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Villanova University
Department of Economics
Economics 1002 | Dr. Zech |
Principles of Macroeconomics | Spring 2001 |
Text:
Campbell R. McConnell and Stanley L. Brue, Macroeconomics, McGraw-Hill, 1999, 14th ed. |
Objectives/Learning
Outcomes:
This
course revolves around 5 principal themes:
1. | Introduction to the subject matter of Economics and to the nature and characteristics of the American economy. |
2. | Analysis of the forces that govern the determination of the aggregate level of economic activity. |
3. | Analysis of the American banking system and its role in affecting the level of economic activity. |
4. | Acquaintance with the principles of economic growth and the policy instruments available for fostering the growth of the economy. |
5. | The impact of the global economy on the U.S. domestic economy |
Course
Method and Requirements:
The presentation of
Principles of Macroeconomics will consist primarily of lectures and
discussions of basic problems in economic analysis; these will be backed up
with assignments in the text. It
is also expected that there will be numerous references to other supplementary
tests and readings in the field. Students
are expected to prepare adequately for class by reading all assignments before
the class meeting so that they can participate more actively and
intelligently.
Course
Grading:
Exam I | 50 Points | |
Exams II & III | 100 Points EACH | |
Current Events Paper | 50 Points | |
Final Exam (Cumulative) | 150 Points |
Make-Up Policy:
A
student missing an exam must either notify the professor in advance or present
a written excuse. Missed exams
with an acceptable excuse will be made up at a time to be determined by the
professor.
Academic
Integrity Policy Statement:
The
Code of academic Integrity of Villanova University addresses cheating,
fabrication of submitted work, plagiarism, handing in work completed for
another course without the instructor’s approval, and other forms of
dishonesty. For the first offense, a student who violates the Code of
Villanova University will receive 0 points for the assignment. The violation
will be reported by the instructor to the Dean’s office and recorded in the
student’s file. In addition, the student will be expected to complete an
education program. For the second offense, the student will be dismissed from
the University and the reason noted on the student’s official transcript.
Statement
on Disability:
It is the policy of Villanova to make reasonable academic accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability please contact me after class or during office hours and make arrangements to register with the Learning Support Office by contacting Ms. Nancy Mott at 610-519-5636 as soon as possible. Registration is needed in order to receive accommodations.
Office:
Bartley 3022
Phone:
610-519-4371
Fax:
610-519-6054
Email:
charles.zech@villanova.edu
Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday: 10AM – 11:15 AM; 2-3 PM
COURSE OUTLINE
Date | Topic | Readings |
January 15 | Introduction |
Chs. 1-2 |
This section introduces some fundamental concepts which constitute the foundation of economic science. |
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January 22, 29 | The American Economic System | Chs. 3-5 |
This section describes the capitalist ideology and explains how the US economic system deals with the economic problem. |
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EXAM I | ||
February 5, 12 | Measuring Economic Activity | Ch. 7, pp. 148-151 |
In order to evaluate the economy's performance, we first must be able to measure it. This section examines various measures of the economy's performance, and considers their strength and weaknesses. |
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February 19, 26 | Macroeconomic Models | Chs. 9-11 |
Models explaining consumption, saving and investment schedules are developed in order to analyze and explain both the levels of and changes in output, income and employment. |
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March 12 | Fiscal Policy | Chs. 12, 19 |
This section discusses how fiscal policy (i.e., government spending and tax collection) is used to increase output and employment or reduce the rate of inflation. |
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EXAM II | ||
March 19, 26 | American Banking System | Chs. 13-14 |
This section deals with the nature and functions of money and the basic institutions of the American Banking System. |
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April 2 | Monetary Policy | Ch. 15 |
This section discusses the objectives of monetary policy and the techniques of monetary control. |
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EXAM III | ||
April 9 | Inflation and Unemployment | Chs. 8, 16 |
This section considers the various types of unemployment and inflation, their causes, and their remedies. |
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April 16 | Controversies in Macroeconomics | Chs. 16-18 |
In addition to the standard Keynesian and Monetarist models, other macroeconomic models have emerged in recent years. The theory behind these models, and their policy implications, are explored. |
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April 23, 30 | The Global Economy | Chs. 20-23 |
As part of the global economy, the U.S. domestic economy is affected by such factors as comparative advantage, exchange rates, and the development of third world and transitional economies. In turn, U.S. policies can impact these same factors. |
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FINAL
EXAM |