IB DP- Economics

The IB Diploma Programme Economics course forms part of group 3 - individuals and societies. Economics is an exciting, dynamic subject that allows students to develop an understanding of the complexities and interdependence of economic activities in a rapidly changing world. At the heart of economic theory is the problem of scarcity. Owing to scarcity, choices have to be made. The economics course, at both SL and HL, uses economic theories, models and key concepts to examine the ways in which these choices are made-

• at the level of producers and consumers in individual markets (microeconomics)
• at the level of the government and the national economy (macroeconomics)
• at an international level, where countries are becoming increasingly interdependent (the global economy).

The DP economics course allows students to explore these models, theories and key concepts, and apply them, using empirical data, through the examination of six real world issues. Through their own inquiry, students will be able to appreciate both the values and limitations of economic models in explaining real-world economic behaviour and outcomes. By focusing on the six real-world issues through the nine key concepts (scarcity, choice, efficiency, equity, economic well-being, sustainability, change, interdependence and intervention), students of the economics course will develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will encourage them to act responsibly as global citizens.

Aims of the Course

The aims of the DP economics course, according to the subject brief, are to enable students to:

• Develop a critical understanding of a range of economic theories, models, ideas and tools in the areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and the global economy
• Apply economic theories, models, ideas and tools, and analyse economic data to understand and engage with real-world economic issues and problems facing individuals and societies
• Develop a conceptual understanding of individuals’ and societies’ economic choices, interactions, challenges and consequences of economic decision-making.

Curriculum Model Overview

Unit 1: Introduction to economics
1.1 What is economics?
1.2 How do economists approach the world?
Recommended teaching hours- 10/SL, 10/HL

Unit 2: Microeconomics
2.1 Demand
2.2 Supply
2.3 Competitive market equilibrium
2.4 Critique of the maximizing behaviour of consumers and producers
2.5 Elasticity of demand
2.6 Elasticity of supply
2.7 Role of government in microeconomics
2.8 Market failure—externalities and common pool or common access resources
2.9 Market failure—public goods
Recommended teaching hours- 35/SL

2.10 Market failure—asymmetric information
2.11 Market failure—market power
2.12 The market’s inability to achieve equity
Recommended teaching hours- 70/HL

Unit 3: Macroeconomics
3.1 Measuring economic activity and illustrating its variations
3.2 Variations in economic activity— aggregate demand and aggregate supply
3.3 Macroeconomic objectives
3.4 Economics of inequality and poverty
3.5 Demand management (demand-side policies)—monetary policy
3.6 Demand management—fiscal policy
3.7 Supply-side policies
Recommended teaching hours- 40/SL, 75/HL

Unit 4: The global economy
4.1 Benefits of international trade
4.2 Types of trade protection
4.3 Arguments for and against trade control/protection
4.4 Economic integration
4.5 Exchange rates
4.6 Balance of payments
4.7 Sustainable development
4.8 Measuring development
4.9 Barriers to economic growth and/or economic development
4.10 Economic growth and/or economic development strategies
Recommended teaching hours- 45/SL, 65/HL

Internal assessment
Portfolio of three commentaries
Recommended teaching hours- 20/SL, 20/HL

Assesment Models

There are four assessment objectives for the DP economics course. Having followed the course, students will be expected to meet the following objectives.

1. Assessment objective 1: Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified content
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the common SL/HL syllabus
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current economic issues and data

2. Assessment objective 2: Application and analysis

• Apply economic concepts and theories to real-world situations
• Identify and interpret economic data
• Analyse how economic information is used effectively in particular contexts
• In the internal assessment task: Explain the link between key economic concepts and economic commentaries

3. Assessment objective 3: Synthesis and evaluation

• Examine economic concepts and theories
• Use economic concepts and examples to construct and present an argument
• Discuss and evaluate economic information and theories

4. Assessment objective 4: Use and application of appropriate skills

• Produce well-structured written material, using appropriate economic theory, concepts and terminology
• Produce and use diagrams to help explain economic theory, concepts and real-world issues
• Select, interpret and analyse appropriate extracts from the news media
• Interpret appropriate data sets
• Use quantitative techniques to identify, explain and analyse economic relationships

Want to improve your grades? Request for one to one online tutoring at Vidyalai.com with the best IB teachers. 100% money back guarantee. Request your first lesson now!