Download ECON 2020-020 Principles of Macroeconomics

Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 2020-020
Spring 2004
Instructor: Stephanie Martin
Office phone: (303) 492-2648
Class Time: MWF 10:00- 10:50 am
Office: Economics 313
Class Location: Humn 150
Office Hours: Mon 9:00 am to 10:00 am,
W 11:00 am-1:00 pm,
Email: [email protected] email is my preferred method of contact,
please email me with questions or to set up appointments
Class website: http://ucsu.colorado.edu/~smm
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the principles and tools of macroeconomic analysis.
You should have had Microeconomics previously in order to register for this course, so
you understand the keys issues in individual decision making. In Macroeconomics we
will be investigating the main topics of the total economy how governments make
choices. Specifically, we are going to be investigating economic output, unemployment
and inflation. Our goal will be to develop a clear understanding of the these important
concepts and to analyze how the economy functions and the roles of government in
facilitating economic growth. This new understanding can help guide us in thinking
about a wide variety of public policy issues.
Course Text
The required text for the course is Principles of Macroeconomics ,2nd Edition by
Gregory Mankiw.
We will cover a great deal of information, and I strongly urge you to read the chapters
before we cover them in class and then reread the more difficult concepts again after they
have been covered in lecture. It is imperative that you keep up with all assignments in
order to successfully complete this class. This text is accompanied by a cd-rom with
exercises, a website with tutorials and additional readings. Fully utilizing all of these
resources will be the best way to ensure your success in this class.
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Grading
Exams
There will be two midterm exams each worth 20%, a final exam worth 40% of your
overall class grade. The final will be cumulative.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS FOR MIDTERMS. If you have a conflict
with the final exam date you must contact me for alternate arrangements within the first
two weeks of the semester.
It may be possible to drop one of your midterm grades if your final grade is higher. Your
class grade will be calculated as stated above and also with your lowest midterm dropped
and your final will count for 60% of your grade; the higher of these two scores will be
your final class grade.
Homework:
There will be several Homeworks assigned throughout the semester and these will be
posted on the class website. The Homeworks will be turned into Lecture on the due date
at the top of the homework. There are NO makeup opportunities for the homework.
They will be posted with ample time for their completion before the due date and there is
no excuse for not completing them. If for any reason you miss lecture on the homework
due date you must either send your homework with a classmate or email me your answers.
Homework will be graded by your TA and will constitute 10% of your class grade.
Recitation:
Recitation will account for 10% of your class grade. How your grades are determined in
recitation is at the discretion of your Teaching Assistant who should explain this method
to you during the first week of recitation. Please note that there are NO recitations during
the first week of classes, recitations commence on January 20th.
Important Notes :
Honor Code: It is expected that you understand CU Honor Code and will abide by
it for all quizzes and exams. Go to
http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/
Honor Code: “On my honor, as a University of Colorado at Boulder student,
I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this work.”
Religious Observance Accommodations: If you have a conflict between religious
observance dates and course examinations or assignments, you must notify me
two weeks in advance so that your needs may be addressed.
Disability Accommodations: If you qualify for accommodations because of a
disability, this includes extended time on exams, please submit a letter to me from
Disability Services (DS) early in the semester so that your needs may be
addressed. DS determines accommodations based on documented disabilities
(303-492-8671), Willard 322,www.colorado.edu/sacs/disabilityservices).
My Policies: I and your TAs are available during office hours and private
appointments to assist you. However, before you come to see us, make sure that
you are adequately prepared, this means that you have read the part of the chapter
discussing the material that you do not understand, and have at least attempted the
homework or worksheet problems that you have questions about.
Course Outline
The outline of topics set below is an ambitious schedule. The three dates for exams are
set and will not be changed, however, the descriptions below should be thought of as an
approximate roadmap of the topics that will be covered on each exam.
Weeks 1-6 (Chapters 1, 2, 4, 10-13)
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Ten Principles of Economics
Thinking Like an Economist
Review of The Supply and Demand Model
Measuring a Nation's Income
Measuring the Cost of Living
Production and Growth
Saving, Investment,and the Financial System
MID-TERM EXAM I, Monday, February 23, 2004
Weeks 7-12 (Chapters14-20)
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Unemployment and Its Natural Rate The Rise and Fall of Industries
The Monetary System
Money Growth and Inflation
Open-Economy Macroeconomics: Basic Concepts
A Macroeconomic Theory of the Open Economy
Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply
The Influence of Monetary and Fiscal Policy on Aggregate Demand
Two Models of the Macro Economy and Economic Growth
MID-TERM EXAM II, Friday, April 16th, 2004
Weeks 13-15(Chapter 21)
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The Short-Run Tradeoff between Inflation and Unemployment
Policy Debates for Extra Credit (if time permits)
FINAL EXAM, Wednesday, May 5, 2004 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.