EC339: Applied Macroeconomics

Thijs Van Rens
Module Leader
Federico Rossi
Module Lecturer

15 CATS - Department of Economics

Summer Module

Autumn Module

Principal Aims

EC339-15 Applied Macroeconomics

Principal Learning Outcomes

Subject knowledge and understanding:...demonstrate an ability to critically assess applied macroeconomic research papers. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and assessment.

Subject knowledge and understanding:...present a balanced and well-informed opinion on a variety of macroeconomic policy issues. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and assessment.

Subject-specific and Professional Key General Skills:...understand and interpret modern macroeconomic models. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and assessment.

Subject-specific and Professional Key General Skills:...critically assess different macroeconomic policy options and provide clear and concise policy advice suitable for senior policymakers. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and assessment.

Subject knowledge and understanding:...confidently acquire, transform, interpret and discuss real world macroeconomic data. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Lectures, seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Examination and assessment.

Syllabus

The module will cover a number of topics in applied macroeconomics. The topics will be chosen based on the expertise of the lecturer(s), the emphasis in the advanced applied macroeconomics literature, topical macroeconomic issues, and current policy concerns. All topics will cover theoretical background, data and stylised facts, empirical approaches and findings, and policy relevance and implications. Depending on the topic, the applied macroeconomic data, issues and policies may relate to more than one country. Illustrative topics may include Employment, Unemployment, Wage setting, Search and matching, Migration, Housing market, Financial stability, Monetary policy, Inflation, Investment, Productivity, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Growth, Market structure in macroeconomics, Dealing with heterogeneity in macroeconomics, Data for macroeconomics, Applied techniques for macroeconomics, Fiscal Policy, Inequality, Institutions.

Context

Optional Module

LM1D (LLD2) - Year 3, LM1D (LLD2) - Year 4, GL11 - Year 3, GL12 - Year 4, V7ML - Year 3, V7MM - Year 4, V7ML - Year 4, LA99 - Year 3, R9L1 - Year 4, R3L4 - Year 4, R4L1 - Year 4, R2L4 - Year 4, R1L4 - Year 4, L1L8 - Year 3, L1CA - Year 3, L1CB - Year 4

Pre or Co-requisites

EC201-30 Macroeconomics 2 AND EC202-30 Microeconomics 2 OR

EC204-30 Economics 2

Summary:

Modules: (EC201-30 and EC202-30) and EC204-30

Assessment

Assessment Method: Coursework (40%) + In-person Examination (60%)
Coursework Details: Group assignment 1 (20%) , Group assignment 2 (20%) , In-person Examination (60%)
Exam Timing: Summer

Exam Rubric

Time Allowed: 2 Hours

Read all instructions carefully - and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answers.

There are TWO sections in this paper. Answer ONE question in Section A (50 marks) and ONE question in Section B (50 marks).

Approved scientific (non-graphical) pocket calculators are allowed.

You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.

Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.