ECN502 - Introduction to Principles of Economics - Macro

Subject Title
Introduction to Principles of Economics - Macro

Subject Description
This subject introduces the process and principles of macroeconomic thought as they have been developed to explain the determination of the levels of national income and output, employment, the price level and other macroeconomic aggregates. The implications of these principles of public policy in Canada will be examined in the contexts of money and banking, stabilization efforts, international trade, the structure of the Canadian economy, and responses to the emerging patterns of global competition.

Credit Status
Accounting and Finance Program - Economics 502 (together with Economics 501) is a required subject for the Accounting and Finance Program as currently recognized by the Certified General Accountant's Association of Canada. Students must earn at least a B grade in both subjects for the CGA credit. For those students transferring from the Accounting and Finance Program to another program, they may only use one of either ECN501 or ECN502 as a credit towards their general education requirements.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Define, calculate, and critically assess the key economic indicators of income, expenditure, and national accounts.
2. Define, measure, and assess economic growth and fluctuations, unemployment and inflation, in the context of the Canadian economy.
3. Demonstrate the relationships between consumption and income, saving and income, interest rate and investment.
4. Examine the determinants of consumption, saving, investment, and the multiplier effect.
5. Use the aggregate expenditure model to determine equilibrium levels of employment, output and income in various types of economies.
6. Trace the operation of the spending multiplier in closed and open economies.
7. Derive aggregate demand from the aggregate expenditures model when price level is changing or constant, with reasons for movements along and shifts of the aggregate demand curve.
8. Delineate the differences and links between short-run and long-run aggregate supply.
9. Chart macroeconomic equilibrium and gaps using the long-run AD/AS model.
10. Assess policies for dealing with recession and cyclical unemployment, demand-pull and cost-push inflation, and the promotion of growth, full employment and stable prices.
11. Analyze the purposes, tools, and limitations of fiscal policy and its possible applications for amending the AD/AS model, and thereby closing inflationary and recessionary gaps.
12. Explain money and its functions, money supply, and the structure and evolution of the Canadian financial system, money creation with respect to the monetary base, desired reserves, and the money multiplier.
13. Interpret  the role of the Bank of Canada and the operation of the tools of monetary policy.
14. Discuss the demand for money, the structure of interest rates, the monetary transmission mechanism, and evaluate restrictive and expansionary monetary policy using the AD/AS model.
15. Summarize the importance of international trade to Canada in terms of overall volume.
16. Evaluate the short-run trade off between inflation and unemployment (Phillips curve).

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.