Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ECON 483 D100

Selected Topics in Economics (3)

Topics in Macroeconomics

Class Number: 2103

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description

Selected Topics in Economics: Topics in Macroeconomics   

Prerequisite: ECON 305

The course will cover the following topics

  1. Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models
  2. Simulation methods; Dynare
  3. Monetary Policy
  4. Asset Bubbles and Risk-Taking
  5. Central Bank Communication and Forward Guidance
  6. Financial Literacy
  7. Credit Rating Agencies, Conflicts of Interest
  8. Labour Markets and Unemployment

Each week, students will submit a written assignment that includes both mathematical/analytical/computational work and a summary of the paper(s) that will be discussed in the seminar that week. Two students will be assigned to a paper each week and will be responsible for leading the class discussion. Two additional students will be assigned to present a critical assessment of the paper to the class. The final exam will cover theory, empirics, and methodology discussed in the seminar.

Grading

  • Weekly writing assignments and quizzes 30%
  • Paper presentation 20%
  • Paper discussion 15%
  • In class final exam 20%
  • Participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None

RECOMMENDED READING:

References (Subject to change):

  • Galí, Jordi, and Luca Gambetti. 2015. "The Effects of Monetary Policy on Stock Market Bubbles: Some Evidence." American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 7(1): 233-57.
  • Coibion, Olivier, and Yuriy Gorodnichenko. 2015. "Is the Phillips Curve Alive and Well after All? Inflation Expectations and the Missing Disinflation." American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 7(1): 197-232.
  • Eriksson, S., & Rooth, D. O. (2014). Do employers use unemployment as a sorting criterion when hiring? Evidence from a field experiment. The American Economic Review, 104(3), 1014-1039.
  • Born, B., Ehrmann, M., & Fratzscher, M. (2014). Central bank communication on financial stability. The Economic Journal, 124(577), 701-734.
  • Drexler, A., Fischer, G., & Schoar, A. (2014). Keeping it simple: Financial literacy and rules of thumb. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 6(2), 1-31.
  • Andrade, P., & Le Bihan, H. (2013). Inattentive professional forecasters. Journal of Monetary Economics, 60(8), 967-982.
  • Bolton, P., Freixas, X., & Shapiro, J. (2012). The credit ratings game. The Journal of Finance, 67(1), 85-111.
  • Bar-Isaac, H., & Shapiro, J. (2013). Ratings quality over the business cycle. Journal of Financial Economics, 108(1), 62-78.
  • Carvalho, Leandro S., Stephan Meier and Stephanie W. Wang. 2016. "Poverty and Economic Decision-Making: Evidence from Changes in Financial Resources at Payday." American Economic Review, 106(2): 260-84.
  • Malmendier, U. and Nagel S. (2011). Depression babies: Do macroeconomic experiences influence risk taking behavior? Quarterly Journal of Economics. 

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.