08795 - Macroeconomics

Learning outcomes

This course provides an introduction to the economic analysis of key macroeconomic variables such as output, employment, inflation, interest rates and exchange rates. It first builds a foundation to understand how the labour, money, and goods and services markets are interacted, interconnected and are influenced by changes in prices, inflation rates and interest rates. The basic framework is then used to examine how the policies set by the central bank and the government affect the economy in the short-run and long-run time horizon.

Course contents

Chapters 1-16, Mankiw & Taylor's textbook "Macroeconomia", Zanichelli Ed. 

Readings/Bibliography

Mankiw G. & Taylor M., Macroeconomia (sixth italian edition), Zanichelli Ed. - Textbook

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, take-home exercises and problem sets. All the insights and solutions of the exercises solved in class are available on the following website: https://liveunibo-my.sharepoint.com/:o:/g/personal/antonio_minniti_unibo_it/EpXYvmKIScZGnC4o5zmAfq4BdJu9Lqsa7u45kDePHlAfmw?e=WXMIdd

A facsimile of the exam is available on Virtuale.

Assessment methods

The learning test is based on a written examination. 

During the course, some lectures will be devoted to the analysis of topical issues concerning the main macroeconomic events. The goals of these in-depth studies are (i) to allow students to acquire autonomy and critical skills and (ii) to stimulate interest in the most relevant macroeconomic issues. The oral presentation of these topics (group work) is optional: a bonus of up to 3 points is awarded (to be added to the final grade of the written exam).

The written exam aims to verify the theoretical knowledge acquired. It lasts 1 hour and is a closed book exam. It is divided into two parts:

• 10 multiple choice questions (both theoretical and numerical): 4 answer options (one of which is true) for a total of 20 points.
  
• Exercise with 4 or 5 questions, both thoeretical and numerical: 11 points.

The maximum score obtainable by providing all the correct answers is 30 cum laude.

The grade is graduated as follows:

<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 cum laude excellent

Teaching tools

Interactive slides and specific exercises will be provided during the lessons. In-depth seminars on specialized topics of monetary, fiscal and commercial policy applied to concrete and topical cases are planned in the second sub-cycle of lessons. In particular, a lesson will be dedicated to the conduct of monetary policy where, in addition to providing an overview of the operational set-up of the Eurosystem, the main challenges of monetary policy over the next few years will be illustrated.

Links to further information

https://sites.google.com/site/minnitianto77/teaching/macroeconomia

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Minniti