EC 204 - Principles of Microeconomics | Dr. Tran Huu Dung's Sections

◙ Objectives of the Course

The main objective of the course is to analyze the decisions of different economic units in a market economy. Topics covered include the theory of household behavior, input and output decisions of the firm under different market structures. The course also examines the basis for international trade and the role of government policy in a market economy.

◙ Prerequisite

None

◙ Textbooks

Required:

Colander, Economics (Seventh edition)

The book website:

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007334365x/student_view0/index.html

Recommended:

Study Guide to accompany Colander’s Economics

◙ Class Rules

Exams:

Two one-hour examinations 30% of the final grade (each)
Comprehensive final exam 40% of the total grade

Type of Exam:

True False and Multiple Choice questions

No Quizzes, No Homework, No Other Projects

Class Participation:

Students are expected to read the assigned chapters on time and come to class prepared to discuss the material. In all cases, ask questions.

Attendance Policy:

Regular class attendance is strongly recommended. Attendance sheets are circulated in each session. Be sure to sign them.

Attendance records will be taken into consideration in borderline cases.

Retake Policy

No retake is allowed.

Makeup Policy

Request for a make-up MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE EXAM IS GIVEN IN CLASS. Approval is at the instructor's discretion.

No make-up, once allowed and scheduled, may be re-scheduled.

◙ Grading Policy

Grades will be curved.

SPECIAL INCENTIVE: Those who have a perfect attendance record throughout the course, and score above 95% in each of the two midterms, will automatically receive an A for the course and be exempted from the final exam.

◙ FALL 2008 Schedule (tentative)

Lecture notes are distributed only in class

WEEK	DATE	TOPICS	CHAPTER	NOTES
1		Economics and Economic Reasoning The production possibility model, trade, and globalization Supply and demand	1 2 4
2		Using supply and demand Describing supply and demand: elasticities	5 6
3		Taxation and government intervention The logic of individual choice	7 8
4	10/1	Review for exam ■ FIRST MIDTERM
5		Production and cost analysis I Production and cost analysis II	9 10
6		Perfect competition Monopoly	11 12
7		Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly Strategic Decision Making Review for exam	13 14
8	10/27	■ SECOND MIDTERM Antitrust Policy and Regulation	16
9		Work and the Labor Market Microeconomic policy, economic reasoning and beyond	17 20
10		International trade policy, comparative advantage, and outsourcing REVIEW	21
FINAL EXAM 9:45 AM SECTION: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM 1:30 PM SECTION: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17: 1 PM – 3 PM

Some extra readings

Controlling Health Care Costs by Hal Varian (NYT November 18, 2004)

Does a Free Download Equal a Lost Sale? (NYT November 21, 2004)

An Uprooted Underclass, Under the Microscope (NYT September 25, 2005)

Liberals and Conservatives Hitch Wagons to Recovery (LAT September 25, 2005)

Deficit disaster looms Reconstruction spending diverts attention from crisis (SF Chron Sept 25, 2005)

Is an Economist Qualified To Solve Puzzle of Autism? (WSJ Feb 27, 07)

One Answer to Global Warming: A New Tax (NYT 16-9-07)

ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. A
2. D
3. A
4. C
5. A
6. A
7. C
8. C
9. C
10. D
11. B
12. B
13. B
14. B
15. C
16. C
17. A
18. A
19. C
20. C
21. A
22. B
23. C
24. B
25. B
26. A
27. B
28. D
29. A.
30. A
31. A
32. A
33. A
34. B
35. C
36. C
37. B
38. C
39. C

1.    C
2.    C
3.    C
4.    D
5.    D
6.    D
7.    D
8.    D
9.    D
10.    B
11.    A
12.    B
13.    A
15.    D
15.    Skip (no correct answer given)