Final Graph

Link to Sample Commentary

Assignment Due Friday 12/12

Part 1: Commentary Article and outline
-Either using a new Macro current event article or the one you submitted two weeks ago, complete and send an outline to Mrdasilvasjha@gmail.com in which you:

A. Summarize the article (just to make sure you've read and understand it)
B. List terms or concepts from the class that could be applied to the article.
C. List diagrams that could be applied to the article.
D. Describe a portion of the article that you could evaluate (costs vs. benefits, winners vs. losers, long-term vs. short-term, validity of theory). 


Part 2:  Taxes

A.Read this article. Based on the article, do you think Americas are overtaxed compared to other countries? Which countries have highest the tax rates? Which countries have the lowest tax rates?

B. What are 5 conclusions or interpretations that can be made from the graph to the right/below?

C. Read this "article." Based on the article what are at least 4 things that the very wealthy do to pay a lower tax rate? What do you think should be done about this?

D. What are some reasons to tax the rich more than the poor? What are some reasons not to tax the rich more than the poor?




Part 3: Once you have cleared Part 1 with me, you can start working on your commentary (will be due after the break).

Due Friday

Pretend that you are an economic advisor to Barack Obama when the recession hit in 2008. 

Step 1: Describe the problem (Explain what causes recessions and the effect they have on the economy and employment).

Step 2: Outline the Keynesian solution with a diagram (Demand-side policies)

—Step 3: Outline some Supply-side policies with a diagram (Neo-classical).

—Step 4: Explain which you think Obama should use and why. Include a discussion of how your plan will deal with unemployment and inflation

Articles for Commentary

Guidelines:

-Cannot be older than a year.
-Cannot be from the same source you used for the first commentary.
-Must be about Macroeconomic Topics (Suggested---Unemployment, inflation, inequality, Central Bank/Federal Reserve)


If you need help finding an article consider these sources:

BBC News

New York Times

Lots of Different English-Language Newspapers From Around the Globe

CNN 

San Jose Mercury News

Wall Street Journal

If you need more information about the commentary, here is all of the official material I have on the subject. 

Once you have found an article and checked it with me, you can begin to brainstorm your commentary:

-Summary
-Terms to Define
-Apply terms to article.
-Draw and explain relevant diagrams
-Evaluate

Federal Reserve Assignment

Link to Assignment

Some reminders for everyone...

 -You will need to turn in a hardcopy of your commentary and your article. We will make cover sheets on Thursday.

-Label your diagrams fully. Also, label them Figure 1 or Diagram A so that they are easy to identify.

-Make your diagrams large and clear.

-On the hardcopy of the article, highlight the sections you discuss in the commentary. If your article is longer than 2 pages, you MUST highlight the section.

-Remember, it's perfectly fine to weave in quotes from the article (almost nobody did this).

-The complete URL must be included on the top of the article.

-Consult the Checklist for Students. For now, you can ignore 1, 10, 11, and 12.

-Consult the Requirements to make sure you've done everything correctly.

-You will need a final word count when you come in on Friday with your commentaries. Notice that labels on diagrams that are more than 5 words count in your word count!
 
-Double check that your article was written after September 2013.

-Read through the FAQ to see if any of your questions are addressed.



Once you have done the above, re-read the criterion by which you will be graded.

The commentary is due on Friday. Good luck.

Commentary Samples

Sample A

Sample B

IB Sample A

IB Sample B

10/10 Assignment

Part 1: Go to Socrative and enter Room #944386


Part 2: Begin looking for your second article that you could use for a commentary.. The article must have been published after September 15, 2013. For this article, you want to find one where you could apply the concepts of PED, YED, XED, PES, or externalities.

If you need help finding an article consider these sources:

BBC News

New York Times

Lots of Different English-Language Newspapers From Around the Globe

CNN 

San Jose Mercury News

Wall Street Journal

If you need more information about the commentary, here is all of the official material I have on the subject.

