AP Macroeconomics[i]

Text:Ray, Margaret, and David Anderson. Krugman's Macroeconomics for AP. New York: Worth Publishers/BFW, 2011.

Video Series: Econ U$A series with Discussion

Class Activities/Work:

  • Completion of graphing and interpretation exercises in Morton, John S. Advanced Placement Economics, 3rd ed. New York, NY: National Council on Economic Education, 2003 and additionalexercises from the NCEE and other sourcesas necessary.
  • Selected readings, assignments and discussions from Anderson, David. Economics by Example. New York: Worth, 2007.

Course Description:

“The purpose of this AP course in Macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a courseplaces particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.” (AP Course Description Manual 2010)

Text/Materials You Need For Class

  • iPad

Classroom Rules

  • Follow all Reading High School rules outlined in your student manual.
  • Do not in any way disrupt the learning environment for yourself or others. (If you are on YouTube or surfing the Internet when you should not be it is an automatic detention)

Course Outline

% of AP TestTopic Morton/(Anderson)Activities

Unit 1

8-12% of APBasic Economic Concepts Section 1 (Ch. 1)

Module 1: The Study of Economics

Module 2: Introduction to Macroeconomics17 Module 3: The Production Possibilities Curve Model 1 and 2 Part A

Module 4: Comparative Advantage and Trade2 Part B, 49, 50

Section 2(Ch. 3)

Module 5: Introduction to Demand3 and 4

Module 6: Supply and Equilibrium5 and 6

Module 7: Changes in Equilibrium7

Module 8: Price Controls (If we have Time)

Unit 2

12-16% of APMeasurement of Economic Performance

Section 3(Ch. 21)

Module 10: The Circular Flow and GDP10 and 12

Module 11: Interpreting RGDP11 Part C

Module 12: The Meaning and Calculation of Unemployment11 Part A

Module 13: The Causes and Categories of Unemployment16

Module 14: Inflation: An Overview11 Part B

Module 15: The Measurement and Calculation of Inflation13

Unit 3

10-15% of APNational Income and Price Determination

Section 4(Ch. 25)

Module 16: Income and Expenditures20 and 21

Module 17: AD: Introduction and Determinants23

Module 18: AS: Introduction and Determinants24 and 29

Module 19: Equilibrium in the AD/AS Model25 and 28

Module 20: Economic Policy and the AD/AS Model27, 30, 43 and 45

Module 21: Fiscal Policy and the Multiplier31

Unit 4

15-20% of APFinancial Sector

Section 5(Ch. 22)

Module 22: Saving, Investment and the Financial System

Module 23: The Definition and Measurement of Money34 and 35

Module 24: The Time Value of Money

Module 25: Banking and Money Creation37

Module 26: The Fed. History and Structure38

Module 27: The Fed. Monetary Policy40

Module 28: The Money Market39

Module 29: The Market for Loanable Funds41 and 44

Unit 5

20-30% of APInflation, Unemployment and Stabilization Policies

Section 6(Ch. 26)

Module 30: Long Run Implications of Fiscal Policy:

Deficits and the Public Debt

Module 31: Monetary Policy and the interest Rate43

Module 32: Money, Output and Prices in the Long Run42

Module 33: Types of Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation

Module 34: Inflation and Unemployment: The Phillips Curve46

Module 35: History and Alternative Views of Macroeconomics48

Module 36: The Modern Macroeconomic Consensus

Unit 6

5-10% of APEconomic Growth and Productivity

Section 7(Ch. 28)

Module 37: Long Run Economic Growth

Module 38: Productivity and Growth

Module 39: Growth Policy: Why Economic Growth Rates Differ

Module 40: Economic Growth in Macroeconomic Models47

Unit 7

10-15%of APOpen Economy: International Trade and Finance

Section 8(Ch. 27)

Module 41: Capital Flows and the Balance of Payments51 and 52

Module 42: The Foreign Exchange Market53

Module 43: Exchange Rate Policy

Module 44: Exchange Rates and Macroeconomic Policy54 and 55

Module 45: Putting it All Together

  • There will be 9Tests during this course (8 Section Exams and a Graphing Exam), as well as various quizzes as necessary.
  • It is expected that all students will take the AP Macroeconomics exam scheduled in May. There will be review sessions. It is expected that students will be at a minimum of 65% of these review days. Review will include test taking strategy and practice tests as well as content review.

[i] This is an approved syllabus used for an authorized AP Macroeconomics course, as defined by the College Board:

Approved Syllabus: An approved syllabus is one that has been reviewed by a certified AP Course Audit reviewer and found to include evidence that all AP curricular requirements are addressed.

Authorized Course: A course with a finalized Course Audit form and an approved syllabus is authorized to use the “AP” designation on student transcripts.

Course Audit Form: This online form lists all curricular and resource requirements of the AP course. Through AP Course Audit accounts, it is completed by the teacher, submitted for school administrator approval, and completed and finalized by the school administrator.