ECON BC3033 INTERMEDIATE MACROECONOMICS

Professor: Carl Wennerlind, Fall 2002

1. Course Description:
Macroeconomics is a tradition of inquiry into the functions, mechanisms, structures, and dynamics of modern capitalist societies. As such, macroeconomists seek to provide an understanding of the fundamental parameters of our economy and how they interrelate and interconnect. This inquiry is generally undertaken with the aim of providing policy makers with information and tools allowing them to act in such ways that the economy functions according to specified ends. This course is designed for students to gain macroeconomic literacy. More specifically, we will discuss economic growth, business cycles, the role of money in the economy, government deficits and debt, monetary and fiscal policy, and the international economy.

Text Book: N. Gregory Mankiw. Macroeconomics. 5th Ed. (Worth Publishers). The accompanying Study Guide is recommended. The books are available at Labyrinth Books on 536 W 112th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam).

Other Required Readings: A number of secondary readings will be made available in a course reader and newspaper articles will be handed out 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.

2. Requirements:
Your grade in the course will be determined by your performance on: five homework assignments (25%), a midterm examination (30%), and a cumulative final exam (45%).

3. Prerequisites:
An introductory course in economics and a functioning knowledge of high school algebra and analytical geometry, or permission of the instructor.