Ib Economics

Diploma Programmer Economics subject outline First examinations 2013 This document explains the major features of the course, and outlines the syllabus and assessment requirements. More detailed information about the course can be obtained by referring to the guide for this subject, which is available on the subject page of the B online curriculum centre (COCO) website (http://coco. Bib. Org) and can also be purchased from the B store (http://store. Bib. Rig). International Baccalaureate Organization 2010 Nature of the subject Economics is a dynamic social science, forming part of group 3?individuals and societies. The study of economics is essentially about dealing with scarcity, resource allocation and the methods and processes by which choices are made in the satisfaction of human wants. As a social science, economics uses scientific methodologies that include quantitative and qualitative elements.

The B Diploma Programmer economics course emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. These economic theories are not to be studied n a vacuum?rather, they are to be applied to real-world issues. Prominent among these issues are fluctuations in economic activity, international

The ethical dimensions involved in the application of economic theories and policies permeate throughout the economics course as students are required to consider and reflect on human end- goals and values. The economics course encourages students to develop international perspectives, fosters a concern for global issues, and raises students’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national and international level.

The course also seeks to develop values and attitudes that will enable students to achieve a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interdependent world. Prior learning The economics course requires no specific prior learning. No particular background in terms of specific subjects studied for national or international qualifications is expected or required.

The specific skills of the economics course are developed within the context of the course itself. The ability to understand and explain abstract lb Economics By shamanic advantages in economics. Links to the Middle Years Programmer The development of certain skills in the Middle Years Programmer (MAP) humanities course of study is excellent preparation for a Diploma Programmer course in economics, which requires the student to undertake research, to demonstrate understanding and knowledge of concepts, and to exhibit the capacity to think critically.

The following specific skills, for example, which are identified and developed in the MAP humanities course, are encouraged in the Diploma Programmer . The ability to use sources such as graphs and tables in a economics course radical manner The ability to analyses and interpret information from a wide range of sources The ability to make well-substantiated decisions and to relate them to real- world contexts Aims Group 3 aims The aims of all subjects in group 3, individuals and societies are to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Encourage the systematic and critical study of: human experience and behavior; physical, economic and social environments; and the history and development of social and cultural institutions develop in the student the capacity to identify, to analyses critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and arguments about the nature ND activities of the individual and society enable the student to collect, describe and analyses data used in studies of society, to test hypotheses, and to interpret complex data and source material promote the appreciation of the way in which learning is relevant both to the culture in which the student lives, and to the culture of other societies develop an awareness in the student that human attitudes and beliefs are widely diverse and that the study of society requires an appreciation of such diversity enable the student to recognize that the content and methodologies of the subjects n group 3 are contestable and that their study requires the tolerance of uncertainty. Economics aims In addition, the aims of the economics syllabus at SSL and HAL are to enable students to: 7. 8. 9. Develop an understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories and concepts and their real-world application develop an appreciation of the impact on individuals and societies of economic interactions between nations develop an awareness of development issues facing nations as they undergo the process of change. 2 Assessment objectives There are four assessment objectives (Ass) for the SSL and HAL economics course.

Having followed the economics course at SSL or HAL, students will be expected to do the following: 1 . Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified content – -2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the common SOUL syllabus Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current economic issues and data At HAL only: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the higher level extension topics Demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge and understanding – – – – Apply economic concepts and theories to real-world situations Identify and interpret economic data Demonstrate the extent to which economic information is used effectively in particular contexts At HAL only: Demonstrate application and analysis of the extension topics 3.