Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - ECON 103 D900

Principles of Microeconomics (4)

Class Number: 1733

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2020
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The principal elements of theory concerning utility and value, price and costs, factor analysis, productivity, labor organization, competition and monopoly, and the theory of the firm. Students with credit for ECON 200 cannot take ECON 103 for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an introduction to microeconomics, a study of how people and firms behave and how they interact with each other. We will start with a small set of basic propositions (the principles) and learn how to put them together to create a surprisingly powerful, interesting and useful collection of theories that explain individual behaviours, group interactions, social practices and institutions, all the way to the most general ideas about how the world works.

Topics:

  • Maximization and Substitution 
  • The Law of Demand 
  • Demand and Exchange
  • Cost and Cost Curves
  • Supply and Market Equilibrium
  • Choice over Time
  • Labour Markets
  • Market Power
  • Imperfect Competition

Grading

  • Online quizzes 10%
  • Assignments 25%
  • Midterm test 25%
  • Final exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Douglas Allen, Economic Literacy: A Different Approach to Economic Principles, McInnes Creek Press, 2019
To find out what the textbook is about and to buy it at a good price, I suggest you visit the webpage: http://www.sfu.ca/~allen/MCPPage20193.htmlOn that page you will find:
·         a link to the company that prints the book on demand;
·         a link to the first four chapters online, so you can start reading the text while you wait for the book;
·         a link to the answers to the odd numbered questions.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS