Welcome to Macroeconomics (ECN201)

These are some brief notes about the course itself, not about economics.

This is an accelerated course -- three weeks long -- and has a simple structure to help you learn the material and to make completing the course very efficient. (We economists like efficiency.) It officially begins on January 2, 2024, but you can work ahead if you have the time. The course officially ends on January 21, 2024 and the final deadline for all submissions is January 22, 2024.

The textbook is totally contained in this Canvas course site and it is TOTALLY FREE. (Economists like free stuff, too.) The text chapters are in modules, one chapter per module, along with PowerPoint slides. You can also read the text on the book's website.

For Unit 1

The reading assignment is: Chapter 1 (Introduction) and Appendix A (The Use of Mathematics in Principles of Economics).
Introduce yourself briefly in the Introductions discussion. Please do this when you first log in to the course, but by Thursday, January 5 at the latest.
Read the Unit 1 Notes.
Participate in the Unit 1 Discussion, which includes watching a TED Talk. Note that this is due Friday, January 5.
Take the Unit 1 Quiz. (Which is based on The Use of Mathematics in Principles of Economics). Note that this is due Friday, January 5.

Each of the six units includes lecture notes about the material, a discussion forum, and an assignment -- either a quiz or short paper. The final project is a letter to a senator about economic policy, drawing on material contained throughout the course. You will complete two units per week, with Unit 1 due Friday, Units 3, and 5 work due by Wednesday, and Unit 2 and 4 due by Sunday. Unit 6 is due Friday of the final week. Late work will be accepted, but a late penalty can apply. The final date for any and all work to be accepted is Monday, January 22, 2024. Please read the syllabus and email me or send a Canvas Inbox message with any questions.