ECON 2110 - Macroeconomic Principles
Dr. Mustofa Mahmud Al Mamun
Office: ECON 2002
Drop-in hours: Tuesdays 11:00-1:00 am
Email: mmamun@unm.edu
MWF at 11:00-11:50 am in KIVA-104
Teaching Assistant: Refat Mishuk
Office: ECON 2013
Drop-in hours:
11:00-1:00 pm [Tuesday & Thursday]
Email: rmishuk@unm.edu
Teaching Assistant: Ziyadkhan Gurbanli
Office: ECON 2021
Drop-in hours:
2:30-3:30 pm [Tuesday & Thursday]
Email: zgurbanli@unm.edu
MWF at 9:00-9:50 am in DSH-125
Teaching Assistant: Jinyang Liu
Office: ECON 2001
Drop-in hours:
2:00-3:00 pm [Tuesday & Thursday]
Email: liujinyang@unm.edu
Course Description
In this course, we will use real-world data to teach introductory macroeconomics. We’ll begin by exploring important questions in macroeconomics and familiarizing ourselves with the current state of the US economy. Then, we’ll learn how to analyze a macroeconomic issue using quantitative tools and economic theory. An economy is far too complex to understand without a general framework. We will use a simple framework based on the law of demand and supply. This course aims to develop your ability to think, write, and speak like a macroeconomist.
Textbook
Mankiw, N. Gregory. 2021. Principles of Macroeconomics. 9th ed. Mason, OH: CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing.
Student Learning Goals
After successful completion of this course, students will achieve the following:
- Familiarity with basic facts about the U.S. economy: FRED BEA Opportunity Insights
- Sound understanding of important macroeconomic questions: WSJ NYT The Economist
- Proficiency in using quantitative tools and economic theory
- Knowledge in growth models, aggregate consumption/savings, macro-finance, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and international macroeconomics
- The ability to explain any macroeconomic issue intuitively, mathematically, and graphically
Letter Grades
The following grading scale will be used to determine your final course grade:
| Grade | |
|---|---|
≥ 98% |
A+
|
92 − 97.99% |
A
|
90 − 91.99% |
A-
|
88 − 89.99% |
B+
|
82 − 87.99% |
B
|
80 − 81.99% |
B-
|
70 − 79.99% |
C
|
60 − 69.99% |
D
|
< 60% |
F
|
Assessment
Exams
There will be four midterm exams and a final. Each exam will count for 15% of the total grade. Make-up exams will not be provided. If you miss a midterm exam for any reason, please do not request a make-up exam. I will drop your lowest-scoring midterm. If you miss multiple midterm exams, you may be allowed to make up one (with penalties) if the Dean of Students directly informs me about the extenuating circumstances. The final exam is comprehensive, and attendance is required.
Problem Sets
Problem sets constitute 10% of the total grade. This course will have ten problem sets, each carrying a 1% weight. All problem sets and keys will be posted on my website. You will submit your work in PDF format (e.g., you can take pictures of your work and then make a PDF file using Mobile Apps) via Canvas. Please check the Schedule section in this syllabus for submission deadlines.
Class Notes
Class notes will account for 5% of your total grade. You will submit your work in PDF format (e.g., you can take pictures of your work and then make a PDF file using Mobile Apps) via Canvas. Please check the Schedule section in this syllabus for submission deadlines. It is not necessary to be perfect in note-taking to receive full credit. We will contact you if your notes consistently miss important points discussed in class. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Quizzes
Quizzes account for 10% of your total grade. There will be six quizzes assigned throughout the semester. Attendance is mandatory to participate in all quizzes. You will hand out your responses in person during class. No make-up options will be available. If you miss a quiz for any reason, you will receive a zero on that quiz. However, I will drop your lowest quiz score.
Readings
Readings are worth 10 % of the total grade. A total of five reading assignments will be asked in this semester. All reading assignments will be posted on my website. You will submit your notes in PDF format via Canvas. Please check the schedule section in this syllabus for submission deadlines.
Class Project
The class project in this course is worth 5 % of the total grade. This project aims to help you think like a Macroeconomist and express your opinion concisely on a topic. For example, you can explain why the US economy has grown slower in recent decades or the main causes of the recent inflationary trend. Please select a question or topic from this list on my website. You will submit a short video presentation on your chosen topic via Canvas, and the video should not exceed 5 minutes. Please check the schedule section in this syllabus for submission deadlines. A few samples of video presentations will be shared later on my website. I and the TA will be available during office hours to discuss project-related queries. Feel free to reach out to us with questions
Late Submissions
There are penalties for late submissions of your work/assignments. The Canvas submission link may expire if you are unable to meet the deadline. All Canvas submissions are due by 5:00 pm. A late submission before midnight will result in a 2 percent deduction from the total score. After that, a 5 percent penalty will be applied for each day that the submission is late.
Extra Credit
Extra credit opportunities will be awarded twice per semester and offered to the entire class. Please make sure to attend all classes to take full advantage of these opportunities. There will be no makeup options, so we kindly request that you do not ask for exceptions or additional opportunities.
Getting Help
Feel free to bring your questions to us during drop-in hours or schedule an appointment for another time to receive one-on-one instruction. The Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS) offers free peer tutoring for this course and others. Seek help from me, the TAs, or a CAPS https://caps.unm.edu/tutor as soon as you don’t understand a topic. Do not wait until the end of the semester.