Economics 252

Principles of Microeconomics

Instructor: Dr. Craig Marcott

Office: 432 OEC

Phone: 962-5685 (office)

E-Mail: csmarcott@stthomas.edu

Web Page URL: http://milkweed.econ.stthomas.edu/~csmarcott/

Office Hours: 3:00 - 5:00  Monday, Wednesday, 1:30 - 3:00 Tuesday, and by appointment. 

Text:  Microeconomics: Principles and Applications, 3rd edition, by Robert E. Hall and Marc Lieberman.

There are undergraduate tutors available in OEC 415. Here is the schedule.

Objectives:

This course is an introduction to the principles of microeconomics. No prior economics course is required, but a working knowledge of high school algebra and graphing is essential to your success in this course. The general objectives of this course are: to acquaint you with the terminology and basic principles of economics, to give you an understanding of of the economic behavior of individuals and firms, to familiarize you with the basic types of market structures in which firms operate, and to gain an appreciation of the types of problems and issues which can and cannot be addressed by economics. Upon successful completion of this course you will have a fundamental understanding of the theoretical and empirical relationships among product, labor, financial and foreign exchange markets. This course will highlight macroeconomic policy, with special attention given to how government policies can sometimes have differential effects on people based on class, race, gender and ethnicity.

Methodology:

The format of the class will be primarily lecture, supplemented by class discussions and in-class exercises. Class attendance is expected, although I realize a situation may arise which will prohibit attendance. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes and to discuss with another student or students what went on in the class. After you have reviewed those notes and read the relevant assignments, I will be happy to discuss the material with you during office hours. Students are encouraged to ask questions at any time during the lecture, or outside of class.

Grading

The best of your two period-long examinations will count 28 percent of your grade and the worst of these two examinations will count 15 percent. I reserve the right to assign a reduced grade for any student missing more than six classes.

Course Outline

This looks too tough. Get me out of here.