Once you have checked the article with me, you can begin to complete a rough outline for your commentary:

-A. A short summary of the article
-B. A list of terms from the class that could be applied to the article.
-C. An explanation of how these terms relate to the article.
-D. A description of which diagrams you could use to illustrate your ideas.
-E. A rough outline of how you could evaluate this article (evaluate means to weigh two sides and come to a conclusion) 

9/16-9/17 Assignment

Task #1:

1. Read this article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-163792...
2. Outline the following:

-A. A short summary of the article
-B. A list of terms from the class that could be applied to the article.
-C. An explanation of how these terms relate to the article.
-D. A description of which diagrams you could use to illustrate your ideas.
-E. A rough outline of how you could evaluate this article (evaluate means to weigh two sides and come to a conclusion)

Task #2:
Click on this link that explains the requirements for the Internal Assessment (Commentaries).

Answer the following questions:
1. What is the word limit for each commentary and what is included in the word limit?
2. What advice does IB about choosing articles? (types, length, content)
3. How old can articles be?


Task #3:
Begin looking for your own article that you could do the above to. The article must have been published after September 15, 2013.

If you need help finding an article consider these sources:

BBC News

New York Times

Lots of Different English-Language Newspapers From Around the Globe

CNN 

San Jose Mercury News

Wall Street Journal

The Economist
If you need more information about the commentary, here is all of the official material I have on the subject.

Once you have checked the article with me, you can begin to complete a rough outline for your commentary as you did in Task #1. 

Marketplace Assignment

Click Here for the Link to the Assignment Due Friday

Due August 27 (Wednesday)

Write a reflection in which you explain which you think is a better economic system: Market or Planned Economy. In your response, consider both the strengths and weaknesses of each and come to a reasoned conclusion.

Sample Outline:
I. Advantages of a Market Economy
II. Advantages of a Planned Economy
III. Why you prefer one or the other.


Your reflection should be roughly 300 words. You can turn it in by hand (Due Next Wednesday) or through email (Mrdasilvasjha@gmail.com)

8/22

First, go to Socrative. (Class Number is 944386)

Introduction to the Course

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")

Commodity Assignment (Due Friday 3/28)

For the assignment due Friday, you will be researching and analyzing a specific commodity. Essentially, you will be compiling a report to be shared and discussed with classmates.

Step 1: Create a Google Document that will be shared with me and other classmates on Friday. If you are not here on Friday, make sure to share your completed version by the end of class on Friday. (We will have the computers on Friday).

Step 2: Terms
Label a section in your document: Important terms. 


To proceed, you will need to figure out what a future is. Futures are the most traded and analyzed portion of most commodity markets. The link provides a fairly in depth discussion of what a future is. In your own words (2-3 sentences), explain what a Future is.

 Then, using your own knowledge, the textbook, or the internet, define what a Commodity is.

Step 3: I will be walking around assigning different commodities and checking your progress.  Once you have a commodity, find out the following for it in a section labeled Background Information

-What is the product used for? Of course, there are many uses. Mention the ones you think are the most important and/or interesting.
-What countries or areas of the world are the main suppliers of this commodity?

Step 4: Researching the Market

Here's the "fun" part. Go to the CNBC Commodity Page.
Find your commodity and click on it. You will see a lot of information for the commodity. Create a Report in which you discuss the following:

-How many futures are being traded daily? (this is referred to as "volume.")
-What has been the overall trend in the price of this commodity this year? This month? This week? 

Step 5: Analysis

Label the next section Analysis. In this section, imagine that you are giving advice to an investor on if they should buy futures of this commodity. Explain why the should or should not buy futures.

Step 6: Implications
Label the next section Implications. In this section, imagine that you are giving advice to a developing (LDC) country about if they should begin to produce this commodity. Explain why the should or should not enter this market as suppliers.


Step 7: Conclusions
Label the last section Conclusions. Answer the following:
-Are commodities Demand elastic or inelastic? Why?
-Are commodities Supply elastic or inelastic? Why?
-Are commodities income elastic for demand or income inelastic for demand?
-What are the benefits of investing in commodity futures?
-What are the costs or risks of investing in commodity futures?
-As a producer what are the benefits and the costs of producing commodities.
-What are the benefits and costs for developing countries producing commodities for international sale?

Step 8: Rename your document with your name and Commodity.

Example: Mr. da Silva, Coal.

