- Level Foundation
- Duration 17 hours
- Course by IE Business School
-
Offered by
About
This is the first of the three courses part of the Globalization, Economic Growth and Stability Specialization. This course will employ a non-technical approach to analyze how governments use policy to influence a country's economy. Upon completing the course you should be able to discuss national debts and deficits, examine fiscal and monetary policy and their appropriateness to the situation of an economy, and anticipate the results of fiscal and monetary policies and structural reform on a country. These concepts will give you the tools to develop your own position in many current economic debates, such as fiscal stimulus vs. austerity, the merits of quantitative easing, the need for higher interest rates or the future growth path of many modern economies.Modules
Overview: Module 1
1
Videos
- Introduction: Module 1
1
Readings
- Syllabus: Module 1
Course Resources
2
Readings
- Grading Policy
- Course Staff
GDP
3
Videos
- What is GDP - The Circular Flow Diagram
- Potential GDP as a Reference Point for the Business Cycle
- GDP Gaps and Policymaking
Business Cycle & Aggregate Supply - Demand I
3
Videos
- What Does a Business Cycle Look Like?
- What Drives the Business Cycle - Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand
- Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand II
Aggregate Supply - Demand II
2
Videos
- Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand III: Shifts in Aggregate Demand
- Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand IV: Shifts in Aggregate Supply
GDP Growth - Conclusion
2
Videos
- GDP Growth in the Real World and Future Prospects
- Conclusion: Module One
Multimedia Documentation
2
External Tool
- INTERACTIVE GRAPH OF AGGREGATE DEMAND
- ECONOMIC SUPERPOWERS: A GDP forecasting exercise
Review
1
Assignment
- Macroeconomy Quiz
Overview: Module 2
1
Videos
- Introduction: Module 2
1
Readings
- Syllabus: Module 2
Fiscal Policy Tools & The Multiplier Effect
2
Videos
- Restrictive and Expansive Fiscal Policy Tools
- The Multiplier Effect of Fiscal Policy
Crowding Out & Automatic Stabilizers
2
Videos
- Crowding Out
- Automatic Stabilizers
Fiscal Policy in the Real World & Conclusion
2
Videos
- Fiscal Policy in the Real World
- Conclusion: Module Two
Review
1
Assignment
- Fiscal Policy Tool Quiz
Overview: Module 3
1
Videos
- Introduction: Module Three
1
Readings
- Syllabus: Module 3
Government Deficits and Surpluses
1
Videos
- Government Deficits and Surpluses
How Do Governments Borrow Money?
2
Videos
- How Do Governments Borrow Money? (I)
- How Do Governments Borrow Money? (II)
Debt & Deficit
3
Videos
- Who Owns Public Debt in Advanced Economies?
- How Much Deficit is Too Much?
- US Debt
Strengths and Weaknesses of Fiscal Policy
1
Videos
- Strengths and Weaknesses of Fiscal Policy
Conclusion & Office Hours
2
Videos
- Conclusion: Module Three
- Office Hours Modules 1 to 3
Review
1
Assignment
- Deficits, Debts, Myths and Realities Quiz
Overview: Module 4
1
Videos
- Introduction: Module Four
1
Readings
- Syllabus: Module 4
Central Banks
3
Videos
- What is Money and What are Central Banks
- Central Banks in the World
- What are the Tools of Central Banks?
Monetary Policy & Conclusion
3
Videos
- How Does Monetary Policy Work Across the cycle and Why Does it Sometimes Fail?
- Strengths and Weaknesses of Monetary Policy
- Conclusion: Module Four
Review
1
Assignment
- Monetary Policy Quiz
Overview: Module 5
1
Videos
- Introduction: Module Five
1
Readings
- Syllabus: Module 5
Policy Combinations and Outcomes
2
Videos
- How Do Different Combinations of These Policies Affect the Macroeconomy?
- Policy Mixes and Outcomes
Exchange Rates & Structural Policy
2
Videos
- Exchange Rates
- Structural Policy
Policy Mix in the Real World, with the Economic Policy Simulator & Conclusion
3
Videos
- Policy Mix in the Real World
- Practicing Policymaking with the Economic Policy Simulator
- Conclusion: Module Five
Review
1
Assignment
- Combining Policies and Other Policy Tools Quiz
Peer Graded Assignment - Economic Policy Simulator
1
External Tool
- Economic Policy Simulator
1
Peer Review
- Peer Graded Assignment - Economic Policy Simulator
Overview: Module 6
1
Videos
- Introduction: Module Six
1
Readings
- Syllabus: Module 6
Monetary Policy
2
Videos
- Monetary Policy in the United States
- Monetary Policy in Spain and Germany
Quantitative Easing, When is Debt Too High, Abenomics & The Pursuit of Growth
4
Videos
- Quantitative Easing
- Fiscal Policy in the Real World: When is Debt Too High?
- Abenomics
- Policy and the Eternal Pursuit of Growth
Conclusion
4
Videos
- Summary of the Course
- Extra: The situation in Greece
- Analyzing the Covid-19 crisis with the AS-AD framework: Why was the recession so severe?
- Applying policy tools: How did governments respond to the Covid recession?
Review
1
Assignment
- Final Exam
Now let´s apply what you´ve learned!
1
Assignment
- Let´s see if you remember the theory
1
Peer Review
- Final Presentation: Peer Graded
6
Videos
- RECAP: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMIC POLICYMAKING
- PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
- PROJECT FEEDBACK: SPAIN 2000-2008
- PROJECT FEEDBACK: SPAIN 2009-2016
- CAPSTONE CONCLUSIONS
- This Course is part of a Specialization
1
Readings
- Instructions
Auto Summary
Dive into the fundamentals of economic policy with the "Understanding Economic Policymaking" course, specially designed for those interested in Business & Management. This engaging course is the first in the Globalization, Economic Growth, and Stability Specialization series. It takes a non-technical approach, making complex economic policies accessible and understandable. Led by expert instructors from Coursera, the course spans across a comprehensive duration, ensuring an in-depth exploration of key topics. You'll learn to discuss national debts and deficits, analyze fiscal and monetary policies' suitability for different economic conditions, and predict the impacts of structural reforms and policy measures. By the end, you’ll be equipped to form informed opinions on hotly debated economic issues, including fiscal stimulus vs. austerity and the pros and cons of quantitative easing. Ideal for beginners, this foundational course is part of the Starter subscription plan, making it a perfect entry point for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of economic policymaking. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply an economics enthusiast, this course offers valuable insights into the mechanics of government policy and its effects on the economy.

Gayle Allard