EC339      Half Unit
International Macroeconomics

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Professor Eran Yashiv

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Economics with Economic History, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Geography with Economics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy and Economics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and BSc in Politics and Economics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Students should have completed Macroeconomics II (EC2B1) or Macroeconomic Principles (EC210), or Macroeconomics I (EC1B3) combined with either Macroeconomics II (EC2B3) or Macro-Finance (FM201), or equivalent.

Course content

This course offers an introduction to international macroeconomic theory and develops the main tools for macroeconomic policy analysis. We start by studying the balance of payments and the causes and consequences of global imbalances, followed by an in-depth study of the determination of exchange rates, money, and prices in open economies. We discuss the costs and benefits of different nominal exchange rate regimes and their sustainability, as well as examine the causes and consequences of debt and default, speculative attacks and financial crises.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 25 hours in the Autumn Term (AT). 15 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.

Formative coursework

Students are expected to complete a problem set weekly, two of which will be marked, and feedback provided.

Indicative reading

Students can consult the textbook:

  • Paul Krugman, Marc Melitz and Maurice Obstfeld; International Economics: Theory and Policy, 12th edition, Pearson. (Earlier editions are also relevant).

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the spring exam period.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2023/24: 65

Average class size 2023/24: 22

Capped 2023/24: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of numeracy skills