Dominican University

Fall 2008

Economics 191: Macroeconomics

Instructor: Nick Larsen Email: nlarse2@uic.edu

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday TBA

or by appointment

Office: TBA

Class Meeting: W 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

Required Text: McConnell Brue, Economics, McGraw-Hill, 17^th Edition.

Prerequisites: None

Coverage: An introduction to economic theory and economic analysis of the American Economy with emphasis on national income analysis and fiscal and monetary policy. By the end of the course the students with the ability to understand how the concepts learned in this class relate to various countries in the world. Being able to identify and explain macroeconomic phenomena and policies that are prevalent in the world economy by utilizing models and theories explored in this class. It is important for this course to start thinking like an economist so it is necessary to attend classes, read the chapters from the text, and ask any questions that may inhibit the understanding of macroeconomic concepts. Outside sources such as The Economist or other newspapers and magazines will help the students become familiar and comfortable with thinking like an economist.

Grading: Homework: 30%

Midterm: 30%

Final: 40%

In order to earn a good grade in the class it is important to regularly attend classes and take notes. It is also important to study the class materials regularly and complete each assignment. It is the responsibility of the student to attend office hours and get any notes from other students for any days that are missed.

If the student is ill or has an emergency on the day of an exam it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor of the department of economics as soon as possible and provide written documentation upon returning to class. Missing a train or traffic are not valid excuses for missing an exam, it is the student’s responsibility to make it to class on time for exams.

When working on homework, students are encouraged to communicate with other students and the instructor. It is important to use the homework as a practice for the exams to make sure that students understand the material before they take the exams. Each student is responsible for submitting their own assignments for the purpose of grading on the date that they are due. Late submissions will not be accepted unless written documentation is provided.

Grades will not be discussed via email. If there is a question about grades the time to discuss grades is during office hours or set up an appointment, this policy includes final grades. Every student will be treated identically with regards to grades, it is the students responsibility to earn grades, grades are not given out.

On exams students are not allowed to work in groups. Anyone caught cheating on an exam will receive an “F” for the class and will have their case referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for additional disciplinary action. There will be no exceptions.

Outline:

(Subject to Changes)

Week 1

Syllabus and Chapters 1 and 2

Week 2

Chapter 3

Week 3

Chapters 4 and 5

Week 4

Chapter 6

Week 5

Chapter 7

Week 6

Chapter 8

Week 7

Chapter 9

Week 8

Midterm Review and Exam

Week 9

Chapter 10

Week 10

Chapter 11

Week 11

Chapter 12

Week 12

Chapter 13

Week 13

Chapter 14

Week 14

Chapter 15

Week 15

Final Review and Final Exam