Department of Economics
http://www.economics.emory.edu
Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 101)
Dr. Hashem Dezhbakhsh
Office: 312C Rich Building
Telephone: (404) 727-4679
Office Hours:
Mondays 4:00-5:30 and Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 or by appointment
Textbook:
Mankiw, Gregory N., (2015), Principles of Microeconomics, Dryden Press,.7th edition.
Mankiw Study Guide is Optional.
Web Sites for the textbook:
http://www.cengage.com/economics/mankiw/edition_7/micro.html
This is a very useful web site that includes application cases, news stories, links, and quizzes related
to each chapter. I strongly urge you to integrate it into your readings.
Overview:
The objective of the course is to familiarize the students with the way market economies function. More
specifically, we discuss the theory of consumer behavior, theory of firm, various market structures, and the
labor market. In addition, we cover a host of related topic including public goods, externalities,
environment, health care, and stock market. Current issues are particularly emphasized and discussed on a
regular basis.
Examinations and Grading Policy: Exam location may be different than regular class location (check BB)
Exam I: 40%, Thursday February 25
You Must Bring Your Student ID to All Exams
Exam II: 40%, Thursday April 8
Exam III: 20%, Monday May 4, 8:00-9:30 a.m.. (This exam is not comprehensive).
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Failure to take a test will lead to a score of zero for that test. No exception will be made.
Make up exams are allowed only in medical emergencies (written verification required).
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Grades are not curved (60-69 is D, 70-79 is C, 80-89 is B and 90 and up is A with pluses and minuses in
each range). Students may earn bonus points, however, to improve their grades. Bonus points are given
for pop quizzes, assignments, success in experimental games, and active class participation. Assignments
will not be accepted late. No make-up quizzes will be given.
Assignments include (i) short exercises assigned occasionally and collected in the following class and (ii)
extensive homework sets. There will be three homework sets. You are expected to turn in the problems
designated as TURN-IN in these homework sets. All other problems are for your preparation. Solutions
will be posted right after the due date for the TURN-IN problems (see the class-by-class schedule next
page).
Before each class, brief lecture notes will be posted on Blackboard as a Power Point attachment. The
posted notes should not encourage you to skip class, as they are incomplete. Print these and bring to class
to fill in the blanks. Exams will cover the assigned reading from the textbook, the core material discussed
in the lectures, and also the problem sets. Some material covered in lectures, such as current events, are
not from the textbook. It is, therefore, important to attend class on a regular basis. Casual attendees
will not be accommodated.
Teaching Assistants:
Graduate TA: Ms. Anne Hannusch inish, currently a Ph.D. student in economics is the course graduate
TA. You can reach her at anne.hannusch@emory.edu. She will hold office hours Tuesdays 4:00-5:30
p.m. and Wednesdays 1:00-2:30 p.m. in Rich Building Room 310B.
Undergraduate TA(s): Ms. Emily Matis and Ms. Yixuan (Cheryl) Chen, both economics majors and
among my outstanding former students, will help as undergraduate TAs. Their e-mail addresses are
emily.matis@emory.edu and yixuan.chen@emory.edu, respectively.
Feel free to contact the TAs if you need help.
Honor Code Violations will be dealt with decisively (failing grade and expulsion from school).
“The honor code is in effect throughout the semester. By taking this course, you
affirm that it is a violation of the code to cheat on exams, to plagiarize, to deviate
from the teacher’s instructions about collaboration on work that is submitted for
grades, to give false information to a faculty member, and to undertake any other
form of academic misconduct. You agree that the teacher is entitled to move you to
another seat during examinations, without explanation. You also affirm that if you
witness others violating the code you have a duty to report them to the honor
council.”
Expected Student Conduct:
Please do not miss any class. Students who miss class will not be accommodated and absentees will lose
bonus points.
Adherence to the following guidelines in class.
 Be on time. Late arrival disturbs the lectures and will not be allowed.
 Turn your mobile phone and other electronic gadgets off before you enter class. Your bonus points
will be reduced if your phone rings or if you use your cell phone or send messages in class.
 Participate in class discussions. Be attentive and take detailed notes.
Please adherence to the following when outside class.
 Look over the assigned material before class and read it carefully after the lecture.
