08795 - Macroeconomics

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Business Administration (cod. 8871)

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 (or online) lectures. Students are recommended to join the channel "Macroeconomia - Clea - Minniti" of Microsoft Stream. All the recorded lectures can be found at the following website: https://web.microsoftstream.com/channel/76d5c218-54b5-4095-a74b-006aa6852f0f

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 test aims at verifying the theoretical knowledge acquired. It lasts 1 hour and is a closed book exam. It is divided in three parts:

  • 3 multiple choice questions (with short motivation): 4 answer options (one of which is true) for a total of 9 points.
  • Open question (formal answer to theoretical questions): 10 points.
  • Numerical exercise with 2 or 3 questions: 12 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

In case online exams will be envisaged by the University of Bologna, the exam will be run through Zoom and Exams Online (EOL) with the same structure. Detailed instructions on how to conduct the written test held online will be given by the professor using Teams.

Teaching tools

Interactive slides and specific exercises will be provided by the professor during the classes. Seminars on current issues will be scheduled in the second subcycle of lessons. 

Links to further information

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

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Minniti

SDGs

Quality education Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Reduced inequalities

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