ECON 319 course outline S2019 PDF

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Download ECON 319 course outline S2019 PDF

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Concordia University Department of Economics ECON 319 International Economic Policy and Institutions COURSE OUTLINE Summer 2019 Instructor: E-mail: Schedule:

Uma Kaplan [email protected] TuTh 8:45AM - 11:30AM

Office: Office hours: Location:

H 1155.43 Th 12:00PM - 1:00PM H 1070 SGW

Course Objectives: The course will concentrate on selected important economic policy issues and relevant economic tools. It builds on students' previous knowledge of micro- and macroeconomics in order to: (1) understand the rationale behind policy intervention in the economy; (2) develop competence in assessing the impact of different economic policies on the economy using economic models, and (3) analyse contemporary examples of economic policymaking. Essential elements of the course are extensive references to implementation of economic models to current policy issues and a systematic discussion of contemporary economic developments and policy debates in class. The selected topics will be of contemporary interest, and will be announced by the beginning of the term. Each topic discussed will include a review of the available empirical evidence and of the institutional framework underlying economic policy decisions. Pre-requisites: ECON 201, 203. Students who have received credit for ECON 317 may not take this course for credit. Required Textbook: There is no required textbook for this course. However, you may need to use a macroeconomics textbook as a reference. Additional course notes and/or required readings from published papers will be selectively made available on Moodle. Moodle Website: Important information regarding general course conduct and exams will be posted on Moodle. Students are expected to keep up to date with the course information provided on this website. Office Hours: My office hours are on Thursday 12:00PM-1:00PM.

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Communication and Correspondence: For administrative questions, you can come see me after class/during office hours, or send me an email. All correspondence in this class will be directed through Concordia e-mail addresses only. Please enter the course number in the subject heading of your e-mail. Discussion of course subject material will not be entered into via lengthy e-mails. All enquiries about the subject material should be made at lectures or during office hours.

Lectures: The course will have both lecture and discussion components. Lectures will cover analytical tools as well as findings from empirical studies by economists that help guide the use of those tools. Students are expected to do all of the required readings prior to the class where they will be discussed. Discussions will explore current challenges in economic policy, informed by published papers, media accounts and less-formal writing by economists and other experts. Students are also strongly encouraged to keep up-to-date with current economic events by reading The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, or another periodical with detailed coverage of economic news. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Any material or discussion points raised in the lectures may end up in the examinations. If you miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to arrange with a classmate to borrow his/her notes. Use of Technology in Class: Laptop/tablet use is permitted in the classroom, however it is restricted for class-related activities only.

Evaluation: - Assignment: - Midterm Exam: - Final Exam:

20% (in class, August 6); 35% (in class, July 18); 45% (to be scheduled by the Examinations Office).

Assignments: The assignment, worth 20 % of your final grade, will be posted on Moodle. The assignment will help students to reinforce the use of tools for policy analysis and to expand the issues analysed beyond those covered in the classroom. The assignment will help students check the progression of their learning and prepare for the exam. The assignment is to be submitted in on the due date, at the start of class. Other than for documented medical reasons, missed deadlines result in a mark of zero.

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Final exam: The final exam will test understanding of concepts taught in lectures, and the ability to apply these insights to various situations. Exam material will be taken from the lecture notes, case studies and assigned readings. Exams are closed-book, closed-notes. The final exam is cumulative and will cover the whole course content and material. Students who miss the midterm exam for valid reasons (such as physiciandocumented illness) must contact me immediately. Students missing the mid-term exam without instructor approval will get a mark of zero for that exam. There are no supplemental assignments or make-up exams in this class. If you miss the midterm examination for a valid medical reason, the weight will be allocated to your final exam.

Reading List: This outline approximates the trajectory of the course through the semester. Please note that the schedule is tentative. Due to statutory holidays and potential active class participation, some course material assigned may not be covered in their entirety, while other additional topics may be discussed and tested in the exam. As a result, students should attend classes regularly. Also, to facilitate understanding, students are encouraged to read the assigned readings ahead of time. Topics Section 1: Introduction and Review.

Section 2: The Role of Macroeconomic Policy. - Monetary Policy in Practice. - Fiscal Policy in Practice.

Section 3: Selected Topics in - International negotiations and trade policy; - Globalization: effects on welfare, development and income distribution; - Protectionism and regionalism; - Liberalization of economic systems; - International economic development; - Inequality; - Global imbalances; - World trade; - Financial integration and currency unions; - Macroprudential policy; - Financial crises and relevant policies. 3

Academic Policies and Regulations: Concordia University values academic integrity. Therefore all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Academic Code of Conduct (see https://www.concordia.ca/students/academic-integrity.html for more information). Students with diverse learning styles and needs are always welcome in this course. In particular, if you have a disability or health consideration, which may require accommodation, please feel free to approach me in person and/or contact Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD).

Disclaimer In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the University’s and/or instructor’s control, the content and/or evaluation scheme in this course is subject to change. While it is unlikely that significant changes to the course outline will materialize, students are required to keep up with the materials posted on the Moodle website, where any changes will be posted.

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