Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - ECON 302 D100

Microeconomic Theory II: Strategic Behavior (4)

Class Number: 2883

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 7, 2019
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1)      Identify non-competitive markets and the implication.
2)      Understand strategic behaviors including the Nash Equilibrium.
3)      Understand the implication of asymmetric information.
4)      Understand the implication of public goods and externalities.

Grading

  • Quizzes 10%
  • MobLab activities 5%
  • Editorial 10%
  • Midterm 1 15%
  • Midterm 2 15%
  • Final exam 45%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

H. Varian, Intermediate Microeconomics: With Calculus, First Edition, W. W. Norton, 2014.

Eaton, Eaton and Allen, Microeconomics, 8th edition, Pearson Education.  2012.

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