ECON1002

Macroeconomics in the Global Economy

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1, Semester 2
Ourimbah Semester 2
UoN Singapore Trimester 3

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

The state of the macroeconomy is a major influence on employment opportunities and pay, which impacts directly on the economic and social welfare of most citizens. This is most apparent at times of economic crisis. This course provides a coherent theoretical framework within which to analyse and understand the evolution of (macro)economies over time, and the impact of policies. Key economic issues including the Global Financial Crisis and its real manifestation in the form of persistent unemployment, high public debt, and growing poverty are investigated. Highly contested, contemporary policy debates with respect to issues such as inflation, exchange rate regimes, fiscal rules and prudential regulation, are also reviewed, along with their impact on business organisations and households. Students will have the opportunity to develop an international macroeconomic perspective, while developing attributes, including critical and adaptive thinking, the capacity to synthesise competing points of view and effective communication.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Utilise basic macroeconomic concepts and theoretical principles to understand the evolution of the macroeconomy and how it impacts on both the welfare of households and the sustainability of business organisations.
2. Access economic data which are pertinent to contemporary macroeconomic debates and use numerical and graphical techniques to analyse these data.
3. Demonstrate that Macroeconomics is a contested discipline with different intellectual perspectives on the most appropriate way to manage the macroeconomy.
4. Adopt critical and adaptive thinking to assess current media and government reports about macroeconomic analysis and policy, with particular reference to the Global Financial Crisis.
5. Interpret and effectively communicate economic processes and policies to suit the context and audience.
6. Demonstrate that a solid understanding of Macroeconomics is important for a well-rounded education in the Business and Commerce disciplines, since it underpins well informed business decisions.
Content Lectures may include, but are not restricted to, the following topics:
1. Key macroeconomic concepts
2. GDP and the circular flow of income.
3. The determination of economic activity
4. Money and banking. The behaviour of Central Banks: monetary policy and the term structure of interest rates.
5. Fiscal policy, deficits and public debt crises.
6. Theories of inflation.
7. Exchange rates and international trade.
8. Contemporary macroeconomic policy debates with particular reference to the Global Financial Crisis.
Replacing Course(s) ECON1110
Transition This course is not available to students who have successfully completed ECON1110.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge There is no assumed knowledge requirement.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Workshop
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Short essays
Examination: Formal Exam in the formal examination period.
Presentations - Tutorial Tutorial exercises.
Quiz - Class In class tests.
Contact Hours Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Workshop: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ECON1002