Macroeconomics further attempts to predict the economic effects of government policies, particularly fiscal and monetary policies intended to affect the national economy. Discussion of examples and policies will focus on the U.S. economy. No previous economic study is required, but a reasonable degree of comfort with algebra and geometry will be extremely helpful. Class discussion is encouraged. Students are expected to regularly read a business publication such as the Wall Street Journal , Business Week, the Economist, Barrons, or Forbes to familiarize themselves with the business uses of macroeconomic statistics and predictions.
Online versions are available.
Sample exams are available. Optional homework problems will be assigned regularly on the website, and it is due at the start of class. Late homework loses one point per day of lecture, and it will not be accepted after the exam for that chapter. On each of the three midterms I will give one-third weight to your homework average for the relevant chapters if your homework average is higher than your exam average. This class requires competency in basic math skills, and I will give a quiz in class on Wednesday.