Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - ECON 291 E100

Canadian Macroeconomic Policy (3)

Class Number: 2933

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 19, 2021
    Sun, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A general survey of Canadian macroeconomic policy issues. Topics will include the costs of inflation and unemployment, monetary and fiscal policy, the effects of government debt and exchange rate policy. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course addresses the role of government in the economy. We do believe that the Canadian economy is fundamentally self-regulating, but that does not mean we are fully satisfied with the outcomes. Thus, there is at least a possibility that government policies may improve the economy. The actual goals and effectiveness of such policies, however, are a subject of some debate. This class aims to prepare you for participation in this debate. Should the Canadian government attempt to boost the long-run economic growth? Why does the economy so often fail to achieve full employment in the short run and what could be done about it? How much should we stress about budget deficits, national debt, inflation, interest rates, the exchange rate, and what do we want Ottawa to do about them? We will create an inventory of the national accounts, from GDP to current account to budget balance. We will use the models that explicitly relate the potential policy tools to the country’s macroeconomic performance. Finally, we will discuss and analyze the standard macroeconomic policies and policy tools, in the Canadian context.

Topics:

  • Macroeconomic Aggregates & National Accounts
  • Long-Run Economic Performance
  • Neoclassical (Solow) Growth Model & Other Ideas about Long-Run Economic Growth
  • Business Cycles & Stabilization Policies
  • IS-LM Model for Analysis of Short-Run Equilibria & Shocks
  • Money & Banking System
  • Bank of Canada & Canadian Monetary Policy
  • Budget Balance and Canadian Fiscal Policy
  • International Trade, Exchange Rates, & Trade Policies

Grading

  • Quizzes 15%
  • Assignments 25%
  • Midterm tests 20%
  • Final exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Abel, Bernanke, Croushore & Kneebone, Macroeconomics, Ninth Canadian Edition, Pearson Education Canada, 2021.
ISBN: 9780136727798

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

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.