Monday, August 17, 2009

AP Economics: Civilization

Civilization and its related games have generated sound discussions of AP Economics issues. For example, here is a thread on Adam Smith's pin factory vs. his invisible hand. Another thread discussed economics in the thread, "A Guide to Civics." And, after having discussed this point in a thread a blogger added to the discussion.

AP Economics: World of Warcraft



YouTube clip is here.

AP Economics: Every Graph You Need To Know

Here are all of the graphs that you need to know for the AP Macroeconomics test.

Featuring the Production Possibilities Curve, Supply & Demand, the Circular Flow Model, Aggregate Expenditures, Aggregate Demand & Aggregate Supply, the Money Market, Investment Demand, the Loanable Funds Market, the Foreign Exchange Market, the Phillips Curve, Laffer Curve, and the Lorenz Curve.




AP Macroeconomics Graphing Review - Part 1




AP Macroeconomics Graphing Review - Part 2




AP Macroeconomics Graphing Review - Part 3


AP Economics: Business Cycle, Unemployment, Inflation, Growth

For the business cycle we will consider "The Road to Emerald City Is Paved with Good Intentions." The "Wizard of Oz," one of America's greatest films, is seen as an allegory about Populism and the issue of "sound money."


"Money" by Pink Floyd




One of the most famous phrases in modern economics is that "inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon." This statement, made by Nobel laureate Milton Friedman, suggests that the principal factor influencing the movement of the price level over time is the growth rate of the money supply.


Cf. Bade and Parkin, Chapters 20, 21, and 22.

AP Economics: Demand, Supply, and Market Equilibrium

Demand and supply may be understood by considering China's current economy.


Use the Amosweb link to define basic terms and phrases such as: purchasing power, factors of production, economic growth, and standard of living.


"China's Rising Economy" is a production of PBS.


The CIA World Factbook on China is a reliable source of information on China, and other nations.


When ready, take an interactive quiz on "China - Where Will They Fit in the World Economy?


Cf. Bade and Parkin, 4.1, 4.2. 4.3.


On LibraryThing there are reference works on China:


Where Does the Money Go?: Your Guided Tour to the Federal Budget Crisis
by Scott Bittle


Why Geography Matters: Three Challenges Facing America: Climate Change,…
by Harm de Blij


Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of "Energy Independence"
by Robert Bryce


Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History, and Political…
by John Bryan Starr



Popular culture references:


Brian Eno, 1974, Taking Tiger Mountain, "China My China."




David Bowie, "China Girl"


David Bowie - China Girl EMI UK (P) 2005 The copyright in this audiovisual recording is owned by Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC under exclusive license to EMI Records Ltd.


Iggy Pop, "China Girl"




China Dolls, "Oh Oh Oh," perceptive viewers will note that the pop band is actually Thai-Chinese.




China Dolls, "Kow Mai Ruk," (the Dolls try Hip Hop style)




And, when ready for something completely different, try the New York Dolls, "Personality Crisis." There are more in the Iggy Pop school of rock.


And, of course, these Dolls have an Ian Hunter connection: Ian Hunter, "Standin' In My Light."




"Standin' In My Light," Ian Hunter, Live in Oslo, Sweden.

Well I finally found you out
All through your mess of dreams
You won't make it to the night
and you're standing in my light
You know you've been bad for me
You ain't got the weight to hate
But you ain't no pretty sight
And you're standing in my light

Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light (yeah)
Move over cause you're standing in my light

Now when your old man beats the drums
Gotta run run run that's dumb
A little less ego A little more fight
Move over cause you're standing in my light

Things go bad and the risks get high
Sweeping dead bodies 'cross an open sky
You took my pictures from your walls
Ain't gonna trade with the pain of the New York Dolls

Move over cause you're standin in my
(Move over cause you're standin in my)
Move over cause you're standin in my
(Move over cause you're standin in my)
Move over cause you're standin in my
(Move over cause you're standin in my)
Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light
Move over cause you're standing in my light Yeah.......Alright
Move over cause you're standing in my light

I wish you luck on your very last chance
Cause I knew you blew it at the song and dance
you froze my feelings, but thats alright
and you're standing in my light


Lyrics are posted for educational purposes only; copyright remains with the original owner.