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Study information

Topics in Macroeconomic Theory I

Module titleTopics in Macroeconomic Theory I
Module codeBEEM145
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff
Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

12

Module description

This module will cover topics in advanced macroeconomics with emphasis on fundamentals and
applications to recent theoretical advances.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module explores burgeoning areas of modern macroeconomics, with the aim of enabling students to
write independent research in macroeconomics at the research frontier.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. address complex questions at the frontier of macroeconomic research systematically and creatively.
  • 2. make sound judgements and communicate their conclusions to specialists and non-specialists.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving macroeconomics problems.
  • 4. continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. identify, tackle and solve relevant research problems in macroeconomics
  • 6. work independently and responsibly on complex research problems.

Syllabus plan


Topics of current macroeconomics research interest, which vary but may include:
i. Economic growth: Neoclassical Growth Model, Optimizing Behaviour in Dynamic Models , Endogenous Technological Change, Imitation and Convergence, Growth and Development Accounting, Appropriate Technology, Political Economy
ii. Heterogeneous Agents and Firms: Firm Dynamics, Income Distribution.
iii. Fiscal Policy: Taxation, Unemployment Insurance, Social Insurance Design
iii. Monetary Economics: models with credit frictions, sticky prices, search.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
331170

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching33 (3 per week)Lectures
Independent Study117Reading, preparation for classes and assessments

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
DiscussionsVaries1-6Oral/Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Assignments100 The assessment structure on this module is subject to review and may change before the start of the new academic year. Any changes will be clearly communicated to you before the start of term and if you wish to change module as a result of this you can do so in the module change window 1-6Oral/Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
AssignmentsAssignments 1-6August examination period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

- Romer, Advanced Macroeconomics, McGraw-Hill Advanced Series in Economics, New
York, 2012.
- Ljungqvist and Sargent, Recursive Macroeconomic Theory, MIT Press, 2004.
- Stokey and Lucas, with Prescott, Recursive Methods in Economic Dynamics, Harvard
University Press, 1989.
- D. Acemoglu, Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, Princeton University Press, 2009.
- Barro and Sala-i-Martin, Economic Growth, McGraw-Hill, 1997.
- Obstfeld and Rogoff, Foundations of International Macroeconomics, MIT Press, 2000.
- Aghion and Howitt, Endogenous Growth Theory, MIT Press 1998.
- Pissarides, Equilibrium Unemployment Theory, MIT Press 2000.
- Walsh, Monetary Theory and Policy, MIT Press, 2010.

Key words search

Economic Growth, Income Distribution, Monetary Economics

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

Only available to MRes Economics PhD pathways students

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

24/06/2019

Last revision date

26/09/2023