Module Code - Title:
EC6051
-
MACROECONOMICS AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this course is to give a robust introduction to the core principles of macroeconomics and economic policy. The early lectures will introduce the basic building blocks of how economies are measured and assessed. The course will then examine more country-specific issues like the Irish economic model and the Budgetary process. It will then examine broader European issues, such as the single currency and the European Central Bank. Finally, it will consider financial crises from national, regional and global perspectives.
The overarching pedagogical goal is to provide an engaging learning experience that gives students a genuine understanding of policy issues.
Syllabus:
The course will provide an introduction to key macro variables like national output, the cost of living and unemployment. It will examine the Irish Budgetary process, aggregate supply and demand and the Irish economic model. It will also incorporate financial crises, monetary policy and the eurozone debt crisis. Finally, it will examine the prospects for Ireland in the 21st Century, with significant focus on climate change and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Understand the key aggregate macroeconomic variables and how policymakers can attempt to influence them
- Understand the role and impact of the European and international monetary system
- Identify current economic issues and challenges facing the European and wider global economy
- Critically assess global economic issues and the debates surrounding them
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Appreciate the role government policy can play in the macroeconomy
- Express an opinion on prevailing issues in the European and global economy
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered through a series of lectures as well as private study hours. Students undertaking this course must be prepared to undertake significant reading. A detailed reading list will be available on VLE. A vital source of commentary on world economic issues is the Financial Times and students are strongly advised to read same on a daily basis. Each lecture will be a mixture of multimedia presentations on key concepts and issues within the global political economy. Discussion of recent developments and research papers related to the global economy are incorporated into the module. Assessment is designed to foster key attributes such as being knowledgeable and articulate.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Krugman, P. and Wells, R. (2021)
Macroeconomics (6th ed.)
, Worth
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MBBACOTBA - Master of Business Administration (Corporate)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Ciaran.m.casey@ul.ie