Syllabus
Economics 200A: Principles of Microeconomics
Summer 2014
Instructor: Muxin Zhai
Class Time & Location: Mon - Fri 8:30-9:30 am Condon Hall 105
Office: Savery Hall 319A
Office Hours: MW 9:30-10:30 am and by appointment
Email: muxinz@uw.edu
Course Description:
Economics is a set of tools and concepts that can be applied to understand a great
number of phenomena in economic and social sphere. We use the tools of the science
of economics to study why things are and how they change when a relevant factor or
force changes. In this class, we focus on the production, consumption and distribution
of goods and services. Through a variety of practices and in-class activities, you will
learn how economic agents behave or interact and how economies work.
Course website:
Any course materials will be posted on catalyst (http://catalyst.washington.edu/).
Please check it periodically for updates in syllabus, class slides, reading materials,
homework, and quiz/exam answer keys.
Textbook:
Our main textbook is Principle of Microeconomics (7th edition) by Eugene Silberberg
and Gregory Ellis (published by Person Custom Publishing, 2013). If you like to
purchase an earlier edition of the textbook, that is totally fine. I would also
recommend Gregory Mankiw’s Principles of Microeconomics as supplementary
reading materials.
The CLUE (Center for Undergraduate Learning and Enrichment) Program:
Econ 200 is part of the CLUE Program on campus. The CLUE evening study sessions
provide extra educational support for students. The CLUE dates and times for Econ
200 are announced on CLUE website: http://depts.washington.edu/aspuw/clue/home/.
If you are international student who needs additional help in writing, there are a
number of workshops and drop-in tutoring in the writing center at CLUE which
would offer you great support.
Course grade:
Your course grades will consist of 3 parts: weekly quizzes (15%), two problem sets
(10%), and three exams (25% each).
Course schedule:
The summer class will be in an accelerated pace. All students should be ready for
weekly quiz/exam/problem set.
Week 1
Jun 23-27
Week 2
Jun 30 - Jul 4
Week 3
Jul 7-11
Week 4
Jul 14-18
Week 5
Jul 21-25
Week 6
Jul 28 - Aug 1
Week 7
Aug 4-8
Week 8
Aug 11-15
Week 9
Aug 18-22
Chapters 1-3
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapters 3-4
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapters 4-5
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapters 5
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapters 6
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapter 7-8
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapter 9
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapter 9
Principle of Microeconomics
Chapters 11-12
Principle of Microeconomics
Quiz on Friday
Problem set 1 due on Thursday
No class on Friday
First exam on Friday
Quiz on Friday
Quiz on Friday
Second exam on Friday
Quiz on Friday
Problem set 2 due on Friday
Third exam on Friday
Notes:
1. I will drop your lowest quiz score and only count the highest three quizzes toward
the final grade.
2. There is no make-up quizzes or exams.
3. You are encouraged to work in groups of 2-3 in your problem set. However, each
one of you should submit your own work.