Welcome to Principles of Macroeconomics! In this course, you will learn about fundamental concepts, theories and terminology in the study of macroeconomics. Studying the economy on a macro-level gives an aggregated view of the decisions made by households, firms, and policymakers and the outcomes of those decisions. In this course, you will learn about key economic variables, the role of the Federal Reserve and banks in the economy, how changes in consumption spending, investment spending or government spending affect the aggregate economy, and how the economy grows and changes in the short run as well as the long run.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course you will be able to…

• Apply the concepts of macroeconomics with graphs, calculations, and equations
• Calculate fundamental economic variables such as GDP, CPI, inflation rates,  growth rates, and unemployment rates
• Understand the role of the Federal Reserve and banks in the economy
• Understand what causes short run economic fluctuations and long run economic growth

Now, why is this important? Economics is part of our lives every day. The choices we make affect how the economy functions, and the economy itself influences the decisions that we make. The topics we will discuss in this course will help you understand what is happening in our economy and why. By the end of this course, you will feel more confident picking up the New York Times, Wall Street Journal or Financial Times and understanding what is happening in the world today.

Guidelines for Success:

• Attend class regularly
• Be an active learner in class by attempting to complete applications on your own or with your group and engaging in discussions
• Complete your Aplia assignments in advance of the deadlines – start early even if you stop and come back to it!
• Come to office hours or seek assistance as soon as you feel you are not understanding the material
• Start studying early! Organize your notes and prep for the exams at least 10 days before the exam date
• Work on time management – you are responsible for meeting deadlines, completing homework, seeking help when you need it and balancing your other obligations. If you need help with time management, come see Prof. Keefe or check out the Office of Academic Support and Retention.