Econ+Fall+2009+Announcements

Wednesday December 9
//** 1. Wednesday Dec. 9 Class **// 1. Here are the instructions for today's class. Odd numbers from last time (#1,3,5,7,9,11,13) fill out survey about Susan's presentation -**1st 20 minutes** -- In groups of 2 (one group of 3 is ok), brainstorm and research on the internet to find how the demand for one item that is legal in most places (i.e. something not “drugs”) has negative affects in places other than where it is being consumed. For instance, most of the negative consequences other than the environmental one from Sharkwater were not taking place in East Asia. Each group should find multiple articles on the topic and be prepared to share their findings with the rest of the groups. -**2nd 20 minutes --** In a circle, each group will share its findings with the other groups. Students should try to ask questions as well as make comments that critique the “demand connections” and/or suggest other ways the demand may affect other areas. -**3rd 20 minutes** -- Each student should type a 1 pg, 12 pt Times New Roman font response **due next class (Fri 12/11)** that answers the following 2 questions:
 * First 10 minutes** -- Susan Kim teaches everyone
 * Next 60 minutes** -- The movie “Sharkwater” dealt with how the demand of one item/product (sharkfins) negatively affected other parts of society, including but not limited to illegal fishing activity, political corruption, workers working in overly difficult conditions (remember the person who had “the bends”), and environmental concerns. Today the KIS Econ class will look at other examples of how demand for certain products/items can have negative effects elsewhere.
 * 1.** What was the most effective example shared today of how demand negatively affects places other than where an object/item is being consumed? Why?
 * 2.** In what ways might demand for an item/product IMPROVE situations in other countries? (You may consider Korea’s recent history as an example.)

Tuesday December 8
//** 1. Social Entrepreneur Surveys **// 1. Complete this survey **six times** (one for each presentation you heard) before tomorrow's class. This is part of your and others' project grades, so please take this seriously.

Monday November 24
//** 1. Videoconference Reflections **// 1. Before Wednesday's class, be sure to complete this survey. Focus especially on question #2.

Wednesday November 5
//** 1. Investment Game **// 1. The 2nd KIS Economics Stock Market Competition is underway! Be sure to go to the Virtual Stock Exchange website to sign up! (Use the password from a previous email.) 2. The rules: Follow the rules to avoid disqualification! 3. Keep in mind that trades will only take place when the U.S. stock market is open. That means it will be open beginning around 10pm on Monday-Friday nights and will close likely before most people wake up for school. Plan ahead!
 * At least 1/2 of the original $100,000 should be invested at all times. (So...$50,000-100,000 should be invested)
 * No one investment should comprise more than 40% of all total investments when purchased (example: If someone has invested $50,000 while keeping the other $50,000 as cash, then none of the individual stocks/mutual funds should be purchased for more than $20,000)
 * Each person should have at least 5 separate investments at all times.
 * Each person should have at least 2 mutual funds at all times. (Be sure to find the mutual fund that is right for you!)
 * The game ends on January 12, 2010...GOOD LUCK!

Tuesday October 27
**// 1. H1N1 Week //** I hope you all enjoyed sleeping in today. I know I did. For those who are sick, I hope you get better soon. On to the assignment announcements... 1. Because of the school cancellation, some of the plans and due dates had to be altered. Below is the updated schedule. It includes what will be done in class each day and the homework (HW) for each class. If you have any questions, please email me and I will be happy to help.
 * **Week of 10/26-10/30**: No class
 * HW #1: Study for test
 * HW #2: Nothing else is due when this week or when you return. However, to make your life easier, I __highly__ recommend you complete the Mon 11/2 & the part 1 of the Thu 11/5 homework __this week__ instead of procrastinating. The Mon 11/9 quiz based on the podcast requires much time devoted to reading and listening.
 * **Mon 11/2:** Ch. 4-6 Test
 * HW: Read the Couple Learns the High Price of Easy Credit article and answer the questions I emailed you on Tue 10/27.
 * **Wed 11/4**: Turn in HW & discuss the "...Easy Credit" article; Keynote on Personal Finance; Mr. Duncan introduces stock market game; Movie Oscars
 * HW: Read the following and be prepared for a quiz:
 * p. 286-287: "The Future of Money"
 * p. 296-297: "Gold Standard"
 * All of Ch. 12-2
 * **Thu 11/5**: Ch. 12-2 & more quiz; Work on HW #2; Time permitting - Work on HW #1
 * HW #1: Go to the Financial Crisis Basics page. Once there, read the articles and listen to the 20 minute podcast (while considering the 11 questions listed on the page) about the financial crisis. Be ready to take an essay-based quiz on Monday.
 * HW #2: Choose stocks for stock market contest and, in a typed paragraph that you will turn in on Monday, explain your decision-making rationale.
 * **Mon 11/9**: Turn in HW #2; Take difficult, essay-based quiz on financial crisis; financial crisis video/discussion; more

**Thursday October 15**
//1. Post Documentary Activities: Complete the following by 1:00 pm on Sunday October 18. Project reflections may be emailed to kduncan@kis.or.kr.// [|Econ Fall 2009 Oscar Voting]
 * 1. Online survey: Be sure to fill out the appropriate survey for the documentaries (only 1 per person):

2. Project Reflection: In a typed, 2 1/2 to 4 page, double-spaced essay, each student should: a. Analyze your work and your partner's work in making the documentary. b. Reflect on the lessons learned (good and bad) throughout the entire process. The lessons should be both about the content AND the process of creating the documentary. c. Critique the assignment, considering what was/were the best aspect(s) of it as well as ways it could be improved for future classes. **

**Friday September 11**
// 1. Documentary Project //
 * 1. Each group should upload their new and improved research question by Saturday evening here: Econ Fall 2009 Documentaries. To see how to enter the question, please check out this page: Econ Spring 2009 Documentaries.

2. The research questions should be finalized. Remember, due dates for the project are coming up soon.

3. Be sure to look back over the documentary project information sheet. It has many guidelines (used in grading) that are helpful in all phases of the documentary, including emphases on collecting specific data, audio issues, and more.

4. Plan ahead on conducting interviews. Often times, people have to cancel or postpone. Plan on conducting each interview several days before important due dates.

5. Work hard, but have fun while working on your documentaries! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.**

// 2. Phoenix TV //
 * 1. To see Econ's own 'Sharapova' and more, check out: [|Phoenix TV 1.2]**

Wednesday August 26
// 1. Documentary Project & Other Info //** 1. Check for important class documents, including project info and study guides here: Economics Documents for Downloading

2. The assignment due on Friday Aug. 28 is concerning social security in the U.S. Each student's assigned article may be found here: [|Opposing Viewpoints] The username is kis and the password begins with a "w." The assignment is as follows: (1) read the assigned article, (2) write a detailed paragraph (no more than 1/3 pg single-spaced) summarizing the main points of the article, (3) write down 3 or more further questions you would like answered that the article did not answer, and (4) write down 2 or more ways that the author's viewpoint could potentially be criticized. Be prepared to turn in the document at the beginning of class and informally debate the main points of the article.