The course introduces students to Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) through the use of a textbook written by the lecturer. The balance sheets and transactions that are relevant for understanding modern money are examined, with a focus on the Eurozone. Explanations include the idea that banks can create bank deposits through their accounting software, that governments spend first and collect taxes later and that central banks use a set of interest rates as their main tool of policy instead of manipulating the money supply.
ECTS
The number of credits earned after successfully concluding this course is the equivalent of 2 ECTS according to Maastricht University’s guidelines. For further information see the MSS terms and conditions.
Goals
- Knowledge of central banks and monetary policy;
- Understanding the operations of the Treasury and fiscal operations;
- Grasp of credit creation and clearing process in the banking system;
- Ability to aggregate balance sheets in order to use sectoral balances as a tool for macroeconomics;
- Insights on the economic history of the eurozone, its crisis and possible remedies.
Prerequisites: None
Recommended literature
Ehnts, Dirk. 2017. Modern Monetary Theory and European Macroeconomics, Abingdon: Routledge (ISBN hardcover and ebook: 978-1-138-65477-8 and 978-1-315-62303-0)
Teaching methods
PBL
Assessment methods
Written Exam
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below.