The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the basic concepts in macroeconomics with the emphasis on how to interpret and use data and economic theory to analyze everyday economic policy discourse at the local and national levels. Our focus will be on the aggregate behavior of markets, national economies, international markets, and how that behavior can affect you or those you care about. We will analyze the key economic issues like unemployment and inflation through the prism of economic theory. You learn how to interpret economic indicators most widely used in the news media, if changes in these indicators warrant policy interventions, what kind of policies have been at the disposal of policymakers in the past vs. the present, what theories support such policy actions, and if these theories are backed by relevant empirical evidence.
- Identify and interpret macroeconomic data. Identify if and how these data may impact you or those you care about.
- Apply macroeconomic models to analyze if the media portrayal of the current state of the economy is accurate and what assumptions may or may not be applicable.
- Analyze the socio-economic impacts of monetary and fiscal policy. Specifically, understand how changes in macroeconomic policy impact national and your own communities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the function of the central bank and the banking system.
- Articulate evidence-based arguments on complex issues of international trade and how trade wars help or hurt you and local communities.
- All reading materials are Open Education Resources and are free of charge.
- This course is FULLY ONLINE and can be taken anywhere in the world.
- Required technology: laptop/desktop computer with webcam, microphone, and broadband internet access
- Required platforms:
- Canvas: All course materials and communications
- Perusall: Integrated discussions (free for GT students)
- MobLab: Economics games (free for GT/IAC students)
- FRED: Data repository (free)
- GroupMe: Class communications (free)
Tests are closed note/book and proctored using Honorlock (free for GT students)
Assessment and Weight: Description
15% Class Participation (CP): Class participation in games, online discussions, and group chats over five modules
25% Homework (HW): Five (5) Homework assignments, one for each of the five modules
60% Midterm Tests (MT): Five (5) Midterm Tests, one for each of the five modules
Attendance
This is an online course and your participation in online activities under Class Participation is counted towards course attendance.
Making Up Missed Assignments
- GT-approved excuses required for makeups (athletics, disability, health center/dean documentation)
- Must schedule within 5 business days of original date
- Submit makeup request form on Welcome & Communications Page
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcomes:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social or geographic relationships develop, persist or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion