Course Content: This course will provide you with an introduction to macroeconomics, the study of the economy on a macro, or large scale. Macroeconomic theory involves the construction of simple models that can be used to explain aggregate, economy-wide variables such as gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment and inflation. Macroeconomic policy examines how these aggregate variables are affected by changes in government policies, including changes in government expenditures, taxes and the supply of money.

Lectures: Monday & Wednesday, 1-1:50pm, L9 Clapp Hall.

My Office: 4A32 Forbes Quad.

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 11am-12pm

Telephone: 648-1733

Recitation Sections: In addition to lectures, you must be enrolled in and regularly attend one recitation section per week. The teaching assistants who will conduct these recitation sections, Reetu Gupta and Ethan Zimmer, will go over answers to homework assignments and will be able to assist you with questions concerning the lecture material. Consult the schedule of classes for a listing of available recitation sections.

Textbook: Macroeconomics, Fifth Edition (2000), by Michael Parkin. This book is required and is available for sale at the Book Center. Two copies of this text have been placed on two-hour reserve in the GSPIA/Econ Library, 1G12 Forbes Quad.

Lecture Slides: At the end of each week, I will post the lecture slides for that week on the course web page.

Examinations, Assignments and Grading: There will be three examinations for this course--one exam every five weeks. There will also be a number of homework assignments. You will receive points for each examination and assignment. At the end of the term these point totals will be weighted as follows:

Your weighted point total will be used to determine your final grade.

Making Up a Missed Examination: I will provide make-up examinations only to those who missed an examination because of an unforeseen event. Written confirmation will be required.

Academic Integrity: Should issues concerning academic integrity arise (e.g. cheating) the University of Pittsburgh's Guidelines on Academic Integrity will be strictly enforced.