Course Syllabus

Course Information

ECON 2302.5U1.11U
Principles of Microeconomics
Summer 2011
TTR 5:00 – 7:15 PM
Room: GR 2.530
Course Website: http://elearning.utdallas.edu/ (eLearning)

Professor Contact Information

Sneha Bakshi
Office: GR 3.314
Office Phone: TBD
Email: s.bakshi@utdallas.edu
Office Hours: TTR 2:00 – 3:00 PM and by appointment

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

This is an introductory course and does not require you to have taken any courses. However, a basic
knowledge of algebra and use of graphs and diagrams is needed.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to economic reasoning in decision making and problem solving by
examining theories of the behavior of consumers, firms and markets. Topics include the theory of
demand and supply, market structure, resource markets, international interdependence in commodity
markets, and the role of government policy and regulation. The emphasis will be on analytical reasoning
and logical thinking.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

The course is designed to train students in the logic of economic reasoning and decision making and to
make them familiar with the approaches of economic modeling and with the use of algebra.

The basics of the course revolve around the following areas:

 Concepts of opportunity cost and marginal analysis
 Analysis of markets and of their structure (perfect competition, monopoly, etc.)
 Theories of Demand and Supply and price determination
 Resources, the concept of comparative advantage and applications to international trade
 The need for and the methods of government policy and regulation of markets

Required Textbooks and Materials

Course Syllabus Page 1

Mankiw, N. Gregory, Principles of Microeconomics, 5th Edition, 2009.

Suggested Course Materials

Accompanying Textbook Website:

http://www.thomsonedu.com/economics/mankiw/edition_5/micro.html

Assignments and Academic Calendar (Subject to change)

I. Introduction
Fundamental Concepts, Opportunity Cost, Marginal Analysis, and Graphs.
Chapters 1, 2 and Appendix Chapter 2.
H/W #1

II. Market Forces and Adjustment

Theories of Demand & Supply, and Concept of Elasticity.
Chapters 4 & 5 and Lecture.
H/W #2

III. Markets and Welfare

Interaction of Consumers and Producers, Efficiency of Markets, and the Scope and Role of
Government.
Chapters 6, 7 & 8.
H/W #3

Exam #1 (Tentative Date: June 14th)

IV. Resources, Comparative Advantage & Trade

Factors of Production, Interdependence and Comparative Advantage, and Applications to
International Trade.
Chapters 18, 3 & 9 and Lecture.
H/W #4

V. Analysis of Firms
Types of Industries, and Determinants of Firm Behavior.
Costs and Revenues of Firms, Different Market Structures (Competitive Markets, Monopolies,
etc.) and Price Determination.
Chapters 13, 14, 15 & 16 and Lecture.
H/W #5

Exam #2 (Tentative Date: July 7th)

VI. Economics of the Public Sector

Concepts of Externalities, Non-rivalry and Excludability, Game Theory, Public Goods, Common
Resources, and Objectives of a Tax.
Chapters 10, 11 & 12 and Lecture.
H/W #6

Course Syllabus Page 2

 Final Exam (Tentative Date: Exam Week August 4th – 10th)

Evaluation & Grading Policy

Grade Distribution:
Homework Assignments 30%
Exam #1 20%
Exam #2 20%
Exam #3 30%

Homework Assignments will be posted on eLearning. All Homework Assignments and Exams will be
based on the material taught in class. Exams 2 & 3 will not be cumulative.

Evaluation Scale:
>=98 A+ 88-89 B+ 78-79 C+ 68-69 D+ <=59 F
92-97 A 82-87 B 72-77 C 62-67 D
90-91 A- 80-81 B- 70-71 C- 60-61 D-

Course & Instructor Policies

No make-up exams.

Any absence from an exam that is not excused, will result in a grade of zero. For an absence to be
excused, the student must supply the appropriate documentation and give advance notification. By
advanced notification, the professor must be notified at least a full day (or more) prior to the exam date
if possible. Note well, that notification by email or by phone the night before the exam or on exam day
does not constitute sufficient advanced notification for most cases. For the extreme case where such
advanced notification is not feasible, the student must not only supply the appropriate documentation
for the absence itself, but must also supply the appropriate documentation related to his or her failure
to notify the professor in a timely manner. Excused absences are granted only for medical or family
emergencies (severe personal illness or injury, death of a parent, etc) and since no make-ups are given,
the student’s grade will be determined by adjusting the appropriate weights for the remaining exams or
by giving a final cumulative exam.

The same policy as specified above, also applies to the turning in of assignments when they are due.
Homework is due in class on the assigned date. Late and unexcused homework will not be accepted.

There are no exemptions from taking the final.

There will be no extra credit or special consideration.

Attendance is not required but is highly recommended for success in the course. Disturbing behavior in
class will NOT be tolerated. You are required to bring your student ID for every Exam.

Course Syllabus Page 3

If these policies are unacceptable or if you feel that you are unable to meet these requirements, then
you should drop this course.

Policies and Procedures for Students

The University of Texas at Dallas provides a number of policies and procedures designed to provide
students with a safe and supportive learning environment. Brief summaries of the policies and
procedures are provided for you at http://provost.utdallas.edu/home/index.php/syllabus-policies-and-
procedures-text and include information about technical support, field trip policies, off-campus
activities, student conduct and discipline, academic integrity, copyright infringement, email use,
withdrawal from class, student grievance procedures, incomplete grades, access to Disability Services,
and religious holy days.

You may also seek further information at these websites:

http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm
http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html
http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm
http://www.utdallas.edu/disability/documentation/index.html

These descriptions and Timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 4