Explanations of economic growth and the business cycle, aimed at shedding light on economy-wide problems such as inflation and unemployment, with special attention to the role played by monetary and fiscal policies.
Athena Title
Principles of Macroeconomics
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECON 2105E, ECON 2105H
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to analyze opposing views on government intervention in the economy, as supported by different macroeconomic schools of thought.
Students will be able to identify and assess possible sources of bias in macroeconomic measures.
Students will be able to consider the pros and cons of using macroeconomic statistics like GDP or unemployment to characterize quality of life.
Students will be able to use supply and demand models to analyze cause-effect patterns graphically and numerically.
Students will be able to calculate key macroeconomic statistics using raw data.
Students will be able to apply relevant economic theories to predict the long- and short-run effects of changes to monetary and fiscal policy.
Students will be able to analyze whether the pursuit of self-interest can promote the social interest.
Students will be able to discuss the social and ethical considerations involved in the pursuit of efficiency versus equality.
Students will be able to characterize the ways in which today’s economic choices can help or hurt future generations.
Topical Outline
Overview of Economics
Supply and Demand
Markets
Measuring Production and the Standard of Living
Employment and Unemployment
Price Levels
Economic Growth
Investment, Saving, and Interest Rates
The Monetary System
Economic Fluctuations
Monetary Policy
Fiscal Policy
Global Economics: Trade and Finance
General Education Core
CORE V: Social Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
