Week 1: Introduction and Data of Macro

Lecture Slides [ch01 pptx; ch02 pptx]

I. Introduction to Macroeconomics

 

A. The Macro Economy

Required Readings:

                 Mankiw: ch. 1 - The Science of Macroeconomics

Recommended Reading:

 

B. The Data of Macroeconomics: National Income, Prices, and Unemployment

Required Readings:

                 Mankiw: ch. 2 - The Data of Macroeconomics

Recommended Readings:

                 http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=2765877

                 http://www.bls.gov/cps/eetech_intro.pdf

                 Duff, C. (1997, January 16). Eyes on the Price: Is the CPI Accurate? Wall Street Journal, p. A 1.

Boskin, M. J., & et al. (1998). Consumer Prices, the Consumer Price Index, and the Cost of Living. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 12(1), 3-26.

Multimedia:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/05/03/business/20080403_SPENDING_GRAPHIC.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKhAd0Tyny0