Introduction to Macroeconomics (20623)

Year: 1
Term: 3
Number of ECTS credits: 4 
Student hours: 100

Syllabus

- Background information: this course's main objective is to introduce students to the basic economic principles which help to explain how the economy works.

- Course typology and focus: this is an introductory course with lectures, discussion seminars and applied problem-solving.

- Key aspects of the course: the course centres on the understanding of the most basic principles of macroeconomics.

Contents section 1. Fundamental macroeconomic variables

1.1. Measuring income

1.2. Indicators of inflation

1.3. Indicators of unemployment

Contents section 2. Economic growth

2.1. Productivity and its determiners

2.2. Savings and investment

2.3. The functioning of the financial markets

Contents section 3. Unemployment

3.1. Basic concepts

3.2. The job market

3.3. The minimum wage

Contents section 4. The monetary system

4.1. The definition of money

4.2. The functions of central banks and commercial banks

4.3. The causes of inflation

Contents section 5. Basic concepts of international economics

5.1. International movements of assets and capital

5.2. Exchange rates

Contents section 6. Short-term fluctuations in the economy

6.1. Aggregate demand

6.2. Aggregate supply

Contents section 7. Current economic policies

7.1. Monetary policy

7.2. Fiscal policy

7.3. Economic stabilising