MONEY AND BANKING
Instructional goals
By the end of this course, students will be able to: Understand the role of money in the economy – Explain the functions of money and distinguish between different types of money, including commodity money, fiat money, and digital currencies. Analyze the structure and functions of financial institutions – Describe the role of commercial banks, central banks, and other financial intermediaries in facilitating savings, investment, and the allocation of capital. Examine the workings of central banking and monetary policy – Understand how central banks implement monetary policy using tools such as interest rates, reserve requirements, and open market operations. Evaluate the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy – Analyze how changes in the monetary policy stance affect inflation, output, and employment through various transmission channels. Interpret the role of money and banking in economic fluctuations – Understand how monetary factors contribute to business cycles, financial crises, and long-term economic growth. Apply theoretical and empirical models – Use basic models such as the IS-LM, AD-AS, and money demand frameworks to assess macroeconomic conditions and policy effectiveness. Discuss contemporary issues in money and banking – Critically assess current topics such as inflation targeting, central bank independence, the zero lower bound, digital currencies, and financial regulation. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills – Interpret data, graphs, and policy documents related to monetary economics and banking systems.
Intended learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Explain the role and functions of money in the economy.
Describe the structure and operations of banking and financial institutions.
Understand how central banks conduct monetary policy.
Analyze the effects of monetary policy on inflation and output.
Apply basic macroeconomic models to monetary and banking issues.
Interpret current debates on monetary policy and financial regulation.
Course Contents
By the end of this course, students will be able to: Understand the role of money in the economy – Explain the functions of money and distinguish between different types of money, including commodity money, fiat money, and digital currencies. Analyze the structure and functions of financial institutions – Describe the role of commercial banks, central banks, and other financial intermediaries in facilitating savings, investment, and the allocation of capital. Examine the workings of central banking and monetary policy – Understand how central banks implement monetary policy using tools such as interest rates, reserve requirements, and open market operations. Evaluate the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy – Analyze how changes in the monetary policy stance affect inflation, output, and employment through various transmission channels. Interpret the role of money and banking in economic fluctuations – Understand how monetary factors contribute to business cycles, financial crises, and long-term economic growth. Apply theoretical and empirical models – Use basic models such as the IS-LM, AD-AS, and money demand frameworks to assess macroeconomic conditions and policy effectiveness. Discuss contemporary issues in money and banking – Critically assess current topics such as inflation targeting, central bank independence, the zero lower bound, digital currencies, and financial regulation. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills – Interpret data, graphs, and policy documents related to monetary economics and banking systems.
Reference Books
Benigno, Pierpaolo. 2025. Monetary Economics and Policy. Princeton University Press.
Cecchetti and Shoenholtz. 2024. Money, Banking, and Financial Markets
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Assessment Method
Exam
Thesis assignment criteria
Minimum Grade Required 28/30 in the course
Week 1
Definition of Currency
Week 2
Definition of Money
Week 3
Cryptocurrencies
Week 4
Bubbles
Week 5
Interest rates and monetary policy
Week 6
Interest rate and Term Structure
Week 7
Stock Market and Market Efficiency. Foreign Exchange Rate
Week 8
Central Bank, Monetary Policy and Stabilization of Prices and Output
Week 9
Central Bank and Optimal Monetary Policy
Week 10
Financial Intermediation and Banks
Week 11
Central Bank Digital Currency
Week 12
Decentralized Finance