AP® Microeconomics
Overview
Course Description
AP Microeconomics is separated into four units. Students are taught the basic vocabulary of economics (scarcity, comparative advantage, opportunity costs, etc). and key concepts like supply and demand, which is especially important in a free market system. Students discuss income inequality and poverty, and are challenged to employ a biblical perspective in economic decision making. Students also consider the government’s role in the economy, such as in healthcare, school choice, and environmental concerns.
Prerequisites
This is a rigorous, college-level course. HSLDA Online Academy recommends that students have a strong background in mathematics in order to succeed in AP Microeconomics. Students taking AP Microeconomics should either be currently enrolled in or have previously completed Algebra 2 or an equivalent course.
Please visit the College Board page about AP Microeconomics for more information about the material and skills students will study in the course and will need to master for the AP exam in this subject.
Still have questions about whether you are ready for an AP course? Please visit our Academic Readiness page for more information.
Students Will Learn
- How to demonstrate the economic way of thinking
- How to understand both product and factor markets
- How to analyze markets using graphical tools
- How to articulate the effects of government intervention in the marketplace
- How to understand market failure
- How to analyze the marketplace from a biblical worldview
Live Class Sections
AP Microeconomics is a semester-long course, only offered during the Fall term. Registration opens in late February.
What to Expect Weekly
We estimate that the course workload will take 10+ hours per week. During a typical week in, students complete the following coursework:
- 90 minutes of live class instruction
- Video lecture (10–20 minutes)
- 1–2 chapters textbook reading (20–30 pages per chapter)
- Discussion forum (one post and one reply)
- Grading workshop assignments (from the textbook)
- Quiz
Throughout the semester, students complete a midterm and final exam. Students also submit weekly critical thinking exercises, which have proven successful in preparing for the AP exam.
Course Materials
Economics. 6th edition
More Details
Description
This economics textbook is one of the top college textbooks on the subject, assisting students preparing for the Advance Placement exams. Written in an interesting manner, the author, a winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, uses a variety of real examples to illustrate the ideas and concepts for students.
We recommend purchasing either the loose-leaf copy or the eText for convenience and better pricing. The eText is available through the publisher, Macmillan Learning, and Amazon.com. There is also a hardcopy version available. Please Note: If the eText does not list a subscription length, please be prepared for a 180 day rental.
Reason For Teaching
Written in a straightforward style, this textbook explains economic concepts at a high level yet in an accessible manner. The author incorporates real examples, events, and countries while explaining concepts. As this is an advance level course designed for juniors and seniors, students are expected to be able to effectively interact with a secular college-level textbook from a biblical perspective as they prepare to interact with economic ideas in their personal lives, academic studies, post-high school plans, and future careers.
Disclaimer
HSLDA Online Academy does not agree with all the author’s personal views on economics and does not expect families and students to do so either. This secular college-level textbook is not the extent of the course curriculum, but merely one of the tools used in the course to support student learning as they prepare for the AP exam and collegiate level studies. The course instructor and overall curriculum incorporate a biblical perspective. The textbook addresses topics about which there are many opinions. Students should engage openly with these ideas while recognizing that the textbook is not a definitive authority.
AP Econ Ultimate Review Packet (strongly recommended)
More Details
To purchase, please click here.
Master Teacher
Sandra Miller
A graduate of Pepperdine University, Sandra considers education a life-long journey. She has completed professional certificates in a variety of areas including marketing, European politics and economics, strategic account management, and negotiating. Sandr... View full bio »
