ECON 3080 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

Instructor Contact

Dr. Alpna Bhatia

Alpna.bhatia@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, 10^th 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)