ECON07017 2016 Principles of Macroeconomics
This module will provide students with an introductory understanding of the macroeconomy. It will help the student to understand the main macroeconomic challenges that exist and the policy options available to meet those challenges.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Draw and explain the circular flow diagram
Measure national income using the output, income or expenditure methods
Determine the limitations of Gross Domestic Product
Define and measure inflation
Define and measure unemployment
Explain the effects of unemployment on the individual, the economy and society
Define Fiscal Policy and understand the national budget
Give an overview of Keynesian economic theory
Explain how money is created and controlled
Define the role of the Central Bank and the uses/ limitations of monetary policy
Apply knowledge of inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy in the Irish economy
Construct and apply a selection of economic models
Demonstrate an understanding of open economy macroeconomics and apply the theories to the current international economic climate
Understand how the excahnge rate is determined and the effects of fluctuating exchange rates on an economy
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Lectures supported by tutorials.
Module Assessment Strategies
Continuous Assessment will account for 30% of the overall mark and the final exam will account for 70% of teh overall mark.
The continuous assessment will consist of one of the following:
- Group project
- Written Assessment
- Multiple choice assessment
- Essay
- Report
Repeat Assessments
A repeat assessment shall be held at the end of term
Indicative Syllabus
Topic 1: Measuring the Macroeconomy
- Circular Flow
- National Income Accounting
- Three Methods of measuring economic activity
- Limitations of GDP
Topic 2: Inflation
- Define and measure inflation and deflation
- Consequences of inflation and deflation
- Explanations for inflation
- The Irish experience of inflation
Topic 3: Unemployment
- Defining and measuring unemployment
- Effects of unemployment
- Theories of unemployment
- The Irish experience of unemployment
Topic 4: Fiscal Policy and the Budget
- Define Fiscal Policy
- The budget
- An introduction to Keynesian economics
- The Irish experience of Fiscal Policy
Topic 5: Money and Banking
- Money, money supply and money creation
- Interest rate determination
- The role of a central bank
- Monetary Policy
- The Irish experience
Topic 6: The Aggregate Demand/Aggregate Supply Model
- Aggregate Demand, Supply and Potential Output
- Macroeconomic equilibrium
- Demand Management policies
- Supply-side policies
Topic 7: Open Economy Macroeconomics
- Balance of Payments
- Exchange Rates and the Foreign Exchange Market
- Exchange Rate Regimes
- Economic and Monetary Union
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment consisting of one of the following: Group project, Written exam, Multiple choice exam, Essay or Report | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 30 % | Week 8 | |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam shall consist of multiple choice questions and/or long questions | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 70 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Revision and Group work | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Personal Study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List

2011-09-01 Principles of Economics. by Gerard Turley, Maureen Maloney, Francis O'Toole Gill & MacMillan
ISBN 0717149889 ISBN-13 9780717149889
Updated edition of this successful textbook, which introduces the theory andpractice of economics within an Irish and European context, with particular reference to both recent and current economic conditions. m Includes a CD-ROM with interactive graphs, self-test multiple choice questions and interactive lessons/tutorials. New to this edition: * New material reflecting the changed economic conditions of the Irish economy resulting from the banking and fiscal crises that began in 2007 * Revised chapter on economic growth and the Irish economy, which includesthe banking crisis and the property crash * Reflections on the Celtic Tiger era, including causes and consequences * New section on the eurozone and sovereign debt crisis * New case studies and questions, with answers now available online * Continues to provide the reader with a solid theoretical grounding in bothmicroeconomics and macroeconomics Includes a CD-ROM with interactive graphs, self-test,multiple choice questions and interactive lessons/tutorials. SUITABLE FOR: Students taking economics at degree, diploma or certificate level. Updated edition of this successful textbook, which introduces the theory and practice of economics within an Irish and European context, with particular reference to both recent and current economic conditions. New to this edition: _ New material reflecting the changed economic conditions of the Irish economy resulting from the banking and fiscal crises that began in 2007 _ Revised chapter on economic growth and the Irish economy, which includes the banking crisis and the property crash _ Reflections on the Celtic Tiger era, including causes and consequences _ New section on the eurozone and sovereign debt crisis _ New case studies and questions, with answers now available online _ Continues to provide the reader with a solid theoretical grounding in both
Module Resources
Principles of Economics 4th. edition. Turley, G and Maloney, M. Gill and Macmillan, 2011.
www.irisheconomy.ie
www.cso.ie
www.ecb.eu
Economics 9th.edition. Sloman, J. Prentice Hall, 2015
Macroeconomics: An Irish and European Perspective. Gill & Macmillan 2013
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