Spring 2023 - ECON 807 G100

Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (4)

Class Number: 3230

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

This is an introductory course in macroeconomic theory and practice. 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 up to five general areas of macroeconomics:

(1)  Growth theory, policy, and institutions;

(2)  General Equilibrium models of consumption, saving, investment, and production;

(3)  Monetary economics, monetary policy, and asset prices;

(4)  Labour markets (if time permits);

(5)  International macroeconomics (if time permits).

Because many interesting and useful models do not have analytical solutions, part of the toolkit of any macroeconomist is a basic knowledge of computational methods. Thus, throughout the term we shall use 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. Prior experience in writing code might be helpful.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 40%
  • Assignments 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

David Romer: “Advanced Macroeconomics”, 2018 5ed

Carl Walsh: “Monetary Theory and Policy”, 2017 4ed

Christopher Pissarides: “Equilibrium Unemployment Theory”

Michael De Vroey: “A History of Macroeconomics from Keynes to Lucas and Beyond”

Lars Ljungqvist and Thomas J. Sargent: “Recursive Macroeconomic Theory”, 2018 4ed

 


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.

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 website 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