Macroeconomics: Theory and Applications

Introduction to macroeconomic theory with applications to climate and development economics

Example University Fall 2024 English

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to macroeconomic theory with particular emphasis on applications to climate economics and sustainable development. Students will learn core macroeconomic concepts including growth theory, business cycles, and fiscal/monetary policy.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand fundamental macroeconomic relationships and measurements
  • Analyze business cycle dynamics and stabilization policies
  • Apply macroeconomic frameworks to climate and development challenges
  • Interpret and critique macroeconomic policy debates

Course Structure

Module 1: National Income Accounting

  • GDP measurement and components
  • Real vs. nominal values
  • International comparisons

Module 2: Economic Growth

  • Solow growth model
  • Endogenous growth theory
  • Climate damages and growth

Module 3: Business Cycles

  • Short-run fluctuations
  • Aggregate demand and supply
  • Stabilization policy

Module 4: Climate Macroeconomics

  • Climate damages in macro models
  • Green transition pathways
  • Carbon pricing and growth

Materials

Lecture Notes

Readings

  • Mankiw, N. Gregory. (2019). Macroeconomics. 10th edition.
  • Nordhaus, W. (2017). Revisiting the social cost of carbon. PNAS.
  • Additional readings on course platform

Problem Sets

  • Problem Set 1: National Income Accounting (PDF to be uploaded)
  • Problem Set 2: Growth Theory (PDF to be uploaded)
  • Problem Set 3: Business Cycles (PDF to be uploaded)

Assessment

  • Problem sets: 30%
  • Midterm exam: 30%
  • Final exam: 40%

Schedule

Lectures: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:30

Office hours: Wednesdays, 14:00-16:00

Contact

For questions about the course, please contact via email or attend office hours.