The University of Newcastle's Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) will host a series of free public lectures this month to provide the Newcastle community with an insight into the state of the global economy.

CofFEE Director, Professor Bill Mitchell, said the lectures would help people engage in the current debate about the recession and the global financial crisis.

"These lectures will help people understand the options available to the Australian Government to deal with this crisis and allow people to judge more adequately the choices being made," Professor Mitchell said.

As experts in the field of macroeconomics, Professor Mitchell and Professor L. Randall Wray, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the United States, will offer their views on the current state of the global economy.

Thursday 14 May 2009
An introduction to the global financial crisis
This lecture will cover the cause of the crisis and potential solutions.

5.30pm - 7pm in Room UNH416, University House, corner of King and Auckland Streets, Newcastle.

Wednesday 20 May 2009
Macroeconomics for beginners - Part 1
This lecture will cover how the economy works, the role of government, causes of unemployment and how the monetary system works.

5.30pm - 7pm in Room V101, Maths Building, Callaghan campus.

Wednesday 27 May 2009
Macroeconomics for beginners - Part 2
This lecture will cover understanding bond markets, fiscal policy, and budget deficits.

5.30pm - 7pm in Room V101, Maths Building, Callaghan campus.