Economics 214
Macroeconomics
The modern approach to macroeconomic theory is underpinned by microeconomic fundamentals; as such, this module utilizes a more modern approach to intermediate macroeconomic theory and model development. The module commences with an introduction and study of measurement of macroeconomic variables and issues pertaining contemporary macroeconomics. This is followed by the development of a set of key business cycle facts that is used throughout the module. Given the importance of microeconomic foundations for the module, a detailed study of the behaviour of consumers and firms is conducted before developing a one-period model of the economy. The next step is to consider a two-period model, which allows answers to complicated policy questions related to consumption-savings decisions and the impact government policy can have on the economy.
Microeconomics
The module builds on the first year and has a dual objective. The first relevant question is "How does the market system work?" In other words, how does a market system organise the production of goods and services and their distribution in society? A second important question is "How well does a market system work?" The Neo-classical theoretical framework (the type of theory you have studied in your first year) is used to study the functioning of a market system in particular and to provide answers to these two questions. In the process, specific issues will be dealt with, for example, whether a monopoly is good or bad, why factories and consumers pollute the environment and whether minimum wages cause unemployment.
Prerequisite Pass modules (PP): Economics 114, Economics 144
Credits: 16
Classes per week: 3 lectures, 1 tutorial
Module convenor: Prof Pierre de Villiers
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Upcoming Seminars
Monday 28 July 202512:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
12:00-13:00
Professor Johan Fourie: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Economic History: TBC"
BER Weekly
18 Jul 2025 Encouraging data, but messy politics while US tariff deadline loomsThe big global data prints of the week came on Tuesday, with better-than-expected Chinese GDP growth for Q2 and US core CPI coming in lower than expected, but still (finally) reflecting some signs of tariffs being passed on to consumers. Locally, the uptick in mining production and retail sales was positive for Q2 GDP dynamics. In addition to the data,...
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 28 July 202512:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
12:00-13:00
Professor Johan Fourie: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Economic History: TBC"
BER Weekly
18 Jul 2025 Encouraging data, but messy politics while US tariff deadline loomsThe big global data prints of the week came on Tuesday, with better-than-expected Chinese GDP growth for Q2 and US core CPI coming in lower than expected, but still (finally) reflecting some signs of tariffs being passed on to consumers. Locally, the uptick in mining production and retail sales was positive for Q2 GDP dynamics. In addition to the data,...
Read the full issue