ECON 711 : Macroeconomic Theory and Policy

Business and Economics

2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A core course in macroeconomic theory which addresses fundamental problems including economic growth, consumption and saving decisions, investment, unemployment, and fiscal policies in the context of mainstream models of the economy.

Course Overview

In this course, students will be introduced to some of the core analytical frameworks underpinning modern macroeconomics.  The links between macroeconomics and finance will also be discussed.  The models developed in class have long shaped policy debates at institutions like the IMF, the G7 central banks, and leading Ministries of Finance.  Students will thus develop an understanding of the "lingua franca" at these institutions, and develop tools to critically assess modern policy debates at the boundary of macroeconomics and finance.  The course will also provide a stepping stone for students interested in pursuing further graduate study in macroeconomics.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand and critically evaluate contemporary problems in macroeconomics (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 4.2)
  2. Demonstrate competencies in macroeconomic modelling (Capability 1, 2, 4.1 and 4.2)
  3. Understand the logic and development of macroeconomic thought pre- and post GFC. (Capability 1, 2 and 4.2)
  4. Develop analytical frameworks for thinking about macroeconomic policy issues. (Capability 1, 2, 4.2 and 5.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Final Exam 70% Individual Examination
Presentation 30% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Final Exam
Presentation

The precise format of the presentation assignment will be discussed during the first week of course and will depend, to a considerable degree, on the number of students enrolled.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

Learning Resources

There are a number of recommended textbooks, details of which will be provided on Canvas during the first week of the course.  The book by Obstfeld and Rogoff (MIT Press), Foundations of International Macroeconomics, is particularly useful and will provide the basic structure for the course.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 08/01/2020 06:01 p.m.