Econ 356: Intermediate Macroeconomics
Department of Economics
Minnesota State University
Fall 2008
Dr. Saleheen Khan
Office: 121 Morris Hall
Phone: 389 2711
e-mail: saleheen.khan@mnsu.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this course is to make students acquainted with more analytical methods
and deeper issues of the macroeconomy above and beyond what they have learned in the
principle course. We will examine the forces determining the performance of the
aggregate economy, both in the long run and short run, along a variety of dimensions
such as employment and output, interest rates, and inflation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to accomplish each of the
following:


The student will be able to read, understand, and critique articles on current
economic issues in news publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The
Economist, or New York Times.
The students will be familiar with the framework and language of modern
macroeconomic theory.
TEXTBOOK
-
Macroeconomics (fifth edition), N. Gregory Mankiw (required)
The Age of Diminished Expectations, Paul Krugman (required)
Student Guide and Workbook, Roger T. Kaufman (optional)
EXAMINATIONS
Two mid-term exams and a final exam will be given in class during the semester. Exams
will consist of short essays, identify/explain the significance questions, and multiple
choice questions.
HOMEWORK
There will be four homework assignments. Students are recommended to make a study
group (each consists of 3 to 4 students) and are strongly encouraged to study together to
solve homework problems. In order do understand the materials covered in the class you
must solve these problem sets. Solution to the homework problems will be discussed in
the class.
REPORT
Students will chose a current economic issue and write a short report on it. The report
will be between 5-8 pages long. The paper must use graphs as an integral part of the
analysis. The paper must be double-spaced, have 1 inch margins, and a front size of 12.
This is a group project and each group will have 3-4 students. Upon completion of the
article, each group will be required to present their work to the class on 03/31/08.
Page2
MAKE-UP POLICY
Make-up exams may be given under extreme circumstances. You need to show an
official, written university excuse to get that opportunity. For those with an official
excuse, a single comprehensive make-up will be given during the week of April 28- May
2. Any student fail to follow this policy will receive an automatic zero for the missed
exam(s).
OFFICE HOURS:
My office hours are T R 12-4 or by appointment. I strongly encourage you to stop by my
office to discuss your progress.
GRADING POLICY
The total number of possible points in the course is 365.
First mid-term
: 100 pts
Second mid-term
: 100 pts
Final Exam
: 100 pts
Home Work
: 30 pts
Report on Current Events
: 25 pts
Class participation and attendance : 10 pts
COURSE OUTLINE:
1. The Science of Macroeconomics
Mankiw : Chapter 1
2. The Data of Macroeconomics
Mankiw : Chapter 2
3. National Income: Where it comes from and Where it goes
Mankiw : Chapter 3
4. Money and Inflation
Mankiw : Chapter 4

Exam I ( Ch 1-4 )
5. The Open Economy
Mankiw : Chapter 5
Page 3
COURSE OUTLINE (continued):
6. Unemployment
Mankiw : Chapter 6

Exam II ( Ch 5-6 )
7. Growth Theory: The Economy in the very Long Run
Mankiw : Chapter 7
8. Economic Growth II
Mankiw : Chapter 8
9. Introduction to Economic Fluctuations
Mankiw : Chapter 9
10. Aggregate Demand I
Mankiw : Chapter 10
11. Aggregate Demand II
Mankiw : Chapter 11
12. Aggregate Supply
Mankiw : Chapter 13

Final Exam
** Please read the lecture notes, textbook chapters, and other supplementary materials
regularly as we proceed through the semester.
SPECIAL NOTE
Every attempt will be made to accommodate qualified students with disabilities. If
you are a student with a documented disability, please see me as early in the
semester as possible to discuss the necessary accommodations, and or contact the
Disabilities Services Office at (507)-389-2825 or 1-800-627-3529(MRS/TTY".
00-627-3529(MRS/TTY".