Macroeconomics - Description

This course introduces theoretical foundations and provides rigorous training in macroeconomics. While presenting macro data and measurement techniques, the lecture will focus on deriving and examining classical/neoclassical/modern macroeconomic theories and models. It covers topics on national income, consumption and investment, inflation and unemployment, money and banking, government deficit and debt, economic growth, business cycle fluctuations, fiscal and monetary policies, and financial crises.

Objectives

The main goal is to learn the language and hammer home the theoretical framework in macroeconomics. Upon completing this course, students should:

- Get familiar with macroeconomic concepts and topics discussed in the news and public debates
- Appreciate classical macroeconomic theory, economic growth theory, and business cycle theory
- Be able to explain the theories intuitively and solve the models graphically and mathematically
- Relate theories to the measurement issues of macro phenomena and model their relations
- Acquire computer skills in analyzing macro data and conduct theory-based research
- Understand the roles, functions, and effects of monetary and fiscal policy

It is important for students to provide feedback in time throughout the course to ensure positive learning and teaching experience. If students have trouble keeping up with the class material or the workload, please feel free to contact the instructor. It is the instructor's responsibility to support students to make progress and succeed in the course. Students are strongly encouraged to 1) raise questions and participate in the lecture; 2) provide feedback and suggestions regarding teaching and course organization; 3) solve problem sets and conduct research together; 4) improve the learning and teaching outcomes.

Evaluation Policy

Problem sets (20%)
Macro-data analysis project (10%)
Midterm and final exams (each 30%)
In-class quizzes and participation (10%)

Problem sets will be assigned roughly every two to three weeks. Students can discuss questions but must submit independent solutions. Assignment deadlines are firm. Recognizing that students may face unusual circumstances, one late assignment is allowed and will not be penalized. However, late assignments will not be accepted three days (72 hours) after the due date.
Midterm and Final Exams. Each one accounts for 30% of the total evaluation. Exams will not be rescheduled because of travel and other personal arrangements. In the case of a documented emergency on the scheduled exam date, a make-up exam will be given, or the weight of the missed midterm will be shifted to the final exam, given the proof is received within 48 hours of the exam.
Macro-data analysis project. Student can choose one macroeconomic data analysis project, applying theory and models to analyze real time macroeconomic data in Spreadsheet. These projects require students to process data, interpret their patterns, and examine their relations within a theoretical framework. The projects will be posted after the midterm and due on April 30.
In-class quizzes and participation. Please arrive on time and refrain from texting or browsing the Internet in the lecture. There will be weekly in-class quizzes (multiple choice questions) throughout the semester. The highest five quizzes will be taken for credit. The instructor will also call on students to answer questions and solve problems during the lecture.

Barnard Resources

https://barnard.libguides.com/ECON (General guide to economic research)

https://library.barnard.edu/profiles/Jennie-Correia (Personal librarian website)

https://economics.barnard.edu/economics-help-room (Economics Department Tutoring)

Student Wellness

It is important for undergraduates to recognize and identify the different pressures, burdens, and stressors you may be facing, whether personal, emotional, physical, financial, mental, or academic. We as a community urge you to make yourself--your own health, sanity, and wellness--your priority throughout this term and your career here. Sleep, exercise, and eating well can all be a part of a healthy regimen to cope with stress. Resources exist to support you in several sectors of your life, and we encourage you to make use of them. Should you have questions about navigating these resources, please visit these sites:

http://barnard.edu/primarycare

http://barnard.edu/counseling

http://barnard.edu/wellwoman/about

Stressbusters Support Network

Academic Honor Code

All exams and assignments in this class are to be completed in accordance with the Barnard Honor Code. Columbia students commit themselves to the Honor Code upon registering for a Barnard course. “We, the students of Barnard College, resolve to uphold the honor of the College by refraining from every form of dishonesty in our academic life. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any papers or books not authorized by the instructor in examinations, or to present oral work or written work which is not entirely our own, unless otherwise approved by the instructor. We consider it dishonest to remove without authorization, alter, or deface library and other academic materials. We pledge to do all that is in our power to create a spirit of honesty and honor for its own sake.”

Special accommodations will be given to students with disabilities. Please register in advance with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in 105 Hewitt for test or classroom accommodations.

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