ECONOMICS 3203
INTERMEDIATE MACROECONOMICS
FALL 2010
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Paul M. Mason
E-mail:
Office:42/3003 (620-2640) Home: (880-5583)
Office Hours: MW10:20-11:00, F 8:30-9:00 and by appointment.
READINGS
There are many sources for readings in this course, but only one that students should buy. This textbook is Macroeconomics, 7th edition by N. Gregory Mankiw, Worth Publishers, 2010. Other readings for the class will be on my homepage, on blackboard, or distributed in class. Other supplemental readings will be provided if requested.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
The course is designed to reinforce and build upon the students' knowledge of the workings of the macro economy. The course is primarily a historical development of macroeconomic theory from the Classical era until the present. Concentration is placed on how economists view the interrelationship of macroeconomic variables, and the usefulness of macroeconomic models for policy analysis and forecasting. THE COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE STUDENTS HAVE HAD THEIR REQUIRED SECOND STATISTICS COURSE (EITHER ECO 3411, ECO3421 OR MAN 4550) BEFORE TAKING THE COURSE, OR CONCURRENT WITH IT.
EVALUATION
Grades are based on the student's performance on two examinations, a group research project, and the final exam. Materials concerning the research project will be distributed during a later class meeting. The weights are as follows:
First Exam25%90 - 100 A
Second Exam25%80 - 89 B
Project 20%70 - 79 C
Final Exam30% 60 - 69 D
100% < 60 F
Exams may not be made up. Failure to take one or more of the exams will allow the student to substitute his or her final exam grade for the missed test provided an adequate written excuse is submitted at the time. The final exam will be cumulative.
NO + OR - GRADES WILL BE GIVEN!
ATTENDANCE
Attendance at every class is strongly recommended, but not required. Failure to attend will most likely be very detrimental to the student's overall performance. Students will be expected to be on time for class and should be warned that leaving early without prior excuse irritates me to excess.
FORMAT
The course is taught in a combination lecture, discussion format. I will ask for your input during the lectures, and emphasize the need for you to think about each of the questions I ask, even if you choose not to respond.
COURSE OUTLINE
ECONOMICS 3203
WEEKTOPIC READINGS
1Introduction to Macroeconomic Theories Chaps 1, 2, 4-7,6-1, 6-2
2,3,4,5Macro Variables 9-1, 4-4, 5-1, Chap 16
6 Classical Macroeconomics & Model Chap 3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3
7 EXAM I
7,8 Keynesian Macroeconomics Chaps 17, 18, 19
9 Keynesian Contract Model
9,10 Shortrun Keynesian Variable Wage Model (KVWM)
10Monetarism Chap. 17
11 Shortrun Monetarist Model
12 EXAM II
13 Longrun KVWM Supplemental
14 Longrun Monetarist Model
14 New Classical Model
15 PROJECT DUE
15 New Keynesian Model
16 Real Business Cycle Model Chap. 13,14
16 FINAL EXAM - Monday,December 6th, 9 - 10:50
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, September 6Labor Day, No Classes
FridayNovember 5Last Day to Drop a Course
Thursday November 11Veteran’s Day, No Classes
Some Generalities
Academic appeals process
First Night Attendance policy
Catalog First Night Attendance Policy with policy about University-sponsored events (3rd paragraph for events)
Statement on Computer and Internet Access
Suggested statement for syllabus on Continuity of Learning
“In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency such as hurricane, pandemic or other unforeseen event or combination of events, the format of this course may be modified in order to enable completion of the course requirements. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this version. It is your responsibility as a student participant to be proactive during any emergency to find instructions that I will post xxxxx which you should check daily.” XXXX may be “posted on Blackboard”,” sent through email”, “posted to your osprey website”, etc. as you, the instructor, feel appropriate. The purpose is to inform the student that it is their responsibility to look for directions and where to look for them.
UNIVERSITY POLICY ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
In order to protect the integrity of the teaching, learning, and evaluation process, the University of North Florida expects all members of the academic community to respect the principle of academic freedom and to behave with academic integrity. Briefly stated, academic misconduct shall consist of any attempt to misrepresent one's performance on any exercise submitted for evaluation. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to:
Cheating: Intentional use of, or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices in any academic exercise is wrong and should not occur. This definition includes unauthorized communication of information during an academic exercise.
Fabrication and Falsification: Intentional and unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a matter of altering information, while fabrication is a matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use in any academic exercise.
Multiple Submissions: The submission of substantial portions of the same academic work for credit (including oral reports) more than once without authorization.
Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one's own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge.
Abuse of Academic Materials: Intentionally or knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource materials.
Complicity in Academic Dishonesty: Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty.
IX. SOME HINTS ON NOTETAKING AND STUDYING
1. Use the "splitpage" approach when taking notes in the classroom. By using this approach you will quickly discover what it is that you do not know, and you will translate what the instructor has said into your own words. Draw a line down the middle of a page in your notebook. Take notes during class on the left hand side of the page. After class, REVIEW your notes line by line. If you understand what you have written during class, use the right hand side of the page to correct and embellish it, and express it in your own words. If you don't understand what you have written, underline it, and ask about it during the next class session. In any event, translate the material into your own words.
2. An alternative to the "split page" approach is to identify key words, notes, and reflections and conclusions in your notebook.
3. Audio tape the classes, if you wish. I have no objection. Taping increases the likelihood of your being able to fill in the gaps in your notes. However, any derogatory comments I make about administration, my wife or my children may not be used against me!
4. Try to be an active learner in the classroom. If you don't understand something, ask questions. Also try to figure out where the instructor is heading in his lecture. Ask yourself, "If I were the instructor, what materials would I present next to provide a clear and logical picture?"
5. You may wish to form a study group with other members of the class, and exchange ideas and information. Study groups are a useful forum for identifying potential examination questions, and formulating answers for them.
6. Learning objectives will be stated for each class. Keep track of them, and use them to identify the major ideas and activities that you should master. Relate the material in your notes to the learning objectives.
7. Use your textbook and supporting materials wisely. Interactive computer programs, where available, give good practice in model manipulation. Textbook chapters have introductory and summary materials that identify the major points covered.
X. WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES
Students may withdraw from courses until the date indicated for “Last Day to Withdraw” in the Course Schedule (November 5th). A withdrawal form must be completed electronically, and a grade of W will be placed on the student’s transcript. Students may petition for late withdrawals (after the deadline) if there are circumstances clearly beyond the students’ control. If the petition is approved by the appropriate petitions committee, a grade of W (withdrawn), WP (withdrawn-passing) or WF (withdrawn-failing) will be assigned by the instructor. A grade of WF is treated the same as a grade of F, and is included in the student’s grade point average.