About the Course
What does it mean when bubbles burst, stock markets crash, and hyperinflation takes off? How do these major economic events affect businesses and individuals around the world? COVID-19 was one such event and it impacted the worldwide markets, creating long-lasting volatility. In this course, we will use an individual financial perspective against the backdrop of global events and how they can be explained mathematically; discuss various aspects of financial issues such as increasing the minimum wage to increasing the monetary supply; and explore various investment strategies that businesses can use to minimize their tax liability and increase stock dividends. Along the way, we’ll learn various savings and investment mechanisms that people can use to diversify their finances and minimize personal risk.
The content in Economic Chaos: Understanding Volatile Markets overlaps with the CTY course The Mathematics of Volatile Markets. Students who have already taken The Mathematics of Volatile Markets may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Explain what a market is, identify what compromises the market basket, and use mathematical simulations and activities to analyze how it is impacted by major events or interactions
- Develop financial and economic viewpoints from an individual, business, and government perspective using mathematical simulations and activities
- Identify and distinguish between various savings and investment mechanisms that individuals can use to diversify their finances and minimize personal risk
- Recognize and give examples of various allocation and investment strategies businesses can use to diversify their finances, minimize their tax liability, and increase stock dividends
- Demonstrate how governments use the bond markets and banking systems to finance collectivism through public works and control the money supply
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Fri for 6 weeks
Times: 9 - 10:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: June 8, 2026
Filling up fast! 5 spots left
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 6 weeks
Times: 8 - 9:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online course times are in Eastern Standard US time.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid