Introductory description

EC9D4-30 Macroeconomics A

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The syllabus may cover, but is not limited to, the following areas:
GDP, AD-AS model, rules versus commitment in central banking, sustainability models, consumption, investment, institutions and geography, nominal rigidities, the “Philips curve”, monetary policy, inflation and seignorage, rational expectations models, debt sustainability, exchange rates, purchasing power parity, Solow growth model, growth accounting, convergence, overlapping generations model, endogenous growth, income inequality and growth, unified growth theory.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Subject knowledge and understanding:...a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations of macroeconomic analysis. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars, independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and test.
• Subject-specific Skills/Professional Skills: Knowledge and Understanding:...develop a thorough understanding of how macroeconomic models can be used in policymaking and help explain empirical evidence. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars, independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and test.
• Cognitive Skills:...develop a thorough and critical understanding of growth and modern macroeconomics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars, independent study. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and test.

Indicative reading list

G. Mankiw, Macroeconomics (9th edn), Worth Publishers, 2016
S.D. Williamson, Macroeconomics, Pearson, 2014.
E. Helpman, The Mystery of Economic Growth, Harvard University Press.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
Analytical thinking and communication
Analytical reasoning
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Abstraction
Policy evaluation
Analysis of Institutions
Concepts of Simultaneity and Endogeneity
Analysis of optimisation

Transferable skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop:
Numeracy and quantitative skills
IT skills
Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Mathematical, statistical and data-based research skills