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AP Macroeconomics Course Perspective
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by Jim Spellicy
Teacher
AP Economics
Lowell High School
San Francisco, California
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Please note: The official College Board® Course Description is available below in "More."
As our world becomes more interconnected through technological advances, an awareness of basic economic theory becomes imperative for the active citizen. Consumers and producers, as well as national economies, rely on economic information for their decision making. To facilitate a better understanding of economic principles, economists divide the study of economics into two branches: Microeconomics, which examines the behaviors of individual businesses and individual households in economic decision-making; and macroeconomics, which focuses on the analysis of the economy as a whole dealing with the determination of national output, including national income, price levels, and total employment. The first area offers a microscopic view of economic decision-making, whereas the latter looks at the big picture.
AP Macroeconomics is a course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics in examining aggregate economic behavior. Students taking the course can expect to learn how the measures of economic performance, such as GDP, inflation and unemployment, are constructed and how to apply them to evaluate the macroeconomic conditions of an economy. Students will also learn the basic analytical tools of macroeconomics, primarily the aggregate demand and aggregate supply model and its application in the analysis and determination of national income, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of fiscal policy and monetary policy in promoting economic growth and stability. Recognizing the global nature of economics, students will also have ample opportunities to examine the impact of international trade and international finance on national economies. Various economic schools of thought are introduced as solutions to economic problems are considered.
Who should take AP Macro? The course is intended to meet the needs of a variety of students, from those intending to pursue college work in business and seeking a firm foundation in theory, to those planning to join the labor force directly out of high school and wanting to understand their role in the national economy. Each student's reason for taking the course will vary, but each needs to approach the course with a sense of wonder and a willingness to explore new concepts and theories. The course is not intended for those who are eager to learn about the stock market or consumer economics. Each school sets its own prerequisites for the course, usually as a team effort by administrators, counselors, and teachers. Often, GPAs, recommendations from teachers, and overall commitment to the course are considered for placement. Calculus is not required for the course. All mathematical computations on the AP Exam can be done without the use of a calculator. Graphing skills, however, are imperative.
Wherein lies the usefulness of an AP Macroeconomics course? For successful students, AP Macro provides a challenging high school course, the opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced standing, and the means to develop academic skills for future college work. The course generally increases students' self-confidence and motivation.
The amount of content covered in the AP Macro course is staggering for many teachers, especially those trying to cover both AP Macro and AP Micro courses in a single semester. The AP Macroeconomics Course Description (see the link provided at the end of this overview) is the teacher's best guide for what is covered on the AP Exam. Every topic that will be on the exam is listed in the Course Description. Be sure to pay close attention to the percentages attached to each topic and allocate course time accordingly. Managing time on each topic is crucial for student success.
Success in the AP Macro course is important to the student, high school, community and nation, as the course is ultimately designed to aid in the development of an economically aware citizenry. Teachers and students working together can accomplish this goal.
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