Intermediate Macroeconomics
Economics 3800 – Fall 2017
Prof. J. J. Arias
Course Overview & Objective
Macroeconomics is the study of an entire economy. Therefore, we focus on economy-wide variables such as output, employment and inflation. Since this is a theory course, we will use various macroeconomic models to answer questions such as the following: What are the causes of economic growth? What are the causes of unemployment? What effect does government spending have on interest rates and output? Why causes recessions? How does the use of money affect the “real” side of the economy? How effective is monetary and fiscal policy in stabilizing the economy? The overall objective is to apply the economic way of thinking to understanding the economy as a whole.
Class Time & Location
Tuesday & Thursday, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm, Atkinson Hall 206
Pre-requisites
· Principles of Microeconomics (Economics 2106)
· Principles of Macroeconomics (Economics 2105)
· Junior or Senior standing
Required Texts
Macroeconomics, 9th edition by N. Gregory Mankiw, with LaunchPad (see the last page).
An electronic copy of the text is included with LaunchPad access. If you also want to buy or rent a physical copy of the book, you can use the older (8th) edition if it is cheaper.
Office Hours
Tuesday & Thursday 1:45 – 3:15 pm and by appointment
Office: 421 Atkinson Hall
Phone: 445-2085
Email:
Web page: jjarias.gcsu.edu
Course Grade
Grades are based on on-line homework worth 20%, two exams each worth 25% and a final exam worth 30%.
Homework
The homework will consist of a series of on-line assignments that will require access to the LaunchPad website. Each chapter will have a Learning Curve and Graded Homework assignment. I will drop your lowest two scores. The first assignment is due Tuesday, August 29 at 11:00 am. Homework will usually be due at the beginning of class (11 am).
Problem Sets
I will also provide problem sets that are closely related to the lecture material. The main purpose of the problem sets is to help you learn the material and practice working problems. You will not turn these in for grading. I recommend you seriously attempt to do the problem sets, and that you work in groups of two to four. I will go over some of the problems in class before exam day.
Exam Policies
· If you are a student that requires special arrangements for exams due to a disability, please come and see me before the first exam.
· I do not give grades via phone or e-mail. I usually return and go over exams during the next class period.
· You will need a small, “blue book” for each exam. I will redistribute blue books before the exam so do not write your name on the blue book until I finish exchanging them.
Cell Phone Policy
Please turn off or silence cell phones before class and do not text-message during class. I will stop lecture and give one warning when I see someone texting. After one warning, you will need to leave the classroom or give me your phone for the remainder of the class.
Common Class Policies
The other standard class policies are available at the following link:
http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/required-syllabus-statements
Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to know and abide by the university honor code, available at http://www.gcsu.edu/studentaffairs/codeofconduct. The minimum penalty for academic dishonesty is a zero on the assignment or exam, which usually results in an F in the course.
Advice
· Attend class, listen carefully, ask questions and take good notes.
· Review and annotate, rewrite or outline your notes soon after class.
· Do your best on the problem sets and work in groups.
Tentative Exam Dates
Exam I – Thursday, September 28
Exam II – Tuesday, November 7
Final Exam – Tuesday, December 12, 10:30 – 12:45 am
Reading List
There will be lecture material that is not in the textbook. The lectures will emphasize modern macroeconomics (i.e. micro foundations) more than the text does. However, since the theories of John Maynard Keynes have contributed to the development of macroeconomics—and because they remain influential among journalists, politicians, some intellectuals and many pseudo-intellectuals—we will spend some time on the Keynesian perspective. In addition to readings below, I may assign additional readings throughout the semester.
Topic Reading
I. Introduction & Data Chapters 1 and 2
II. Quasi—Classical Model Chapters 3
III. Labor Market Labor Market Equilibrium, Labor Supply Always Matters
IV. Money & Inflation Chapters 5
V. Consumption & Savings Chapter 16 and 19, Ricardian Equivalence without Graphs
VI. Investment Chapter 17
VII. Growth Chapters 8 & 9, Economic Growth
VIII. Unemployment Chapter 7
IX. Business Cycles Chapters 10, 11 and 12
X. Policy and Expectations Chapter 14
Registering for LaunchPad
Follow these steps to get started. If you need additional guidance, consult the support site, especially the system requirements which list recommended browsers.
1. Go to http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/mankiw9e/5921111
2. Bookmark the page to make it easy to return to (although note the the URL will look different due to security measures).
3. Enroll in this course using one of the following options:
1. If you have an access code, select "I have a student access code", enter the code exactly as it appears on the card, and click Submit.
2. If you don't have an access code, either purchase a text package that includes one OR click "I want to purchase access" and follow the instructions.
3. If you need to start working but can't purchase right away, select "I want temporary access" and follow the instructions. Please note: Your grades are linked to your Launchpad account username (email address). If you use temporary access, make sure you purchase or register your code using the same email address for your paid access.
If you have problems registering, purchasing, or logging in, please contact Customer Support.
You can reach a representative 7 days a week:
1. through the online form
2. by chat
3. by phone at (800) 936-6899
4