BJU Press's Economics text is designed for use in the twelfth grade, although it could be used in the eleventh grade as well. It deals with economics in business, government, the marketplace, and the home. The ideas taught reflect a limited-government approach to economics and Christian values, although students do learn about conflicting ideas. Even in the discussion of the different economic systems, competing systems are presented fairly enough that students are prepared to answer an application question that says: "You are the leader of your own country and have the power to establish its economic system. From the six systems explained in this text, choose one and economically and biblically defend your selection" p. 121).
Students are introduced to many key people in economics with brief biographical sketches. Among these are also current economics such as Thomas Sowell and Alan Greenspan. With an eye on the international economy, the text helps students understand the global implications of any country's economic policies and choices.
The text is engagingly written with plenty of practical applications plus historical and current illustrations. In addition, the heavily-illustrated text is printed in full color. The chapter reviews include terms students need to know, content questions, and excellent application questions such as the example above. At the end of the textbook is a "Stock Market Project" with worksheets. This project has students invest $100,000 in at least five companies, and track the stocks' activity over at least six weeks. With no risk, students will really learn how the stock market works.
The Economics Subject Kit consists of the student textbook, the teacher's edition, a student activities book, the answer key for the student activities book, a packet of tests, and the tests answer key.
The teacher's edition is essential. You will use it as an answer key, and it also contains margin notes with objectives, biblical connections, assignments to complete in the student activities book, topics for discussion, activity suggestions, mention of online visual aids and websites available through BJU's website, supplementary reading and writing suggestions, and field trip ideas.
BJU Press's Economics should be excellent for those who want economics presented from a Christian worldview.
