Course Description

The objective of this course is to teach the students intermediate macroeconomic theory.  We begin by examining the facts about the long-run aggregate economic outcomes as well as mea- surement practices. We then move on to the key models that emphasize the micro foundations of macroeconomics.

By the end of the semester, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the key macroeconomics variables and explain how they are measured.

2.  Analyze the consumption, working, saving, business decisions of representative agents using various macroeconomic models.

3. Use Malthusian and Solow models to explain long-run economic growth.

Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite for this course is ECON 1200: Principles of Economics (Intensive) or ECON 1202: Principles of Macroeconomics. It is STRONGLY recommended that you have taken ECON 1201:

Principles of Microeconomics and one of MATH 1071Q: Calculus for Business and Economics,

MATH 1110Q: A Survey of Calculus with Applications I, MATH 1131Q: Calculus I, or MATH

1151Q: Honors Calculus I. In addition, it will be quite beneficial if you have taken ECON 2201: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory before taking this class.

Required Materials

The required text for this course is

• Williamson, Stephen D. Macroeconomics. Pearson, 6th Edition, 2018 (ISBN: 978-0134543208)

You can use the hard copy or the e-book.  You can also use the 5th edition.  In addition to the textbook, your primary resource for doing well in this class will be my lectures and my "incomplete" lecture notes.  My lecture slides will be posted on HuskyCT at the beginning of each week.

Course Grading

Grades will be based on following components:

• In-class pop quizzes (20%)

• Online assignments (20%)

• Mid-term exam (25 %)

• Final exam (35 %)

1. In-class Pop Quiz

There will be pop quizzes throughout the semester. Each pop quiz will only have one question on it and will be given in-class during a lecture.  The pop quiz will contain one short-answer (calculation) question based on the lecture in the previous week. These pop quizzes serve two purpose: 1. it is the easiest way for me to gauge how well the students are digesting the class material; 2.  gives the incentive to attend lectures and to review the class materials.  Each pop quiz will receive either 2 points (student was in attendance for the pop quiz and got the correct answer), 1 point (student was in attendance for the pop quiz but did not solve the problem at all), or 0 points (student was not in attendance during the pop quiz). You will have to take the quiz during the class time and no make-up quiz will be provided. There will be one pop quiz each week and I will only count for the best 10 scores. The total score on this component is 20.

2. Online Assignments

There will be online assignment to be completed online using the assignment tool in HuskyCT each week.  These exercises are intended to be a self-assessment of your understanding of the lecture materials. Each exercise (homework) will consist of about 10 multiple-choice questions. You will be given a few days to complete the exercises, but each exercise must be completed and submitted before the due date to receive credit. No late submission or make-up assignment will be provided. However, I will only count for the best 10 scores. The total score on this component

is 20.

3. Exams

There will be one mid-term exam and one final exam. The mid-term and final examinations will consist of multiple choices and short-answer questions involving with working with diagrams and numerical solutions.

The in-class midterm will take place on October 19 (Week 8).  Only in the case of medical emergency or family disaster will you be exempted from taking the in-class midterm, and in that

case, your final will count for 60% of your grade. You need to provide proof of such emergency to qualify for this exemption.  If you foresee that you will not be present on that day due to religious observances or extra-curricular activities, let me know as soon as possible before the midterm date so that I can make accommodations for you. If you let me know afterwards, then you will automatically receive 0 for that midterm.

Final exam week for Fall 2022 takes place from Monday, December 12 through Sunday, De- cember 18.  Students are required to be available for their exam during the stated time.  If you have a conflict with this time, you must visit the Dean of Students Office to discuss the possibility of rescheduling this exam.  Please note that vacations, previously purchased tickets or reserva- tions, social events, misreading the exam schedule and over-sleeping are not viable excuses for missing a final exam. If you think that your situation warrants permission to reschedule, please contact the Dean of Students Office with any questions. In the event of an unexpected conflict,

permission to reschedule a missed final exam must also be obtained from the Dean of Students Office.

Final Course Grade

Your letter grade for the course will be determined in following steps.

1. I calculate your weighted average score for the entire course using the grade formula as specified above. This score will be out of 100.

