ECON BC1001 Introduction to Macroeconomics

Instructor: Carl Wennerlind,  Spring 2003

Course Description: This course is an introduction to how economists and policy makers think about the economy on the macro level. The main focus will be on the determinants of the business cycle, employment, and the price level. We will also evaluate various controversies regarding theory and policy. The goal of this course is give students the appropriate intellectual tools required to understand and critically analyze the public discourse regarding the economy.

Administrative Information: My office is in Lehman 9A and my phone number is 854-5005. You can also contact me by email: cwennerl@barnard.edu.

Office Hours: Tuesday 4-6 and Thursday 12-1.

Required Texts: W. Baumol and A. Blinder: Macroeconomics: Principles and Policy. 8th Ed. and C. Swan: Study Guide to Accompany Macroeconomics. Books are available at Labyrinth Books on 536 W 112th Street.

Other Required Readings: A number of articles will be handed out in class. It is your responsibility to make sure that you obtain a copy of all materials distributed in class.

Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend class at all times. Students that are absent for more than two class meetings must provide documentation of cause in order to avoid penalties.

Evaluation: Your grade in the course will be determined by your performance on five group assignments (three problem sets, the Fed warm-up, and the Fed Challenge) (20%), two mid-term examinations (20% each) and a comprehensive final examination (40%).