AP Macroeconomics

Overview:

The AP Macroeconomics course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying the behavior of national economies. Through the study of macroeconomic theory, students will analyze concepts such as economic growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade. This course prepares students for the AP Macroeconomics exam and introduces them to key concepts applicable to college-level economics courses.

Skills to Learn:

• Understanding of fundamental macroeconomic concepts, including gross domestic product (GDP), aggregate demand and supply, and the business cycle
• Ability to analyze economic indicators and data to assess the health of an economy
• Proficiency in interpreting and constructing graphs to represent macroeconomic concepts and relationships
• Critical thinking skills for evaluating macroeconomic policies and their implications for individuals and societies

Prerequisites:

• Strong foundation in algebra and basic mathematical concepts
• Familiarity with fundamental economic principles, such as scarcity and the basic functions of markets
• Analytical thinking skills and the ability to apply mathematical reasoning to economic problems
• Previous coursework in high school economics or equivalent background knowledge

Curriculum:

1)Introduction to Macroeconomics:

• Overview of macroeconomic concepts and measures (GDP, inflation, unemployment)
• Circular flow model of the economy
• Role of households, firms, and government in the economy

2)Measuring Economic Performance:

• Gross domestic product (GDP) and its components
• Inflation measurement and price indices
• Unemployment rate and types of unemployment

3)Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply:

• Aggregate demand and its determinants
• Short-run and long-run aggregate supply
• Equilibrium in the goods and money markets

4)Macroeconomic Models and Theories:

• Keynesian economics and the Keynesian cross model
• Classical economics and the neoclassical synthesis
• Comparative analysis of Keynesian and classical perspectives

5)Fiscal Policy and Government Intervention:

• Government spending, taxation, and budget deficits
• Expansionary and contractionary fiscal policy
• Evaluation of fiscal policy effectiveness and crowding out

6)Monetary Policy and the Federal Reserve System:

• Money supply, money demand, and the money market
• Tools of monetary policy (open market operations, discount rate, reserve requirements)
• Effects of monetary policy on interest rates, inflation, and output

7)International Trade and Finance:

• Comparative advantage and gains from trade
• Balance of payments and exchange rates
• Effects of trade policy and exchange rate fluctuations on the economy

8)Economic Growth and Development:

• Factors influencing economic growth and development
• Policies to promote sustainable growth and reduce income inequality
• Economic indicators of development and well-being

9)Exam Preparation and Practice:

• Review of key concepts and skills tested on the AP Macroeconomics exam
• Practice with multiple-choice and free-response questions
• Test-taking strategies and tips for success on the AP Macroeconomics exam
  

   

Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and real-world applications, students will develop a strong understanding of macroeconomic principles and their applications to real-world economic issues. This course will equip students with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to analyze macroeconomic phenomena and make informed decisions as citizens and future leaders.

Who: 10,11 and 12th Grades

Duration: 40-60 hours

Fee: $1500