Summer 2026 - ECON 811 G100
Advanced Monetary Theory (4)
Class Number: 2089
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Luba Petersen
lubap@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Selected topics in monetary theory and policy.
COURSE DETAILS:
Description:
This course is a graduate-level introduction to research in monetary policy, its methods, and major issues in central banking. We will cover a broad range of topics in the field with a focus on methodological issues. Students will replicate the results of previous computational research to gain experience working with advanced tools. They will develop critical thinking skills by presenting and discussing foundational and recent research. Finally, students will develop their writing and research skills through an independent and original research proposal.
Topics:
The course will cover several topics in monetary policy and central banking including:
- Goals of monetary policy
- New Keynesian framework
- The role of expectations
- Rational inattention, incomplete information, sparsity models
- Alternative targeting regimes (Price level, nominal GDP, average inflation targeting)
- Tackling the zero lower bound
- Central banking communication and forward guidance
- Central bank digital currency
- Inequality and monetary policy
Grading
NOTES:
Grading:
30% Paper presentations
30% Weekly referee reports and assignments
30% Forecasting and policy recommendations
10% Active participation in class discussion
There is no final exam/assignment.
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
“Monetary Theory and Policy”, by Carl Walsh, 3rd edition, 2010 (or later). MIT Press
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
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.