MacroEconomics
Economics 12
Professor Dina Franceschi
Office: 313 Donnarumma Hall
Phone: 254-4000 x2850
Email: dfranceschi@fair1.fairfield.edu

Course Description: This course is designed to provide an introduction to the underlying concepts and theories of macroeconomics. We will develop ideas and methodologies that help us understand economic markets and consumer behavior. The fundamental objective of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. The whole of economics is based upon logical constructs. It is the understanding and use of these constructs that is at the heart of undergraduate education in economics. Our goal is to define the rules and tools of economics through lectures, class discussion and workbook exercises, so that the analysis of economic situations can begin.

Required Textbook: McConnell, Campbell R. and Stanley L. Brue, Macroeconomics, Fourteenth Edition, McGraw-Hill Inc., 1999.

Required Workbook: Economics 12 Workbook, Introductory Microeconomics, Department of Economics, Fairfield University, Spring 2000.

Course Requirements: Three examinations will be administered throughout the course of the semester. Two midterm examinations worth 20% of the final grade, and one cumulative final examination worth 30% of the final grade. Six workbook problem sets worth 5% each of the final grade will be given in preparation for the examinations.

No make-up examinations will be given, unless negotiated with me at a prior date. I adhere strictly to University policy in determining legitimate excuses for missing an examination.

Course Outline

Introduction
Introduction to Economics (Chapters 1 and 2) Week 1
Computer room – begin Excel Jan. 25
Understanding Markets: D and S (Chapter 3) Week 2
Problem Set
The U. S. Economy (Chapters 5 and 6) Week 3
Problem Set

Measurement
Measuring the Economy (Chapter 7) Week 4
Macroeconomic Instability (Chapter 8) Week 5
Problem Set
Midterm Exam I

Macro Models
Consumption and Savings (Chapter 9) Week 7
Additions to Agg. Expend. Model (Chapter 10) Week 8
Problem Set
Spring Break, No Class Week 9 (Mar. 13-17)
Aggregate Demand and Supply (Chapter 11) Week 10
Fiscal Policy (Chapter 12) Week 11
Problem Set
Midterm Exam II

Money and Banking
Money (Chapter 13) Week 12
Banking (Chapter 14) Week 13
Monetary Policy (Chapter 15) Week 14
Problem Set
Easter Break, No Class

Problems and Controversies (Chapters 16 and 17) Week 15

Final Examination