Syllabus for Economics 3600
Intermediate Microeconomics, Section 01
CRN#: 21209
Professor:
Chris Clark
Spring 2016
Lectures:
Section 01: 12:30-1:45 Tuesday and Thursday
Atkinson 208
Office:
Atkinson Hall 415
Phone:
445-2588
Website:
http://cclark.gcsu.edu/
Office Hours:
Email:
christopher.clark@gcsu.edu
Monday and Wednesday
Tuesday and Thursday
Or by appointment
10:00 – 11:00 AM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Course Objectives
Prerequisites: ECON 2106. ECON 3600 is a study of the tools of microeconomic theory. Consumer and
producer theory, general equilibrium theory, and methods of marginal analysis are emphasized. We will
study the behavior of individual decision makers: households, firms, resource owners. We will study the
interaction of such individual economic units in markets. We will study the role that prices play in guiding the
allocation of resources in a market economy. A number of “real-world” applications will be discussed to
reinforce students' understanding of microeconomic theory and also to demonstrate the relevance of
particular theoretical concepts.
Required Text and Materials
The required text for the course is:
Microeconomics: Theory & Applications, by Edgar Browning and Mark Zupan. (9th [OR NEWER] Edition ©
2006, paperback. John Wiley & Sons Publishing. ISBN 0471679437.).
Course Outline
I.
Introduction and Review (Ch. 1 and 2)
II.
Consumer Choice (Ch. 3)
III.
Demand Revisited and other applications (Ch. 4 and 5)
IV.
Producer Decisions (Ch. 7 and 8)
V.
Perfect Competition (Ch. 9 and 10)
VI.
Other Market Structures (Ch. 12 and 13)
VII.
Topics as time and interest allow (Ch. 14-20)
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Evaluation Criteria
Your final grade for the course is based on the distribution below. Your grade is determined on a standard 100
point scale. A: 90% to 100%, B: 80%-89%, C: 70%-79%, D: 60%-69%, F: 59% and below. Grading in the course
will be based upon in class quizzes, two midsemester exams and a final exam. Exam questions will reflect information
and ideas presented both in lecture and the assigned readings. (Please do not ask me to calculate your grade for you
during the semester. You have all the information you need to do that yourself in the following table.)
Task
% of Course Grade
Quizzes
25%
Exam I
25%
Exam II
25%
Final Exam
25%
Exams
There will be two midsemester exams and a final exam. The dates for the exams are shown in the schedule
on the last page of the syllabus. If you need to reschedule the final exam because of a conflict, you need to submit
your request in writing (email is acceptable) to me two weeks in advance. You should be prepared to critically
evaluate, in detail, the validity of the various points of view relevant to the topics presented both in class and in the two
required texts. If you arrive late on the day of an exam and another student has already turned in their exam you will
not be allowed to take the exam and you will receive a grade of zero.
Quizzes
During the semester I will give approximately 12 quizzes. Of these 12 total quizzes, only the 10 highest scores
will count. Since two assignment grades may be dropped, I DO NOT GIVE “MAKE-UP” QUIZZES. Quizzes will cover
material from the preceding week of class lectures and reading assignments. Each in-class quiz will contain at least one
essay/short answer question requiring you to describe the various points of view presented in the relevant chapter and
critically evaluate the validity of these perspectives.
Makeup Exams
I DO NOT GIVE “MAKE-UP” EXAMS. If you miss an exam due to an excused absence the weight assigned
to that exam will be shifted to the final exam. For example if you miss Exam I, you will not be able to take exam I and
the final would now be worth 45% of your grade (20% from exam I + original 25% for final). If you miss an exam
with an unexcused absence you will receive a zero for the exam. The University defines the following as excused
absences: illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student's immediate family; death of a member of
the student's immediate family; University sponsored trips; or major religious holidays. In each foreseen case, written
verification will be required at least one week before the scheduled exam and permission to miss an exam must be
secured before the scheduled exam time unless the cause of the absence is unforeseen. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM FOR
AN UNFORESEEN REASON YOU SHOULD CONTACT ME AS SOON AS YOU ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO PICK UP THE
PHONE AND CALL ME. IF YOU ARRIVE LATE TO TAKE THE EXAM AND ANOTHER STUDENT HAS ALREADY TURNED
IN THEIR EXAM AND LEFT THE ROOM YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE EXAM.
Returning Exams and Appeal Procedure
Anyone feeling that a dispute exists after the grading of an exam may submit a written grievance. This
grievance should identify the item in dispute and arguments supporting the student's position. The appeal should be
stapled to your exam and must be submitted within two class periods following the return of the assignment. I agree
to prepare a written response to the student's grievance within two class periods from receipt of the grievance.
Cheating
Cheating is in no way tolerated at Georgia College and State University. Anyone caught cheating will be
penalized severely. The minimum penalty is an "F" for the course. I require two stipulations to reduce the potential
for cheating. You may not wear a hat with any sort of bill in front during exams and you may not have your cell
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phone out during the exam. Disciplinary procedures and appeals will follow the process found in the GCSU
Undergraduate Catalog.
Course Expectations

Being Prepared: Students are expected to read assigned material prior to class and participate in class
discussion and activities. Do not be afraid to participate because of the size of the class and if you have a
question, never let it go unanswered. If you do not get an opportunity to ask your question during class,
stop by during my office hours or feel free to contact me via electronic mail. Being prepared also means
going through the notes from one class period before coming to the next class period. If you look at the
new material at least once within forty-eight hours of first seeing it, you will learn the material more
thoroughly and studying for the exam will be easier.

Being in Class: I will not take roll; however, consistent attendance is essential for acceptable performance
in the course. Many students find economic concepts difficult to grasp. Missing class will only make the
process of absorbing this material more difficult. I will also present material in class that may not be found
in the text. If you find yourself falling behind or you are having problems with the material, I encourage you
to come to me for assistance. My posted office hours list the times that you are guaranteed to find me in
my office. However, if you have a conflict, you may arrange a meeting time outside of office hours.

Being Courteous:
1) If you do plan to attend class, be on time and do not leave until class is dismissed. Late arrivals and early
departures are very disruptive to your fellow students and to me!! If you have a long walk to get to this
class from another, let me know in advance. If nature calls so loudly that you must answer, please leave
and return to the classroom as quietly as possible.
2) Please avoid carrying on private conversations during class. This behavior shows disrespect for your
classmates who would like to hear the lecture and it can have a negative impact on the learning
experience of the entire class.
3) Please turn off all cell phones, etc. If you are unable to turn off these electronic devices, please have
them on mute or leave them at home. It is very disruptive to your peers and to me to have a cell phone
ring during class.
Religious Observance Policy
Students are permitted to miss class in observance of religious holidays and other activities observed by a religious
group of which the student is a member without academic penalty. Exercising of one’s rights under this policy is
subject to the GC Honor Code. Students who miss class in observance of a religious holiday or event are required to
make up the coursework missed as a result from the absence. The nature of the make-up assignments and the
deadline for completion of such assignments are at the sole discretion of the instructor. Failure to follow the
prescribed procedures voids all student rights under this policy. The full policy and prescribed procedures are found
at:
http://senate.gcsu.edu/prod/motions/support_docs/499/1295533007_Religous%20Observance%20Policy%20for%2
0senate.docx
Assistance for Student Needs Related to Disability
If you have a disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and physical accessibility.
Disability Services, a unit of the GCSU Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, can assist you in formulating a
reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support in developing appropriate accommodations to ensure equal
access to all GCSU programs and facilities. Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may assist
you in meeting the requirements. For documentation requirements and for additional information, we recommend
that you contact Disability Services located in Maxwell Student Union at 478-445-5931 or 478-445-4233.
Student Opinion Surveys statement
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Given the technological sophistication of Georgia College students, the student opinion survey is being delivered
through an online process. Your constructive feedback plays an indispensable role in shaping quality education at
Georgia College. All responses are completely confidential and your name is not stored with your responses in any
way. In addition, instructors will not see any results of the opinion survey until after final grades are submitted to the
University. An invitation to complete the online opinion survey is distributed to students near the end of the
semester. Your participation in this very important process is greatly appreciated.
Academic Honesty (I will be using Turnitin software to check your work for plagiarism.)
The integrity of students and their written and oral work is a critical component of the academic process. All written
work submitted in this course will be individual work unless otherwise instructed. The submission of another’s work
as one’s own is plagiarism and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined on pp. 64-67 in the Undergraduate
Catalog. Remember that allowing another student to copy one’s own work is considered cheating. Also see the
student Honor Code at the website: http://www.gcsu.edu/studentlife/handbook/code.htm
Fire Drills
Fire drills will be conducted annually. In the event of a fire alarm, students will exit the building in a quick and
orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. Learn the floor plan and exits of the building. Do not use elevators.
If you encounter heavy smoke, crawl on the floor so as to gain fresh air. Assist disabled persons and others if
possible without endangering your own life. Assemble for a head count on the front lawn of main campus or other
designated assembly area. For more information on other emergencies, please visit
http://www.gcsu.edu/emergency/actionplanmain.htm
Everything Else: https://economics.gcsu.edu/general%20syllabus%20statements.htm
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Semester Calendar
Tuesday
Spring 2016
Thursday
January 12
January 14
January 19
January 21
January 26
January 28
Memo 1 Due Sunday the 31st
February 2
February 4
February 9
February 11
February 16
February 18
Exam 1
February 23
February 25
March 1
March 3
March 8
March 10
March 15
March 17
March 22
SPRING BREAK
March 24
SPRING BREAK
March 29
March 31
April 5
April 7
Exam 2
April 12
April 14
April 19
April 21
April 26
April 28
Final Exam: Tuesday, May 3
10:30 AM - 12:45 PM
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