Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - ECON 808 G100

Macroeconomic Theory (4)

Class Number: 2210

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An analysis of current theories of aggregate economic behavior. Topics covered in this course may include long-run growth, dynamic general equilibrium models, and business cycle analysis. Students with credit ECON 805 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an overview of most the core topics in macroeconomics.  The course consists of three main parts.  The first part covers recursive methods, the second part covers growth theory, and the third part provides a brief introduction to incomplete markets models.  The goal is to learn how to apply the workhorse models of modern macro:  the Cass-Koopmans and Diamond optimal growth models, recent models of endogenous growth and technological progress, Real Business Cycle models, the Permanent Income Hypothesis and its recent extensions, Ricardian Equivalence, the Lucas asset pricing model, the Mortensen-Pissarides search model of unemployment, and the incomplete markets models of Aiyagari and Krusell and Smith.  The focus will be on theory, but students should be able to understand and interpret empirical work as well.

There are three major omissions from the course.  First, most of the analysis will be done using real models.  Monetary theory is not discussed.  Second, the analysis of government policies will abstract from potential time consistency problems. Third, recent development in New Keynesian macro will not be covered.

Grading: The only way to learn macro is to do macro.  Hence, a key part of this course is a sequence of  (approximately) bi-weekly problem sets. These will be turned in and graded.  Students are encouraged to work in groups, but everyone must turn in their own (typed) copy.

Grading

  • Class assignments 30%
  • Midterm exam 35%
  • Final exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ljungqvist, Lars and Thomas J. Sargent,  Recursive Macroeconomic Theory (Fourth Edition). 2018. MIT Press.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Romer, David,  Advanced Macroeconomics 2018  (Fifth Edition).  McGraw-Hill.

 


Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).