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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EC 202-3"
COURSE NAME: "Principles of Macroeconomics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Riccardo Manghi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 4:30PM 5:45PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: MA 100 or MA 101; Recommended: EN 105
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the basic principles of the macro economy, such as national income accounting, determination of national income, business cycles, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, macroeconomics in the open economy, and economic growth.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

IMPORTANT: Since we might need to adapt to any unforeseeable contingencies at any point in time during the semester (e.g., arising as a result of the ongoing pandemic), be aware that every part of the present syllabus and respective policies/dates may be subject to change.

Note: This is just a preliminary draft of the syllabus. At the start of the semester I will post on moodle the official syllabus (spelling out all the policies, examination dates, etc.) that will be much more detailed than the present draft.

The course will cover the following topics in macroeconomics: comparative advantage and trade, supply and demand, the data of macroeconomics - measuring inflation and unemployment, economic growth, the financial system, basics of finance, money, banking and central banks, inflation, exchange rates, balance of payments, aggregate supply and demand, business cycles, monetary and fiscal policy, and the inflation-unemployment tradeoff.

The course also aims to link the economic theory to current issues and debated questions. A particular focus will be devoted to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy, and the consequent policy response. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

·         Understanding of basic macroeconomic concepts and how to use them to construct and follow a critical argument

·         Learn to read data and evaluate sources of economic data

·         Write clearly and carefully

·         Locate data sources and prepare visual presentations of an economic topic that demonstrates ability to properly document materials and convey information clearly and ethically

     .        Develop applications and mathematical tools

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Macroeconomics Mankiw and TaylorSouth Western Cengage13 978 1 4080 4392 9  Any edition will work   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm 1Multiple choice questions, open-ended questions and problems.25%
Midterm 2Multiple choice questions, open-ended questions and problems.35%
Final ExamMultiple choice questions, open-ended questions and problems.40%
Group assignmentStudents will be divided in groups. Each group will present a few slides analyzing an issue drawn from actuality (e.g. the current pandemic). Students will be expected to apply the economics analysis tools learned in class. Depending on the quality of the work carried out and presented, students may earn up to 5 bonus points that will be added to their total score. More details will be provided in the official syllabus which will be circulating later on.0

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course. 97-105: A 92-96.99: A-
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. 87-91.99: B+ 83-86.99: B 80-82.99: B-
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. 75-79.99: C+ 70-74.99: C 65-69.99: C-
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail. 60-64.99: D+ 55-59.99: D 50-54.99: D-
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant. Below 50: F

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: 
Students are expected to participate in the lectures. Participation will be based on random selection of students to provide background information on the assigned readings or reports on economic events.

POLICY ON MISSED EXAMS: There are no make-up for missed midterm exams (the tentative exam dates have been scheduled well ahead of time! See below at the end of the syllabus). If you happen to miss a midterm exam for a compelling reason (e.g., you are sick), I want you to notify me ahead of time (if possible) and I would surely ask you to provide me with a formal justification  (e.g., a doctor’s note). You have to prove your claim about the cause of your inability to take the exam. If I deem the justification is formal, valid and merits consideration, then I would let you take a make-up exam. Note: there is no make-up for the final exam.

 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE