Economics: Principles of Macroeconomics (B)

About ECON 1400 B

Introduction to economic concepts, institutions, and analysis, particularly as related to the economy as a whole. May be taught with traditional approach or with strong mathematical emphasis.

Notes

Open to Degree and PACE students

Section Description

FORMAT, PREREQUISITES, AND CREDITS
Hybrid course: This course is delivered half in person and half remotely via MS Teams. Class will take place remotely on Teams during the first half of the semester, and in person at UVM during the second half of the semester.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to a field of economics called Macroeconomics, which looks at the behavior of the economy as a whole. Macroeconomics directly or indirectly deals with real life questions such as:
Does globalization cause unemployment and inequality? Are there limits to economic growth? What is the rate of unemployment telling me about my chances to get a job after college? What are policy makers doing when there is an economic recession and does this work? Why are the Federal Reserve interest rates so important for the economy? Why is there inflation?
Macroeconomics offers a rigorous way to understand and address those questions. It relies on the study of facts, data, and theories, which are covered in this course at an introductory level.
The course is organized around five modules:
• In Module 1, we study basic economic concepts and tools that apply to macroeconomics,
• In Module 2, we focus on understanding international trade,
• In Module 3, we learn how to measure the main indicators of macroeconomic activity,
• In Module 4, we focus on the financial system and money,
• In Module 5, we study economic fluctuations and government policies fighting expansions and recessions.

Section Expectation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After this course, you should be able to
• Recall important macroeconomic data, trends, and events,
• Describe and discuss macroeconomic issues
• Apply formulas to calculate macroeconomic indicators and interpret them (quantitative reasoning/ Applied data interpretation),
• Analyze the macroeconomy and government policies using diagrams (analytical and critical thinking).

REQUIRED MATERIAL
Required textbook
• Title: Macroeconomics, 6th Edition
• Authors: Paul Krugman, Robin Wells
• ISBN-13: 9781319245269 (Physical) / 9781319320164 (E-book)
• Where to Buy:
o E-book: VitalSource or RedShelf.
o Used/Physical: Check AbeBooks or eBay using the ISBN above.
You do not need to purchase additional access for online assignments. We will not use the publisher website. Instead, you will complete your homework through BrightSpace, which is free.
Note: there is a 7th edition, but the material covered is quite similar, it is much more expensive, and I make the necessary updates in class.

Required class material
Students need to bring their laptop to in-person lectures as well as pen and paper.

COURSE SITE
Homework assignments, class notes and tests are all posted on BrightSpace.
Please read this technology checklist to make sure you are ready for classes. https://www.uvm.edu/it/kb/student-technology-resources/
Students should contact the Helpline (802-656-2604) for support with technical issues.

Evaluation

ASSESSMENTS
Homework: 30% of the semester score.
Class activities: 20% of the semester score.
Tests: 50% of the semester score (Two non-cumulative tests, each worth 25%).

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks

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