 Do the assigned homework problems on a regular basis. Economics requires gradual learning.
 Please discuss with me any problems you may have in the course or any suggestions to improve the
course.
About Blackboard:
Blackboard is a communication medium used to make announcements, distribute handouts and lectures,
post reading material, collect assignments, and record and distribute grades. To get to the Blackboard main
page go to https://classes.emory.edu and then use your e-mail ID and Password to log in and select our
course. If you cannot log in, you perhaps have difficulty with your e-mail (network) ID and password.
You may contact classes@emory.edu for any problems or questions you might have. There are several
navigation buttons on the left that we use to organize and classify information. Among these are
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Announcements
used to make various announcements. Please read this section regularly.
Course Documents
Assignments
used to post lecture presentations.
used to post syllabus, homework, and homework solutions.
Discussion Board
Additional Reading
used to post comments and conduct virtual discussion. The board will be
Divided into several sections, each devoted to a particular discussion; for
example, Administrative and Reading-Related, and Homework-Related.
used to post non-textbook reading material (supplementary reading).
We will not use Learnlink, except for e-mail exchange.
Self Assessment Scores:
You are asked to assess the effort you put into each class on scale of 0 to 5, with 5 indicating the most effort.
You will record these scores on the last page of this syllabus on a weekly basis. Detach this page and turn it
in the last day of class. You get 2 bonus points for turning this score sheet in, irrespective of the scores
you report. These scores will be used to study course outcome only after the semester is over and grades are
reported. We appreciate your honest assessment of your efforts which makes the scores meaningful.
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Printing Class Notes:
PowerPoint slides for each lecture are posted before class. Print these notes, bring to class, and use it as the
basis for taking additional notes. To avoid wasting paper and color ink, print the slides in handout and
black and white mode.
Reading List and Class-by-Class Schedule:
I- Basic Economic Concepts, Production Possibilities, and Comparative Advantage
Classes #1, #2, and #3:
(January 14, 21, and 26)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapters 1 and 2
Lecture Notes: 101-01, 101-02, 101-03
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Basic Economics Concepts section of
Homework Set #1.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
Class #4:.
(January 28)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 3
Lecture Notes: 101-04
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Production Possibilities & Comparative
Advantage section of Homework Set #1.
II- Demand Supply, Equilibrium, Disequilibrium, and Elasticity
Classes #5 and #6:.
(February 2 and 4)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 4 and Chapter 6 (up to Taxes)
Lecture Notes: 101-05 and 101-06
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Demand Supply, Equilibrium, and
Disequilibrium section of Homework Set #1.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
Class #7:.
(February 9)
We Play an Experimental Game in Class. Winners are rewarded with bonus points and
coffee and dessert outing. So come to class with a lot of energy, and sit next to those you
would like to have as your group mates.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
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Class #8:.
(February 11)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 5
Lecture Notes: 101-07
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Elasticity section of Homework Set #1.
III- Consumer Theory, Market Efficiency, and Production & Costs
Class #9:.
(February 16)
Reading Material: Class Outline and Brief Notes; Take thorough class notes since the material
covered here is not from the textbook.
Lecture Notes: 101-08
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Consumer Theory section of Homework Set #1.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
Class #10:.
(February 18)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 6 (from taxes onward) & Chapter 7 (only what is covered in class).
Lecture Notes: 101-09
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Class #11:.
(February 23)
This is a catch up session and Review before Exam I
Deadline: The TURN-IN Problems in Homework Set #1 are due in class today.
What you turn in must be neatly written and stapled.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
Solutions to Homework Set #1 will be posted on Blackboard after class.
Class #12:.
(February 25)
Exam I: Covers the material discussed in Classes #1 through #11
Class #13:.
(March 2)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 13
Lecture Notes: 101-10
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Production & Costs section of Homework Set #2.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
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IV- Perfectly Competitive Markets, Monopoly, and Price Discrimination
Classes #14 and #15:.
(March 4 and 16)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 14 (except sections 14-3d and 14-3e at the end of the chapter
that are excluded).
Lecture Notes: 101-11
Exams will be returned during Class #14. Be there!!
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Perfectly Competitive Markets section of
Homework Set #2.
