AØKA08068U Monetary Economics: Macro Aspects
Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc in Economics
Content
The aim of the course is
to offer an understanding of several aspects of money and the macro
economy, thereby providing insights into how and why monetary
phenomena and policy affect important macroeconomic aggregates such
as output, consumption, inflation and unemployment. Moreover, focus
will be on the characteristics of “good” monetary policymaking in
the sense of assessing the advantages and disadvantages of various
monetary policy strategies.
To secure a firm foundation for the aspects covered, emphasis will be on rigorously formulated theoretical models. Economic intuition, however, is just as important as mathematical formalism. Although the curriculum will be mainly theoretical, the empirical relevance of the material will not be underplayed.
Particular aspects to be covered include:
To secure a firm foundation for the aspects covered, emphasis will be on rigorously formulated theoretical models. Economic intuition, however, is just as important as mathematical formalism. Although the curriculum will be mainly theoretical, the empirical relevance of the material will not be underplayed.
Particular aspects to be covered include:
- money’s role in flexible-price general equilibrium models
- money’s role with incomplete nominal adjustment
- credibility problems in monetary policy
- the importance of institutional frameworks for monetary policy
- international monetary policy coordination
- inflation targeting
Learning Outcome
In this course,
students are trained to use formal macroeconomic theory to assess
real-life monetary policy issues as well as being able to
understand modern research papers in the area. The course is based
on a combination of lectures and classes where the lecturer and
students together solve various problems.
In order to follow this course, students must be familiar with advanced macroeconomic theory. Hence, basic intertemporal optimization techniques (as used in, for example, Ramsey growth models), and analyses of static and dynamic systems with rational expectations should be known. Students should therefore not be afraid of mathematical rigor.
Notably, students are expected to be able to move beyond the mere mechanics of the theories and be capable of presenting formal results in economic and intuitive terms. This provides the students with valuable skills for later employment in both public and private institutions with financial and macroeconomic focus.
The evaluation is based on a three-hour closed-book written exam, where students will be tested in their skills in mathematical derivation of central results in the macroeconomics of monetary theory as well as in their capabilities of explaining results in plain words. Hence, in order to pass the course with the highest grade, the students must demonstrate both knowledge about the mathematical details of various models covered in the course, as well as showing a solid understanding of the economic mechanisms that are behind the mathematical results.
In order to follow this course, students must be familiar with advanced macroeconomic theory. Hence, basic intertemporal optimization techniques (as used in, for example, Ramsey growth models), and analyses of static and dynamic systems with rational expectations should be known. Students should therefore not be afraid of mathematical rigor.
Notably, students are expected to be able to move beyond the mere mechanics of the theories and be capable of presenting formal results in economic and intuitive terms. This provides the students with valuable skills for later employment in both public and private institutions with financial and macroeconomic focus.
The evaluation is based on a three-hour closed-book written exam, where students will be tested in their skills in mathematical derivation of central results in the macroeconomics of monetary theory as well as in their capabilities of explaining results in plain words. Hence, in order to pass the course with the highest grade, the students must demonstrate both knowledge about the mathematical details of various models covered in the course, as well as showing a solid understanding of the economic mechanisms that are behind the mathematical results.
Literature
Syllabus:
The curriculum will consist of a large part of Carl. E. Walsh (2010): Monetary Theory and Policy. Third Edition, The MIT Press, and a number of articles
The curriculum will consist of a large part of Carl. E. Walsh (2010): Monetary Theory and Policy. Third Edition, The MIT Press, and a number of articles
Academic qualifications
As some of the material
requires a thorough understanding of macroeconomic general
equilibrium models, it is a prerequisite to master economic theory
at a level corresponding to David Romer (2006): Advanced
Macroeconomics, McGraw-Hill (currently covered in Macro C in the
new studyplan). In particular, the chapter on the Ramsey model
should be known. One should therefore be familiar with basic
intertemporal optimization, and analyses of static and dynamic
systems with rational expectations.
Most importantly, one should not be afraid of mathematical rigor. At the end of the day it merely serves to create conclusions and policy implications that are internally consistent. Not a bad starting point for organizing your thoughts. And remember that it's the economics which is the important stuff; the math is just a helpful tool!
Most importantly, one should not be afraid of mathematical rigor. At the end of the day it merely serves to create conclusions and policy implications that are internally consistent. Not a bad starting point for organizing your thoughts. And remember that it's the economics which is the important stuff; the math is just a helpful tool!
Teaching and learning methods
3 hours of lectures per week
for 14 weeks.
The lectures will be divided in 2/3 lectures and 1/3 classes where students and teacher solve problems together.
The lectures will be divided in 2/3 lectures and 1/3 classes where students and teacher solve problems together.
Workload
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 3
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 161
- Total
- 206
Sign up
Self Service at
KUnet
Exam (Written)
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written examination, 3 hours under invigilationA 3 hours written assignment taking place at Peter Bangs Vej 36.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
100 % censurship
- Exam period
- Will be updated before the start of the semester
- Re-exam
- Same as ordinary. But if only a few students have registered for the re-exam, the exam might change to an oral exams with a synopsis to be handed in. This means that the examination date also will change.
Criteria for exam assesment
The Student must in a satisfactory way demonstrate that he/she
has mastered the learning outcome of the
course.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- AØKA08068U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 semester
- Placement
- Spring
- Schedule
- Spring (week 6-21)
- Course capacity
- No limits
- Continuing and further education
- Price
- 320 DKK per ECTS.
- Study board
- Department of Economics, Study Council
Contracting department
- Department of Economics
Course responsibles
- Henrik Jensen (13-7370797d7476397570797e70794b706e7a79397680396f76)
Saved on the
21-11-2013