Principles of Microeconomics Spring Branch Campus ECON 2302 - Microeconomics CRN 39676 Fall 2017 Spring Branch Campus Room 9:30AM 10:50AM Tuesday and Thursday Credit Hours: 3 Length of Course: 48 hours per semester Instructor: Sanjukta Kar Instructor Contact Information: sanjukta.kar@hccs.edu I. Department information Richard Gosselin Chairman Economics Department 3214 Austin St. Caroline St. Entrance EDC Bldg. Suite A-229 Houston, Texas 77002 Phone: 713-718-7638 Email: richard.gosselin@hccs.edu II. Instructor Office Hours: By appointment Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. Please DO NOT wait till the last moment to ask questions. Your performance in my class is very important to me. If you have questions outside class hours you can either send me an email or ask question the next class period. I will be available before and after class by appointment. III. Course Description and Prerequisites Microeconomics examines the fundamentals of the American economy as it relates to business and individual welfare. Emphasis in on basic economic concepts and theories as they affect domestic and international markets. Microeconomics includes cost and production decisions and discusses the role of competition, monopolies and oligopolies.
This course will help you to understand the kinds of markets businesses operate in as well as how firms maximize profits subject to constraints. There are many real world applications of this course in game theory, industrial organization, environmental economics, anti-trust law and other areas. The ONLY prerequisite for this course is the equivalent of MATH 0306 that does not mean you have to have taken the course if your scores on placement tests or other credentials allowed you to register for the course. If you feel you do not have these necessary skills, please talk to me today. IV. Textbook The Economy Today 14 th Edition by Bradley Schiller and Karen Gebhardt ISBN: 978-0-07-802186-2 MHID:0-07- 802186-3 THE EBOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN YOU BUY ACCESS TO MCGRAW HILL CONNECT ONLY USING THE REGISTRATION LINK PROVIDED. Registration Link to McGraw Hill Connect https://connect.mheducation.com/class/s-kar-fall-2017-tth-930-1050am Courtesy Access- Courtesy Access enables students to register for Connect and receive full access (typically for 14 days). Download Socrative Student in your smart device and you will need it for the practice non-graded quizzes. This free application, which can be downloaded after class starts. Register to moblab https://game.moblab.com/server/register.jsp Class code: addr4gmu V. Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for ECON 2302 Upon completion of ECON 2302, the student will be able to: Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Explain the role of scarcity, specialization, opportunity cost and cost/benefit analysis in economic decision-making.
2. Identify the determinants of supply and demand; demonstrate the impact of shifts in both market supply and demand curves on equilibrium price and output. 3. Summarize the law of diminishing marginal utility; describe the process of utility maximization. 4. Calculate supply and demand elasticities, identify the determinants of price elasticity of demand and supply, and demonstrate the relationship between elasticity and total revenue. 5. Describe the production function and the Law of Diminishing Marginal Productivity; calculate and graph short-run and long-run costs of production. Identify the four market structures by characteristics; calculate and graph the profit maximizing price and quantity in the output markets by use of marginal analysis. 6. Determine the profit maximizing price and quantity of resources in factor markets under perfect and imperfect competition by use of marginal analysis. 7. Describe governmental efforts to address market failure such as monopoly power, externalities, and public goods. Identify the benefits of free trade using the concept of comparative advantage. VI. Core Objectives Be aware that the following skills will be evaluated in this course either through exams, homework assignments or written work. 1.Critical Thinking Skills (CT): To include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. 2.Communication Skills (COM): To include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication. 3.Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS): To include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. 4.Social Responsibility (SR): To include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities. VII. Instructional Methods As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my responsibility to provide you with knowledge concerning the field of Microeconomics that allows you to connect the information that you learn in this course to the real world. In short the purpose of this course is not to turn you into an economist but rather to train you to become economically literate. This course will involve lecture, computer based assignments, short videos and other methods approved by the institution.
