Course Overview:

This course introduces students to the structure, function, and role of money, banking, and financial markets in modern economies. Students will explore how financial institutions, particularly central banks and commercial banks, operate within national and global financial systems. Key topics include the nature and functions of money, the creation of money, interest rates, inflation, central banking, monetary policy, and the regulation of the financial system. Through case studies and applied exercises, students will examine the behavior of financial markets, the interaction between monetary policy and the broader economy, and the challenges faced by policymakers in promoting financial stability, economic growth, and price stability. Special attention is given to the role of central banks such as the Bank of Canada, the Federal Reserve, and the European Central Bank. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the analytical tools to understand how monetary systems influence business decisions, consumer behavior, and international finance, and to critically assess the impacts of monetary policy on the economy.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • Students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 50, CAEL 45, CELPIP 6.5, DET 105, PTE 47, PCE 175, CAMBRIDGE B2 Level, LANGUAGECERT B2 Level, MET B2 Level, ITEP 3.8, EIKEN Grade Pre-1. or
    • Provide proof of achieving at least 65% in Grade 12 English (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    • Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
      • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
      • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
        • Reading: 235
        • Writing: 235
        • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Explain the functions of money, the role of financial institutions, and the structure of financial systems in a modern economy.
  • Analyze how financial markets determine interest rates and allocate capital through instruments such as bonds, stocks, and foreign exchange.
  • Describe how commercial banks operate, create money, and manage risks through lending and investment practices.
  • Assess the tools, goals, and challenges of central banking and monetary policy, including inflation control and financial stability.
  • Interpret the relationship between money supply, interest rates, inflation, and unemployment using relevant economic theories and models.
  • Evaluate the impact of monetary policy decisions by institutions like the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve on domestic and global economic conditions.
  • Discuss the regulatory frameworks that govern banking systems and analyze causes and responses to financial crises.
  • Apply course concepts to contemporary issues such as digital currencies, fintech innovations, and the role of monetary policy in addressing global challenges.

Course Content & Topics:

Class 1: Introduction to Money and Financial Systems
Class 2: Commercial Banking Operations
Class 3: Interest Rates and Financial Instruments
Class 4: Central Banking and Monetary Policy Frameworks
Class 5: The Bank of Canada and Inflation Targeting
Class 6: The Federal Reserve and Global Influence
Class 7: Financial Markets: Capital, Money, and Foreign Exchange
Class 8: Monetary Policy and Macroeconomic Stability
Class 9: Bank Regulation and Financial Supervision
Class 10: Financial Crises: Causes and Policy Responses
Class 11: Inflation, Deflation, and Stagflation
Class 12: Global Trends in Monetary Policy and Digital Currencies
Class 13: FinTech, Innovation, and the Future of Banking
Class 14: Capstone Case Study & Policy Simulation

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)