UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
Money and Banking:  ECON4111-001
Fall 2009

Jay Kaplan
Office: Economics Room 4C
Office Telephone: 492-2651

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00-2:00,
                          Tuesday and Thursday 1:45-2:30, or by appointment.

e-mail: kaplan@colorado.edu

Web Link for Class Outline

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Money and banking emphsizes the financial system, financial institutions, central banks, monetary policy and financial stability. The course studies the role that money and interest rates play in the operation of the U.S. economy. The aim is to give students an overview of the U.S. financial system and an understanding of the theory and practice of monetary policy. The course looks at the changing U.S.financial environment and the influence of monetary policy on interest rates, prices and the overall level of economic activity.

A good strategy for the course is to be sure to understand the basic concepts and how they relate to each other, since this knowledge will be the primary determinant of your class grade. To get the most out of this course, pick up the newspaper, listen to NPR on the radio, look around on the Web for economic news at Web sites such as CNN and MSNBC. Try to relate actual economic events to what you are learning.

As often as possible, class discussion will expand on theoretical topics by relating actual events to the theories presented in class. It is hoped that the students will make a better linkage between actual events and a hypothetical approach. Students are encouraged to contribute their ideas and opinions on these subjects.

Course Materials

Textbook: Money, the Financial System and the Economy, by Hubbard, Pearson publishers.

Grading

The class grade is based on two exams and class quizzes.

Exam Schedule 

Midterm Exam: Monday, October 12th

Midterm Exam: Friday, December 4th

Final Exam: Wednesday, December 16th

Exams will be given in the classroom.

Important Dates