Introductory Macroeconomics

Introductory Macroeconomics

Major Courses

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School of Economics and Management

All

KCCBG1MCA1

2.00Credits

講義 (Lecture)

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Mizuki TSUBOI

School of Economics and Management

English

1／10

Wednesdays, 12:20–12:50, Room A424

miduki_tsuboi@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

1◎／3◎／2〇

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N/a

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Course objectives:
This course introduces students to the core ideas of macroeconomics, aims to stimulate interest in economics, and develops an understanding of basic macroeconomic concepts such as gross domestic product (GDP). To achieve these goals, the course begins with simple and intuitive questions—such as “Is Facebook free?”—and demonstrates how economic reasoning can be applied to everyday life.

Learning Goals:
By the end of the course, students should be able to: (i) explain what economics is, (ii) apply basic economic tools to everyday decision-making, and (iii) understand the concept and measurement of GDP.

Course Subtitle:
Invitation to Economics

Keywords:
Opportunity Cost; Optimization; GDP; Economic Growth

Course overview:
This course consists of two parts. Part I serves as an “invitation to economics,” providing foundational concepts and preparing students for the study of macroeconomics. Part II introduces macroeconomics proper, beginning with GDP and extending to long-run economic growth. Review sessions will be held periodically to reinforce understanding through joint problem-solving.

Lecture Schedule:
1. Introduction and Course Overview
2. Three Principles of Economics
3. Economic Science
4. Experiments and Causality
5. Review Session I
6. Optimization
7. Introduction to Macroeconomics: GDP (I)
8. Introduction to Macroeconomics: GDP (II)
9. Review Session II
10. The Facts of Economic Growth
11. Saving, Capital Accumulation, and Output
12. Saving and Human Capital
13. Review Session III
14. Technological Progress and Growth (I)
15. Technological Progress and Growth (II)

In-person

In-person classes only, not subject to the cap on distance-education credits.

Limited permission for use

Limited permission applies. When using generative AI (GenAI), students must comply with the “Guidelines on the Use of Generative AI in Education at the University of Hyogo (For Students).” GenAI tools such as ChatGPT can be used only for polishing English in assignments. If submitted work is found to be generated by AI, the assignment will receive a score of zero.

Acemoglu, D., Laibson, D., List, J.A., 2022. Macroeconomics, 3rd edition. Pearson.
Blanchard, O.J., 2025. Macroeconomics, 9th edition. Pearson.

Jones, C.I., 2024. Macroeconomics, 6th edition. W.W. Norton & Company.

Preparation:
Read the assigned textbook sections and lecture slides in advance (4 hours per week)

Review:
Review lecture slides and complete assigned problem sets (4 hours per week)

Due to the large class size, active learning activities cannot be implemented.

Grades are based on the final examination (100%). However, occasional in-class mini quizzes and online assignments may be taken into consideration when a student’s final score falls on the borderline between two grade categories. Grades are assigned as follows: S (90 points or higher), A (80 points or higher), B (70 points or higher), and C (60 points or higher).

For assignments, common answers and selected student responses will be shared in class, including visual summaries such as word clouds. For the final exam, scores and answer keys will be provided after the examination.

This course is intended as students’ first exposure to economics; therefore, no prior knowledge is required. While the course will be taught as clearly and intuitively as possible, students are expected to review course materials on a weekly basis.

Not applicable.

Economics is fun. Please do not approach this course on a pass/fail basis—engage actively and enjoy the learning process.