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Brad Cartwright

Hi, I’m Brad, and I’m excited that you are interested in diving into the fascinating world of Macroeconomics together.

Macroeconomics is about understanding the big picture—how entire economies function, why policies succeed or fail, and how global forces shape our lives. It’s the study of human behavior on a grand scale, and through this course, I hope to share my passion for economics in a way that’s engaging, practical, and easy to understand.

This course includes over 85 video lessons and downloadable notes, covering topics like:

Read more

Hi, I’m Brad, and I’m excited that you are interested in diving into the fascinating world of Macroeconomics together.

Macroeconomics is about understanding the big picture—how entire economies function, why policies succeed or fail, and how global forces shape our lives. It’s the study of human behavior on a grand scale, and through this course, I hope to share my passion for economics in a way that’s engaging, practical, and easy to understand.

This course includes over 85 video lessons and downloadable notes, covering topics like:

  • An Introduction to Macroeconomics

  • Gross National Product and Other Economic Measures

  • Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply

  • Macroeconomic Equilibrium

  • Low Unemployment

  • Low and Stable Rate of Inflation

  • Economic Growth

  • Equity in the Distribution of Income

  • Fiscal and Monetary Policy

  • Supply-Side Policies

I teach economics because it’s endlessly fascinating—it’s the study of people, their stories, and the societal forces we live in. Economics isn’t just about charts and numbers. It’s about understanding ourselves, our choices, and the systems that shape our world. I genuinely believe that a deep understanding of economics can help us better understand the human condition, and I’m thrilled to help you discover that for yourself.

A Weekly Bonus

As part of this course, you’ll receive a subscription to my weekly newsletter, Just One Thing. Each Monday, you’ll get a two-minute breakdown of one essential economic concept, delivered straight to your inbox. It’s a quick and stress-free way to expand your understanding of economics, one idea at a time.

I’ve been lucky to see the world through a unique lens—as a former Peace Corps Volunteer, a graduate of Duke University, and someone who has traveled to over 55 countries. These experiences deeply influence how I teach economics, with real-world examples, a global perspective, and a passion for making these concepts relatable to everyone.

Let’s dive into the exciting world of macroeconomics together—I'd love to join on your journey.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • A love of economics that i hope is contagious!
  • This course is an ideal companion to any introductory economics class in the world!
  • A thorough understanding of the main principles of macroeconomics
  • A thorough understanding of gross domestic product and the ways we measure economic growth
  • A thorough understanding of low and stable rate of inflation
  • A thorough understanding of low unemployment
  • A thorough understanding of economic growth
  • A thorough understanding of equity in the distribution of income
  • A thorough understanding of fiscal and monetary policy
  • A thorough understanding of demand-side and supply-side management policies
  • A better understanding of global politics - as economics is the backbone of all political thought
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Welcome to Macroeconomics! Introduction and Overview
At the end of the foundations of macroeconomics section, students will understand basic economic principles, analyze market behaviors, and apply key concepts to real-world situations.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of macroeconomic principles, making it suitable for learners without prior knowledge in economics or those seeking a refresher
Explores topics like GDP, inflation, unemployment, and economic growth, which are fundamental concepts covered in introductory economics courses
Examines the role of economics in global politics, offering insights into how economic factors influence international relations and policy decisions
Includes coverage of both Keynesian and Neoclassical perspectives, which are essential for understanding different schools of thought in macroeconomics
Discusses fiscal and monetary policy, providing learners with an understanding of how governments and central banks manage the economy
Includes a weekly newsletter that delivers economic concepts, which may help learners stay informed about current economic issues

