Course

Macro Economics

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

This course provides an in-depth examination of macroeconomic concepts and stabilization policies. It is designed for students with no prior knowledge and covers the following key areas:

  • Differences between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
  • Common macroeconomic variables
  • Long-run Growth Theory, Classical Theory, and Keynesian Theory
  • Phillips Curve and Okun’s Law
  • Macroeconomic model structure and policy implications from various schools of thought

The course progresses through:

  1. National Income Accounting methods
  2. Price indices and unemployment rates
  3. Development of the Classical model
  4. The Keynesian Cross Model
  5. Investment theories
  6. IS-LM model and the complete Keynesian model

Finally, the course concludes with:

  • Balance of Payments account
  • Exchange rate systems
  • Extension of the IS-LM model to the open economy

Throughout the course, both Monetary and Fiscal policies will be discussed in relation to these structural models.

Course Lectures
  • Mod-01 Lec-01 Lecture 1
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module introduces the fundamental concepts of Macroeconomics, establishing a clear distinction from Microeconomics. Students will explore the primary macroeconomic variables and their significance in understanding economic dynamics. Key topics include:

    • Defining Macroeconomics versus Microeconomics
    • Understanding GDP, inflation, and unemployment
    • Overview of Growth Theory, Classical Theory, and Keynesian Theory
    • Introduction to the Phillips Curve and Okun’s Law
    • Exploring alternative schools of thought in economics

    By the end of this module, students will gain a foundational understanding of macroeconomic principles that will be built upon in subsequent lectures.

  • Mod-01 Lec-02 Lecture 2
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    In this module, we delve into National Income Accounting methods, essential for measuring a nation's economic performance. Topics include:

    • Different approaches to calculating National Income
    • Understanding the significance of price indices
    • Analysis of various unemployment metrics
    • Exploration of real versus nominal income

    This foundational knowledge is crucial for comprehending economic indicators and their implications for policy-making and economic strategy.

  • Mod-01 Lec-03 Lecture 3
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module focuses on the Classical Economic Model, providing a comprehensive overview of its principles and applications. Key areas of study include:

    • Understanding the assumptions of the Classical model
    • Exploration of supply-side economics
    • Analysis of market equilibrium and price mechanisms
    • Implications of Classical Theory on policy-making

    Students will engage with the model's applications in real-world scenarios, enhancing their analytical skills in evaluating economic policies.

  • Mod-01 Lec-04 Lecture 4
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module delves into the Keynesian Cross Model, highlighting its significance during economic fluctuations. Key components include:

    • Understanding the foundational concepts of the Keynesian framework
    • Analyzing the relationship between aggregate demand and output
    • Exploring the implications of government intervention in economies
    • Evaluation of expenditure models

    By the end of this module, students will understand how Keynesian economics addresses unemployment and economic output.

  • Mod-01 Lec-05 Lecture 5
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module introduces the IS-LM Model, a critical tool for analyzing the interaction between the goods market and the money market. Topics include:

    • Understanding the IS curve and its relationship to investment and savings
    • Exploring the LM curve and its connection to liquidity preference
    • Analyzing equilibrium in the goods and money markets
    • Evaluating the role of fiscal and monetary policy

    Students will apply the IS-LM framework to various economic scenarios, gaining insights into policymaking and its effects on the economy.

  • Mod-01 Lec-06 Lecture 6
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module expands upon the complete Keynesian Model, integrating previous concepts into a cohesive framework. Important topics include:

    • Comprehensive review of Keynesian principles
    • Understanding aggregate supply and demand
    • Analysis of short-run and long-run outputs
    • Exploring the role of price levels and wages

    Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Keynesian perspective and its application in contemporary economic issues.

  • Mod-01 Lec-07 Lecture 7
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module focuses on the Balance of Payments, exchange rate systems, and the extension of the IS-LM model to open economies. Topics include:

    • Understanding the components of the Balance of Payments
    • Analysis of fixed vs. floating exchange rate systems
    • Exploring the effects of international trade on domestic economies
    • Application of IS-LM in the context of open economies

    Students will understand how these concepts are interconnected and their significance in a globalized economic environment.

  • Mod-01 Lec-08 Lecture 8
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module introduces the fundamental concepts of Macroeconomics, emphasizing its distinctions from Microeconomics. Students will explore:

    • The basic macroeconomic variables that influence economic performance.
    • The differences between long-term Growth Theory and cyclical Keynesian Theory.
    • The significance of the Phillips Curve and Okun’s Law.
    • An overview of various macroeconomic schools of thought, including Classical and Keynesian theories.

    Understanding these concepts creates a solid foundation for analyzing economic policies and their impacts on the economy.

  • Mod-01 Lec-09 Lecture 9
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module delves into National Income Accounting methods, which are vital for measuring a nation's economic performance. Key topics include:

    • Different approaches to calculating National Income, including GDP, GNP, and NNP.
    • The significance of price indices in understanding inflation.
    • An exploration of unemployment rates and how they are measured.

    Students will gain insights into how these tools are used to assess economic health and make policy decisions.

  • Mod-01 Lec-10 Lecture 10
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module focuses on the Classical model of economics, providing a thorough understanding of its principles. Students will explore:

    • The foundational assumptions of the Classical model.
    • The role of supply and demand in determining prices and output.
    • How the Classical model approaches long-term economic growth.

    By the end of this module, students will appreciate the Classical framework's relevance in contemporary economic discussions.

  • Mod-01 Lec-11 Lecture 11
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module introduces the Keynesian Cross Model, a pivotal concept in Keynesian economics. Key components include:

    • The relationship between aggregate demand and output.
    • How the model illustrates equilibrium in the economy.
    • The impact of government spending and fiscal policy on economic output.

    Students will analyze how the Keynesian Cross Model provides insights into addressing economic fluctuations.

  • Mod-01 Lec-12 Lecture 12
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module covers the IS-LM model, a fundamental aspect of macroeconomic theory. The following topics will be addressed:

    • The interaction between the goods market (IS curve) and the money market (LM curve).
    • How shifts in the curves affect interest rates and output.
    • Applications of the IS-LM model in analyzing economic policy.

    Understanding this model is critical for evaluating macroeconomic policies and their effects on the economy.

  • Mod-01 Lec-13 Lecture 13
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module provides an in-depth examination of the complete Keynesian model, integrating various elements of Keynesian economics. Key aspects include:

    • A comprehensive view of aggregate demand components.
    • An analysis of the role of government intervention in the economy.
    • How the complete Keynesian model addresses unemployment and inflation.

    Students will learn how this model can be used to formulate effective economic policies in response to economic challenges.

  • Mod-01 Lec-14 Lecture 14
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module concludes the course by discussing the Balance of Payments account and exchange rate systems. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the structure and components of the Balance of Payments.
    • The role of exchange rate systems in international trade.
    • Extending the IS-LM model to an open economy context.

    Students will appreciate the complexities of international economics and how these systems interact with domestic policies.

  • Mod-01 Lec-15 Lecture 15
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module explores the foundational concepts of Macroeconomics and how it differs from Microeconomics. Students will learn about key macroeconomic variables such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment. Additionally, the module will cover:

    • The distinction between long-run Growth Theory and short-run cycles.
    • An introduction to the Classical Theory and its implications.
    • The basics of Keynesian economics and its relevance in today’s economy.

    By the end of this module, students will have a clearer understanding of macroeconomic frameworks and how different schools of thought influence stabilization policies.

  • Mod-01 Lec-16 Lecture 16
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module delves into National Income Accounting methods, which are essential for measuring the economic performance of a country. Key topics include:

    • Different methods of calculating National Income: production, income, and expenditure approaches.
    • Understanding price indices and their significance in economic analysis.
    • Analyzing the unemployment rate and its implications on the economy.

    Students will gain practical insights into how these measures impact policy decisions and economic health.

  • Mod-01 Lec-17 Lecture 17
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module focuses on the Classical economic model, introducing students to its foundational principles. It will cover:

    • The assumptions underlying Classical economics.
    • The role of supply and demand in determining prices and output.
    • Long-term economic growth according to Classical theorists.

    Through case studies and examples, students will learn how Classical theories shape current economic policies and debates.

  • Mod-01 Lec-18 Lecture 18
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module introduces the Keynesian Cross Model, a crucial concept in understanding short-run economic fluctuations. Students will examine:

    • The basics of aggregate demand and supply.
    • The equilibrium in the Keynesian model and its implications for output and employment.
    • How government intervention can stabilize the economy during downturns.

    By the end of this module, students will have a solid grasp of how Keynesian principles apply to real-world economic situations.

  • Mod-01 Lec-19 Lecture 19
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module expands on the IS-LM model, an essential tool for analyzing macroeconomic policy. Key topics include:

    • The interaction between the goods market (IS) and the money market (LM).
    • How shifts in fiscal and monetary policy impact equilibrium.
    • Real-world applications of the IS-LM framework in policy analysis.

    Students will learn to apply the IS-LM model to evaluate macroeconomic conditions and policy effectiveness.

  • Mod-01 Lec-20 Lecture 20
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module covers the complete Keynesian model, integrating various components of Keynesian economics. Students will explore:

    • The role of investment and its effect on aggregate demand.
    • How consumer behavior influences the Keynesian framework.
    • Implications for government spending and taxation policies.

    By understanding the complete Keynesian model, students will be better equipped to analyze economic policies and their impacts.

  • Mod-01 Lec-21 Lecture 21
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This final module discusses the Balance of Payments account and exchange rate systems, essential for understanding open economies. Key elements include:

    • The structure of the Balance of Payments and its components.
    • The various exchange rate systems and their economic implications.
    • Extending the IS-LM model to the open economy context.

    Students will learn how international trade and finance influence macroeconomic stability and policy decisions.

  • Mod-01 Lec-22 Lecture 22
    Prof. Surajit Sinha

    This module serves as an introduction to the foundational concepts of Macroeconomics, distinguishing it from Microeconomics. Students will explore key macroeconomic variables and their relevance in understanding the economy. Topics include:

    • The fundamental differences between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
    • Commonly used macroeconomic indicators
    • The distinctions among long run Growth Theory, Classical Theory, and Keynesian Theory
    • Key concepts such as the Phillips Curve and Okun’s Law
    • The structure of macroeconomic models
    • An overview of various economic schools of thought, including Classical, Keynesian, and New Classical theories

    This foundational knowledge sets the stage for deeper exploration into more complex macroeconomic topics and policy discussions.