Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics

ECON XL 2

This course introduces the principles of economic analysis, economic institutions, and issues of economic policy, emphasizing the determination of key macro-economic variables using simple models and concepts.

View Course Options

What you can learn.

Discover how to interpret macroeconomic variables in the context of the business cycle
Learn the role of fiscal and monetary policy on influencing macroeconomic outcomes
Explore the logic and methodology economists use to understand human behavior
Use graphs as a tool to demonstrate economic relationships
Learn how macroeconomic variables are determined and how they direct economic activity
Be able to analyze the possible outcomes of government influence on the economy
Be able to identify critique economic fallacies

About this course:

This introduction to the principles of economic analysis, economic institutions, and issues of economic policy emphasizes the determination of key macroeconomic variables using simple models and concepts. Instruction covers the definition of gross domestic product, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. Students are exposed to relevant world issues, such as the causes and consequences of economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and public and trade deficits. Cross-country comparisons enable students to understand the disparities in economic conditions between developing and developed countries. The course concludes with the study of short-run economic fluctuations. Transferable for UC credit.