Course Overview

Honors Economics is a one-semester course that provides an accelerated and enriched introduction to the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Designed for motivated learners, the course emphasizes both the theoretical foundations of economics and their practical applications in personal, national, and global contexts. Students explore how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions in the face of scarcity and opportunity cost, and how these decisions shape markets and economic systems.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Analyze the concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost, and supply and demand.
• Compare and contrast free market and centrally planned economies.
• Examine the role of government in influencing business, labor, money, banking, and finance.
• Explore economic growth and development, including challenges faced by the U.S. and global economies.
• Strengthen skills in economic reasoning, critical thinking, and data interpretation.

Instructional Approach

Instruction in Honors Economics combines inquiry-based learning and honors-level rigor, including:

• Case studies of historical and contemporary economic events.
• Analysis of graphs, data, and economic models to interpret trends and outcomes.
• Discussions that connect economic theory to real-world applications in business, politics, and society.
• Activities that foster higher-order thinking, problem solving, and college-level literacy skills.

Outcome

By the end of the course, students will:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles.
• Apply economic reasoning to issues such as markets, government policy, and international trade.
• Be prepared for further study in AP Economics, business, political science, or finance, as well as careers in fields such as law, public policy, and international relations.