Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - ECON 105 D100

Principles of Macroeconomics (4)

Class Number: 2039

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The principal elements of theory concerning money and income, distribution, social accounts, public finance, international trade, comparative systems, and development and growth. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description
The course analyzes the sources of economic growth, the dynamics of inflation and unemployment, and the origins of economic booms and recessions. The analytical framework developed in the course equips students to interpret economic conditions, evaluate macroeconomic policy debates, and apply macroeconomic reasoning in careers related to finance, public policy, and political decision-making.

Overview of Course Content
This course studies the behavior of the macroeconomy in the long run and the short run. We introduce the measurement of key macroeconomic variables, examine the determinants of economic growth, and analyze short-run fluctuations and the role of monetary and fiscal policy. Topics include:

● Measuring economic progress with GDP
● Economic growth
● Saving, investment, and the financial system
● Unemployment
● Inflation
● Economic booms and recessions
● Monetary policy
● Fiscal policy

Prerequisites
None. Students with credit for ECON 205 cannot take ECON 105 for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Social Sciences.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final Exam 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Cowen, Tyler, and Alex Tabarrok. Modern Principles of Economics, 6th ed. Macmillan Learning, 2024. ISBN-13: 9781319421236

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.