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What Should be Taught in Intermediate Macroeconomics?

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  • Pedro de Araujo
  • Roisin O’Sullivan
  • Nicole B. Simpson

Abstract

A lack of consensus remains on what should form the theoretical core of the undergraduate intermediate macroeconomic course. In determining how to deal with the Keynesian/classical divide, instructors must decide whether to follow the modern approach of building macroeconomic relationships from micro foundations, or to use the traditional approach based on aggregate models of the macroeconomy. In this article, the authors discuss the advantages and shortcomings of each approach in the context of course objectives. Because there is significant heterogeneity in textbook coverage, the authors summarize some of the approaches taken in current intermediate-level textbooks, which should serve as a useful starting point for new instructors. The authors also discuss how each approach can be extended to analyze the recent recession in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro de Araujo & Roisin O’Sullivan & Nicole B. Simpson, 2013. "What Should be Taught in Intermediate Macroeconomics?," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(1), pages 74-90, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jeduce:v:44:y:2013:i:1:p:74-90
    DOI: 10.1080/00220485.2013.740399
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    Cited by:

    1. François Courtoy & Michel de Vroey & Riccardo Turati, 2021. "What do we teach in Macroeconomics? Evidence of a theoretical divide," LIDAM Discussion Papers IRES 2021023, Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES).
    2. Jonathan E. Alevy & Paul Ronald Johnson, 2013. "A Classroom Financal Market Experiment," Working Papers 2013-01, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Economics.
    3. Mike Aguilar & Daniel Soques, 2015. "Bridging the Classroom Gap between Asset Pricing and Business Cycle Theory," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 21(4), pages 433-452, November.
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    5. Sahar Milani, 2023. "Teaching Environmental Macroeconomics to Undergraduate Students," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 49(3), pages 391-407, June.
    6. Martin Kniepert, 2014. "Die (Neue) Institutionenökonomik als Ansatz für einen erweiterten, offeneren Zugang zur Volkswirtschaftslehre," Working Papers 552014, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Economic Development.

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    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate

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