them in an economics notebook. I know that you will not go back and look at every assignment, but I guarantee that many of the papers will help you in preparing for examinations, especially graphing problems. 4. Notes are very, very important. But as I am trying to teach this class as a college course, the responsibility for taking notes is on your shoulders. I personally believe the notes will be extremely beneficial and in fact, I can guarantee that you will be tested on much of the information I write on the board. Page 1 of 10

2 Evaluation: Grades will be determined by a point system combining scores from homework, tests, quizzes, and participation based on the following grading scale: A = B = C = D = Final Note: If you find yourself getting behind or having trouble with some of the material, see me right away. Don t wait until a progress report has gone home. It is easier to turn your grade around sooner, rather than later. I am available before school, at lunch, and after class. Unit 1: An Introduction to Economics (4 weeks) Topic I: Basic Economic Concepts A. Scarcity What is it? Why is it so important to economic thought? B. Opportunity Cost Define and compute it. Why can it never be avoided? C. Production Possibilities Construct and interpret production possibilities schedules, and graphs; relate production possibilities curves to the issues of scarcity, choice and cost. Why are most Production Possibilities Curves bowed out? D. Specialization and Comparative Advantage Define and calculate absolute and comparative advantages for production exchange E. Functions of Any Economic System 1. Answering the questions: What to produce? How to produce? For whom to produce? 2. Define ways societies determine allocation, efficiency, and equity. Topic II: Demand, Supply, and Price Determination A. Demand Define and illustrate demand through schedules and graphs 1. Distinguish between change(s) in quantity demanded and change(s) in demand. Examine the inverse relationship existing between quantity demanded and price. Evaluate the Law of Demand. 3. Identify and explain the variables that cause a change in demand. 4. Illustrate graphically a change in demand versus a change in quantity demanded. B. Supply Define and illustrate supply through schedules and graphs 1. Distinguish between change(s) in quantity supplied and change(s) in supply. 2. Examine the direct relationship existing between quantity supplied and price. Evaluate the Law of Supply. 3. Identify and explain the variables that cause a change in supply. 4. Illustrate graphically a change in supply versus a change in quantity supplied. C. Equilibrium Price and Quantity Define and illustrate equilibrium through schedules and graphs 1. Define and illustrate surpluses and shortages. 2. Define the effects of surpluses and shortages on prices and quantities. 3. Interpret the effects of a price floor and price ceiling on equilibrium price and quantity. 4. Introduction to market failures: Lack of competition, externalities, and public goods. Unit 2: Measurement of Economic Performance (4 weeks) Topic I: Gross Domestic Product and National Income Concepts A. Measuring GDP, 4-Sector Circular Flow Model, and Flow versus Stock 1. Expenditure Approach [C+I+G+(X-IM)] where C = Personal Consumption Expenditures I = Gross Private Investment G = Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment X-IM = Net Exports 2. Income Approach (W+I+R+P) where W = Compensation of Employees I = Net Interest R = Rental Income of Persons P = Profits (Non-income adjustments) Page 2 of 10

3 3. Problems with calculating GDP Nonmarket transactions, distribution, kind and quality of products. 4. Changing Nominal GDP (NGDP) to Real GDP(RGDP). How and why? 5. Other national accounts: Net National Product (NNP), National Income (NI), Personal Income (PI), and Disposable Income (DI). Topic II: Unemployment and Business Cycles A. The Roller Coaster The four phases of the business cycle B. Total Spending and How It Affects the Business Cycle C. Unemployment Defined D. Problems with the Unemployment Rate Who is counted and who isn t? E. Types of Unemployment 1. Seasonal, frictional, structural, cyclical 2. Which type(s) affect the unemployment rate? F. Full Employment What is it? What are the implications if achieved? G. The GDP Gap Explaining lost potential Topic III: Inflation A. The Meaning and Measurement of Inflation B. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and How It Is Computed C. Problems with the CPI D. Other Indexes: Producer Price Index E. Consequences of Inflation: shrinking incomes, changes in wealth, effect on interest rates F. Demand-Pull and Cost-Push Inflation Unit 3: Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (6 weeks) Topic I: The Classical Theory and the Keynesian Theory: An Introduction A. The Role of the Consumption Function B. Marginal Propensities to Consume and Save C. Why the Consumption Function Shifts and How It Affects Aggregate Demand D. The Role of the Investment Function E. Why is Investment Demand unstable? 1. Expectations 2. Technological change 3. Capacity utilization F. Investment as an Autonomous Expenditure G. Graphing the Aggregate Expenditure Function Topic II: Keynesian Model in Action A. Government Spending and How It Affects Aggregate Demand B. Adding International Trade to the Aggregate Expenditure Model C. The Spending Multiplier the math and its effects D. Recessionary and Inflationary Gaps a graphing exercise Topic III: Aggregate Demand and Supply A. Aggregate Demand Curve Reasons for Its Shape 1. Real balances effect 2. Interest rate effect 3. Net export effect B. Nonprice-Level Determinants of Aggregate Demand C. Aggregate Supply Curve 1. Classical view 2. Keynesian view 3. Changes in equilibrium price and quantity with the three ranges D. Nonprice-Level Determinants of Aggregate Supply Topic IV: Fiscal Policy/Public Sector A. Discretionary Fiscal Policy 1. Changes in government spending Page 3 of 10

