Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - ECON 302 D100

Microeconomic Theory II: Strategic Behavior (4)

Class Number: 2951

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 20, 2020
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 or 301; 60 Units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Aspects of microeconomic theory concerned with strategic behavior, imperfect information, and market failure. Topics include game theory and oligopoly; uncertainty and insurance; asymmetric information and market power, externalities and public goods, together with related issues in welfare economics. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce students to game theory and strategic behavior. Game theory is an essential part of an economist’s toolbox.  It has wide applications in all branches of economics, as well as other disciplines such as political science, biology, and psychology. We will cover topics like choice under uncertainty, game theory (simultaneous move games, sequential move games, games of asymmetric information, bargaining games) and its applications, and market failure (market power, public goods and externalities).

Important Notes:
1.      The grading weights may be subject to change to be announced in the first week of classes.
2.      This course will be offered remotely. To successfully complete the course, students will need a laptop/desktop computer or a tablet with a camera, and a reliable internet connection. Components of this course will be taught synchronously; this will in particular include all quizzes and exams.

This course is reserved for students declared in the ECON major only.

Grading

  • Participation 5%
  • Writing assignment(s) 18%
  • Quizzes 32%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Perloff, J. Microeconomics: Theory and Applications with Calculus, 5th edition, Pearson Education, 2020 (or equivalent). E-Book.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Eaton, Eaton and Allen. Microeconomics, 8th edition, 2011. Pearson Education.

Perloff, J. Microeconomics: Theory and Applications with Calculus, 4th edition, 2016. Pearson Education.

Varian, H. Intermediate Microeconomics with Calculus. 2014. W. W. Norton.

McAfee and Lewis, Introduction to Economic Analysis, Flatworld Knowledge. http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/bookhub/reader/13

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of 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.

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

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.