Course Overview

Introduction to Macroeconomics

This course provides a foundational understanding of macroeconomics, focusing on basic facts, principles, and problems. Students will explore topics such as employment, output, price levels, monetary and banking systems, and the causes and policies of economic instability and growth.

• Macroeconomics studies the behavior of the economy as a whole, including aggregate measures like GDP, unemployment, and inflation.

• Key Principles: Economic growth, stability, and policy interventions.

• Applications: Understanding national and global economic trends, policy analysis, and forecasting.

Course Structure and Requirements

Prerequisites

Students should have a basic proficiency in mathematics, demonstrated by ACT scores or completion of MATH 010 or higher.

• Probability of a grade of C or higher (PROB>=C): At least 40% according to ACT Student Profile, or a score of 18+ on the Math Placement Exam, or grade of B or higher in MATH 010.

Textbook

• Required: "Macroeconomics" by Glenn Hubbard and Anthony Patrick O'Brien, 9th Edition, Pearson, ISBN: 978-0134890462.

• Book Review: "Together" by Vivek H. Murthy, ISBN: 978-0062913310.

Grading Breakdown

Grades are based on a combination of assignments, quizzes, exams, and a book review.

• Grading Scale:

Course Topics

Major Units

• Chapter 12: Aggregate Expenditures and Output in the Short Run

• Chapter 14: Bank Money, the Federal Reserve, and Monetary Policy

• Chapter 15: Fiscal Policy

These chapters cover the core concepts of macroeconomic analysis, including how aggregate demand and supply determine output and price levels, the role of money and banking, and government policies to stabilize the economy.

Assignments and Exams

Homework

• Weekly assignments, lowest two grades dropped.

• Late homework not accepted.

Quizzes

• 6 quizzes, each worth 5 points.

• Lowest quiz grade dropped.

• No make-up quizzes.

Exams

• Three semester examinations (multiple choice, true/false, short answer).

• Each exam is worth 25 points; lowest exam grade dropped.

• Final exam is comprehensive and scheduled for December 17, 2025, at 7:30 AM.

Book Review

• Critical review of "Together" by Vivek H. Murthy, due November 14, 2025.

• Report should be less than 3 pages, focusing on critique and connection to course themes.

Academic Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance and active participation are expected.

• Engagement in class discussions and group work is encouraged.

Academic Integrity

• Strict adherence to university policies on honesty and integrity.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized assistance are prohibited.

Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should contact the Student Access Center for accommodations.

Course Resources

Support Services

• Department tutoring, Academic Achievement Center, and online resources available.

• Student Success Tutoring Services: link

How to Succeed in This Class

• Read the textbook before class to understand key concepts.

• Take notes during lectures and review them regularly.

• Ask questions if you do not understand material.

• Participate in class and group activities.

• Form study groups to discuss and reinforce learning.

Key Macroeconomic Concepts

Aggregate Expenditures

Aggregate expenditures refer to the total amount spent on the economy's output of goods and services at a given price level.

• Formula:

• C: Consumption

• I: Investment

• G: Government Spending

• NX: Net Exports (Exports - Imports)

Monetary Policy

Monetary policy involves the management of the money supply and interest rates by central banks to influence economic activity.

• Tools: Open market operations, reserve requirements, discount rate.

• Goals: Control inflation, stabilize currency, promote employment.

Fiscal Policy

Fiscal policy refers to government decisions on taxation and spending to influence the economy.

• Expansionary Policy: Increasing government spending or decreasing taxes to stimulate growth.

• Contractionary Policy: Decreasing government spending or increasing taxes to slow inflation.

Additional Information

• Course includes events and resources for student well-being and engagement.

• Policies on classroom conduct, mutual respect, and inclusion are strictly enforced.

Additional info: Some details inferred from standard university syllabus structure and macroeconomics curriculum.