Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - ECON 103 D300

Principles of Microeconomics (4)

Class Number: 4344

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 26, 2021
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

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:

The objective of this course is to introduce the fundamental principles of economics and develop economic reasoning skills of students. It is valuable both for eventual economics concentrators and for those who plan no further work in the field. In this course, we focus on microeconomics, which is the study of the interaction of people (consumers) and firms in markets. We will examine how the forces of supply and demand operate in the markets for goods and labor. We will also apply economic reasoning to many aspects of daily life and important social issues.

TOPICS

  • Ten Principles of Economics (Ch. 1)
  • Economic Reasoning (Ch. 2)
  • Gains from Trade (Ch. 3)
  • Supply and Demand (Ch. 4-6); Market Equilibrium; Elasticity; Government Policies
  • Markets and Welfare (Ch. 7-9);Efficiency; Surplus; Taxation; International Trade
  • Public Sector (Ch. 10-12);Externalities; Public Goods and Common Resources; Tax System
  • Firm Behaviour and Industry Organization (Ch. 13-17); Production; Competition; Monopoly; Oligopoly
  • Labour Markets (Ch. 18-20);Factors of Production; Income and Discrimination; Inequality and Poverty

Grading

  • Homework assignments 15%
  • Midterm #1 25%
  • Midterm 2 25%
  • Final exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Mankiw, Kneebone and McKenzie. Principles of Microeconomics (8th Canadian Edition). Nelson, 2020.
https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/principles-of-microeconomics-mankiw-kneebone-mckenzie-v9780176888077?term=9780176888077


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.

Final exam schedules will be released in February. This will allow students to avoid enrollment conflicts, and will significantly reduce instances of exam hardship. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the final exam period of April 14 - 26 until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

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).