Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - ECON 305 D100

Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (4)

Class Number: 1455

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 20, 2025
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-; 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 enroll 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:

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
accounting, 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 flows. Throughout the
course, students will expected to apply the theory to current or recent news events.
Note: This course is reserved for students declared in the ECON major only.

Topics
Static and Dynamic Models of the Economy, Economic Growth, Business Cycles, Employment, Money
and Inflation, Financial Markets, Policy.

Grading

  • Two Quizzes and tutorial attendance 15%
  • Midterm Exam 35%
  • Final Exam (TBA) 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is one required book for this course: Macroeconomics, by Stephen Williamson (6th Canadian Edition, 2018) published by Pearson. There are also a few journal articles and supplementary notes that will be available each week.

RECOMMENDED READING:

N. Gregory Mankiw; William M. Scarth, Worth Publishers (Any recent Canadian edition is fine)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.