88014 - Macroeconomics (M-Z)

Academic Year 2019/2020

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Forli
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in International relations and diplomatic affairs (cod. 8048)

Learning outcomes

The course is an introduction to the study of macroeconomics.

It covers the main issues, methods, data, concepts and models. Students will be able and motivated to follow and understand the current debates on macroeconomic issues, as they are reported by the qualified press and media, with a specific focus on the roles and limits of fiscal and monetary policies in open economies (and also within the EMU).

Students will also be prepared to follow more advanced courses on macroeconomic analysis and policies, should they want to do so in their graduate studies.

Course contents

A. Introduction and long run issues

  • Introduction
  • Data and national Accounts (2 lectures)
  • Graphs and Functions
  • Growth (2 lectures)
  • Labour Markets(2 lectures)
  • Money Prices and Exchange Rates in the Long Run.

B. Macroeconomic equilibrium from the short to the long run

  • Budget constraints (2 lectures)
  • Financial assets and Interest rates
  • Consumption and Investments
  • Money and Interest Rates
  • Monetary Policy: goals and tools
  • Equilibrium in the Short Run
  • Capital Flows and Equilibrium (2 lectures.)
  • Supply, Unemployment, Inflation (2 lectures)
  • Aggregate Demand and Supply (2 lectures)

C. Macro policies and institutions

  • Demand Policies
  • Fiscal Policies and Government Debts
  • Supply Policies.

Readings/Bibliography

M. Burda e C. Wyplosz, "Macroeconomia. Un'analisi europea". Egea, 2019 (3rd edition)

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and group discussions. Student's active class participation is encouraged. 

Assessment methods

For students attending lectures:

  • All exams are written.
  • There will be three written (intermediate) exams plus one final exam.
  • Each exam includes multiple choice questions, open-ended questions and a section with graphical or algebraic exercises.
  • The final mark is the sum of the marks obtained in the four exams.
  • The exam questions will be written in Italian. It is possible to answer in English.

For students not attending lectures:

  • A single written exam, on the whole syllabus, lasting about two hours.

For all students:

  • For additional info, see the course description in Italian.

Teaching tools

Blackboard and chalk.

Links to further information

https://macromessori.weebly.com/

Office hours

See the website of Luciano Messori

SDGs

No poverty Decent work and economic growth

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.