SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ECON 100  (ECONOMICS I) 

INTRODUCTION TO MACROECONOMICS
FALL 2002
MWF 

Instructor: Prof. Michael D. Magala 
Office: Building 13, Room 108 (1st Floor) Office Hours: MWF 1-2 p.m., or by appointment 
Phone: 413-755-4613

[ Course Objectives ]      [ Requirements ]     [ Useful Links ]   [ Readings Due Dates ] 
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course provides an introduction to the principles of economics, including aggregate economic measures; aggregate supply and demand analysis; economic fluctuations and growth; stabilization policy; problems such as unemployment and inflation. As a study of aggregate economic activity, we shall focus on economic performance as a whole.As such, the course deals with how the level of employment and output, the price level, and the rate of growth of output are determined for the entire economic system. Major themes and problems in the function of the economy, and government intevention are introduced, as well as provision of a crash course in the analysis of economic information. Course goals include, but are not limited to: (1). Learn the basic vocabulary and concepts of economics so that you understand economic information; (2).  Improve communication skills (oral and listening); (3). Develop the ability to think conceptually and analytically; and (4). Enhance your interest in the dynamics of government intervention into the economy.

Requirements:

Required Textbook: 
Tucker, Irvin B., (2001) Macroeconomics for Today, 2nd ed., West Publishing  Company. 

Supplementary readings may be assigned in addition to readings from the required textbook, i.e. internet assignments and articles from newspapers, magazines and journals that may or may not be posted on the internet.

Readings:
It is vital that you do the readings assigned carefully prior to the classes in which they are discussed. First, it is impossible to talk about everything in class and I will assume that some stuff is clear from the reading. If you skip the reading or wait until exam time, it will be harder to keep things straight.  Third, in order to answer questions when called upon in class (see below), you need to be familiar with the reading. 

1. Perfect attendance and class participation are expected of all students. Perpetual absenteeism will result in the student's being asked to withdraw from the class at his/her own risk, or to promptly refrain from further absenteeism - especially if it is deemed by the instructor to be unnecessary and detrimental to the student's academic performance.

3. Examinations:
THREE examinations (Plus a cumulative Final exam). The final exam is cumulative but optional. If you are satisfied with your average on the 3 regular examinations, you are not required to take the final. If you opt to take the final, your lowest grade on the 4 exams will be dropped. Examinations and quizzes will be multiple choice. 

                        TOTAL

Quizzes                           9%
Class participation           6%
Exam I                         15%
Exam II                        25%
Exam III                     45%
                                100%
Attendance:
Many assignments are due in class or require your attendance to complete.  There are no make-up exams, exceptin extraordinary circumstances. Information in the lectures is often not in the readings. Alterations in assignments, etc. announced in class are binding on everyone.  While there is no official attendance policy, you are strongly encouraged to be in class. 

Internet:
The Website for the class can be found at http://faculty.stcc.edu/magala You are expected to be familiar with the internet and use email. In order to save time (and paper), many things in class including any changes to the assignments for the class will be distributed through an email list. Some assignments will require you to use the internet. It is your responsibility to ensure that you get on the mailing list by giving me a valid email address. (If you are unfamiliar with using email and the internet, you can get more info from the computer center help desk) 
 


Links to other useful information sources:
All students should try to keep up with current news events . This will make participating in class much easier. There are a variety of sources for this, but these are particularly good.

Washington Post. New York Times,    CNN Inside Edition, CNN Crossfire, NEWSHOUR, Reuters  and AP  News Wires
 


 
 
 
 
 
 

Course Outline

(These dates are approximate. They may be changed as the semester goes on)
DATE TOPIC READING ASSIGNMENTS/EXERCISES
9/4 Class Introduction -
9/6 Economic Thinking Chapter 1
9/9
"
9/11 Graphs and Economics Appendix Chapter 1, pp 20-30
9/13
"
9/16 Production Possibilities  Chapter 2
9/18
 "
9/20 Demand and Supply Chapter 3
9/23
"
 "
9/25 The market (Changes in Supply and Demand Chapter 4
9/27
"
9/30 Quiz #1
10/2 Review for Exam 1 -
10/4 1st Examination
10/7 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Chapter 5
10/9
"
10/11  Business Cycles Chapter 6
10/14 Inflation  Chapter 7
10/16 Keynesian Model Chapter 8
10/18  Movie: Great Depression
10/21 Keynesian Model Chapter 9
10/23
"
10/25 Keynesian Model Chapter 9 Mid-semester gardes due 10 a.m.
10/28 Quiz #2 -
10/30 Review for Exam #2 -
11/1 2nd Examination -
11/4 Macroeconomic Equilibrium Chapter 10
11/6
 "
  
11/8
 "
  
11/13  Fiscal Policy Chapter 11
11/15
 "
11/18
"
  
11/20 National Debt Chapter 13
11/22  Money and the Federal Reserve Chapter 14
11/25
"
11/27 Monetary Policy Chapter 16
12/2
12/4 Quiz #3 -
12/6 Exam Review -
12/9 3rd Examination -
12/13 Make-Ups  
12/16-20 Final Exam week;  Cumulative Final (Optional)