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Enjoy Your Spring Break
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Classes #16 and #17:.
(March 18 and 23)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 15
Lecture Notes: 101-12
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Monopoly and Price Discrimination section of
Homework Set #2.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
V- Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly, and Game Theory
Class #18:.
(March 25)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 16
Lecture Notes: 101-13
We also Play an Experimental Game in Class. Winners are rewarded with bonus
points and possible coffee and dessert outing. So come to class with a lot of energy,
and sit next to those you would like to have as your group mates.
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Class #19:.
(March 30)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 17
Lecture Notes: 101-14
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly, and
Game Theory section of Homework Set #2.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
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VI- Competitive Labor Markets, and Exam II
Class #20:.
(April 1)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 18
Lecture Notes: 101-15
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the problems in the Competitive Labor Markets section of
Homework Set #2.
Class #21:.
(April 6)
This is a catch up and problem solving session; We will finish any unfinished business.
Deadline: The TURN-IN Problems in Homework Set #2 are due in class today.
What you turn in must be neatly written and stapled.
Record your self evaluation score in the last page of the syllabus.
Solutions to Homework Set #2 will be posted on Blackboard after class.
Class #22:.
(April 8)
Exam II: Covers the material discussed in Classes #13 through #21
VII- Public Goods, Externalities, Cost Benefit Analysis, Stock Market, and Final Exam
Classes #23:.
(April 13)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 11
Lecture Notes: 101-16
Exam II results will be returned during one of these two classes. Be there!!
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
We also Play an Experimental Game in Class. Winners are rewarded with bonus
points and coffee and dessert outing. So come to class with a lot of energy, and sit
next to those you would like to have as your group mates.
Homework: Do the Public Goods Section of Homework set #3.
Classes #24 and #25:.
(April 15 and 20)
Reading Material: Mankiw Chapter 10.
Lecture Notes: 101-17
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Do the Externalities Section of Homework set #3.
The TURN-IN Your Self Assessment Score sheet in class today (Class #25) for 2 bonus point.
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Class #26:.
(April 22)
Reading Material: Class Outline and Brief Notes; Take thorough class notes since class
discussion on Cost Benefit Analysis is not from the textbook.
Lecture Notes: 101-18
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Bonus points will be posted on Blackboard before class today
Solutions to Homework Set #3 will be posted on Blackboard after class.
Classes #27 and #28:.
(April 27 and Extra Session)
Reading Material: Class Handout
Lecture Notes: 101-19-StkMrkt
Assignments: Skim over each reading material before it is discussed in class and then read it
carefully after it is covered in class. Print class notes for this lecture before
coming to class and use it as the basis for additional note taking.
Homework: Review the problems done in the Stock Market Class.
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Exam III: Monday, May 4, 8:00-9:30 a.m.
The Exam Covers the material discussed in Classes #23 through #28
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Final Exam scores and Grades cannot be given over the phone or via e-mail. Final exam scores will be
posted on Blackboard and letter grades on OPUS. Grades will not change after they are posted. Any
grade inquiry will be deferred to the beginning of the following semester.
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Happy Summer Holidays
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Self Assessment Scores:
Your Name (Last, First): _________________________
Please assess the effort you put into each class and use the format below to report it on scale of 0 to 5,
with 5 indicating the most effort. Report the scores every week. Detach this page and
turn it in
class #25.
You get 2 bonus points for turning this score sheet in, irrespective of the scores you
report. These scores will be used to study course outcome only after the semester is over and grades
are reported. We appreciate your honest assessment of your efforts which makes the scores
meaningful.
Please circle the correct score ( 0 means awful and 5 outstanding)
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 2, and 3 ……………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 4, and 5 ……………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 6 and 7 …………….….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 8 and 9 ……………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 10, and 11 …………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 13 and 14 …………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 15 and 16 …………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 17 and 18 …………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 19, 20, and 21 ………
0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Classes 23 and 24 …………….. 0
1
2
3
4
5
 Self Evaluation Score for Class 25 
1
2
3
4
5
Class 12 is devoted to Exam I
Class 22 is devoted to Exam II
…………….. 0
Turn the form in class #25 for 2 Bonus points
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