Hey totally "awesome" Econ students,
This is Mrs Rowland and I want to welcome you to 2008-2009 Macroeconomics. I know many of you are already bored and missing school so, I promise to not let you down..... here is your way to stay connected. Who says we can't learn something from June-August.? So, ready..... let's get started. No, I promise...... it won't be too painful. I am having some computer issues at home so be patient. If for some reason I am not posting weekly, know that the internet didn't like the storms from last week and we are trying to get it fixed. Keep checking in and you will start to see weekly articles. I will be in Tucson June 22-28 for more AP training, however, I will still be checking in with each of you. I will be posting far more articles than you need to actually write about, however, I hope you will read as many of the articles as possible. The more informed you are for Macro topics the better. If you want to post to more than 15 articles you are more than welcome; you might find that you enjoy reading these and reading other comments. I look forward in reading your comments. Keep track of the site meter on the right side of the screen and see where all over the world our blogspot is being searched.
Starting June 9th, I will start new posts for school year 2008-2009.
I will be posting weekly articles on the class blogspot at http://rownomics.blogspot.com.
• Each of you will be expected to read a minimum of 15 articles that I will post on this blogspot prior to the semester in which I will have you in class.
• I will be posting articles weekly
• All posts must be done no later than the third day of class. (based on which semester I have you in class)
• On each post you will respond with your opinion about the article.
• Make sure you refer/site specific parts of the article to show it has been read or watched.
• Each of you will be expected to post online, or produce a hard copy – print out of article with summary.
• If you want to post online you will need to create a gmail account at www.google.com
• You will need to email me at lrowland@middletowncityschools.com to send me your google email address.
• I then will send you an invitation to join the blogspot (only people able to blog are people that I invite)
• Check your gmail account for return invitation from me to join blog
• Once you get invitation you are ready to go
• WRITE DOWN YOUR GMAIL ADDRESS, USERNAME AND PASSWORD AND KEEP IN SAFE SPOT.
• I would like your post name to be your first name. (if you want to put both first name and last name that is up to you) – if this is an issue please make me aware
• These posting can be read by anyone on the internet and as you will see from the world map posted on the site that we have visitors from all over the world that pay us a visit.
• If your parents do not wish for you to post online, then plan on doing hard copy of article. You can click on title of article to bring up entire article, then print, write summary on separate sheet of paper, staple and turn in.
• The easiest way to post is online. You will simply click on comments at bottom of post and write comments and post.
• ALWAYS READ COMPLETE ARTICLE or watch You Tube Clip.
• If you do not have a computer at home or at a friend or family members home, then you can get internet access at the Middletown Library.
• Do not wait until the last second to do this. The entire point of this is to keep you informed of current events prior to the course. We will continue this blogspot during the semester.
• Keep all comments school appropriate. If there would be a problem the student will lose posting privileges and will be facing possible punishment.
II. Assignment 2: Election 2008 (not optional)
• Research the Economic Policy Plans of Barack Obama, and John McCain- you can find an outline of their policies on their official websites.
• Write a one page paper per candidate summarizing their policy on items such as gas prices, unemployment, taxes, higher cost of living, housing crisis, higher food costs, job security, health care, American workers’, cost of war, and social security to just name a few.
• Then write a one page paper explaining which candidate you feel best represents your view and what exactly you like about their position.
• If I do not have you until semester 2- you will write a 3 page paper on which candidate wins the election and their economic policy in detail and explain whether or not you agree with the policy.
III. Assignment 3: Reading (Optional) – extra credit
AP central College Board makes several reading recommendations. These are 2 of the most popular suggested readings. Please keep in mind these readings are for college level students. It is difficult to suggest a list of titles suitable for all tastes and maturity levels, therefore in this course we must rely on the student and parent reviewing their children’s book choice to ensure that they are appropriate. Keep in mind this is optional. If you would want more variety of choice I could make other recommendations, including mysteries etc…
• Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science
Author: Charles Wheelan, Chicago Public Radio
• Freakonomics
Author: Stephen J. Dubner, the New York Times; Steven D. Levitt, University of Chicago
Read book and write a minimum of 3 page essay. Your essay should demonstrate understanding of a variety of chapters. Use 12 font, double space. Extra Credit can be applied to homework grade worth 50 points
I would recommend that every AP Macro student purchases prior to the course the book called:
5 Steps to a 5: Micro and Macroeconomics.
Author: Eric Dodge
Cost at www.amazon.com is 8-13 dollars (based on if you go used or new)
A PERFECT PLAN FOR THE PERFECT SCORE
Book description:
We want you to succeed on your AP* exam. That's why we've created this 5-step plan to help you study more effectively, use your preparation time wisely, and get your best score. This easy-to-follow guide offers you a complete review of your AP course, strategies to give you the edge on test day, and plenty of practice with AP-style test questions. You'll sharpen your subject knowledge, strengthen your thinking skills, and build your test-taking confidence with
1. Full-length practice exams modeled on the real test
2. All the terms and concepts you need to know to get your best score
3. Your choice of three customized study schedules-so you can pick the one that meets your needs
The 5-Step Plan helps you get the most out of your study time:
Step 1: Set Up Your Study Program
Step 2: Determine Your Readiness
Step 3: Develop the Strategies
Step 4: Review the Knowledge
Step 5: Build Your Confidence
IF you need me email lrowland@middletowncityschools.com.
Have a great summer.
Mrs Rowland
