Econ 202-502 :
Principles of Economics: Microeconomics
Spring 2010 Syllabus
Instructor: Fan Ji
Office: Allen 3010
Email: jifan@neo.tamu.edu
Class Meetings: MWF 10:55-11:45 -- Allen 1006.
Office Hours: MW 8:00 - 9:30am , Allen 3010 or by appointment
Class Website: http://econweb.tamu.edu/fan/
Required Text Book
z Parkin, Michael, Microeconomics, 9th edition, Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2009
ISBN: 978-0321592873
z Parkin's Companion Website:
http://wps.aw.com/aw_parkin_microecon_8/65/16895/4325158.cw/index.html
z MyEconLab http://myeconlab.mathxl.com/login_econ.htm (See attached paper)
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to microeconomics. Elementary principles of
economics; the economic problem and the price system; theory of demand, theory of
production and the firm, theory of supply; the interaction of demand and supply.
Prerequisites: None
Course Policies
Quiz
z You will have one quiz assigned after each chapter in MyEconLab, containing 20
multiple choice one point each. The quiz will be due one day before the
corresponding exam date. For example, quiz for chapter 1 to 6 will be due on
Feb.25th, for you will have exam one on Feb 26th. Each quiz will allow two
attempts, the best score will remain. So, no harm to try again. In the final, the best
10 of 13 quizzes will be calculated in a total of 200 points. If you have finished
the entire 13 quiz, you will get 10 bonus point which you will get 210 points in
total.
Homework
z We will be using MyEconLab for most of your homework assignments. You complete
these assignments on-line, on your own time, outside of class, and they are submitted
electronically through the MyEconLab system. Please note that MyEconLab will not
accept even second’s late homework. Plan early and do not wait till the last
minute.
z
We will have three problem sets each containing 20 multiple choice, true/false
and fill-in-blank questions 3 points each coverings the material specified in the
above assignment schedule. The total points will be 60 points per homework. No
make-up homework (Regardless of Reason).
Exams
z You will have three non-comprehensive exams. The first two exams will be held
during class time and the last one will be held in the school final exam date. Each
exam will have 40 multiple choices and true/false questions 3 points each
coverings the material specified in the above assignment schedule. Total will be
120 points per exam.
z The exams dates are:
Exam 1: Friday, February 26th
Exam 2: Wednesday, March 31st
Final exam: Tuesday, May 11th s
z Please note that if any change made to the exam date, you will be informed at
least one week before.
Make-up Exams
z You must have an authorized school excuse to have a make-up exam which
means either an email or a written letter signed by the authorities. No oral excuse
will be accepted. You must notify me and provide documentation within two working
days of the missed exam.
Grading
z Course grades will be based on the number of points you earn out of 750,
including 210 Quiz points, 180 Homework points and 360 Exam points.
z A total of 675 points (90%) will guarantee you an "A," 600 points (80%) will
guarantee a "B", and so on.
z Grades are based ONLY on the number of points earned on these items, so please
do not ask me about "extra work" to improve your grade.
Attendance and Conduct
z There’s no requirement for attendance. Still, you are expected to attend class
z
regularly as I will cover material that may not be in the textbook, give out -book
examples, and answer questions or review materials during class.
It is your responsibility to catch up with the material if you miss a class, either by
contacting a friend or by coming to office hours. If you cannot attend several lectures, it
is a good idea to email or talk to me as soon as you can.
ADA Notice
z The Americans with Disabilities comprehensive civil rights protection requires
that all students with disabilities reasonable accommodation of accommodation,
contact the Department Cain Hall, or call 845-1637.Academic Integrity
Aggie Honor Code
An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.
z Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately
assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for
learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Students
will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and
other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the
TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.
For additional information please visit: www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/ .
Course Outline
You are expected to read all the chapters listed in the outline as the class goes on. Below is a
tentative class outline which notice will be given ahead if some there are some changes.
1.
Introduction:
What are economics and the general problems? (Chapter 1 and 2)
2.
How markets work:
Demand and Supply; Elasticity (Chapter 3 and 4)
Efficiency and Equity (Chapter 5)
Government Actions (Chapter 6)
------------------------Exam 1: Friday, February 26th------------------------------3.
Household’s Choice
Utility and demand (Chapter 8)
4.
Markets and Firms
Organization Production (Chapter 10 and 11)
Perfect Competition (Chapter 12)
st
----------------------------Exam 2: Wednesday, March 31 ---------------------------------Monopoly (Chapter 13)
Monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and an introduction to game theory (Chapter
14 and 15)
th
---------------------------Final exam: Tuesday, May 11 ------------------------------5.
Other Interested Topics if Time Permitted
Global Market (Chapter 7)
Externalities and Public Goods (Chapter 16 and 17)