ECON 3080 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

Instructor Contact

Alexander Bentz

Email: Alexander.Bentz@colorado.edu

About the course

In this course we will study models of aggregate output, unemployment, prices, interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, in the short-run, the medium-run, and long-run, with applications to the U.S. economy, monetary and fiscal policy issues.  We will think critically, construct arguments, and solve problems using the theory and data that economists use. An important outcome of the course is the development of coherently understanding and analyzing important practical economic issues.

Course Prerequisites: Requires prerequisite courses of ECON 2020 (Principles of Macroeconomics) and ECON 1088 or MATH 1081 or MATH 1300 or MATH 1310 or APPM 1350 (math and Calculus) (all min grade C-). Restricted to students with 22-180 units completed.

Proctoring: This course requires proctored examinations. Exams are proctored which will require planning on your part. Proctors are individuals who administer the exam process following the guidelines provided by University of Colorado Boulder to ensure academic integrity. Some proctoring options require the student to pay a fee.

Objectives

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

  • Apply algebraic, graphical and calculus tools to macroeconomic theory.
  • Apply macroeconomic principles, theories, and models to critically analyze and explain economic situations encountered in the real world that involve macroeconomics.
  • Acquire the ability to think about complex economic issues in a logical objective manner.
  • Discriminate between solutions to macroeconomic problems, and common misconceptions.
  • Evaluate different economic arguments and interpret the reasons why some are well-founded, while others are not.
  • Communicate the results of macroeconomic analysis in a clear and professional way.
  • Further your analytical, research and writing skills.

Required Texts

Mankiw, N. Gregory, Macroeconomics, 10th edition with Sapling Learning. Sapling Learning is where you will read your textbook and complete some graded assignments. You will access this through our course website on Canvas.

Grading (out of 1000 points)

Type of Assessment Times offered Number counted towards grade Points per Assignment Grade Points Grade Percentage
Module Prep 12 11 10 110 11
Learning Curve 12+ 12 10 120 12
Assignments 12 11 30 330 33
Midterm 1 1 200 200 20
Final 1 1 200 200 20
Practice Exams 2 20 40 4
GRADE TOTAL 1000 100

 

 

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Hours

Monday – Friday
8:00am to 5:00pm

Location

We are located at the corner of University Avenue and 15th Street in a white brick building.

Map

1505 University Avenue
University of Colorado Boulder
178 UCB
Boulder, Colorado
80309-0178