Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics is the study of economic units as a whole rather than of their individual components. The aggregate unit is usually a national economy and that is the focus of this course. Students learn to better understand how to measure national economic activity with concepts like gross domestic product, unemployment and inflation, and the strengths and weaknesses of these statistics.

Students then study theoretical methods of influencing national economic activity with monetary and fiscal policy and learn about some of the controversy surrounding these policy tools. The advantages and disadvantages of international trade and of methods of setting exchange rates is also introduced. The course includes an individual student investigation of a national economy other than their home country. Students identify their economic findings and present resolutions in their final report.

Students in GOA courses will need reliable access to a computer with webcam/microphone connections, an email address (preferably school-based), a Web-conferencing app (GOA courses use Zoom), and a Word processing app (GOA courses use Google’s G Suite). When necessary, alternative arrangements may be made.

NCAA-approved course

UC-approved course

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