Alexander Rathke: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021

Name Dr. Alexander Rathke
Address
KOF Konjunkturforschungsstelle
ETH Zürich, LEE G 303
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 632 86 23
E-mailrathke@kof.ethz.ch
DepartmentManagement, Technology, and Economics
RelationshipLecturer

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
363-1021-00LMonetary Policy3 credits2VJ.‑E. Sturm, A. Rathke
AbstractThe main aim of this course is to analyse the goals of monetary policy and to review the instruments available to central banks in order to pursue these goals. It will focus on the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy and the differences between monetary policy rules and discretionary policy. It will also make connections between theoretical economic concepts and current real world issues.
Learning objectiveThis lecture will introduce the fundamentals of monetary economics and explain the working and impact of monetary policy. The main aim of this course is to describe and analyze the goals of monetary policy and to review the instruments available to central banks in order to pursue these goals. It will focus on the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy, the effectiveness of monetary policy actions, the differences between monetary policy rules and discretionary policy, as well as in institutional issues concerning central banks, transparency of monetary authorities and monetary policy in a monetary union framework. Moreover, we discuss the implementation of monetary policy in practice and the design of optimal policy.
ContentFor the functioning of today’s economy, central banks and their policies play an important role. Monetary policy is the policy adopted by the monetary authority of a country, the central bank. The central bank controls either the interest rate payable on very short-term borrowing or the money supply, often targeting inflation or the interest rate to ensure price stability and general trust in the currency. This monetary policy course looks into today’s major questions related to policies of central banks. It provides insights into the monetary policy process using core economic principles and real-world examples.
Lecture notesThe course webpage (to be found at https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=15063) contains announcements, course information and lecture slides.
LiteratureThe course will be based on chapters of:
Mishkin, Frederic S. (2018), The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, 12th edition, Pearson. ISBN 9780134733821
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge in international economics and a good background in macroeconomics.
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesfostered
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingfostered
Media and Digital Technologiesfostered
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationfostered
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Customer Orientationfostered
Leadership and Responsibilityfostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence fostered
Sensitivity to Diversityfostered
Negotiationfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingassessed
Integrity and Work Ethicsfostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered