Introducción a la Economía - Curso Semestral

Students will begin to define economic concepts, understand why economists choose to view the world through a particular lens, and analyze the economic interactions of the people and businesses they observe in society.  The goal is for students to become familiar with foundational market concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, comparative advantages and inflation (among many others).  Students should then be able to appropriately apply their economic understanding to personal decisions, businesses activities and government policies.  The course will spend much time focusing on microeconomics, but will also touch on macroeconomics.  

The course will include engaging group discussions in the weekly live session.  Students should use video and audio during the live class, which helps encourage smoother discussions and more engagement. Parents may request an exception to this requirement.  Current events will occasionally be discussed if relevant to the class topic. 

This class is designed to satisfy typical 1/2 credit high school economics requirements, but supplemental resources may be needed depending on state requirements.  Parents need to make their own judgement based on the regulations is their state / country.  I recommend this class for the 10th grade level (or higher).  Students in younger grades (8th and 9th) should do fine if they are somewhat advanced.   

Here is a preview of some of the weekly topics:  
- Scarcity, Resources, Opportunity Cost, Cost/Benefit Analysis  
- Supply and Demand Shifts, Elasticity, Types of Goods  
- Diminishing Returns, Allocation of Scare Goods, Specialization  
- Trade in Competitive Markets, Transaction Costs  
- Entrepreneurship and business strategies
- Understanding Economic Institutions (Banks, Corporations, Cooperatives, Labor unions), Rules of the Game 
- The Role of Government in the Economy (Taxes, Externalities, Regulations)  
- Evaluating the effects of government programs and social goals
- Nature and Causes of Money  (Valuation, Historical Development, Inflation)  
- Comparing Economic Systems (Market, Command, Traditional, Mixed)  
- International Trade and Economic Growth  
- Stocks and Investment Options (including an opportunity to participate in stock market simulation game)