Introduction to Microeconomics (Econ 201) 
Winter Term 2006 Syllabus
Days & Time: Tuesday/Thursday 1000-1150 with a 5+
minute break
Place: Weniger (WNGR)
151
Instructor: Bruce Sorte, M.A.I.S. Agricultural Economics, Economics
and Political Science
Office: Ballard (BalE) 228
Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 1530 to 1730
By Appointment Early in the
morning is often good and just send me an email to arrange a time
Phone No.: 541.737.9594 (OSU) and 541.757.2466
(Home)
Email: Bruce.Sorte@OregonState.edu
Web: http://oregonstate.edu/~sorteb/
In addition to
the above office hours, you can get help in the
Course
Materials:
OSullivan,
Arthur and Steven M. Sheffrin 2005. Microeconomics Principles and Tools Fourth
Edition.
Levitt, Steven D.
and Stephen J. Dubner 2005. Freakonomics
A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side Of Everything.
eInstruction CPSRF Student Response Pad (Transmitter)
Prerequisites: A working
knowledge of algebra and graphing or visit with me.
This
class fulfills requirements for the Baccalaureate Core, Perspectives: Social
Processes and Institutions. We will explore the application of economic
theories to understanding of current events, and will critically examine how
economic decisions affect different parts of society and the institutions
within which society is organized.
Course Objectives/outcomes:
1. Describe
the basic parts of an economy and how people make economic decisions. Review
the historical context for economic theory.
Students will be able to apply economic theory and tools to current
issues showing mastery of the operation of the market system; the role of
households, firms, and government in the market system. They will understand
how market prices are determined.
2. Determine when government is likely
to participate in what is produced, how it is produced and who gets what is
produced. Propose government policies that incorporate these economic concepts.
Students will be able to identify when free markets are most likely to
behave inefficiently and suggest possible public policy remedies.
3. Develop and refine your ability
to use economic analysis to evaluate current events and other issues that you
consider to be important (e.g. graduate education, job search) and anticipate
the short and long-term outcomes of others and your decisions. Students
will be able to apply microeconomic theory to real world situations.
4. Frame projects or activities
within other disciplines in economic terms or contexts. Students will be able to propose projects
within their disciplines using economic justifications that may increase the
likelihood the projects will be implemented.
Grading:
Class Questions (eInstruction)
(~ .2 ea /1.0 per day) 15
Two Midterm Exams
(25 ea.) 50
Final Exam
(Comprehensive) 35
Total 100
95 - 100% A 80 - < 84% B- 60
- < 66 % D
90 - < 95% A- 77 - < 80% C+ <60% F
87 - < 90% B+ 70 - < 77% C
84 - < 87% B 66 - < 70% C-
I do not raise or
lower the curve, however one hundred percent is established using the
highest number of points earned by any student in the class. Your
final grade is determined by adding all your points and dividing by the
sum of the maximum points achieved on each assessment.
For more information on grading check - http://oregonstate.edu/students/
Classes will begin each
day with a discussion of issues that are in the news so please find time to
study or at least scan a newspaper before class. A number of questions will be
asked during class each day and some will be scored. You will be answering the
scored questions using the eInstruction response pad. You need to purchase the
response pad, register it on line (which requires a payment), and bring the
response pad to class each day including the first class. If you do not have
your response pad you will not get credit for the scored questions that
day. Examinations contain a mixture of
multiple choice, true or false and short answer questions. The exams are open
book and open notes. Questions will be taken from the lectures and class discussions
including current events, and the required readings. Following the
Make-Up Exams: There will be no make-ups on the daily questions and make-up exams will
only be given in very serious circumstances like medical issues with written
confirmation .
Tips on Efficient Studying : Read
the chapter before we cover it in class, at least read the first and last
sentence of the paragraphs and scan the graphs. Do the practice quizzes. If you
cannot answer the questions from the readings or are having difficulties,
reread the chapter (or needed portions of it) and/or meet with me.
Academic Plagiarism: Plagiarism, fabrication, cheating, or facilitating the academic
dishonesty of others is a serious offense and may result in failure on the
assignment, exam, in the course, and/or expulsion from the university. Please refer to the OSU Schedule of Classes for more information on academic
dishonesty.
Classroom Consideration and Behavior: Please turn-off your cell phones
and if you use a laptop during class do so in a way (e.g. sitting on the
outside) that minimizes the distraction of others. We will begin promptly at 10:00
a.m., break from 10:55 to 11:00 a.m. and finish at 11:50 a.m. Critical analysis
as we explore ideas can be helpful, however as the Dean of Students reminds us:
"Behaviors which are disruptive
to the learning environment will not be tolerated and will be referred to the
Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. Behaviors which create a hostile, offensive,
or intimidating environment based on gender, race, ethnicity, color, religion,
age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation will be referred to the
Affirmative Action Office."
Disabilities: Students with documented disabilities who
may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the
instructor should be aware of, or who need special arrangements in the event of
evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as
possible, no later than the first week of the term. Class materials will be
made available in accessible format upon request.
Schedule
1/10 & 1/12 Introduction Principles,
Methods and Parts of the Economy
Key Principles of
1/17 & 1/19 Supply, Demand and Market
Equilibrium
1/24 & 1/26 Elasticity
Market
Efficiency and Government Intervention
1/31 & 2/2 Production
Technology and Cost
First Midterm Exam 2/2
2/7 & 2/9 Perfect Competition
2/14 & 2/16 Monopoly
and Price Discrimination
2//21 & 2/23 Entry
and Monopolistic Competition
Oligopoly
and Strategic Behavior with Game Theory
2/28
& 3/2 Market Structure
and Public Policy
Second Midterm Exam 3/2
3/7
& 3/9 Exchange
and Markets
International
Trade and Public Policy
3/14 & 3/16 Environmental
Policy
Labor Market and
Distribution of Income
FINAL EXAM is on Thursday, March 23, 2006 from 1800 to
1950 in our regular classroom, WNGR 151
Good luck and if you are thinking about majoring in economics and would
like to meet about classes and future graduate school or professional
opportunities, please let me know. If at any point, you have suggestions about
class, please drop by during office hours. I enjoy discussing what difference a
concept might make or how it fits within the course objectives/outcomes or
careers. We have a few open seats and visitors, relatives or out-of-town
friends, are welcome. Thanks,