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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Introduction to Macroeconomics
Module Code EF114 (ITS) / ECO1002 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinatorMajella Brereton
Module TeachersSiobhain Mcgovern
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to macroeconomic economic theory and policy. Economic concepts and models will be evaluated as explanations of the workings and outcomes of the macroeconomy, using real world examples and datasets. In turn, the conclusions from this analysis will point to macroeconomic policy proposals (and their evaluation in low middle and high income economies). This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials and supported by sets of online activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. define key concepts used in macroeconomics
2. present elementary models and theories describing economic processes in a market economy
3. apply these economic concepts and theories to analyse numerical data and real world situations across low, middle and high income economies
4. discuss and and assess the role of the government and central bank, using real world examples
5. Appreciate that macroeconomic policy responses to events can differ from economy to economy based on the economy's level of development



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture11Students will have one face to face lecture per week, excluding reading week
Tutorial4Tutorials centred on weekly exercises
Online activity12Students will complete one hour of online lecture material per week
Independent Study98Preparation and completion of weekly worksheets and reflections and a loop quiz. Preparation and completion of an end of semester assignment
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Macroeconomic objectives and policies
Introduction to macroeconomics; relationship to microeconomics; introduction of main variables of focus; recent macroeconomic history; macroeconomic debates; measuring national income; short term growth and the business cycle; long run growth and its determinants

Macroeconomic theory
Aggregate demand and national income - the circular flow model; the multiplier effect; Keynesian analysis of unemployment and inflation; rational expectations and the New Classical alternative.

Role of money in the economy
Role and function of money; demand for money; supply of money and the operations of the Central Bank; the financial sector and its relationship to monetary policy;

The Open Economy
Balance of Payments; Current Account, trade, and globalisation; Capital Account and international investment; nominal and real exchange rates; exchange rate regimes; monetary policy in a monetary union.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment30% Examination Weight70%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PortfolioStudents will complete a range of assignments including a loop quiz, reflections, worksheets and mini cases during the course of the module30%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • John Sloman: 2009, Economics, 7th Edition, Financial Times Press,
  • Gregory Mankiw: 2012, Macroeconomics, 8th edition, MacMillan,
Other Resources

None

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