ECON The Irish Economy Or How Are We?

Lecturer Vincent Hogan D205 Office Hours: Tuesday 11–12 and by appointment

Objective This course will use macro and micro economic theory to explain Irish economic performance over the last 30 years. We will also analyse some current economic issues and assess the responses of policy makers to those issues. Special attention will be paid to the origins of the current crisis

Reading Material Notes will be posted on Blackboard Main Text –The Macroeconomy of the Eurozone: An Irish Perspective by Leddin, Anthony J, and Walsh, Brendan M. (Gill and Macmillan) 2003 Some “pop economics” books are also very useful –The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008 by Paul KrugmanThe Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008 –Irrational Exuberance - by Robert J. ShillerIrrational Exuberance –Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles MackayExtraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds –Available on Amazon or audible I will add other papers on specific topics as we progress through the course

Websites There are a couple of useful blogs – (hi quality debate) – (great on property) The following web sites are useful for data: – – – –

Outline To be amended as necessary Topic 1. A Review of basic macro: –The model of everything –Solow growth model –A review of Irish economy Topic 2. Fiscal, Monetary and Exchange rate Policy and the Irish Experience Topic 3. The Rise of the Celtic Tiger Topic 4. Bubbles in Stock and House Prices Topic 5. Banks, Credit Crunches and NAMA- ology Topic 6. The Future Performance of the Irish Economy

The main Exam in December will be worth 70% There will be a mid-term assessment (MCQ) on 10 th October which will count for 30% Assessment