Spring 2022 - ECON 807 G100
Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (4)
Class Number: 3836
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 12:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Luba Petersen
lubap@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
ECON 798 or equivalent. Offered once a year.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of basic macroeconomic theory, empirical macroeconomic data and models, macroeconomic analysis, and application to economic developments and policy issues.
COURSE DETAILS:
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This is an introductory course in theoretical and applied macro-economics. The aim of the course is broad in scope to prepare students for further graduate study in macroeconomics and also to ensure that all students leave the course with a policy-relevant toolkit. The course will cover five key topics: (1) Growth theory and institutions (including empirical evidence); (2) General equilibrium models of consumption and investment (including money); (3) Unemployment and search models (4) Optimal monetary and fiscal policy (5) Behavioral macroeconomics Because many interesting and practical models do not have analytical solutions, part of the toolkit of any applied macro-economist is a basic knowledge of computational methods. Thus, throughout the term we shall examine some relatively simple computational methods. You will be expected to learn these methods and apply them to assignment problems. *I will not be assuming a background beyond what you should already have; i.e., math at the level of 798, micro at the level of 802, and macro at some advanced undergraduate level. Also, note that no prior experience in writing computer code is needed. |
Grading
- Exams 50%
- Assignments 25%
- Projects 25%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
None.
RECOMMENDED READING:
“Monetary Theory and Policy” by Carl Walsh, MIT, 2017.
“Advanced Macroeconomics” by David Romer, McGraw Hill, 5th edition, 2019.
“Economic Growth” by Robert Barro and Xavier Sala-i-Martin, MIT, 2003.
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 SPRING 2022
Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place. Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this 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 spring 2022 term.