Alabama A&M University School of Business Department of Economics, Finance & Office Systems Management Normal, AL Fall 2004

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1 Alabama A&M University School of Business Department of Economics, Finance & Office Systems Management Normal, AL Fall 2004 Course Number ECO Call # 3860 ECO Call # 3870 Course Title Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hours 3 Hours Class/Place MWF:11:00-11:50 NSB 108 Instructor Office Office Phone Address Office Hours Textbook Fesseha Gebremikael 214-D NSB (256) / Fax fmikael@aamu.edu TBA Case, Karl E. & Faire, Ray C Principles of Economics, 7th Edition. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. ISBN COURSE TOOLS In addition to the current textbook, other educational materials such as newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Christine Science Monitor, Wall Street Journal, etc.), and magazines (e.g., News Week, Time, Business Week) will be useful. This tool should be used on a consistent and continuing basis; for best results, reading the text prior to class discussion of a topic is recommended. INTERNET RESOURCES: COURSE DESCRIPTION Elements of supply and demand; elasticity; consumer behavior; theory of the firm; production; cost analysis and profit optimization; product markets and market structure, Resource markets and resources allocation; and government economic policies. Prerequisite: MATH 112 COURSE OBJECTIVE After the successful completion of this course, students will be expected to have awareness of the importance of economics in today s world, understand the concepts of

2 Page 2 scarcity and choice, forces of supply and demand in a market economy such as the US, as well as in other western, and non-western societies. Also students will be expected to explain the structure of U.S. economy, which includes the private, public and international sector. They will be able to describe household s behavior, and the behavior of profit-maximizing firms in terms of production decisions both in the long run and short run. Other competencies include understanding the different types of market structures, such as perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition and oligopoly. Students will also understand the causes of market failure and the necessitity for public policy about the antitrust regulation, abatement of harmful externalities, public goods, social choice, income distribution and poverty. Students also will have familiarity with the basic elements of microeconomic issues such as the impact of taxation on consumers, the economics of labor markets, health care, immigration, and urban problems. CLASS FORMAT AND/OR GUIDELINES Classes are lecture/discussion. Students are expected to come to all classes prepared to participate in discussions. That is, students are expected to complete the first reading of assigned materials before they are discussed in class. Unannounced quizzes will be given at the discretion of the instructor, usually at the beginning of the class period. Opportunities for questions will be provided at the beginning of each class period and throughout the period. INSTRUCTIONAL METODS Lectures, discussions, Video Presentation (if time permits), and research leading to a written project: Your individual grade for this type of work will be based on the quality and depth of your research and its relevance to your topic. (Due date last day of class) Quizzes and assignments will be given periodically to reflect materials covered in class EVALUATION, GRADE DETERMINATION AND OTHER POLICIES Types of tests and quizzes Student evaluation will include three examinations. Each exam accounts for 20% and final exam accounts 25%. Quizzes account for 10%, assignments/class participation accounts for 15% and research paper account for 10%. There is no make up for quizzes. All tests are announced at least one week in advance during a regular semester (two days in advance) during the summer sessions). If due to dire emergency, a student must be absent from class on an exam day or when an assignment is due, it is the responsibility of that student to make arrangements before the due date to complete the activity. Tests will be given on the scheduled days. No make-up exam will be given except, incase of personal or medical emergency supported by proper documentation and official excuse note. Essay exams will be used for those who miss the regularly

3 Page 3 Homework: Homework will be given throughout the semester. Written assignments are to be individual work. They must be typed, double-spaced, and stapled in the upper left corner. All assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the date it is due. Class Participation: Each student is expected to be alert and attentive, to participate in class discussions, and to keep up with readings and assignments. A class participation grade is added at the end of the semester to reflect the student s level of participation and input in class. Any absence, excused or unexcused, does not relinquish a student s responsibility for lectures covered, assignments made, or any other works completed in class during the absence. Wireless Communicators: If cell phones/or paging devices are brought to class, they should be turned off or muted and should never be used in class. Also, do not bring guests to class without advance permission by the instructor. Grades will not be curved: Grading scale is as follows A = % B = 80 89% C = 70 79% D = 60 69% F = Below 60% Exam 1-20% Assignments 15% Exam 2-20% Quizzes 10% Final _- 25% Research 10% 65% 35% Academic Dishonesty: Is behavior in which a deliberately fraudulent misrepresentation is employed in an attempt to gain undeserved intellectual credit, either for oneself or another person. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at AAMU/or Calhoun Community College and will be dealt with severely Incomplete: Incomplete may given only under the most dire and extreme circumstances. It is to be used only if a student has satisfactorily (hereby defined as a C average or better) completed at least 75% of the course requirements, and there is an excusable reason for his or her not having completed all requirements prior to grade reporting time. SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: The University provides environmental and programmatic access for persons documented with disabilities as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of Any student who desires information or assistance in arranging

4 Page 4 needed services for a disabling condition should contact Ms. Sanoyia Williams, Director of Special Students Services, Student Center, Room 203, and (256) COURSE OUTLINE A. Introduction to economics Week 1 The Scope and method of economics The economic problems: scarcity and choice (Ch. 1, pp. 1-23) (Ch. 2, pp ) Week 2 Demand, Supply, and Market Equilibrium (Ch. 3, 45-73) Week 3 Demands, Supply/Application/ Elasticity, (Ch. 4, pp ) Exam 1 B. Foundation of Microeconomics: Consumer and Firms Week 4 Household Behavior and Consumer Choice (Ch.5, pp ) Week 5 The Production Process, The Behavior of Profit Maximizing Firms (Ch.6, pp ) Week 6 Short Run Costs/Output Decisions (Ch. 7, pp ) Week 7 Long-Run Costs/output Decisions (Ch. 8, pp ) Exam 2 Week 8 Input Demands: The Labor and Land Markets (Ch. 9, pp ) Week 9 Week 10 Input Demand: The capital market and investment Decisions (Ch. 10, pp ) General Equilibrium an the Efficiency of Perfect Competition (Ch. 11, pp ) C. Market Imperfections/The Role of Government Week 11 Monopoly/ Antitrust Policy (Ch. 12, pp ) Exam 3 Week 12 Monopolistic Competition/Oligopoly (Ch. 13, pp ) D. Market Failures and Public Policy

5 Week 13 Externalities/Public Goods/Imperfect Information/ Social Choice (Ch. 14, pp ) Week 14 Income Distribution and Poverty (Ch ) Week 15 International Trades, Comparative Advantage/Protectionism (Ch. 32, pp ) Review and Final Exam As scheduled by Calhoun Community College Note: ** Weeks are estimates. Changes in course coverage, exam dates, grading, if any, will be announced in class.