Macroeconomics
Code
1103
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
7,5
Teacher in charge
Pedro Brinca;João Duarte
Teaching language
English
Objectives
This module focuses on macroeconomics: the study of the behavior of the economy as a whole. The aim of the module is to provide a rigorous analysis of the main topics in macroeconomics. Our approach is based on microeconomic foundations, as studied in the microeconomics course(s) you took before: we move from individual optimization problems to the macroeconomic problems faced in the aggregate economy. Topics to be covered include: intertemporal consumption and labor supply; business-cycle analysis; capital utilization and unemployment; monetary policy; fiscal policy, open economy.
Prerequisites
Compulsory prerequisites :
- 1101.Principles of Macroeconomics
Subject matter
Section 1. Introduction to Macroeconomics.
Section 2. Economic Growth.
Section 3. Economic Fluctuations.
Section 4. Money, Inflation, Interest Rates and Business Cycles.
Section 5. The Government Sector.
Section 6. The Open Economy.
Bibliography
Robert J. Barro, Macroeconomics: A Modern Approach (1st edition), 2008, Thomson South-Western.
Teaching method
All units include the analysis of real world data side-by-side with the theoretical analysis discussed in the lectures and tutorials, so that students can develop their understanding and critical perspective about macroeconomic facts. Additional readings from the press and other non-academic sources are provided to complement the required textbook.
Evaluation method
The Final Exam is mandatory and must cover the entire span of the course. Its weight in the final grade can be between 30 to 70%. The remainder of the evaluation can consist of class participation, midterm exams, in class tests, etc. Overall, written in class assessment (final exam, midterm) must have a weight of at least 50%.