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Reviews summary

Engaging macroeconomics introduction for everyone

According to learners, this macroeconomics course provides a largely positive experience, particularly for those new to the subject. Students frequently praise the instructor's ability to simplify complex concepts and make economics engaging and easy to understand. Many highlight the use of real-world examples and a global perspective as significant strengths. While the course is seen as an excellent introduction, some reviewers suggest wishing for more depth on certain topics, indicating it's best suited as a foundation rather than an advanced study.
Downloadable notes and bonuses are helpful.
"The downloadable notes were very helpful for reviewing the material."
"Getting the weekly newsletter was a nice bonus."
"Supplemental materials added value to the video lectures."
"Having the notes made it easier to study for my other classes."
Uses helpful real-world applications.
"I really appreciated the real-world examples provided throughout the course."
"The global perspective made the concepts much more relatable."
"Applying the theories to current events helped solidify my understanding."
"Learned how macroeconomic concepts connect to everyday life."
Excellent starting point for beginners.
"This course is a great introduction to macroeconomics."
"Perfect for someone with no prior knowledge in economics."
"It served as a fantastic companion to my college introductory macroeconomics class."
"If you're looking for a solid foundation, this is it."
Instructor excels at simplifying complex ideas.
"The instructor does an excellent job explaining complex topics clearly and engagingly."
"He makes macroeconomics surprisingly easy to understand, even for beginners."
"The best part was how the instructor broke down difficult concepts into manageable pieces."
"I found the lectures very engaging and easy to follow, thanks to the instructor's style."
May not be sufficient for advanced learners.
"While great for beginners, intermediate or advanced learners might find it too basic."
"I wish there was more depth on some of the policy discussions."
"Could use a bit more detail on certain models or calculations."
"Provides a good overview but doesn't dive deeply into every area."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Macroeconomics: A Complete Economics Course for Everyone with these activities:
Review Basic Economic Principles
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental economic concepts to better grasp macroeconomic principles.
Browse courses on Supply and Demand
Show steps
  • Review introductory economics textbooks or online resources.
  • Complete practice quizzes on basic economic concepts.
  • Summarize key principles in your own words.
Read 'Basic Economics' by Thomas Sowell
Solidify your understanding of core economic principles with a highly accessible and widely respected book.
Show steps
  • Read assigned chapters focusing on core concepts.
  • Take notes on key ideas and examples.
  • Relate the concepts to real-world events.
Discuss Macroeconomic Concepts with Peers
Engage in collaborative learning to clarify concepts and reinforce understanding through discussion and explanation.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Choose a specific topic from the course.
  • Prepare discussion points and questions.
  • Share insights and clarify misunderstandings.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Fiscal Policy
Deepen your understanding of fiscal policy by researching, synthesizing, and presenting information in a clear and engaging manner.
Show steps
  • Research different types of fiscal policy.
  • Create slides with key information and visuals.
  • Practice your presentation.
  • Present to a small group or record a video.
Read 'Naked Economics' by Charles Wheelan
Gain a deeper understanding of macroeconomic concepts through real-world examples and engaging explanations.
Show steps
  • Read assigned chapters, focusing on real-world examples.
  • Reflect on how the concepts relate to current events.
  • Discuss the examples with classmates or in online forums.
Analyze the Impact of a Recent Economic Event
Apply macroeconomic principles to analyze a real-world event and assess its impact on the economy.
Show steps
  • Choose a recent economic event (e.g., a change in interest rates, a trade war).
  • Research the event and its potential effects.
  • Write a report analyzing the event using macroeconomic concepts.
  • Present your findings in a clear and concise manner.
Build an Interactive Macroeconomic Model
Create a dynamic model to simulate the effects of different macroeconomic policies and variables.
Show steps
  • Choose a platform for building the model (e.g., spreadsheet software, programming language).
  • Identify key macroeconomic variables to include in the model.
  • Develop equations and relationships between the variables.
  • Test and refine the model to ensure accuracy.
  • Create a user interface for interacting with the model.

