Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - ECON 305 D200

Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (4)

Class Number: 3744

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 17, 2020
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 or 301, 60 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 103 and 105 at Simon Fraser University at their first attempt can complete ECON 305 concurrently with ECON 201 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to register on this basis must contact the undergraduate advisor in economics.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Concepts and methods of analysis of macroeconomic variables -- consumption, investment, government and foreign trade. Classical and Keynesian models compared; analysis of economic statics and dynamics. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers most of the core topics in macroeconomics, including: national income account-ing, growth theory, business cycles, theories of inflation and unemployment, and the effects of monetary and fiscal policies. Both Keynesian and Classical approaches to business cycles will be discussed. The course will also discuss theories of exchange rate determination and explore the effects of international capital inflows and trade imbalances.

Course Structure  
The course is divided into three main parts. The first part focuses on economic growth, the second part focuses on business cycles, and the third part focuses on macroeconomic policy. The hope is that the theory you learn in the first two parts will help provide better answers to the policy questions discussed in the third part.

Topics:  

1.   BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
      Introduction and Overview:  
      Williamson, Chapter 1  
      National Income Accounting
      Williamson, Chapter 2  

2.   A STATIC (ONE-PERIOD) MODEL OF THE ECONOMY
      Labor Supply  
      Williamson, Chapter 4 (pgs. 90-109)  
      Labor Demand  
      Williamson, Chapter 4 (pgs. 110-125)  
      Competitive Equilibrium and Comparative Statics
      Williamson, Chapter 5  

3.    UNEMPLOYMENT  
       The Mortensen-Pissarides Model  
       Williamson, Chapter 6  

4.    ECONOMIC GROWTH  
      Growth Facts and the Malthusian Model  
      Williamson, Chapter 7 (pgs. 204-219)  
      The Solow Growth Model  
      Williamson, Chapter 7 (pgs. 219-246)
      Extensions of the Solow Growth Model  
      Class Notes  
      Endogenous Growth  
      Williamson, Chapter 8  

5.    Midterm Week      
       Buffer/Midterm Review  
       Midterm Exam (Closed Book)  

6.  A DYNAMIC (TWO-PERIOD) MODEL OF THE ECONOMY
      Consumption and Saving  
      Williamson, Chapter 9   Investment   Williamson, Chapter 11  

7.  MONEY AND BUSINESS CYCLES
      Money and Inflation  
      Williamson, Chapter 12  
      Measuring Business Cycles
      Williamson, Chapter 3  
      Market-Clearing Business Cycle Models
      Williamson, Chapter 13  
      Keynesian Business Cycle Models
      Williamson, Chapter 14  

8.  OPEN-ECONOMY MACROECONOMICS
      International Trade and Capital Flows
      Williamson, Chapter 15  
      Money and Exchange Rates with Flexible Prices  
      Williamson, Chapter 16  
      IS-LM in Open Economies: The Mundell-Fleming Model
      Class Notes  

9.  Special Topics & Experiment Participation
      Experimental Macroeconomics (if time permits)  

10.  Final Exams Preparation & Review

Grading

  • Tutorials/class participation 10%
  • Problem sets 20%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 25%
  • Quizzes 20%
  • Group work 5%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Technology Requirements  
Computers with webcams and audio features
Camera for document upload

REQUIRED READING:

 Williamson, Stephen D. Macroeconomics, 6th Canadian edition, eBookk. Pearson, 2020. Note: 4th Edition is fine as well.
ISBN: 978-0135651568

RECOMMENDED READING:

Jones, Charles I. Macroeconomics, 4th edition, 2017, WW Norton & Co. 
ISBN: 978-0393602487

Free online textbook by Andolfatto (2008).

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.