Macro·Course
Macroeconomics
GDP, inflation, unemployment, monetary and fiscal policy, international trade and modern macroeconomic challenges
Part of the Business & Economics track — finish it for a verifiable diploma →
§ 01 — Orientation
New here?
What you'll be able to do, who this is for, how long it takes, and where to begin.
By the end, you will be able to
- 01Read GDP, inflation, and unemployment to gauge an economy.
- 02Judge how monetary and fiscal policy will bite.
- 03Explain what drives long-run growth and business cycles.
- 04Trace how trade, exchange rates, and the balance of payments connect.
- 05Make sense of the headlines behind a recession or boom.
Who this is for
How long it takes
- Quick orientationSkim the opening module and the cheatsheet to get the shape of it.~2 h
- Full read-throughRead every article once, in order.~6 h
- Mastery pathRead, take the quizzes, and space out your reviews.~3 weeks
- APA
Stoa. (2026). Macroeconomics [Online course]. Stoa. https://stoa.school/course/macroeconomics
- MLA
Stoa. “Macroeconomics.” Stoa, 2026, https://stoa.school/course/macroeconomics.
- Chicago
Stoa. “Macroeconomics.” Stoa. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://stoa.school/course/macroeconomics.
§ 02 — Curriculum
14 modules.
Each module is a small unit. Most read in sequence — but a determined reader can begin anywhere.
- M IBasic Objects of MacroeconomicsBasic objects of macroeconomics6 articles
36 minBegin → - M IILabor Market and UnemploymentLabor market and unemployment5 articles
30 minBegin → - M IIIInflation, Deflation, and the Price LevelInflation, deflation, and the price level5 articles
30 minBegin → - M IVAggregate Demand and SupplyAggregate demand and supply5 articles
30 minBegin → - M VEconomic GrowthEconomic growth5 articles
30 minBegin → - M VIBusiness Cycles and FluctuationsBusiness cycles and fluctuations5 articles
30 minBegin → - M VIIMoney Supply and Monetary PolicyMoney supply and monetary policy5 articles
30 minBegin → - M VIIIPublic Finance and Fiscal PolicyPublic finance and fiscal policy5 articles
30 minBegin → - M IXOpen Economy and CurrenciesOpen Economy and Currencies5 articles
30 minBegin → - M XMacroeconomic Indicators and Their InterpretationMacroeconomic Indicators and Their Interpretation4 articles
24 minBegin → - M XIModern Macroeconomic ModelsModern Macroeconomic Models3 articles
18 minBegin → - M XIIMacro and Financial MarketsMacro and Financial Markets3 articles
18 minBegin → - M XIIIMacro Regimes and ScenariosMacro Regimes and Scenarios4 articles
24 minBegin → - M XIVContemporary Macroeconomic ChallengesContemporary Macroeconomic Challenges4 articles
24 minBegin →
§ 03 — Learning outcomes
4 outcomes.
Interpret key macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment) and assess the state of the national economy.
Analyze monetary and fiscal policy instruments and evaluate their impact on the economy.
Explain the drivers of long-term economic growth and understand the nature of business cycles and crises.
Analyze international trade, the balance of payments, exchange rate regimes, and their impact on the domestic economy.
§ 04 — Practices