ECO 515 – Advanced Microeconomics
Spring 2014
MWF 10:00 – 10:50AM
201 Winslow Hall
Instructor: Chen, Xuan
Office: 207 Winslow Hall
E-mail: xuan.chen@maine.edu
Office Hours: Thursday 3:00-4:00PM or By Appointment
Course Description:
ECO 515 Advanced Microeconomics II is a continuation of ECO 514, Advanced Microeconomics I.
We will study three important fields of modern microeconomic theories.
The first 1/3 of the course will cover game theory and industry organizations. The second 1/3 of the
course will cover risks and information. The third 1/3 of the course will cover applied production
theories. Some topics will be explained in details, others will be surveyed. If time allows, topics such
as proposal writing, development of research objectives may also be discussed. The schedule of
material, presented in the end is provisional, and is likely to be altered as we progress.
The Objective of this course is to increase the familiarity of the student with the modern
microeconomic models. Assessment of the achievement of this objective will be through student
performance on essays and problems.
Required Textbook NONE
Given the nature of the course, no one book satisfies as a textbook. As a result, I will be pulling
readings from different sources. Whenever possible I will provide you copies of readings including
book chapters and articles.
Homework Assignments
The course will mainly rely on problem sets taken from the above textbook and supplementary
readings. Periodically, other questions will be distributed to students. Unless you have made prior
arrangements with me, homework is due by the beginning of class on the assigned due date. Although
discussions are allowed, copying is strictly prohibited.
Research Assignments
You will be required to do one writing/research assignments. You are to work on the research paper
as individuals, not as a class. You will then present your research paper to the class. Plan on each
presentation being 20 minutes (15 for the presentation and 5 minutes for questions). Finally, you will
design a research poster.
Exams
Exam questions will test the degree of students’ understanding of the theory and how it could be
applied in professional economic analyses. Exams will be composed of problem sets and essay
questions and will be held in the classroom. You are to work on the exam as individuals, not as a
class.
Failures to take an exam, or produce documentation for missing an exam, will result in a grade of a
zero. You may take an early / make-up exam if and only if you have a valid excuse and you let me
know of your situation in a timely manner. Verification of excuses by a document (for example,
physician's note for a medical reason) is required.
Grading
Numerical grades will be used for all exams and homework; letter grades will be assigned only for the
overall course grade given at the end of the semester. Plus and minus grading will be used.
Requirements:
Grading:
Research Paper:
Reading List & Outline
First Draft
Second Draft (optional)
Final Draft
Research Presentation:
Research Poster:
Homework:
Exam I
Exam II
20
2
5
0
13
5
5
20
25
25
Due dates:
1/29
2/26
3/26
4/23
week of 4/30
4/25
2/26
4/25
Office Hour
Students are strongly encouraged to visit with me as often as they wish. This may be for help, extended
discussion, or anything you want. If you want to schedule a meeting other than office hour, you can
send me an email.
2
Emailing Policy
Please send emails to xuan.chen@maine.edu. I will attempt to answer your e-mail questions, as
quickly as possible. Long, involved questions are best left to another venue. When sending me email,
please include “ECO 515” in the subject line.
Disability Policy
Students with disabilities who may need services or accommodations to fully participate in this class
should contact Ann Smith, Director Disability Services in 121 East Annex, (voice) 581-2319, (TTY)
581-2325 as early as possible in the semester.
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic honesty is very important. It is dishonest to cheat on exams, to copy term papers, to submit
papers written by another person, to fake experimental results, or to copy or reword parts of books or
articles into your own papers without appropriately citing the source. Students committing or aiding in
any of these violations may be given failing grades for an assignment or for an entire course, at the
discretion of the instructor. In addition to any academic action taken by an instructor, these violations
are also subject to action under the University of Maine Student Conduct Code. The maximum
possible sanction under the student conduct code is dismissal from the University.
3