Economics II: Macroeconomics

Course Director: David Domeij

Purpose

After completing the course, you will understand modern macroeconomic theory and the major macroeconomic issues facing a small open economy such as Sweden.

The course emphasizes analytical methods, enabling you to apply macroeconomic theory to real-world economic issues.

Topics include economic growth, business cycles, economic crises, unemployment, and inflation. The course also provides a foundation for further studies in economics.

Pedagogy
The course consists of 15 lectures and 8 seminars. Participation is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Lectures focus on the central theoretical and conceptual issues of the course. Seminars are devoted to weekly problem sets and provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of material covered in the lectures.

Administrative issues
All material will be available on the course web.

Course administrator: kathrine.abelson@hhs.se

After completing the course, you should be able to:

• Explain core macroeconomic concepts
• Describe and interpret central macroeconomic theories and models
• Apply concepts, theories, and models to analyze macroeconomic issues
• Identify the appropriate concept, theory, or model for analyzing a given macroeconomic problem

General Entry requirements

Main Text

Jones, Charles (2024), Macroeconomics, 6th Edition. Norton.
ISBN: 978-1-324-06363-6 (International Student Edition)

I recommend purchasing the paperback version (approximately 1000 SEK). The book is also available in hardcover (more expensive) and as an e-book (somewhat cheaper).

Note: The course is based on the 6th edition. You may use the 5th edition, but be aware that each new edition differs somewhat from earlier ones.

Other readings

Additional short articles will be distributed via the course website.

All examination components are designed to assess all learning outcomes (stated in the Course Description).

The main form of examination is a written final exam in May. There is one retake exam in August. There is also a midterm and a group assignment.
The final exam covers everything included in the course.
The midterm covers all course material taught up to the date of the midterm.
The group assignment consists of a written country report and a presentation of the report. The assignment is completed in teams of two or three students.
No calculators are allowed during the midterm, final exam, or retake exam.

Points
Final exam (or retake): maximum 75 points
Midterm: maximum 15 points
Group assignment (report and presentation): maximum 10 points

Maximum total: 100 points
If you are not satisfied with your midterm result (or did not take the midterm), you may instead answer additional questions on the final exam (or the retake exam). These questions are worth up to 15 points and replace the midterm score. If you choose this option, your midterm result will not be counted.

Grading
Your final grade is based on the total number of points obtained on:
the final exam (or retake),
the midterm or the additional final-exam questions, and
the group assignment (written report and presentation).

Validity of Examination
The course design, content, and examination format may change from year to year. The right to be examined under this specific course design applies only during the current academic year. Examination results are valid only during the academic year in which they were obtained.

Find the course schedule in TimeEdit

Have you been granted educational support because of a documented disability? If so, please contact the course director as soon as possible so that adequate accommodations can be made.

Contact specialneeds@hhs.se if you have questions about being granted educational support or need a copy of your educational support certificate.

For more information, visit the Specific Educational Needs page on the Student Hub (login required).