University of Wisconsin - Fond du Lac

                                            Eco 204 - Introduction to Microeconomics

                                                                Fall 2007/Sec 02

 

                                                        COURSE INFORMATION

 

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Sayeed Payesteh                                     OFFICE: C-211

http://www.fdl.uwc.edu/faculty/spayeste/                                PHONE: 929‑3655

e-mail: spayeste@uwc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS: MW 9:00-10:00 am, TR 11:45-12:30 am, T 5:00-5:45 pm, and by appointment.

CLASS TIMES: T 5:50-8:30 S-238

 

TEXTBOOK: McEachern, W. A., Economics: A Contemporary Introduction, 7th Edition, South-western, 2006.

 

OBJECTIVES: 

The primary purpose of this course is to develop a basic understanding of the major concepts, theories, and tools used in analyzing the economic behavior of consumers and firms in a market economy.  Among the subjects included are demand and supply model, elasticity, minimum wage and labor market, cost and production, pricing under different market structures, government regulations, and global trade.

 

 

Proficiencies:

A UW Colleges-wide assessment program has been put into place to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum, programs and services of the institution.  The following areas of proficiency will be assessed because they are of primary importance in the education of our students:  Analytical Skills, Quantitative Skills, Communication Skills, and the Aesthetic Engagement.  The Business and Economics Department has also determined a number of core proficiencies for students enrolled in departmental classes.   For more information on these, please contact the instructor.

 

Class attendance, Participation, & preppartion

Regular attendance is expected along with active class participation. Participation in class is an important part of your learning experience.  For successful completion of this course, you should follow a disciplined approach to studying. Here are some tips:

 

Ř      Spend some time on the course every day, whether you have class or not.

Ř      Read the assigned sections in the text (prior to being covered in class).

Ř      Learn the vocabulary and terminology so you don’t have to “translate” during the lecture.

Ř      Work more than the minimum required sets of homework problems.

Ř      Even though you are allowed a cheat sheet, it is best to study as if the exam is totally closed book.

 

Class discussion quizzes

Quizzes will be given on a regular basis in the class.  Students will form 3-person teams to work on these quizzes (2 in exceptional cases.)  A number of these quizzes will be collected to reward points for attendance and active class participation as shown in the table below.

 

Minimal attempt

2 point

About one-half of the problems completed with solutions shown/explained

5 points

Most of the problems completed with solutions shown/ explained

8 points

All problems completed with solutions shown/explained

10 points


 

The quizzes will be discussed during the lecture.  Solutions will not be posted.  Some of the points on each exam will be given to questions similar to the worksheets. Quizzes done by a single person or more than 3 persons will not be given credit.  No worksheet will be accepted after the class.  No make up quiz will be given.  One miss will be allowed. 

 

If you miss a class it is your responsibility to find out what was covered and assigned.

 

 

Homework

Homework will be assigned in class and should be done before the next class period.  Current homework problems will be discussed at the beginning of the lecture. Solutions will not be posted. You may also check your solutions with me in my office.  Your knowledge of homework problems will be tested on the exams.  Some of the points on each exam will be given to questions similar to the homework problems. Working with other students on the assignments is highly recommended

 

Classroom coduct

Please turn off cell phones and any audible device during class. Also note that private conversation during class is distracting to both the instructor and the other students. Likewise, walking in late and leaving before the class has ended impede the learning of all students.  If you know that you will need to leave class early please sit near the exit. 

Exams

The course grade will be based on class participation, homework, quizzes, 3 midterms, and one comprehensive final exam. All exams are closed book and closed note.  You will be allowed to use half of a page of notes containing definitions and/or formulas only. Document containing solutions to problems (examples, homework, quizzes, etc.) are not allowed. 

 

As a general policy, there are no make-up exams. Anyone missing an exam will receive a zero score.

 

Make-up exam may be considered on exceptional basis only for the following reasons:

a. Participation in an authorized University activity.

b. Confinement due to illness, under a doctor’s care.

c. Death in the immediate family.

d. Participation in legal proceedings that requires your presence.

 

Documentation is required (e.g., letter from a university official, a doctor, lawyer, or funeral director). This policy will be strictly enforced.

 


 

Grading

Score

Grade

92 – up 

A

89 - < 92

A-

87 - < 89

B+

84 - < 87

B

80 - < 84

B-

75 - < 80

C+

70 - < 75

C

65 - < 70

C-

60 - < 65

D+

57 -<  60

D

55 - < 57

D-

       < 55

F

 

Exam 1: Oct. 2 (M) 

20%

Exam 2:  Oct 30 (M)      

20%

Exam 3:  Nov 20 (W)      

20%

Final Exam (TBD)

30%

Attendance & Quizzes   

10%

 

 


 

TENTATIVETIMETABLE FOR FALL 2007

 

REQUIRED READINGS                    

I. Basics:

        The Art and Science of Economic Analysis                        

               Chapters 1

        Some Tools of Economic Analysis                                               

               Chapter 2

         The Market System                                                          

               Chapter 4

 

II. Microeconomics:

        Elasticity of Demand                                                                    

               Chapter 5

       

        EXAM I - Oct. 2

        Consumer Choice and Demand                                         

               Chapter 6

        Production and Cost in the Firm                                        

               Chapter 7

        Perfect Competition                                                         

                Chapter 8

       

        EXAM II - Oct. 30

        Monopoly                                                                        

                Chapter 9

        Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly                           

                Chapter 10

        Resource Markets                                                             

               Chapter 11

        Labor Markets and Labor union                                         

               Chapter 12

       

        EXAM III - Nov. 20

        THANKSGIVING RECESS - Nov. 22-23

       

        Economic Regulation                                                       

               Chapter 15

 

III. International Economics                                                     

           International Finance                                                      

               Chapter 33

Final Exam--TBA