ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

Dr. Daniel Rubenson                                                     Fall 2009
Office: Taylor 220                                                        Office hrs: TTh 10-11 and by appt.
Phone: 552-6437
E-mail: drube@sou.edu                                    Web address: http://www.sou.edu/econ/drube

Required text: Frank and Bernanke, Principles of Macroeconomics, 3e, 2007.

This course introduces the principles of macroeconomics, with a focus on the role of policy in the functioning of the aggregate economy.  At the end of the course you should understand the key indicators of macroeconomic performance (GDP, unemployment, inflation, and interest rates) and how they interact; the determinants of the economy's long-run growth; what happens as the economy fluctuates over the business cycle; and the roles of government economic policies in affecting economic outcomes.  This course emphasizes the application of economic concepts to improved understanding of past and current economic events.

Week	Topic	Chapters
1	Economic thinking, production possibilities	1,2
2	Supply and demand	3
3	The macroeconomy and its measurement	4,5,6
4	The long-run, saving, and capital	7,9
5	Money and the Federal Reserve	10
6	Short-run economic fluctuations and equilibrium output	12,13
7	The Fed, interest rates, and aggregate demand	14
8	Aggregate demand, supply, and inflation	15
9	Aggregate demand, supply, and inflation, cont.

Evaluation of students will be based on the following:

1.  There will be a number of quizzes, homework problems, and short writing assignments based on material in the text and lectures, and on current economic news and events.   Quizzes may be made up only by prior arrangement.

2.  Brief writing projects and homework problems will provide you with an opportunity to apply your economic understanding and critical thinking skills, and practice written and oral presentation.   The Creative Thing provides an opportunity to reflect on your economic understanding in a different way.

3.  There may be a comprehensive final exam or final essay assignment.

4.  Participation in collaborative learning exercises and in class discussions is required and will contribute to your course grade.