Macroeconomics (311-0-20)
Instructors
Robert J Gordon
Meeting Info
Lutkin Hall: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course develops several simple models for thinking about the determinants of variables like aggregate employment, unemployment, investment, consumption, interest rates, inflation, exchange rates and the balance of trade. The framework is used to address issues such as: what is the role of saving in determining the long run wealth of the country; what is the role of money in accounting for inflation; what are the factors accounting for the recurrent fluctuations in employment and output called the business cycle; what factors account for fluctuations in the US dollar; what risks, if any, do the high US government deficits and large U.S. international deficits pose for the health of the US economy? Particular attention in Winter 2025 will be given to the causes of and solutions to the U. S. financial market meltdown of 2008-09, the causes of the slow recovery since 2009, and especially the effects of the 2020-22 pandemic on output, employment, and especially the inflation that was such a big issue in the 2024 election.
Registration Requirements
ECON 201
Class Materials (Required)
N. Gregory Mankiw, Achieve Essentials for Macroeconomics , 11th edition, ISBN: 9781319436643 . *STUDENTS SHOULD NOT PURCHASE THE TEXTBOOK PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS; Then students will be shown how to purchase together their access to the e-book and electronic homework that goes with it.
Class Notes
Information regarding textbooks and study materials will be discussed during the first class session. Students are provided with the opportunity to buy the textbook at a greatly reduced price through the publisher and should not buy the book prior to the first class when all the options for purchase will be provided. Students are advised not to buy used copies on the web or elsewhere, as that will not give them access to the electronic homework, which they will then have to purchase separately.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Technological Institute A110: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - Technological Institute L150: Fri 4:00PM - 4:50PM
DIS - Technological Institute L221: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - Technological Institute A110: Fri 4:00PM - 4:50PM
DIS - Technological Institute L221: Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM
DIS - Technological Institute A110: Fri 4:00PM - 4:50PM