AP Microeconomics
Course Description
Introductory college-level study of how individuals and firms make choices under scarcity and how those choices shape markets. Students apply supply–demand and cost models, analyze consumer and producer behavior, compare market structures, and evaluate policy interventions using graphs, data, and quantitative reasoning. (Microeconomics semester of LCP’s AP Economics sequence.)
| Credits | 5 (one semester) |
| UC A–G Area | G — College-Preparatory Elective |
| Level & GPA Weight | AP (weighted per UCOP/district policy) |
| Recommended Grades | G10–G12 |
| Prerequisites | Algebra I. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
| Textbook | Krugman’s Economics for AP, 2nd Edition. ISBN 978-1464122187. (Student prepares the hard-copy text.) |
Major Units and Topics
- Apply economic reasoning to real-world scenarios and policy questions.
- Interpret and create graphs, tables, and equations used in microeconomic analysis.
- Analyze efficiency, welfare, and market outcomes across different market structures.
- Evaluate impacts of taxes, subsidies, price controls, and other government interventions.
Course Outline
1. Price Elasticity — responsiveness of demand/supply, revenue effects.
2. Taxation & Policy — incidence, deadweight loss, price controls & quotas.
3. Consumer Behavior & Utility — marginal analysis, choice under budget constraints.
4. Firm Behavior & Costs — production, cost curves, profit maximization.
5. Market Structures — perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly (intro game theory).
6. Market Failure & Welfare — externalities, public policy, and the welfare state. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Delivery Options & Tuition
| Model | What’s Included | Live Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Asynchronous | Self-paced modules, graded work, email Q&A | — | $598 |
| Teacher-Guided Asynchronous | Instructor pacing, periodic check-ins, grading & feedback | ~ 4 hours | $985 |
| Mini-One-on-One | Targeted coaching, FRQ practice, exam strategies | ~ 11 hours | $1,309 |
| One-on-One | Fully personalized instruction & pacing | ≈ 20–22 hours (typical) | $119/hr |
Time & Workload Expectations
- Learning of curriculum: 20-22 hours;
- Review, Homework, and Preparing for tests and exams: 20-25 hours
- Communication: Email Q&A and periodic progress updates are available in all models.
- Weekly load depends on your chosen course window. Example:
(live hours + independent hours) ÷ weeks ≈ weekly time
Grading & Course Policies
- Coursework: quizzes, homework, one midterm, and a final each semester (semesters graded independently).
- Typical weighting: Homework 40% • Tests 40% • Final 20%.
- Preparedness & conduct: have materials ready; follow assessment/device policies; notify the office/instructor of planned absences.
Office Hours & Notes
- Office Hours: by appointment. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Pacing Guide: Personalized to your start/end dates and seasonal schedules.
- AP Exam: Registration/testing are separate from course enrollment; confirm local AP testing arrangements.