Are you interested in Economics as a possible major or
minor?
Click here for
information.
Semester
Spring 2012
Course:
Economics 216 (Principles of Macroeconomics)
Prerequisite:
Economics 215 (Principles of Microeconomics)
Instructor:
Robert J. Stonebraker
Office:
401 Thurmond
Office Phone:
323-2488
E-mail:
stonebrakerr@winthrop.edu
Office Hours: M 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.,
T 9 - 11 a.m., W 1 - 2 p.m., R 9 - 11 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m., F 11 a.m. - 12
p.m. (no appointment needed)
Other times are
available by appointment.
Course objective:
To acquire and appreciate quantitative skills: Quantitative data and relationships are an integral part of any course in economics. Students will study how to calculate, critique and analyze such quantitative measures as as real and nominal gross domestic product, price indexes, unemployment rates, exchange rates and trade balances.
To use critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a variety of research methods: Students will be expected to critically analyze a wide variety of macroeconomic policy initiatives.
Understand the nature of social and cultural conflict and methods of resolution: Social and cultural conflict often originates with the disparate goals of consumers and producers, of competing producers, and of competing interest groups. Students will learn to appreciate how an efficient economic system can resolve these conflicts in a way that maximizes overall social value.
Examine problems, issues and choices that confront citizens of the world: Students will be expected to analyze such critical issues as economic growth, unemployment, inflation, financial system stability, national debt and trade deficits.
1. Attend every class. In addition to the obvious negative impact on your own learning, your absences can damage your classmates as well. Students that skip classes, ask questions that were answered last week, and then mooch missed notes and material from conscientious classmates who are trying to pay attention impede the learning of others and slow the pace at which material can be covered.
2. Come to class on time and stay until its conclusion. Late arrivals and early departures can be disruptive and inconsiderate of others. However I recognize that well-meaning students must occasionally be late or leave early. If you do arrive after the class has begun, please enter the rear door and sit in the back row so as to minimize the distraction for others. Similarly, if you must leave early, please notify me in advance and sit near the back door so that you can leave unobtrusively.
3. Turn off and put away all cell phones and other media devices. I expect never to see these in class. That means no listening to iPods or other media devices, and no texting or checking messages under the desk where you think I will not see them.
4. Pay attention and participate. While in class you should be concentrating on class. That means no idle conversations with those around you, no attempts to complete work or study for other classes, and no other extraneous activities. Such behavior distracts others and negatively impacts on the learning environment.
FINAL EXAM: April 26 (3 p.m.)