AP College Macroeconomics

• Course Overview

Course Overview: AP Macroeconomics is a college-level course tailored for high school students, introducing them to the key principles that govern entire economic systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how national income and price levels are determined. Students will explore economic performance indicators, the financial sector, policy measures for economic stabilization, growth theories, and international economics. Through engaging with charts, graphs, and data, students develop the skills to analyze and articulate economic concepts effectively.

Course Structure: The course is organized into eight comprehensive units, each focusing on specific areas of macroeconomic theory and application. The final unit will include a review and a comprehensive exam to solidify learning.

Prerequisites: There are no specific prerequisites for AP Macroeconomics. However, students should have the ability to read college-level texts and possess a solid foundation in mathematics and graph interpretation.

Course Content: AP Macroeconomics offers a detailed understanding of economic principles and their application in analyzing broader economic trends. Key topics include:

• National income measurement, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
• Inflation, unemployment, and their impact on economic conditions
• The role of the financial sector, including banking systems and monetary policies
• How international trade and finance influence national economies
• Economic growth and the role of different economic theories

Course Objectives: Students will:

• Gain a deep understanding of economic concepts like scarcity, opportunity cost, and market equilibrium.
• Analyze and differentiate between various economic systems, including free markets and centrally planned economies.
• Learn to apply macroeconomic measures such as GDP, inflation rates, and unemployment data.
• Understand and evaluate Classical and Keynesian economic models in the context of fiscal and monetary policy.
• Explore the role of the Federal Reserve, monetary policy tools, and their effect on the economy.
• Analyze international trade dynamics and the factors influencing exchange rates and trade balances.