UNDP Assignment

Step 1: Notes (Write the following in your notebooks)

• Go to pages 336-338. Outline the "Common Characteristics of Developing Countries" (include as much information as you need). 

• Go to pages 338-341. Outline the section about "Diversity Among Developing Countries" (include as much information as you need).

Step 2: Create a Document.(Send the following to me as a shared document. For the subject, Label it "Human Development Reports Part 1")

Step 3: Go to http://hdr.undp.org/en/countries

Step 4: Write #1:

Write the name of a country that is

a.     Very High Human Development 

b.     High Human Development

c.     Medium Human Development

d.     Low Human Development

Step 5: 

Glance back at the HDI rankings and select two DIFFERENT countries. One must be from the Very High or High Development range and one must be from the Low Development Range.  

Step 6: Write #2. Create the following table (copy/paste may not work) 

Country
HDI Ranking
Life Expectancy
Under Five Mortality (per 1000 births)
Mean Years of Schooling
GDP Per Capita
Inequality Adjusted HDI Value
Percentage of Population living below $1.25
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Per Capita

Step 7: Click on the high development country you have chosen. Fill in the table above accordingly.

Step 8: Go back and click on the link for the low development country. Fill in the table above accordingly.

Step 9: Write #3. Answer: What were some things that were striking differences between the two countries?

Step 10: Go to Build Your Own Index

Step 11:Now, you are going to create your own development index. You can choose different indexes and give more or less weight to each one.

• Write #4. Come up with a name for your new index. If you can’t think of one, you could use the “da Silva Development Index” or DDI.

• Create an index using the options given. Explain which statistics you've chosen why you’ve chosen these to make up your index.

• Which country was at the top of your index? Which is at the bottom?

Step 12: Now, it's time to choose your country for further study. Eventually, you will be making a large presentation about this country (after the IB test). For now, you need to choose a country that the UNDP defines as "Medium" or "Low Development." Take some time to learn about some of the countries before you choose. Once you have finished, you can begin to look for any available information about your country (building a bibliography).

Step 13: If you finish early, work on your homework for Friday.

 

 

Commentary Assignment

Link to Fixing Your Test

Guidelines:

-Cannot be older than a year.
-Cannot be from the same source you used for the first two commentaries.
-Must be about International Trade Topics (Suggested---Exchange Rates, Trade Barriers, Economic Integration)




-Good Search Terms Tariff, Quota, Subsidy, Currency of a Country You're Interested In,


If you need help finding an article consider these sources:

BBC News

New York Times

Lots of Different English-Language Newspapers From Around the Globe

CNN 

San Jose Mercury News

Wall Street Journal

The Economist



If you need more information about the commentary, here is all of the official material I have on the subject. 

Once you have found an article and checked it with me, you can begin to outline your commentary. Check this with me. 

-Summary
-Terms to Define
-Apply terms to article.
-Draw and explain relevant diagrams
-Evaluate

Once you have outlined a commentary, you can begin writing it out. The rough draft will be due the first day back after the February break. 

Fixing Your Test

DUE FIRST DAY BACK FROM BREAK

You can get back ALL of your points for the multiple choice test!

You need to WRITE the correct answer with the Question. [See example]


Then, you need to write why that is the correct answer [See example]



1. The key difference between a free trade area and a common market is that: B. members of a common markets have common trade agreements with other countries. This is because a common market is a type of customs union while members of free trade areas have different trade policies with the rest of the world.

Assignment Due 1/27

Go to http://www.bized.co.uk/educators/16-19/economics/international/activity/globalisation.htm

Read the introduction to globalization. Ignore the blue prompt.

Click on the first globalization link (or click here). Then choose one of the topics to learn more about (do not choose "the noisy planet.")

Skim through the information. Either use one of the questions below or create your own question. Then, using the information available answer either your question or the one below, reporting on what you have learned. Email me your response. Your response should be at least 200 words.

Inside the Global Giants (How have multinational corporations--choose 1 or 2--impacted the communities and countries in which they operate?)

The Fast Food Factory (What has been the impact of fast food on the environment and people of the world?)

The Global Music Machine (How has pop music been a force of globalization?)

Commentary #2 Rough Draft Due on 1/7

Don't forget!