Overview
This three-credit intermediate economics course uses the tools of macroeconomics to examine macroeconomic policy issues that range from output stability in the short run to unemployment and inflation in the medium run. The IS-LM and AS-AD are the models we typically use to organize our thoughts about the economy. The IS-LM model (sometimes referred to as the Mundell-Fleming model) is used for analyzing the short-run implications of macroeconomic outcomes and policy, while the AS-AD model is used for understanding the medium-run effects. The Phillips curve relation is also examined to help understand the impact of expectation-forming process on policy. There will be times, however, when we will have to refine and extend the model to help us analyze a macroeconomic phenomenon.
Outline
The course comprises the following units.
- Unit 1: Introduction to Macroeconomics
- Unit 2: The Goods Market
- Unit 3: Financial Markets
- Unit 4: The Goods and Financial Markets
- Unit 5: The IS-LM Model: Adding Openness
- Unit 6: The Labour Market
- Unit 7: The AS-AD Model
- Unit 8: Inflation, Unemployment, and Economic Growth
- Unit 9: Exchange Rates in the Medium Run
Evaluation
Your final grade is determined by a weighted average of the grades you receive on the following activities. To receive credit for this course, you must achieve a minimum grade of 50 percent on the final examination, and an overall grade of at least D (50 percent) for the entire course.
| Activity | Weight |
| 9 Quizzes | 30% |
| Assignment 1 | 20% |
| Assignment 2 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
In response to COVID-19 containment directives, temporary online exam(s) are available for this course.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Blanchard, O., & Johnson, D. (2015). Macroeconomics (5th Cdn. ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc. ISBN: 978-0-13216436-8
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the ECON 357 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination.
Paper Exam (3 hours)
Challenge for credit course registration form