Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - ECON 807 G100

Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (4)

Class Number: 2587

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 12:30–2:20 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:

Description:
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 70%
  • Assignments 30%

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.

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