As a student wanting to learn about the field of economics, it is your responsibility to read the textbook, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams, participate in classroom activities, attend class, and enjoy yourself while experiencing the real world of economics. VIII. Student Assignments Assignments have been developed that will enhance your learning. To better understand a topic, you will be given assignments on key information that you will need to remember for your success in this course. Students will be required to successfully complete the following: Homework s: A problem set will be assigned after every topic. There will be a total of 5-6 assignments. The homework s will consist of multiple choice questions and short answer type questions. These will help you prepare for the midterms and the final exam. All homework s will always be due on Sundays at 11:59 pm. NO LATE HOMEWORKS ARE ACCEPTED WITHOUT VALID REASONS. Link to McGraw Hill Connect to Access the Homework s http://connect.mheducation.com/class/s-kar-macroeconomics-friday-9-am-12-noon Midterms: There will be ONE closed book midterm exam. This will help you better grasp the concepts taught in class. A formula sheet (if required) will be given to you at the beginning of the exam. Late arrivals during midterms (unless in an emergency) will not grant you extra time to write the exam. Essays: Two essays will be assigned for this class. You will be assigned economics topics which you need to write using the theories taught in class. Each essay is completed in stages. Stage one is the preparation of the rough draft, which must be sent to a tutor through the HCC Ask Online service or SEND IT TO ME. Students must submit the tutor s comments to me. After the student receive feedback from the tutor, the student must then make revisions and provide a second submission. After the second submission I will review your work, provide comments and feedback so that you can turn in your final work. You will have approximately one month to prepare for each essay. An essay schedule is provided in the course schedule. All essays should be submitted in Canvas. No paper copies of essays are accepted. Helpful websites for graphs www.tradingeconomics.com
https://www.stlouisfed.org/ I will show how to use these websites in class and you can ask as many questions you have regarding how to use these sites. Though not mandatory if you want to put your work online you can make a flipbook. To do that go to http://www.flipsnack.com/ and upload pdf files of your essays. It is completely free! Final Exam: There will be one closed book final exam on December 14 th. As with the midterms a formula sheet (if required) will be given to you at the beginning of the exam. The final exam is NOT comprehensive. NO MAKE-UP TESTS ARE CONDUCTED WITHOUT VALID AND WRITTEN EMERGENCIES. In-class Activities: In all classes we will have graded and non-graded activities to facilitate active learning. Graded activities will include Moblab experiments. Non-graded activities will include practice quizzes using Socrative Student. However if you score more than 80% in this activity you will have 1 point added per quiz to your Midterm 1,Midterm 2 or Final exam. IX. Grading Percentages Categories Number Percentage Homework s 5-6 20% Midterm 1 25% Essays 2 10% Final Exam 1 35%
In Class Graded Activities Using Moblab 10% Total 100% X. Grading Scale The final course grade will be determined using the following scale: Total Points Grade 90-100 A 80-89 B 70 79 C 60 69 D Below 60 F XI. Make-Up Policy There will not be any make-ups allowed for any reason unless you have well documented medical reason or any other emergency. Therefore, it is imperative that you complete all of your work. With respect to midterm exams, if a student misses one exam the score will be dropped before calculating the midterm average. If a student misses more than one exam the student is subject to withdrawal by the instructor. XII. Absences and Withdrawals Please understand that any student who misses 12 hours of instruction or more (i.e. four classes) is subject to withdrawal by the instructor. Also, any student who missed more than one midterm or two or more chapter quizzes is also subject to withdrawal. Do not automatically assume that I will withdraw you if you simply stop attending. Withdrawing from the course is your responsibility. If you fail to withdraw from the course by the withdrawal date you will receive an F for the course. Instructors are not given the power to assign a W after the withdrawal date. Last Day to Withdraw with 70% Refund - September 13 th.
Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund - September 19 th. Last Day to Withdraw- November 3 rd XIII. Instructor Requirements As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to: Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures Description of any special projects or assignments Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or assignments Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required To be successful in this class, it is the student s responsibility to: Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities. Read and comprehend the course materials. Complete the required assignments and exams. Ask for help when there is a question or problem. Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments. XIV. Classroom Behavior In order to promote a conducive learning environment I propose the following classroom etiquette: Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged in this class and requires a degree of mutual respect, willingness to listen and tolerance of opposing points of view. Respect for individual differences and alternative viewpoints will be maintained at all times in this class. One s words and use of language should be temperate and within acceptable bounds of civility and decency. Since every student is entitled to full participation in class without interruption, all students are expected to come to class prepared and on time, and remain for the full class period. All pagers, wireless phones, games, players or other electronic devices that generate sound and/or pictures must be turned off during class. Disruptive behaviors, including excessive talking, arriving late to class, leaving class repeatedly sleeping, reading newspapers, using unauthorized electronic devices during class are not permitted. BEING TARDY TO CLASS IS STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED
If the student fails to abide to any of these conditions he/she will be asked to leave the class. Repeated disruptive behavior will get you dropped from the course. XV. HCC Policy Statements Access Student Services Policies on their Web site: http://central.hccs.edu/students/student-handbook/ XVI. ADA Statement Any student with a DOCUMENTED disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide ONLY the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. If you have any questions please contact this number 713-718-8322 (Northeast campus) as soon as possible to make the necessary accommodations. The counselor will inform instructors on the recommended accommodations. If you still have questions contact Donna Price at 713-718-5165. The information in this publication will be made available in large print, taped or computer-based format upon request. Should you receive such a request, the office of Disability Support Services at your college has the expertise and equipment necessary to accommodate it. HCC CAMPUS CLASSES ONLY: If you have a physical handicap that necessitates assistance during a building evacuation, contact the instructor on the first day of class and a buddy will be assigned to you. This buddy along with the instructor and security personnel will assist you in the unlikely event of a building evacuation. XVII. Access DE Policies on their Web site: All students are responsible for reading and understanding the DE Student Handbook, which contains policies, information about conduct, and other important information. For the DE Student Handbook click on the link below or go to the DE page on the HCC website. The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures unique to the DE student. Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of the mandatory orientation. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with the handbook's contents. The handbook contains valuable information,
answers, and resources, such as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.), course information, testing procedures, technical support, and academic calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this link: http://de.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/distance-education/student-services/de-student- Handbook.pdf XVIII. Student Handbook Visit this link: http://de.hccs.edu/de/de-student-handbook XIX. The Title IX statement has been change to the following (changes in red) to address student pregnancy concerns: Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to: David Cross Director EEO/Compliance Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity 3100 Main (713) 718-8271 Houston, TX 77266-7517 or Houston, TX 77266-7517 or Institutional.Equity@hccs.edu A statement regarding how receive help regarding a student request for an accommodation due to a qualified disability has also been added: HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are
established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/disability-services/ XX. Campus Carry At HCC the safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our first priority. As of August 1, 2017, Houston Community College is subject to the Campus Carry Law (SB11 2015). For more information, visit the HCC Campus Carry web page at http://www.hccs.edu/district/departments/police/campus-carry/. XXI. The course schedule is as follows: Week Number Activities and Assignment Objectives and Details 1 AUGUST 29 TH 31 ST HURRICANE HARVEY 2 SEPTEMBER 5 TH - 7 TH HURRICANE HARVEY 3 SEPTEMBER 12 TH - 14 TH Chapters 3 and 19 Supply and Demand Theory of Consumer Choice 4
Week Number Activities and Assignment Objectives and Details SEPTEMBER 19 TH - 21 ST Chapter 20 Elasticity Homework 1 due Sept. 23 rd Socrative Quiz 1 5 SEPTEMBER 26 TH - 28 TH Chapter 21 The Costs of Production Socrative Quiz 2 6 OCTOBER 3 RD - 5 TH The Costs of Production Contd. Chapter 21 Moblab Experiment 1 Homework 2 due Oct. 1 st 7 OCTOBER 10 TH - 12 TH Chapter 22 The Competitive Firm Homework 3 due Oct. 15 th 8 OCTOBER 17 TH - 19 TH Chapter 23 Competitive Markets Socrative Quiz 3 9 OCTOBER 24 TH - 26 TH Midterm Exam Review and Midterm Exam (10/26) 10
Week Number Activities and Assignment Objectives and Details OCTOBER 31 ST - NOVEMBER 2 ND Chapter 24 Monopoly Socrative Quiz 4 Homework 4 due Nov. 5 th 11 NOVEMBER 7 TH -9 TH Introduction to Game Theory Moblab Experiment 2 12 NOVEMBER 14 TH - 16 TH Chapter 25 Oligopoly Homework 5 due Nov. 19 th 13 NOVEMBER 21 ST Chapter 25 Oligopoly Contd. Socrative Quiz 5 14 NOVEMBER 28 TH 30 TH Chapter 26 Monopolistic Competition Essay 2 Due December 1 st 11:59 pm 15 DECEMBER 5 TH 7 TH Chapter 30 The Labor Market Final Exam Review Homework 6 due Dec. 10 th 16 DECEMBER 12 TH 14 TH Final Exam Review Final Exam (12/14) Syllabus Change:
While every attempt has been made to prepare this syllabus and class schedule in final form, it will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes as may be deemed necessary in order to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Students will be notified well in advance of any change.