NSO Economics Syllabus

Course Outline

Title: Economics

Credits: .25; .33; .5

Prerequisites: none

Instructor: See course info block

Course Description

This comprehensive course provides a foundational understanding of economics, exploring how individuals and societies allocate limited resources to fulfill unlimited wants. Students will delve into core economics concepts such as supply and demand, market equilibrium, economic indicators, governmental interventions, and personal finance. Through a blend of theoretical insight and practical application, this course equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex economic landscape and make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. Completing this course in chronological order is key to building a strong foundation in economics.

Course Goals & Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of economics, including scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost.
• Analyze the dynamics of supply and demand and identify factors influencing market equilibrium.
• Evaluate the impact of governmental policies and interventions on the economy, both domestically and globally.
• Interpret economic indicators to assess the health of an economy and recognize the stages of the business cycle.
• Develop personal finance skills, including budgeting, credit management, and understanding the role of credit industry practices.

Topic Outline 

Unit 1 | Introduction to Economics (SA, QA, TA)

This unit explores the fundamental concepts in Economics and the study of how people choose to use their limited resources to satisfy their unlimited wants.

Unit 2 | Supply and Demand (SA, QA, TA)

Have you ever wanted to start a business or ponder why your boss only is paying what you may feel is a low wage? Or, why high demand items may have a higher price? In this unit you will be introduced to the world of supply and demand. These are two key concepts for any economic system. You will explore the factors that cause supply and demand to change and learn about supply and demand graphs and what causes them to shift.

Unit 3 | Equilibrium and Market Structures (SA, QA, TA)

This unit focuses on how interactions between consumers and producers determine prices and quantities of goods. Key to this unit is the Factors Affecting Demand and Factors that Affect Supply learned in Unit 2.

Unit 4 | Measuring the Economy (SA, QB, TA)

This unit focuses on demonstrating the ripple effect, the cause and effects of inflation and unemployment. You will analyze economic data to determine the health of an economy and learn about the business cycle.

Unit 5 | Role of Government and the Global Economy (SA, QB)

The government plays an essential role in maintaining the stability of the U.S. economy. This unit focuses on the effectiveness and impact of Government tools and policies on the economy. These same tools are used throughout the world.

Unit 6 | Personal Finance (SA, QB)

This unit focuses on personal finance including how to establish a financial goal that includes a budget and how to evaluate the pros and cons of credit to see how credit plays into your finances.

Instructional Methods

This course is taught primarily through asynchronous learning methods. All NSO courses are taught by Minnesota licensed teachers who provide feedback, assist students in understanding concepts, answer student questions , and meet synchronously as needed. This course consists of a mix of instructional readings, videos, and activities.

Required books and/or educational materials

All materials are embedded in the course and accessible via an updated browser (i.e. Chrome, FireFox, etc.). Additional Minimum Technical Requirements can be referred to here.

Assessment of Student Work

Grading Policy

Steady continual progress is imperative for the successful completion of an online course. Regular participation, communication, and independent practice are required.

Final Exam:

To be completed at the completion of required content.

Extra Credit Options:

No extra credit options are available for this course, though assignments may be re-submitted after feedback is given.

Required Course Assessments and Assignments for Course Completion:

Students must complete 80% of course assignments and earn an overall course grade of at least 60% (this includes students working on a Pass/Fail option approved by a counselor).

Policy for Missed Assignments/Exams and Late Assignments

All learners are expected to attempt everything assigned. All listed course assignments are expected to be completed for an earned credit. Any missing assignments will count against the student’s overall grade.

Policy for Addressing Academic Integrity

Our goal is to help students be successful in their learning and future endeavors in life. To this effect, please refer to the following NSO Academic Integrity Policy.

 Minnesota Academic Standards Alignment

This course is aligned to current Minnesota Department of Education standards in Social Studies.

Course Instructor and Communications

Teacher to Student Communications

Teachers will communicate with students through email, text messages, and phone calls. Teachers may also schedule synchronous meetings as either determined by the teacher or student. Teachers provide feedback on assignment submissions (with detailed feedback provided for submissions missing points) and address misunderstandings or review concepts as needed.

Students may contact their instructor through email, text message, or phone calls and may request to meet virtually with teachers. Teachers will respond within 24 business hours to emails and voicemails and will return graded assignments within 72 hours.

Teacher to Parent Communications

Teachers will communicate with parents/guardians through email, text messages, and phone calls. Parents have access to student progress, current grades, pacing, and quality of work through their NSO Parent Account. NSO support staff will provide additional communication to parents/guardians, including weekly progress reports, student engagement concerns, and outreach to support student learning and engagement.

Teacher to Enrolling District Communications

Communication to enrolling districts will be primarily conducted by NSO Administration and Support Staff, rather than the teacher. These communications include information regarding student course enrollment, weekly student progress reports, student engagement concerns, and specific student support. School Counselors at the enrolling school have access to up-to-date student progress, current grades, communications, pacing, and quality of work through their NSO Counselor Accounts.

Student Attendance Expectations

Attendance is registered automatically by the submission of assignments. Accessing course pages, or completing pre-assessment quizzes or lessons does not meet course attendance requirements. Students must submit at least one assignment per week to be considered active in the course. To remain on pace to complete the course by the end date, students must follow the pacing guides within their Student Account. Students who are not active receive notices (as do parents and counselors) in order to support their re-engagement in the course. Students who do not submit an assignment for three consecutive weeks may be administratively withdrawn from the course.

Students who will be absent (will not submit an assignment or complete a quiz/assessment) for more than one week should notify their instructor. Students are still expected to stay on pace in their course and risk being withdrawn from the course if they are absent for 15 consecutive school days regardless of the absence being considered excused or unexcused.

Students with extenuating circumstances, such as a hospitalization, will work with NSO Administration and their enrolling school to excuse their absences through a hold placed on their course.

Academic Support Available

Students needing help or who are struggling in their course should reach out to their instructor first. Northern Star Online has support staff (including Educational Support Professionals, School Counselors, Program Coordinators, and Digital Resources Specialists) to help with student engagement support and technical assistance who may be contacted at NSOhelpdesk@district287.org.

Format and Frequency of Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent weekly to guardians, school counselors, and students including the current grade, quality of work, number of assignments completed, and progress indicator. This information is available on an ongoing basis in the Student, Guardian, and School Counselor Accounts.

Final Grades and Submissions

Final grades are available to the school counselor within 10 days of the course end date. Spring semester graduating seniors should note that on the registration form and the grade will be submitted by the timeline requested by the enrolling school.