4 2. Changes in tax rates 3. Balanced-budget multiplier B. Supply-Side Policies C. Laffer Curve D. Government Size and Growth 1. Financing budgets 2. Government expenditure patterns E. Types of Taxation 1. Progressive 2. Proportional 3. Regressive F. Federal Deficits and the National Debt 1. The Federal Budget-Balancing Act a. Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act b. Line-item veto c. Budget ceiling 2. Should we worry about deficits or the debt? Topic V: Money, Banking, and Monetary Policy A. Three Functions of Money B. What Stands Behind the U.S. Dollar? C. The Three Money Supply Definitions 1. M1: most narrowly defined money supply 2. M2: adding near monies to M1 3. M3: adding large time deposits to M2 D. The Federal Reserve System (FED) 1. Origins and organizational structure 2. Powers of the FED a. controlling the money supply b. clearing checks c. supervising and regulating the banks d. loaning currency to banks e. acting as the bank for the U.S. government 3. Tools of the FED a. open market operations b. discount rate c. reserve requirement E. The Money Multiplier 1. Theory versus reality F. Monetary Policy Shortcomings 1. Money multiplier inaccuracies 2. Lags in policy effects G. Monetary Policy 1. The demand for money and how it may affect interest rates 2. How monetary policy affects prices, output and employment 3. The Monetarist view of money (MV=PY) 4. A comparison of views: Monetarist, Keynesians and Classical economists Topic VI: The Phillips Curve and Expectations Theory A. What Is the Phillips Curve? 1. In the short run 2. In the long run B. Rational Expectations Theory 1. Can it work? Unit 4: The International Economy (4 weeks) Topic I: International Trade and Finance A. Why Nations Trade at All B. Comparative and Absolute Advantage C. Free Trade versus Protectionism Page 4 of 10

5 1. Arguments for free trade 2. Arguments against free trade D. The Balance of Payments 1. Current account 2. Capitol account E. Exchange Rates 1. Supply and demand for foreign exchange 2. Current fluctuations a. appreciation and depreciation b. graphing currency changes Topic II: Comparative Economic Systems A. Basic Types of Economic Systems 1. Traditional, command, and market economies defined and analyzed 2. The mixed economy of today 3. Capitalism and socialism basic tenets 4. Comparing the systems B. Comparing Developed and Developing Countries 1. Classifying countries by GDP per capita a. problems with classification 2. How to sustain economic growth in developing countries 3. Implications for a changing world Page 5 of 10

6 Macroeconomics Course Outline Unit 1: An Introduction to Economics (4 weeks) Topic I: Basic Economic Concepts B. Scarcity What is it? Why is it so important to economic thought? B. Opportunity Cost Define and compute it. Why can it never be avoided? F. Production Possibilities Construct and interpret production possibilities schedules, and graphs; relate production possibilities curves to the issues of scarcity, choice and cost. Why are most Production Possibilities Curves bowed out? G. Specialization and Comparative Advantage Define and calculate absolute and comparative advantages for production exchange H. Functions of Any Economic System 1. Answering the questions: What to produce? How to produce? For whom to produce? 2. Define ways societies determine allocation, efficiency, and equity. Topic II: Demand, Supply, and Price Determination D. Demand Define and illustrate demand through schedules and graphs 1. Distinguish between change(s) in quantity demanded and change(s) in demand. Examine the inverse relationship existing between quantity demanded and price. Evaluate the Law of Demand. 3. Identify and explain the variables that cause a change in demand. 4. Illustrate graphically a change in demand versus a change in quantity demanded. E. Supply Define and illustrate supply through schedules and graphs 1. Distinguish between change(s) in quantity supplied and change(s) in supply. 2. Examine the direct relationship existing between quantity supplied and price. Evaluate the Law of Supply. 3. Identify and explain the variables that cause a change in supply. 4. Illustrate graphically a change in supply versus a change in quantity supplied. F. Equilibrium Price and Quantity Define and illustrate equilibrium through schedules and graphs 1. Define and illustrate surpluses and shortages. 2. Define the effects of surpluses and shortages on prices and quantities. 3. Interpret the effects of a price floor and price ceiling on equilibrium price and quantity. 4. Introduction to market failures: Lack of competition, externalities, and public goods. Page 6 of 10

