University of Wisconsin - Fond du Lac

                                           Eco 203 - Introduction to Macroeconomics

                                                                      Fall 2007

 

                                                        COURSE INFORMATION

 

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Sayeed Payesteh                                     OFFICE: C-211

http://www.fdl.uwc.edu/faculty/spayeste/                                PHONE: 929‑3655

e-mail: spayeste@uwc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS: MW 9:00-10:00 am, TR 11:45-12:30 am, T 5:00-5:45 pm, and by appointment.

CLASS TIMES: TR 10:30-11:45 S-238

 

TEXTBOOK: McEachern, W. A., Economics: A Contemporary Introduction, 7th Edition, South-western, 2006.

 

OBJECTIVES: 

The primary purpose of this course is to develop a basic understanding of the major macroeconomic concepts, theories, and tools used in analyzing problems concerning the economy as a whole.  Among the subjects included are inflation, unemployment, gross product determination, global trade, fiscal policy, the U.S. financial systems, and the role of Federal Reserve in controlling inflation.

 

Assessment:

A UW Colleges-wide assessment program has been put into place to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum, programs and services of the institution.  The following areas of proficiency will be assessed because they are of primary importance in the education of our students:  Analytical Skills, Quantitative Skills, Communication Skills, and the Aesthetic Engagement.  The Business and Economics Department has also determined a number of core proficiencies for students enrolled in departmental classes. For more information on these, please contact the instructor.

 

As part of this assessment program, students in ECO 203 will be assessed on the analytical skills of interpreting and synthesizing of information and ideas along with selecting and applying scientific and other appropriate methodologies

 

Class attendance, Participation, & preppartion

Regular attendance is expected along with active class participation. Participation in class is an important part of your learning experience.  For successful completion of this course, you should follow a disciplined approach to studying. Here are some tips:

 

Ř      Spend some time on the course every day, whether you have class or not.

Ř      Read the assigned sections in the text (prior to being covered in class).

Ř      Learn the vocabulary and terminology so you don’t have to “translate” during the lecture.

Ř      Work more than the minimum required sets of homework problems.

Ř      Even though you are allowed a cheat sheet, it is best to study as if the exam is totally closed book.

 

Class discussion quizzes

Quizzes will be given on a regular basis in the class.  Students will form 3-person teams to work on these quizzes (2 in exceptional cases.)  A number of these quizzes will be collected to reward points for attendance and active class participation as shown in the table below.

 

Minimal attempt

2 point

About one-half of the problems completed with solutions shown/explained

5 points

Most of the problems completed with solutions shown/ explained

8 points

All problems completed with solutions shown/explained

10 points


The quizzes will be discussed during the lecture.  Solutions will not be posted.  Some of the points on each exam will be given to questions similar to the worksheets. Quizzes done by a single person or more than 3 persons will not be given credit.  No worksheet will be accepted after the class.  No make up quiz will be given.  One miss will be allowed. 

 

If you miss a class it is your responsibility to find out what was covered and assigned.

 

 

Homework

Homework will be assigned in class and should be done before the next class period.  Current homework problems will be discussed at the beginning of the lecture. Solutions will not be posted. You may also check your solutions with me in my office.  Your knowledge of homework problems will be tested on the exams.  Some of the points on each exam will be given to questions similar to the homework problems. Working with other students on the assignments is highly recommended

 

Classroom coduct

Please turn off cell phones and any audible device during class. Also note that private conversation during class is distracting to both the instructor and the other students. Likewise, walking in late and leaving before the class has ended impede the learning of all students.  If you know that you will need to leave class early please sit near the exit. 

Exams

The course grade will be based on class participation, homework, quizzes, 3 midterms, and one comprehensive final exam. All exams are closed book and closed note.  You will be allowed to use half of a page of notes containing definitions and/or formulas only. Document containing solutions to problems (examples, homework, quizzes, etc.) are not allowed. 

 

As a general policy, there are no make-up exams. Anyone missing an exam will receive a zero score.

 

Make-up exam may be considered on exceptional basis only for the following reasons:

a. Participation in an authorized University activity.

b. Confinement due to illness, under a doctor’s care.

c. Death in the immediate family.

d. Participation in legal proceedings that requires your presence.

 

Documentation is required (e.g., letter from a university official, a doctor, lawyer, or funeral director). This policy will be strictly enforced.

 


 

Grading

Score

Grade

92 – up 

A

89 - < 92

A-

87 - < 89

B+

84 - < 87

B

80 - < 84

B-

75 - < 80

C+

70 - < 75

C

65 - < 70

C-

60 - < 65

D+

57 -<  60

D

55 - < 57

D-

       < 55

F

 

Exam 1: Sept. 27 (R) 

20%

Exam 2:  Oct 25 (R)      

20%

Exam 3:  Nov 20 (T)      

20%

Final Exam (TBD)

30%

Attendance & Quizzes   

10%

 

 


Note: This timetable is tentative and will be updated during the semester.  Updates will be announced in the class

REQUIRED READINGS                                                       EXPECTED DATE OF COVERAGE

I. Basics:

        The Art and Science of Economic Analysis                     Sept.4

               Chapters 1

        Some Tools of Economic Analysis                                              Sept. 6

               Chapter 2

         The Market System                                                         Sept. 11, 13

               Chapter 3

 

II. Macroeconomics:

          Introduction to Macroeconomics                                   Sept. 18

               Chapter 20

           Unemployment and Inflation                                        Sept. 20, 25

               Chapter 23

        EXAM I                                                                          Sept. 27

       

        Measuring Economic Aggregates                                     Oct. 2, 4

               Chapter 22                                                               

        Consumption and Aggregate Expenditure                                    Oct. 9, 11

               Chapter 24

        Aggregate Expenditure and Aggregate Demand               Oct. 16, 18

               Chapter 25

        Aggregate Supply                                                             Oct. 23

               Chapter 26

        EXAM II                                                                         Oct. 25

        Fiscal Policy                                                                    Oct. 30

               Chapter 27               

        Money and Financial System                                           Nov. 1

               Chapters 28

        Banking and Money Supply                                            Nov. 6, 8

               Chapter 29

        Monetary Theory and Policy                                           Nov. 13, 15

               Chapters 30

       

        EXAM III                                                                       Nov. 20

        THANKSGIVING RECESS                                               Nov. 22-23

        The Policy Debates                                                          Nov.27, 29

               Chapter 31

        Federal Budgets and Public Policy                                               Dec. 4

               Chapter 32

       

III. International Economics                                                 

           International Finance                                                    Dec. 6, 11, 13

               Chapter 33

 

Final Exam--TBA