1. General Introduction / Course Learning Outcomes
General introduction:
Economics is a course designed to give students a clear overview of fundamental economic concepts and economic thinking. The course supports students in understanding how individuals, businesses, governments, and global systems make decisions under conditions of scarcity—connecting theory to real-world and historical contexts.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students can:
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Use core economic reasoning to analyze and compare different economic systems and how they function.
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Communicate intelligently and think critically about major global economic issues, using evidence and sound logic.
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Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to economic questions relevant to career readiness and 21st-century life.
2. Content Overview
The course addresses essential economics topics through both abstract principles and real-world applications:
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Microeconomics and Macroeconomics: key principles studied in theory and applied to historical and real-world situations.
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Economic systems and institutions: analysis and comparison of major economic systems and the institutions operating in the U.S. and around the world today.
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Money, banking, and finance: how money works, how banking systems function, and how financial systems influence economies.
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The role of government: how government policies and actions shape economic outcomes.
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Economic development and measurement: how economies grow and how economic systems are measured and evaluated (using indicators and comparative tools).
3. Learning and Teaching Approach
Instruction is designed to maximize engagement and deepen understanding through practical thinking:
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Real-world application: economic concepts are consistently connected to students’ lived experiences and current events to make learning meaningful and memorable.
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Backwards design: lessons are built from clear outcomes—what students should know and be able to do—so learning activities and assessments stay focused.
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Blended learning: students access core content through instructional videos and digital resources; interactive learning time (when applicable) prioritizes practice, small-group discussion, collaboration, and applied tasks.
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Design thinking and problem-solving: projects and challenges are embedded to help students develop structured thinking and solutions for realistic economic problems.
Lessons:
