SAIGONTECH
Course Syllabus
ECON2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
1. Class: ECON2
Semester: Spring 2013
CRN:
2. Instructors:
Instructor:
Office:
Tel:
Mobile:
Email:
Office Hours:
Nguyễn Thị Anh Thư
Room 102 – SaigonTech Tower
(84-8) 3715 5033 (ext. 1255)
090-330-0352
anhthu@saigontech.edu.vn
by appointment
Co-Instructor:
Office:
Tel:
Mobile:
Email:
Yahoo:
Trần Nam Giang
Room 604 – SaigonTech Tower
(84-8) 3715 5033 (ext. 1632)
0942 93 91 92
giangtn@saigontech.edu.vn
southriver_2000
3. Campus and Room Location with Days and Times
Venue: Room 203 – SaigonTech Tower
Time
: Tuesdays 1:00pm – 4:10pm
4. Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH): 3
5. Total Course Contact Hours: 48
6. Type of Instruction: Lectures & Tutorials
7. Course Description:
ECON 2302 is an introductory course in microeconomics, which examines the fundamental
theories of the consumer, the firm, and markets. It is a required course for any student wishing to
take major or minor in business or economics, and it is recommended for any student who would
like to understand the American and world economy as it relates to business and individual
welfare. This course also meets the social science requirements of the core curriculum, since you
will be exposed to major questions concerning human and institutional behavior, and you will be
encouraged to develop your skills in critical analysis, mathematics, and/or writing clarity.
There are different approaches to teaching. I am certain if you pay attention, what you learn in
my class will help you make more sense of TV headlines news, business, and politics. You may
also be surprised that I ask you learn by heart some basic key terms, principles, and formulas.
You will see in the Course Calendar that I expect you to prepare before class and to do
homework after class. 15 minutes of next lecture time will be used to check your understanding
of chapter covered in previous class, and reading assigned for the current class. I believe in selfstudying, therefore, my hope is that you will be more successful in the course if you well
prepared before and after classes.
8. Course Prerequisite(s):
ESL level 4
1
No previous economic study is required.
9. Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students’
learning
Outcomes
Learning
Objectives
1. Understand the basic economic terms
2. Can define the different economic concepts
3. Provide in-depth, typical examples to each of the concepts and models
4. Be able to interpret clearly most of the economic problems.
5. Can clarify principles and concepts by applicable evidences in real life.
I. Be able to understand the basic economic principles and concepts:
1. Scarcity, choice and opportunity cost
2. PPF, comparative advantage, specialization, and trade
3. Economic systems
4. Property rights and the role of incentives
5. Marginal analysis
II. Recognize the nature and functions of product markets:
1. Supply and demand. Market equilibrium
2. Determinant of supply and demand. Price and quantity controls
3. Elasticity, price, income, and cross price elasticity of demand
4. Price elasticity of supply. Consumer surplus, producer surplus and
market efficiency
5. Tax incidence and deadweight loss
III. Theory of consumer choice:
1. Total utility and marginal utility
2. Utility maximization: equalizing marginal utility per dollar
3. Individual and market demand curves
4. Income and substitution effects
IV. Production and costs
1. Production functions: short and long run
2. Marginal product and diminishing returns
3. Short run costs
4. Long run costs and economies of scale
5. Cost minimizing input combination
V. Firm behavior and market structure
1. Profit Accounting versus Economic profit. Normal profit
2. Profit maximization : MR=MC rule
3. Perfect competition. Monopoly. Oligopoly. Monopolistic competition
4. Short run and long run equilibrium
10. Instructional Methods: Face to Face
11. Textbook:
Economics, 1st edition, P. Krugman and R. Wells (2006). Worth Publishers.
For the best use of the textbook, take some time to read Tools for Learning, pp.xi-xii
Go to URL: http://www.worthpublishers.com/krugmanwells for student resources.
12. Other Required Materials: TBA before each class
13. Course Requirements:
Assignment submission policy
Students should submit the assignments in hardcopy by handing them directly to the instructor.
Assignment Extension Policy
2
The assignments must be submitted on or before the due dates. Submissions made on time will
be graded and promptly returned approximately one week after the due date. An automatic
extension of up to seven (7) days after the due date is permitted without penalty. But there is a
compromise which you will accept by making use of the 7-day extension period:





Submissions during the 7-day extension period will be marked at the convenience of the
lecturer. This means that students using the 7-day extension might not receive their result and
feedback until the next assessable task.
The feedback on submissions during the 7-day extension period might be less extensive than
submissions on or before the due date. This feedback might consist of a mark and a short
statement about the submission.
Submissions without an approved extension received more than 7 days after the due date and
time will be given a mark of zero (0). No feedback on such submissions will be given.
This approach to extensions is being used so that the lecturer does not need to approve
extensions, and so that students are not required to ask for extensions.
