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Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Economics is the science of common sense. Think of bull and bear markets as economic symbols: bulls charge when markets rise, and bears hibernate when markets fall. Our lives mirror this pattern too. Good choices move us forward, while mistakes slow us down. Let’s explore economics, considering the costs and benefits of our decisions.

As students complete the course assignments, they will increase their knowledge, improve a 21st-century skill, and develop an attribute.

Knowledge: Economics

In this course, knowledge refers to the subject matter and content students will learn while completing the readings, practices, quizzes, and assignments.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to accomplish these tasks:

  1. Use common economic terms and concepts.

  2. Apply economic concepts to current events.

  3. Analyze the economic influence of ideas, events, movements, international relations, technology, and government.

  4. Discuss the reasons why societies organize resources, businesses, and markets.

  5. Explain the operation of supply and demand in the United States.

  6. Describe how prices are determined.

  7. Analyze fiscal and monetary policy based on the actions of the government.

  8. Have a basic understanding of banking.

  9. Analyze the role of free trade in a global economy.

  10. Explain why specialization and free trade are becoming dominant in the global economy.

21st-Century Skill: Communication—Communicate Using Digital Media

As students complete this course's assignments, they will gain skills in communicating using digital media. This skill is part of Communication. 

Attribute: Integrity

This course focuses on developing the attribute of integrity in the context of economics.

Course Materials

All the materials students need are included in the course. Students do not have to buy any additional textbooks.

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Assignments

The due dates in the course are only suggestions to help the students pace themselves. You do not need to complete assignments, quizzes, and exams by the due date set in the course.

Self-Checks

The Self-Checks in the lessons help students assess their understanding of the concepts. They do not count towards students' grades. The questions on the Self-Check are similar to those on the Unit Quiz and the Final Exam.

Content Guides

Each unit includes a content guide that helps students focus on the information they are learning and review it for the final exam. Students should fill out the information and answer the questions as they go through the lessons so that they know they have a good understanding of the material. 

Note: Download the guides from the Module Overview pages and turn in the completed guides at the end of each module. 

Unit Quizzes

Each unit has a quiz consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions. These assignments count toward students' grades. Unit Practice Quizzes are not graded but will prepare students to be successful on the Unit Quizzes.

Midcourse Quiz

The midcourse quiz tests students' knowledge of the material in the first part of the course, units 1–4. It also mirrors the kinds of questions that will be on the final exam so they will be better prepared.

Short Response Assignments

The short-response assignments give students two prompts focusing on economic principles. Students choose one to answer. 

Students may respond to the prompts they choose by writing an essay, creating a 5-slide presentation with an audio track, or making a 1-2 minute video. 

Application Assignments

The application assignments ask students to apply the economic principles they are learning to real-life or hypothetical situations. 

Final Exam

Students must pass the final exam to earn credit for the course; they may retake it once, for a fee, upon request.

Grading

Your grade in this course will be based on these assignments and exams:

Assignments and Exams
Assignment or Exam Grading Percent of Total Grade
4 Short-Response and Content Guide Assignments  Teacher-Graded 45%
3 Application Assignments Teacher-Graded 15%
8 Unit Quizzes Computer-Graded 20%
Midcourse Quiz Computer-Graded 5%
Final Exam* Computer-Graded 15%

* You must pass the final exam with at least a 60% to earn credit for the course.

Grade Scale

Your letter grade is calculated according to these percentages.

A 93% - 100%
A- 90% - 92%
B+ 87% – 89%
B 83% - 86%
B- 80% - 82%
C+ 77% - 79%
C 73% - 76%
C- 70% - 72%
D+ 67% - 69%
D 63% - 66%
D- 60% - 62%
F (fail) 0% - 59%

Getting Help

Please use the help menu in this course to contact Academy of America or your instructor. You can find information about tutoring available to Academy of America students on the Tutoring website.

The Resources page offers a wide variety of services to support you:

  • Academic success skills coaching such as time management, study skills, test preparation, motivation, and more.

  • Course-specific support that includes live tutoring and on-demand resources.

Come find out how we can help you achieve your goals.

Course Policies

For information about how long you have to complete the course, resubmitting assignments, retaking exams, and other questions, please see Academy of America’s Policies.

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