Career center

Learners who complete Macroeconomics: A Complete Economics Course for Everyone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Economist
An Economist studies the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues. They may advise organizations or governments on economic policy. This course provides a thorough understanding of macroeconomic principles, including Gross Domestic Product, inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. The coursework provides a firm foundation for analyzing economic issues, researching trends, and informing policy decisions. Lessons on supply side and demand side management policies also provide the economist with different perspectives.
Economic Forecaster
An Economic Forecaster analyzes economic data to predict future trends. The work could involve forecasting inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. This course on macroeconomics provides a solid understanding of macroeconomic principles, which is crucial for identifying and interpreting key economic indicators. The lessons on Gross Domestic Product, inflation, and unemployment directly contribute to the skills needed to develop accurate economic forecasts. The course's global perspective, enhanced by real-world examples, helps an Economic Forecaster consider international factors influencing economic trends.
Investment Strategist
An Investment Strategist develops investment strategies for financial institutions or wealthy clients by analyzing market trends, economic data, and investment opportunities. The Investment Strategist requires a deep understanding of macroeconomic factors that can impact investment performance. This course provides a solid understanding of macroeconomic principles, including Gross Domestic Product, inflation, unemployment, and interest rates. The course's coverage of fiscal and monetary policy helps the strategist assess the potential impact of government policies on investment decisions. An understanding of macroeconomic equilibrium is essential to the work.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes existing policies and proposed legislation to assess their economic impact. They provide recommendations to government officials or organizations. This course provides a good understanding of fiscal and monetary policy, essential tools that policy analysts need to understand. With a thorough understanding of macroeconomic equilibrium, as studied in this course, the Policy Analyst can help policymakers understand the potential consequences of their decisions. The course's coverage of supply side policies helps analysts evaluate a policy's potential long term effects.
Political Scientist
A Political Scientist studies the origin, development, and operation of political systems. This course provides insight into how economic factors influence political decision-making and policy outcomes. Studies of fiscal and monetary policy, as well as the lessons on Gross Domestic Product and economic growth, may be particularly useful. These provide a framework for understanding the economic underpinnings of political stability and conflict. The course's global perspective helps the Political Scientist understand international relations and the interplay between economics and politics.
Urban and Regional Planner
An Urban and Regional Planner develops plans and programs for the use of land, and the growth of metropolitan areas. This course provides a solid foundation in macroeconomic principles, including Gross Domestic Product, economic growth, and income distribution. This provides the planner with insight into the economic forces shaping urban and regional development. The course's coverage of fiscal policy and government spending helps the planner understand the role of government in promoting growth and addressing challenges. An understanding of economics is essential to urban planning.
Budget Analyst
A Budget Analyst helps organizations manage their finances by developing budgets, monitoring spending, and analyzing financial performance. The role involves understanding economic trends and their impact on budgetary decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in macroeconomic principles, including fiscal and monetary policy. The lessons on Gross Domestic Product and national income measurement help the Budget Analyst assess the overall economic health and its implications for revenue projections and expenditure planning. A Budget Analyst gains insight into how government policies impact the budget through the course's lessons.
Real Estate Analyst
A Real Estate Analyst researches and analyzes real estate markets, property values, and investment opportunities to provide recommendations to investors or developers. The Real Estate Analyst needs to understand how macroeconomic factors impact the real estate market. This course provides a foundational understanding of economic growth, interest rates, and inflation. The concepts of aggregate demand and supply covered in the course can help the Real Estate Analyst understand the forces driving real estate prices and demand. This macroeconomic background is useful for assessing risks.
International Trade Specialist
An International Trade Specialist facilitates trade between countries by analyzing international markets, understanding trade regulations, and coordinating logistics. The International Trade Specialist requires understanding global economic forces and how macroeconomic policies impact international trade flows. This course provides insights into Gross Domestic Product and economic growth, which is essential for assessing the economic health of different countries and their trade potential. The global perspective and real-world examples discussed in the course enables the Specialist to navigate the complexities of international trade. This typically requires an advanced degree.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data, assesses investment opportunities, and provides recommendations to businesses and individuals. This course may be useful thanks to its introduction to macroeconomics, aggregate demand and supply, and macroeconomic equilibrium. It helps the Financial Analyst understand how broader economic forces impact specific investment decisions. The concepts of economic growth, inflation, and unemployment covered in the course provides a framework for assessing the overall health of the economy and its implications for financial markets. This macroeconomic understanding is crucial for making informed financial decisions.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their efficiency, profitability, and performance. This course may be useful because it may broaden one's understanding of macroeconomics. The course touches on the concepts of aggregate demand and supply as well as low unemployment. The work this professional does may be improved, thanks to the solid foundation in economics the course may provide. The better the understanding of economics, the better one can advise businesses.
Market Research Analyst
The Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course may be useful because it can broaden one's understanding of macroeconomics. The course touches on the concepts of aggregate demand and supply. The work this professional does will be improved, thanks to the solid foundation in economics the course may provide. The better the understanding of economics, the better one can assess market conditions.
Actuary
An Actuary analyzes statistical data to estimate risk and uncertainty, particularly in the insurance and finance industries. This course may be useful because it provides a knowledge of how to look at data from an economics perspective. The module on macroeconomic equilibrium and the lessons on inflation, unemployment, and economic growth can help the Actuary. This helps the Actuary to predict the likelihood of economic risks. Also useful are the principles of aggregate demand and supply.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform business decisions. This course may be useful because it provides a knowledge of how to look at data from an economics perspective. The knowledge of Gross Domestic Product and national income measurement helps the Data Scientist. This helps the Data Scientist extract meaningful insights from economic data. Also useful are the principles of inflation, unemployment, as well as supply and demand.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
A Compensation and Benefits Manager develops and administers compensation and benefits programs for employees within an organization. This course may be useful because it provides a good understanding of macroeconomics. In particular, the equity in the distribution of income module may be useful. Also of use are the lessons on unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. This background in economics would help the manager understand the best way to design the most attractive, appropriate, and equitable compensation packages.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Macroeconomics: A Complete Economics Course for Everyone.
Explains economic concepts in a clear, engaging, and non-technical way. It uses real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate key principles, making it an excellent choice for students who want to understand the practical applications of macroeconomics. It serves as a great supplement to the course by providing intuitive explanations of complex topics. It is particularly useful for students who struggle with the more technical aspects of economics.
Provides a clear and concise overview of fundamental economic principles. It is helpful for students who need to strengthen their understanding of basic concepts before diving into macroeconomics. While not a core textbook for macroeconomics, it serves as excellent background reading. It is commonly used as a supplementary text in introductory economics courses.

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