OVERVIEW

The teaching unit provides a general overview of macroeconomic topics and the role of public intervention in the economy, as part of the overall educational path.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to deal with the role and the effects of fiscal and monetary policy in a modern industrialized economy

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Expected learning outcomes (Dublin descriptors):
1. Knowledge and understanding: The student will be able to describe and explain the effects
of public intervention in the economy, in light of the historical experience of the last thirty
years, using appropriate terminology.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: The student will be able to apply the
macroeconomic models studied to analyse current problems, formulating hypotheses about
causes and possible solutions in real-world contexts.
3. Making judgements: The student will be able to independently evaluate the implications of
economic policies in different application contexts.
4. Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate clearly and unambiguously,
using the technical language of the discipline, with both specialists and non-specialists.
5. Learning skills: The student will be able to autonomously deepen the main topics of the
discipline, especially in professional contexts.

PREREQUISITES

To take the exam, it is compulsory to have passed Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. A
good knowledge of the basic principles of a market economy is also recommended.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures for a total of 72 hours.

Numerical exercises and discussions of current newspaper
articles posted on Aulaweb are included. Materials and communications will be available on
Aulaweb.

Students with learning disabilities or special needs are invited to contact the
professor to arrange personalized support.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Growth: main factors; saving, capital accumulation, and output; technological progress and
growth (short, medium, and long run).
2. Expectations: financial markets and expectations; expectations, consumption, and
investment; expectations, output, and policy.
3. The open economy: short- and medium-term effects; the goods market in an open
economy; exchange rate and exchange rate regimes.
4. Public debt and the role of economic policy.
5. Monetary and fiscal policy: rules and constraints.
6. Europe as an optimal currency area.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blanchard, Amighini, Giavazzi, Macroeconomics, latest edition (2024).

Additional materials and readings will be indicated on Aulaweb. In case of difficulty in finding
the texts, please contact the professor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Semester: 1st
Lectures will tentatively start in mid-September 2025. For the exact date, please refer to the
official course calendar: https://economia.unige.it/calendario-didattico

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam consisting of one quantitative exercise, two open-ended theoretical questions,
and one optional question on one of the additional readings published on Aulaweb. No skipping of exam sessions is allowed.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam, consisting of both theoretical (open-ended) and numerical questions, aims
to assess: mastery of technical language, understanding of the main macroeconomic
phenomena analyzed, and the ability to solve practical problems. Each learning outcome will
be verified through specific questions, evaluating clarity of exposition, correct terminology,
and analytical skills.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information not included in the teaching unit description, please contact the
professor. Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended.