Macroeconomics (311-0-20)

Instructors

Lawrence Christiano

Meeting Info

Tech Institute Lecture Room 2: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course develops a simple framework for thinking about the determinants of variables like aggregate employment, unemployment, investment, consumption, interest rates, inflation, exchange rates and 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 are the various factors at play in the financial crises, such as those experienced here in the US and other countries; what risks, if any, does the high US government deficits pose for the health of the US economy. The course will examine the various sides to debates about questions like these.

Registration Requirements

Economics 201, 202, Math 220 (310-1 is not a pre-requisite for 311-0)

Teaching Method

Two 80-minute lectures and a TA session

Evaluation Method

Homework, two midterms, and a final

Class Materials (Required)

Macroeconomics, 10th edition, Abel, Bernanke and Crouchore, ISBN: 978-0134896441 (Pearson)

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Economics Majors & Minors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.

Associated Classes

DIS - Technological Institute F281: Mon 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Frances Searle Building 3220: Wed 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Technological Institute F281: Mon 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Technological Institute L170: Mon 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Frances Searle Building 3220: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM