Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics - The Big Picture
Take a trip with me in this the third and final course of this Economics 100 Specialization which is a direct adaptation from one of my courses I teach at Rice University. Specifically, in this course we're going to be focusing on Macroeconomics. What is Macroeconomics you might be asking? Well, you've come to the right place! We're going to be going over the big picture of economics- which is examining the measures we use to gauge the health of national economies and study the theories and policies aimed at improving economic health. In a nutshell, how can we use economics to make the world a better place?
Through course lectures, quizzes, discussions, and problem sets, my hope is that you'll be able to digest economic news with a more discerning viewpoint, and have a more informed view about the cost and benefits of economic policy. Finally, my hope is that you've learned to look at the world around you through the eyes of an economist.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
1. Describe how GDP is used to measure macroeconomic performance.
2. Describe how inflation is used to measure macroeconomic performance.
3. Describe how unemployment rates and participation rates are used to measure
macroeconomic performance.
4. Identify the primary sources of economic growth and explain the observed cross-
country differences in income per capita.
5. Define savings and explain the factors influencing financial flows and
international trade.
6. Identify the function of the federal reserve, describe the relationship between
nominal interest rates, money demand and money supply, and describe the
relationship between exchange rates and Net Exports.
7. Explain the interaction between aggregate demand and aggregate supply to
determine the price level, real GDP, and employment.
8. Describe the role of government and analyze policy responses to business cycle
shocks
Status: Financial Policy
Financial Policy
Status: Financial Regulations
Financial Regulations
Beginner·Course·22 hours
Featured reviews
RC
5.0·Reviewed Dec 28, 2025
A great Economics course taught by an animated Professor that makes the lectures memorable. I highly recommend, you will be extremely pleased.
TT
5.0·Reviewed Aug 1, 2024
The course was so informative and useful. The professor is really talented and explains everything clearly.
FO
5.0·Reviewed Oct 12, 2025
It was such an interesting course and well taught!
KY
4.0·Reviewed Feb 1, 2024
It is difficult. Even sometimes it may be suggested to take 15 minutes to finish but for me, it will take me up to 45 minutes instead. re-watch and think and do calculations.
All reviews
Showing: 12 of 12
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M
Mumtaz Hassan
5.0
·Reviewed Jun 30, 2024
I attended this course to refresh and update my knowledge of macroeconomics, and I found it to be exceptionally informative and easy to understand. Dr. James DeNicco, the instructor, delivered the material in an engaging and enjoyable manner, making complex concepts accessible and interesting. His teaching style made the course not only educational but also fun.
C
Cristina Neagu
5.0
·Reviewed Jan 7, 2026
I started this course with the goal of dipping my toes into economic theory to become more familiar with the terminology in the manuscripts I edit. (I’m a freelance English editor.) I ended up completing all three courses and obtaining my certification because the lectures were so engaging and fun. I particularly enjoyed the never-boring presentation, the visuals, and the way the assignments were designed. The fact that there was no pressure to achieve a high grade removed the temptation to ask for help. After completing this course I feel I can better understand the forces that shape our world, from micro to macroeconomics. The only downside is that I’m now seeing supply and demand curves everywhere, even in the contrails in the sky. What I’ve learned in these three courses now forms the backdrop of the economics stories I edit for my clients, making my job more enjoyable and the result more precise. The best part is that 20+ years after graduating from university, I’ve rediscovered the joy of learning. I never stopped learning, but this has been the first online course I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I cannot recommend this course or the instructor more warmly!
R
R C
5.0
·Reviewed Dec 28, 2025
A great Economics course taught by an animated Professor that makes the lectures memorable. I highly recommend, you will be extremely pleased.
T
Taha Vafaie Tamalie
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 2, 2024
The course was so informative and useful. The professor is really talented and explains everything clearly.
F
Favour Ogbadu
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 13, 2025
It was such an interesting course and well taught!
A
Ayana Nygmet
5.0
·Reviewed Dec 9, 2024
Great, i understand that how i see macroeconomics
А
Абишева Алуа Айбековна
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 17, 2024
Шаашашшкшкшкшкгкшкшкш
Y
Yuxin Zheng
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 20, 2025
Best teacher ever!
S
Sabina Doskenova
5.0
·Reviewed Nov 30, 2024
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
A
AKSHAT KUMAR SINGH
5.0
·Reviewed Mar 4, 2025
Good
A
Alex Charles S. Tomate
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 31, 2024
n/a
K
Kian Hoat Yoe
4.0
·Reviewed Feb 2, 2024
It is difficult. Even sometimes it may be suggested to take 15 minutes to finish but for me, it will take me up to 45 minutes instead. re-watch and think and do calculations.