7 Unit 2: Measurement of Economic Performance (4 weeks) Topic I: Gross Domestic Product and National Income Concepts B. Measuring GDP, 4-Sector Circular Flow Model, and Flow versus Stock 1. Expenditure Approach [C+I+G+(X-IM)] where C = Personal Consumption Expenditures I = Gross Private Investment G = Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment X-IM = Net Exports 2. Income Approach (W+I+R+P) where W = Compensation of Employees I = Net Interest R = Rental Income of Persons P = Profits (Non-income adjustments) 3. Problems with calculating GDP Nonmarket transactions, distribution, kind and quality of products. 4. Changing Nominal GDP (NGDP) to Real GDP(RGDP). How and why? 5. Other national accounts: Net National Product (NNP), National Income (NI), Personal Income (PI), and Disposable Income (DI). Topic II: Unemployment and Business Cycles H. The Roller Coaster The four phases of the business cycle I. Total Spending and How It Affects the Business Cycle J. Unemployment Defined K. Problems with the Unemployment Rate Who is counted and who isn t? L. Types of Unemployment 1. Seasonal, frictional, structural, cyclical 2. Which type(s) affect the unemployment rate? M. Full Employment What is it? What are the implications if achieved? N. The GDP Gap Explaining lost potential Topic III: Inflation F. The Meaning and Measurement of Inflation G. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and How It Is Computed H. Problems with the CPI I. Other Indexes: Producer Price Index J. Consequences of Inflation: shrinking incomes, changes in wealth, effect on interest rates F. Demand-Pull and Cost-Push Inflation Page 7 of 10

8 Unit 3: Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (6 weeks) Topic I: The Classical Theory and the Keynesian Theory: An Introduction H. The Role of the Consumption Function I. Marginal Propensities to Consume and Save J. Why the Consumption Function Shifts and How It Affects Aggregate Demand K. The Role of the Investment Function L. Why is Investment Demand unstable? 1. Expectations 2. Technological change 3. Capacity utilization M. Investment as an Autonomous Expenditure N. Graphing the Aggregate Expenditure Function Topic II: Keynesian Model in Action E. Government Spending and How It Affects Aggregate Demand F. Adding International Trade to the Aggregate Expenditure Model G. The Spending Multiplier the math and its effects H. Recessionary and Inflationary Gaps a graphing exercise Topic III: Aggregate Demand and Supply E. Aggregate Demand Curve Reasons for Its Shape 1. Real balances effect 2. Interest rate effect 3. Net export effect F. Nonprice-Level Determinants of Aggregate Demand G. Aggregate Supply Curve 1. Classical view 2. Keynesian view 3. Changes in equilibrium price and quantity with the three ranges H. Nonprice-Level Determinants of Aggregate Supply Topic IV: Fiscal Policy/Public Sector G. Discretionary Fiscal Policy 1. Changes in government spending 2. Changes in tax rates 3. Balanced-budget multiplier H. Supply-Side Policies I. Laffer Curve J. Government Size and Growth 1. Financing budgets 2. Government expenditure patterns K. Types of Taxation 1. Progressive 2. Proportional 3. Regressive L. Federal Deficits and the National Debt 1. The Federal Budget-Balancing Act a. Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act b. Line-item veto c. Budget ceiling 2. Should we worry about deficits or the debt? Topic V: Money, Banking, and Monetary Policy H. Three Functions of Money I. What Stands Behind the U.S. Dollar? J. The Three Money Supply Definitions 1. M1: most narrowly defined money supply 2. M2: adding near monies to M1 3. M3: adding large time deposits to M2 K. The Federal Reserve System (FED) Page 8 of 10

9 1. Origins and organizational structure 2. Powers of the FED a. controlling the money supply b. clearing checks c. supervising and regulating the banks d. loaning currency to banks e. acting as the bank for the U.S. government 3. Tools of the FED a. open market operations b. discount rate c. reserve requirement L. The Money Multiplier 1. Theory versus reality M. Monetary Policy Shortcomings 1. Money multiplier inaccuracies 2. Lags in policy effects N. Monetary Policy 1. The demand for money and how it may affect interest rates 2. How monetary policy affects prices, output and employment 3. The Monetarist view of money (MV=PY) 4. A comparison of views: Monetarist, Keynesians and Classical economists Topic VI: The Phillips Curve and Expectations Theory C. What Is the Phillips Curve? 1. In the short run 2. In the long run D. Rational Expectations Theory 1. Can it work? Page 9 of 10

10 Unit 4: The International Economy (4 weeks) Topic I: International Trade and Finance F. Why Nations Trade at All G. Comparative and Absolute Advantage H. Free Trade versus Protectionism 1. Arguments for free trade 2. Arguments against free trade I. The Balance of Payments 1. Current account 2. Capitol account J. Exchange Rates 1. Supply and demand for foreign exchange 2. Current fluctuations a. appreciation and depreciation b. graphing currency changes Topic II: Comparative Economic Systems C. Basic Types of Economic Systems 1. Traditional, command, and market economies defined and analyzed 2. The mixed economy of today 3. Capitalism and socialism basic tenets 4. Comparing the systems D. Comparing Developed and Developing Countries 1. Classifying countries by GDP per capita a. problems with classification 2. How to sustain economic growth in developing countries 3. Implications for a changing world Page 10 of 10