AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics
Spring 2013
Professor: Aimee Narcisenfeld
Economics 200.007
Microeconomics
Tues., Fri. 10:20-11:35
Ward 3
Office: Kreeger 112
Office Hours:
Friday: 11:45-1:15
Aimee.Narcisenfeld@american.edu
Course Description: This course covers issues associated with basic microeconomic principles. The
first third of the course will focus on theory of the consumer, the second third will examine theory of
the firm, and the last third will apply microeconomic principles to various other topics. Success in this
course requires the ability to think abstractly, application of simple algebra, an ability to manipulate
graphs, and a general knowledge of current events related to microeconomics.
Text: Principles of Microeconomics, 10th Edition; by Case, Fair, and Oster
Learning Outcomes: As a result of completing this course, students should be able to:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Use the concepts of demand and supply to analyze both consumer and firm behavior.
Explain how the consumer’s demand is related to their budget constraint and preferences.
Use cost curve analysis to explain the economic decision making of the firm.
Explain the differences between the four different types of firms.
Explain the economic outcomes of the four types of firms.
Understand the concepts of income distribution, poverty, and economic growth.
Use the concept of comparative advantage to explain how individuals and countries can gain
from trade.
Grading: Quizzes (2)
Midterm Exam
Problem Sets (2)
Final Exam
20%
25%
20%
35%
The exams will be curved based on the class mean. There will be NO makeups for the exams unless
there are circumstances that I believe to be extraordinary. The format of the exams and problem sets
will be short answer and essay type questions. The final exam for this course is cumulative.
The problem sets will be handed out in class and will be due one week later in class. Late problem sets
will be accepted at a cost of five points per day until they are graded and returned to the class.
In order to keep up with the material, I will assign practice problems that we will go over in class. You
can find these problems under the “Assignment” section in Blackboard.
Lecture Format: Each lecture will be taught with overheads that you can find and print out on
Blackboard. Once you enter Blackboard, click on “Files” and you will see the chapters that have been
posted. Right click on the relevant chapter and choose “Save Target As”, which will save the document
as a PowerPoint file. Now open PowerPoint and the relevant file. Click on “File”, and then choose
“Print”. In order to save paper, go to “Settings”, then “Handouts”, and click on “3 Slides per page”.
Academic Integrity: Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University’s Academic
Integrity Code. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity
Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the
code. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will not be treated lightly, and disciplinary actions
will be taken should such violations occur. The Code is available online at
www.american.edu/academics/integrity/code.htm.
Disability Support Services (DSS): Students who require academic accommodations due to
documented disabilities should contact the Disability Support Services. All academic accommodations
must be arranged through DSS. You can find more information online at www.american.edu/ocl/dss.
General Education Requirements: Economics 200 is one of the nine courses within Foundation 4
(Social Institutions and Behavior) in American University’s General Education Program. Courses in
this Area provide an overview of the interaction of individuals and the institutions that shape our
economic, political, and social experience. For additional information refer to the General Education
home page http://www.american.edu/provost/gened/index.cfm.
Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for Friday, May 3rd. This means you should NOT make
plans to leave for break until after this date. I will NOT under any circumstances allow you to take
the Final earlier than Friday, May 3rd.
Course Outline: The following outline provides the topics that will be discussed each week. Please
note that this outline is tentative. It may be the case that the exam dates and topics will be changed. I
will generally follow the book, but it is much more important for you to attend class on a regular basis.
In other words, there will be additional topics discussed in lecture that are not covered in the book.
Week of:
Topic:
January 14
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Microeconomics
Chapter 2 – Scarcity and Choice
Chapter 3 – Demand, Supply, and Equilibrium
January 21
Chapter 3 cont.
Chapters 4 and 5 – Demand and Supply Applications
January 28
January 29 – REVIEW
February 1 – QUIZ #1
February 4
Chapter 6 – Household Behavior and Consumer Choice
February 11
Chapter 7 – The Production Process
Chapter 8 – Short Run Costs and Output Decisions
February 15 – PROBLEM SET #1 HANDED OUT
February 18
Chapter 9 – Long Run Costs and Output Decisions
Chapter 10 – Input Demand: The Labor and Land Markets
February 22 – PROBLEM SET #1 DUE
February 25
February 26 - REVIEW
March 1 - MIDTERM
March 4
Chapter 11 – Input Demand: The Capital Market and Investment
March 11
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
March 18
Chapter 12 – Perfect Competition
March 25
Chapter 13 – Monopoly and Antitrust Policy
April 1
April 2 - REVIEW
April 5 – QUIZ #2
April 8
Chapter 14 - Oligopoly
Chapter 15 – Monopolistic Competition
April 15
Chapter 18 – Income Distribution and Poverty
Chapter 20 – International Trade
April 16 – PROBLEM SET #2 HANDED OUT
April 22
April 23 – PROBLEM SET #2 DUE
April 25 – Last Day of Class, REVIEW
April 29
FINAL EXAM: FRIDAY MAY 3rd, 8:55am – 11:25am