Course Information
Course Syllabus
General Information:
IB Economics SL is a one year course. It covers basic economic theory
and practices involving Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International
Trade, and Development.
FAQ:
What is economics?
This is not as easy of a question as it may appear. In a nutshell, it is
studying how people make decisions and systemically identifying the
most efficient decision.
Do I need to take this course?
At SJHS, IB Economics is mostly used to fill in for the 6th testing
subject for IB Diploma Candidates. In essence, if you are a full diploma
candidate and are not taking IB Design, IB Art, IB Music, or IB Drama,
you will probably be taking this course.
This course is usually not used for A-G or Graduation Requirements
(except for being an elective). Students fulfill their Economics
graduation requirement either through History of the Americas or through
Econ/Gov for non-Diploma students. In other words, this course is not a
requirement for graduation or college admittance. It is an elective
that allows students to complete the IB Diploma.
Can I take this course if I'm not a full IB Candidate?
Typically, the class fills quick with full IB Candidates. If you are not
a full IB candidate or are testing in IB Design, Music, or Art, you can
still take the course if there are spots, but there is not a lot of
reasons to do so aside from you being really interested in the topic.
What is Microeconomics and Macroeconomics?
To put it simply, Microeconomics refers to studying the decisions that
individual people or businesses make. Macroeconomics refers to studying
the decisions that countries and governments make.
Is this class math?
Knowledge of math beyond basic algebra is not necessary. Students should
know how to graph equations, do arithmetic, and describe the difference
between a direct and an inverse relationship.
Is this class hard? How much work is it?
Defining the difficulty of a class is not an easy task. For some
students (those that don't turn in any other work and/or do not come to
class prepared to learn) it is very hard. For others (that try their
best, turn in work on time, and come to class prepared to learn), it is
very challenging, but manageable.
How do I get an A?
Come to class. Do your homework. Study for Tests. Turn in Internal Assessments (Commentaries).
Will there be a baby project?
No. That project is done by Ms. Kahn for the Senior Level non-IB Econ/Gov. course. Sorry.
How many students "Pass" the test?
This varies year to year. Last year's
score were more or less typical. You can see a graph distribution below.
A score of 4 is considered "passing." Generally, students score better
on their internal assessments (done as homework and in class) than on
their sit-down tests. The lesson: You have to study like crazy to do
well on this test!
 |
| The Graph shows
that of the 30 students that took the test, 11 passed and 19 did not. It
is much more difficult to pass an IB test than to pass almost any other
test you've taken. Typically, students that score a 4 or higher earn an
A in the course. Students who receive a 3 usually earn a B or C.
Students who get a 2 usually earn a D or an F in the course. Of course,
the IB score is not tied to the grade in the class specifically. (Note:
the graph is incorrectly labeled, it should say "2013 Scores") |
