Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ECON 325 D100

Industrial Organization (3)

Class Number: 2801

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 7, 2025
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-; 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the economics of imperfect competition. Topics covered include the theory of the firm, market structure, and various aspects of firm strategy such as pricing, advertising, product differentiation, and innovation. Related questions of public policy will also be addressed.

COURSE DETAILS:

Industrial Organization studies markets of imperfect competition.  Producers do not take prices as given but instead, interact strategically with each other. We first investigate the benchmark case of a monopolistic firm, including issues such as bundling and price discrimination. Then, we discuss basic theories of oligopolistic markets in which several firms compete with each other choosing prices or output levels. Finally, we introduce some advanced topics such as endogenous entry decisions, vertical integration, and exclusive dealing arrangements.

Students are expected to have a working knowledge of elementary calculus. The game-theoretical concepts used in this course will be introduced in class. 

Grading

  • Weekly in-class quizzes 15%
  • Two in-class writing assignments 15%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Comprehensive final exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pepall, D.J. Richards and G. Norman, Industrial Organization: Contemporary Theory and Empirical Applications (5th Edition), Wiley , 2014.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.