2. I curve the class by adding the same number of x“curve points” to everyone’s score (x ≥ 0).

3. I round down the number from Step 2.

4. I assign letter grades based on the following chart

For example, suppose a student’s weighted score for the course was 69.9. If I decided I would curve by adding 10 curve points to all the students, that student’s score would become 79.9, which becomes 79 after rounding down. That is a C+. If I decided I would not be curving (curve point x can be 0, but not negative), then this student would be getting D+. If I curve by adding 1 curve point, that score would become 70.9, which means the student has C-. In general, I curve such that the median student falls somewhere along the B range, depending on what I think is

the overall level of the class compared to my previous students. Basically, as long as you are not too far below the median student, you should be fine. As a policy, I never offer extra credit. Any email soliciting one will be ignored.

Reaching Out

Do not hesitate in reaching out to me if you need any help – this includes even talking about how you are. My objective as an instructor is to make it possible for all students in this class to be able to succeed. The recovery from the global pandemic makes this a difficult time for all of us. Most importantly, success in this course program depends heavily on your personal health and well-being. Recognize that stress is an expected part of the college experience, and it often can be compounded by unexpected setbacks or life changes outside the classroom. Please be in touch if you are facing issues that impact your ability to participate fully in the class.

I will make every effort to provide feedback and grades within a week of taking tests.  To keep track of your performance in the course, refer to My Grades in HuskyCT.

I will be holding in-person office hours this semester. I will be sure to leave Wednesday, 5:00- 6:00pm, open for appointments with you, but feel free to arrange appointments at other times. During office hours, I am happy to answer questions about the class material, provide guidance (hints) for completing the homework, and just discuss any difficulties you may be having. I will make every attempt to respond to class-related emails within 24 hours.  This policy, however, does not apply to weekend days or holidays. I will not answer the emails regarding the deadline and grade negotiation.

Students Responsibilities

1. Class Participation

You are expected to attend all classes at their scheduled time and be responsible for all assigned materials. Students who have to miss class or assignments because of official university activities, e.g., student-athlete, must inform me in writing prior to the event so that special arrangement could be made.

2. Deadlines

You are responsible for submitting all assignments on time.  Late problem sets will not be ac- cepted since solutions to the problem sets will be posted IMMEDIATELY after their due dates. I urge you to complete homework assignments early. The sooner you get started, the more time you will have to seek help from me, department tutors, or fellow classmates.

3. Weekly Commitment

Education is a joint effort.  I’ll certainly do my part, but you’ll have to do your part.  This is a challenging class!  You’ll need to be committed to do well.  You should expect to dedicate 8 to 10 hours a week to this course. Your commitment includes doing the assigned reading from the textbook, and completing all other assessments in a timely manner. Your active participation is encouraged and vital to your success in the course. Here are a few suggestions on how to do well

in this class. First, read the assigned chapters for a broad understanding. Next, review your class notes for areas of emphasis. Make very sure that you understand the “Key Concepts” at the end of each chapter. Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and utilize my office hours. After studying a chapter, test your understanding by doing weekly assignments and in-class quizzes and practices.

4. Electronic Devices

The classroom is a learning community. As such, respect for each other must always be main- tained.  Certain behaviors are considered disrespectful while others are considered disruptive. We will adopt the following community rule of behavior concerning electronic devices:

• Calculator:

You can use a calculator for the two in-class semester and final examinations, and the in- class problems.  This has to be a stand-alone calculator, not your smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.

• Cell/Smart phone:

Please turn them off for the duration of the class.

• Laptop computer, ipad, tablets or similar devices:

Laptop computers, ipad or similar devices should only be used for the purpose of note- taking or following class lectures on PowerPoints during the class.  Net-surfing, texting, e-mailing, etc., are not permitted for the duration of the class.

The classroom is a learning community and proper respect must be accorded to all learners. I will trust everyone to follow this rule.  If you stay in this class after the drop-add period, I’ll assume that you have read, understood, and agreed to the class policy on electronic devices.

5. Class Honor Code

You are responsible for acting in accordance with the University of Connecticut’s Student Code Review (http://community.uconn.edu/the-student-code/) and become familiar with these ex- pectations. In particular, make sure you have read the section that applies to you on Academic Integrity (http:// community.uconn.edu/the-student-code-appendix-a/).

Academic Misconduct in any form is in violation of the University of Connecticut Student Code and will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: copying or sharing answers on assingments, quizzes, and tests and having someone else do your academic work. Cheating and plagiarism are taken very seriously at the University of Connecticut. As a student, it is your responsibility to avoid plagiarism.  Depending on the act, a student could receive an F grade on the test/assignment, F grade for the course, and could be suspended or expelled from the University.

Any individual cheating in the homework, quizz, and exam will automatically awarded zero for the one that they were caught on and their behavior will be reported. By taking my class, I will assume that you agree to this policy.

6. Netiquette and Communication

At all times, course communication with fellow students and the instructor are to be professional and courteous.  It is expected that you proofread all your written communication, including discussion posts, assignment submissions, and mail messages.

Resources

1. Tutoring

The department offers tutoring services for this course.  Additional information can be found here: http://econ.uconn.edu/tutoring/

2. Adding or Dropping a Course

If you should decide to add or drop a course, there are official procedures to follow:

• Matriculated students should add or drop a course through the Student Administration Sys- tem.

• Non-degree students should refer to Non-Degree Add/Drop Information located on the regis- trar’s website.

You must officially drop a course to avoid receiving an "F" on your permanent transcript. Simply discontinuing class or informing the instructor you want to drop does not constitute an official drop of the course.

3. Students with Disabilities

The University of Connecticut is committed to protecting the rights of individuals with disabil- ities and assuring that the learning environment is accessible.  If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability or pregnancy, please let me know immedi- ately so that we can discuss options.  Students who require accommodations should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities, Wilbur Cross Building Room 204, (860) 486-2020 or http://csd.uconn.edu/.

4. Resources for Students Experiencing Distress

The University of Connecticut is committed to supporting students in their mental health, their psychological and social well-being, and their connection to their academic experience and over- all wellness.  The university aims to make access to mental health attainable while fostering a community reflecting equity and diversity and understands that good mental health may lead to personal and professional growth, greater self-awareness, increased social engagement, enhanced academic success, and campus and community involvement. Students who feel they may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional can find support and resources through the Stu- dent Health and Wellness-Mental Health (SHaW-MH) office. Through SHaW-MH, students can make an appointment with a mental health professional and engage in confidential conversations or seek recommendations or referrals for any mental health or psychological concern.

5. Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence

The University is committed to maintaining an environment free of discrimination or discrimi- natory harassment directed toward any person or group within its community – students, em- ployees, or visitors. Academic and professional excellence can flourish only when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect. All members of the University community are responsible for the maintenance of an academic and work environment in which people are free to learn and work without fear of discrimination or discriminatory harassment. In addition, inappropriate amorous relationships can undermine the University’s mission when those in positions of authority abuse or appear to abuse their authority. To that end, and in ac- cordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment, as well as inappropriate amorous relationships, and such behavior will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Additionally, to protect the campus community, all non-confidential University employees (including faculty) are required to report sexual assaults, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking involving a stu- dent that they witness or are told about to the Office of Institutional Equity. The University takes all reports with the utmost seriousness. Please be aware that while the information you provide will remain private, it will not be confidential and will be shared with University officials who can help.

6. Statement on Absences from Class Due to Religious Observances and Extra-Curricular Activities

Faculty and instructors are strongly encouraged to make reasonable accommodations in response to student requests to complete work missed by absence resulting from religious observances or participation in extra-curricular activities that enrich their experience, support their scholarly development, and benefit the university community. Examples include participation in scholarly presentations, performing arts, and intercollegiate sports, when the participation is at the request of, or coordinated by, a University official.   Such accommodations should be made in ways that do not dilute or preclude the requirements or learning outcomes for the course.  Students anticipating such a conflict should inform their instructor in writing within the first three weeks of the semester, and prior to the anticipated absence, and should take the initiative to work out with the instructor a schedule for making up missed work. For conflicts with final examinations,

students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

7. Accommodations for Illness or Extended Absences

If illness prevents you from participating in the class, it is your responsibility to notify me as soon as possible.   You do not need to disclose the nature of your illness, but we will need to work together to determine how you will complete coursework during your absence.  If life circumstances are affecting your ability to focus on courses and your UConn experience, students can email the Dean of Students at [email protected] to request support.