Please note that this 7-day extension policy is applicable only to this class.
Make-up policy
Makeup test is not allowed. If any class session is canceled, I will discuss with you to arrange a
make-up class.
Attendance and Withdrawal Policies
Please read information about attendance and withdrawal policies on SaigonTech website:
http://www.saigontech.edu.vn/index.php/en/current-students/thong-tin-hc-tp/60-thong-tin-chung
14. Instructor’s Requirements (such as tardiness policy, plagiarism policy …)
Classroom policy
 Please be seated before lecture begins, and don't leave early without prior permission since it
is very distracting to me and your classmates. Arriving late or leaving early without a valid
excuse will count as half of an absence.
 English is communication language at SaigonTech, please observe. Sometimes, I will use
Vietnamese to explain difficult concepts, but always with your permission. I also will allow
you from time to time using Vietnamese when answering me, but you should ask me before
switch into Vietnamese. No Vietnamese Policy will be applied if you fail to do so.
 Because it is distracting to other students and to me, you should keep mobile phones
off/silent, and not carry on private conversations. Making a habit of this will reduce your
participation grade.
 Being active in class discussions and asking questions are highly encouraged
 To make use of your scarce time and mine, do NOT study for another exam, or do work for
another class, or play games, or surf Internet. If you are caught red-handed, you will be
dismissed from the class and your attendance for that class will be ABSENT. It also reduces
your participation grade.
 Do not close your books or rustle your papers to signal the end of class. Pack up only when I
say I have done.
Academic Honesty
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course
requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by SaigonTech officials
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Please visit this site for more details about
Academic Dishonesty Policy:
http://www.saigontech.edu.vn/index.php/en/current-students/student-disciplines
3
Other Student Information: Refer to SaigonTech’s website at www.saigontech.edu.vn for other
students rights and responsibilities at the school.
15. Grading Policies
An Incomplete may be given only for extenuating circumstances (i.e. family illness, accident,
and an unforeseen event occurring at exam time). The grading policy is summarized below:
Course Grading
1) Assignment (group)
2) Presentation (group)
3) Mid-term exam
4) Final exam
5) Participation
Total
15%
15%
25%
30%
15%
100%
Grading Scale
90 – 100
A
80 – 89
B
70 – 79
C
0 – 69
F
The passing grade of this course is C
1) Assignment (group): Each group (maximum of 5 students) will select two problems to
solve after each chapter and submit the written answer to the instructor on the tutorial day
for that chapter.
2) Presentation (group): Each group will present their answers on the tutorial day. Each
group is required to do 5 presentations in total for the whole semester. Below is the list of
presentation marking criteria:
Criteria
Speaking speed
Attire
Time management
Power point slides
Pronunciation
Professional Manner
Content
Total
Standards
Not too fast, not too slow
Appropriate
10-15 minutes for presentation
(not including questions & answers section)
Good design & layout
Accurate, clear, loud enough
Proper gesture, face expression, eye contact, audience control
Quality of the content presented, quality of the answers
%
5
5
5
5
20
30
30
100
3) Mid-term (individual, closed-book, no electronic devices): Mid-term exam includes 15
multiple-choice questions, 15 false-true questions, 1 theory question, and 2 problem-solving
questions. The mid-term exam lasts for 110 minutes. Students have a five-minute reading
time. The instructor will announce the topics for mid-term exam later.
4) Final exam (individual, closed-book, no electronic devices): Final exam includes 15
multiple-choice questions, 15 false-true questions, 1 theory question, and 2 problem-solving
questions. The final exam lasts for 110 minutes. Students have a five-minute reading time.
The instructor will announce the topics for final exam later.
5) Participation (individual): Participation mark depends on your diligence and activeness.
To get full mark (15%), you have to attend all 32 class-sessions and be very active in the
class. Also, you have to pass 15-minute checking your understanding before lecture.
Grade appeal, refunds, discipline issues
Refer to the Student Handbook, Catalog and Schedule.
