ECO615: Advanced Microeconomics
Fall 1998
Prof. Mark McBride

Syllabus

Course Objectives

Advanced Microeconomic Theory is the exposition of the general principles and analytical tools of microeconomic theory. The course covers the theory of the firm, the theory of the consumers, competitive markets, monopoly markets, partial equilibrium analysis, and general equilibrium analysis. The objective of the course is to give the student a thorough grounding in the basics of modeling in these microeconomics topics.

Course Requirements

Each student will be expected to take two midterms and a final exam. All exams will consist of a variety of question styles. In addition each student completes a set of homeworks. Details of the projects will be handed out under separate cover as the semester progresses. Class participation will also enter your grades numerically.

Required Textbooks

Microeconomic Theory: Basic Principles and Extensions, 7th Edition, Nicholson (N). There will also be a number of additional reading materials made available on-line or as handouts during class.

Other Issues

Classroom activities will involve both lecture, analysis of problems, and discussion. The course uses the computer in three ways. First, I make extensive use of as a form of communication: both by e-mail and by the discussion forum. If you need to contact me outside of office hours, an e-mail message to mcbridme@muohio.edu can provide timely responses or a message posted to the course discussion board can generate an answer from myself or a fellow student. Second, we will use the computer algebra system Maple for developing and analyzing models. How to use Maple will be taught as the semester progresses.

Basis for Grading

Class Participation
5%. Mere attendance is not class participation. In fact, mere attendance (simply attending all class sessions) will produce a low grade; a 2 on a 5 point scale. Active participation requires you to read and reflect upon class materials prior to the class where they are used. It then requires you to analyze, synthesize and discuss and debate the materials at issue during class. Thus, active participation also means being prepared for and involved in the classroom activities.
Exams
75%. Each exam will count 25% of your course grade. Exams will be held during regularly scheduled class periods.
Homeworks
20%. Homework assignments are typically centered around the analysis of a standard microeconomics model with some extensions. Most, but not all the homeworks require the use of Maple.

I follow the grading system outlined in the Miami Bulletin in which an A = excellent work, B = good work, C = satisfactory (average) work, D = poor work, and F = no work. Plus and minus grades will be used. Grade Scale A's: >= 90 B's: 80 to 89 C's: 70 to 79 D's: 60 to 69 F: <= 59

Policies

I follow University Policies as specified in the Student Handbook and the Miami Bulletin. If you have any questions regarding those policies please talk to the instructor. Makeups for the Exams will only be given to students with valid excuses. Valid excuses include illness, participation in University sponsored events, or job trips. In each and every case, appropriate documentation must be submitted in writing to the professor. The documentation will be verified. Appropriate documentation includes notes from physicians or coaches, or verification of scheduled evening class, scheduled interviews from the CPPO or prospective employers. For absences which can be anticipated at least one class period notice must be given. Students bear the responsibility for the scheduling of a makeup with the instructors. Failure to make the arrangements within one class period after the scheduled exam will relieve the instructor of his obligation to give a makeup exam. All makeups will occur after the regular exam and will consist entirely of written questions. Any situation which does not fit these guidelines will be resolved on a case by case basis at the instructor's discretion. Grades

Course Outline

The amount of time spent on each topic and the sequence of topics may vary.

Important Dates