Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - ECON 804 G100

Advanced Topics in Microeconomic Theory (4)

Class Number: 3228

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 802 and 803 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The course following ECON 802 and 803 which covers such topics as equilibrium theory, axiomatic analysis, stability analysis, income distribution, dynamic micro models, and models of non-market economics.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course picks up where Econ 803 left off and starts with a few selected topics from dynamic games. Then, we will introduce the theory of social choice. Here we learn about social choice/welfare functions, the celebrated Arrow’s theorem, and the properties of some real-life preference aggregation mechanisms such as majority voting. Finally, we will combine game theory and social choice theory, and consider the problem of designing games in order to generate a certain outcome. For example, how can a policy maker implement a (socially) desirable allocation when she lacks some relevant knowledge? Our focus here will be on dominant-strategy implementation and Bayesian implementation. We may cover additional topics from game theory, time permitting.

The outline is as follows: 

  1. Topics in Dynamic Games
  2. Social Choice Theory
  3. Mechanism Design

Grading

  • Problem sets 16%
  • Midterm Exam 36%
  • Final Exam 48%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Mas-Colell, A., Whinston, M.D. and Green, J.R., Microeconomic Theory, Oxford University Press, 1995.  ISBN 987-0195073409

https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/microeconomic-theory-andreu-mas-colell-michael-d-v9780197546185?term=9780195073409


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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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