Introduction to Economics

This is a one-semester online course that introduces students to economic thinking and covers both microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts. The course is offered in three sections, with one in the first semester and two in the second semester. Students can expect to learn about scarcity, opportunity costs, comparative advantages, inflation, supply and demand, elasticity, types of goods, diminishing returns, allocation of scarce goods, specialization, trade in competitive markets, economic institutions, rules of the game, the role of government in the economy, nature and causes of money, comparing economic systems, international trade and economic growth, and stocks and investment options. The course includes group discussions, activities, and weekly homework assignments. The honors level of the course includes one extra assignment per week, with more difficult reading and writing elements.

The course is recommended for 9th-12th graders and is designed to fulfill the typical requirements for a half-year high school level course. The maximum class size is 16 students, and the course requires high-speed broadband Internet, a web cam, sound card, microphone, and streaming video capabilities. Students will receive comments and individualized feedback on their assignments via Canvas, and parents can join Canvas as observers to receive updates on their child's progress.