COURSE SYLLABUS
Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, 7.5 credits
Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, 7,5 högskolepoäng
Course Syllabus for students Autumn 2021
Course Code:JIMK14
Confirmed by:Council for Undergraduate and Masters Education Jan 14, 2014
Revised by:Council for Undergraduate and Masters Education Mar 1, 2021
Valid From:Aug 23, 2021
Version:6
Education Cycle:First-cycle level
Disciplinary domain:Social sciences (75%) and natural sciences (25%)
Subject group:NA1
Specialised in:G1F
Main field of study:Economics

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

1. Account for core macroeconomic issues of unemployment, wage-setting, inflation, saving, investment, growth, consumption and balance of payments.
2. Explain and discuss macroeconomic theories about long-term economic growth and short-run economic fluctuations.
3. Account for the influence of monetary and fiscal policy interventions on the aggregate economy.
4. Explain and discuss the linkages between the money market, the financial market and the market for goods and services.

Skills and abilities

5. Apply appropriate theoretical frameworks to analyze the effects of external shocks and policy interventions on the aggregate economy
6. Apply core economic concepts that have broad use for decision making: e.g. equilibrium, stability, opportunity costs, incentives and expectations.
7. Critically analyze and discuss the implications of monetary and fiscal policy on the aggregate economy.
8. Understand how the economy is affected by globalization in the markets for goods and services and in the financial markets

Judgement and approach

9. Evaluate the macroeconomic causes and implications of contemporary economic and financial crises
10. Identify the effects of contemporary macroeconomic policies on the economy and the welfare of its residents.

Contents

This course deals with core macroeconomic theories about both long-term economic growth and short-run economic fluctuations, inflation and unemployment, foreign exchange markets and international trade. The course builds on the basic concepts developed in the introductory courses in micro- and macro-economics. However, it contains a deepened analysis of consumption and investment theory, business cycles, the role of financial markets, wage-setting and unemployment. The course also discusses the possibilities and limitations of economic policy, the importance of norms and institutions, foreign exchange systems and the role of the central bank.

Connection to Research and Practice
The macroeconomic models introduced in the course are based on research. The theories on economic growth and economic policy broadly connects to JIBS research area renewal. Macroeconomic indicators, theories, and models are put into practice through the exercises and the assignment. The purpose of the assignment is to apply theory and process data to understand the causes, cures, and implications of contemporary global economic issues, such as the great financial crisis, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Type of instruction

Lectures and exercise sessions based on homework assignments.

The teaching is conducted in English.

Prerequisites

30 credits in Business Administration or Economics including Macroeconomic Principles and Microeconomic Principles (or the equivalent).

Examination and grades

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

Individual written exam (ILO 1-8) representing 6 credits.
Individual assignment (ILO 5-10) representing 1.5 credits.

Registration of examination:
Name of the TestValueGrading
Individual written exam16 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Individual assignment11.5 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
1 All parts of compulsory examination in the course must be passed with a passing grade (A-E) before a final grade can be set. The course grade is a weighted average of the exam and assignment grades. The grade is set in accordance with JIBS grading policy.

Course evaluation

It is the responsibility of the examiner to ensure that each course is evaluated. There must be course evaluators identified among the students. The evaluation is carried out continuously as well as at the end of the course, through a survey. After the course the course Examiner meets with student evaluators to discuss the survey results and possible improvements. A summary report is also created. The report is followed up by program directors and discussed with faculty and relevant others (e.g. Associate Dean of Education, Associate Dean of faculty, Director of PhD Candidates, Dean, or Director of Studies). The next time the course runs, students should be informed of any measures taken to improve the course based on the previous course evaluation.

Other information

Academic integrity
JIBS students are expected to maintain a strong academic integrity. This implies to behave within the boundaries of academic rules and expectations relating to all types of teaching and examination.

Copying someone else’s work is a particularly serious offence and can lead to disciplinary action. When you copy someone else’s work, you are plagiarizing. You must not copy sections of work (such as paragraphs, diagrams, tables and words) from any other person, including another student or any other author. Cutting and pasting is a clear example of plagiarism. There is a workshop and online resources to assist you in not plagiarizing called the Interactive Anti-Plagiarism Guide.

Other forms of breaking academic integrity include (but are not limited to) adding your name to a project you did not work on (or allowing someone to add their name), cheating on an examination, helping other students to cheat and submitting other students work as your own, and using non-allowed electronic equipment during an examination. All of these make you liable to disciplinary action.

Course literature

Gottfries, N. Macroeconomics, 1st edition (2013), ISBN: 9780230275973
Additional articles may be provided during the course.