4
16. Course Calendar: Lectures and tutorials will follow the order of the Krugman and Wells textbook
Week
1
2
Date
Tue
22/01/13
Tue
22/01/13
Tue
29/01/13
Tue
29/01/13
3
Tue
05/02/13
Tue
12/02/13
Tue
19/02/13
Tue
19/02/13
4
Tue
26/02/13
Tue
26/02/13
5
Tue
05/03/13
Tue
05/03/13
6
Tue
12/03/13
Tue
Item/Description
- Introduction
- Syllabus Clarification
- How to use the textbook
effectively
- Lecture: Chapter 01 First
Principles
Tutorial: How to prepare for
your tutorials
Tutorial: Chapter 1
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 02
Economic Models: TradeOffs and Trade
Pre-class Reading
- Chapter 1 Opening Story,
pp.5-6
- Definition of Key Terms
of Introduction & Chapter 1
(see the list of Key Terms
on pp. 4, 18)
After-Classs Homework
- Check Your Understanding 11 (p.11), 1-2 (p.17)
- Economics in Action (pp.1617)
- Summary, pp.17-18
- Chapter 2 Opening Story,
p.20
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 2 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.38)
- Check Your Understanding 21 (p.33), 2-2 (p.37)
- Summary, p.38
- Chapter 3 Opening Story,
pp.56-57
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 3 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.79)
- Check Your Understanding 31 (p.63), 3-2 (pp.67-68), 3-3
(p.72), 3-4 (p.77)
- Summary, pp.78-79
- Chapter 4 Opening Story,
pp.83-84
- Economics in action
(p.89)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 4 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.105)
- Check Your Understanding 41 (p.90), 4-2 (p.94), 4-3 (p.99),
4-4 (p.104)
- Summary, pp.104-105
- Chapter 5 Opening Story,
p.109
- Economics in action
(p.120)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 5 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.131)
- Check Your Understanding 51 (p.113), 5-2 (pp.120-121), 5-3
(p.123), 5-4 (p.126)
- Summary, pp.130-131
- Chapter 6 Opening Story,
- Check Your Understanding 6-
Tet holidays
Tet holidays
Tutorial: Chapter 2
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 03
Supply and Demand
Tutorial: Chapter 3
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 04
The Market Strikes Back
Tutorial: Chapter 4
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 05
Elasticity
Tutorial: Chapter 5
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 6
5
7
13/03/13
Consumer and Producer
Surplus
Tue
19/03/13
Tutorial: Chapter 6
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
- Midterm exam preview
Lecture: Chapter 7
Making Decisions
Tue
19/03/13
8
9
Tue
26/03/13
Tue
26/03/13
Tue
02/04/13
Tue
02/04/13
10
Tue
09/04/13
Tue
09/04/13
11
Tue
16/04/13
Tue
16/04/13
12
Tue
23/04/13
13
Tue
p.135
- Economics in action
(pp.151-152)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 6 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.157)
1 (p.142), 6-2 (p.146), 6-3
(p.152), 6-4 (p.156)
- Summary, p.157
- Chapter 7 Opening Story,
pp.160-161
- For Inquiring Mind
(p.162)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 7 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.178)
- Check Your Understanding 71 (p.164), 7-2 (p.171), 7-3
(p.173), 7-4 (p.177)
- Summary, pp.177-178
- Chapter 8 Opening Story,
pp.181-182
- For Inquiring Mind
(p.186)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 8 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.203)
-Check Your Understanding 81 (p.189), 8-2 (p.197), 8-3
(p.202)
-Summary, pp.202-203
- Chapter 9 Opening Story,
p.206
- Economics in action
(p.220)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 9 (see the list of
Key Terms on p.227)
- Check Your Understanding 91 (p.210), 9-2 (p.220), 9-3
(p.226)
- Summary, p.227
- Chapter 14 Opening
Story, p.333
- For Inquiring Mind
(p.345)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 14 (see the list
of Key Terms on p.359)
-Check Your Understanding
14-1 (p.339),
14-2 (p.347),
14-3 (p.352),
14-4 (p.358)
-Summary, pp.358-359
- Chapter 15 Opening
-Check Your Understanding
Mid-term Exam
(Chapter 1- 6)
Mid-term Exam
(Chapter 1- 6)
Tutorial: Chapter 7
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 8
Behind the Supply Curve:
Input and Costs
Tutorial: Chapter 8
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 9
Perfect Competition and the
Supply Curve
Tutorial: Chapter 9
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 14
Monopoly
Tutorial: Chapter 14
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Lecture: Chapter 15
6
14
15
16
23/04/13
Oligopoly
Tue
30/04/13
Holiday
(to be
made up)
Tue
30/04/13
Holiday (to
be made
up)
Tutorial: Chapter 15
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
Tue
07/05/13
Tutorial: Chapter 16
- Written answer submission
- Group presentation
- Final Exam Review
Tue
07/05/13
Tue
14/05/13
Tue
14/05/13
Lecture: Chapter 16
Monopolistic Competition
and Consumer Choice
Story, pp.363-364
- Economics in action
(pp.377-378)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 15 (see the list
of Key Terms on p.384)
15-1 (p.366),
15-2 (p.370),
15-3 (p.378),
15-4 (p. 383)
-Summary, p.384
- Chapter 16 Opening
Story, pp.388-389
- Economics in action
(p.392)
- Definition of Key Terms
of Chapter 16 (see the list
of Key Terms on p.404)
- Check Your Understanding
16-1 (p.393),
16-2 (p.398),
16-3 (p.400),
16-4 (p. 403)
- Summary, p.403
Final Exam
Final Exam
7