Fall 2019

Class Time: MWF 9:00-9:50 am (section 01) and 10:00 -10:50 (section 02)
Class Room: SH S201
Instructor: Rasha Ahmed
Office: DM 301 B
Email: rasha.ahmed@trincoll.edu
Office Phone: 860 297 2446
Study Groups: W 12:30 – 1:30 and F 1:00 – 2:00 pm, other office hours by appointment
Teaching Assistant: Anh Pham and Rayan Ali

TA sessions: Anh Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm McCook 106, Rayan Sunday 5:00 -6:00 pm. Both sessions open to all Econ 301 students.

Course Description and objectives 
The course introduces some of the tools that economists use to understand and analyze behavior. Specifically, the course explains how individuals and firms make decisions and how their interaction determines production, prices as well as several economic outcomes.

At the end of the course I expect students to acquire the following skills:

1. Understand the basic structure of standard economic models
2. Explain how the results would change with the underlying assumptions
3. Use theoretical models to analyze simple real world problems
4. Develop an intuitive understanding of micro theory

Textbooks and Reading Material: 
The textbook for this course is:

Varian, Hal. Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach. W. W. Norton and Company, 9th edition.

The accompanying practice book:

Bergstrom, Theodore and Hal Varian. Intermediate Microeconomics Workouts. W. W. Norton and Company, 9th edition.

Grading:
The grade for this class will be calculated as follows:
Exam 1  (October 11)                                  .           25%
Exam 2  (November 15)                                          25%
Final Exam                                                              30%
Quizzes                                                                   10%
Workouts and Participation                                    10%

Class Work and Expectations

1. Book Chapters/ Applications: You are required to review the chapters that will be covered beforehand.  This will help you better understand and follow the material covered during class.
2. Class Discussion: You are required to participate in class discussion.  Participation in class discussion by asking or answering questions or commenting on the material will greatly enhance your understanding. Students who participate in class discussions typically do better.
3. Workouts: There will be weekly problems assigned from the Workouts book. The assigned problems are lised in the course outline section below with the due date. I expect you to solve all the problems assigned and consult with me or the TA if you need help. These problems will improve your understanding of the subject matter
4. Weekly Quizzes: There will be a weekly quiz every Monday morning on the material covered the week before.  The quiz will take no longer than 10 minutes and will highly resemble the Workout problems.

Several students find that while they understand the material in class, they do not necessarily do well in quizzes or exams.  I want to remind you that success in this class requires a lot of dedication.  I expect you to

1. Spend 9 hours/week on the material
2. Be engaged in class
3. Actively participate in class solving problems and asking questions
4. Practice in class, Practice in a group, Practice independently

 

Policies
1. Class attendance is required. Please come on time

2. No cell phones, laptops or electronic devices can be used in class.
3. I expect you to check your email regularly.
4. If you accumulate more than two unexcused absences, 1% will be deducted from your final grade for every class missed.  Excused absences are those absences for which I receive a note from the Dean of Students’ office.  I expect you to consult with me or the TA regarding the material you miss.
5. If you absolutely must miss an exam, you have to contact me immediately. A make-up exam shall be given only if official documents from the dean’s office are provided supporting a valid reason for missing the exam. The format of the make-up exam will be at my discretion.  I will not give a makeup exam if you miss an exam without a legitimate reason.
6. It is your responsibility to collect your quiz from the TA
7. There are no “extra credit” assignments given any time during the semester to substitute for a poor grade.
8. Dishonest conduct or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Please refer to the Student Handbook for a review of requirements.
9. For ECON 301 to count towards the economics major or to satisfy as a prerequisite for other economics classes, a grade of C+ must be earned (If the course is retaken, a grade of B- must be earned).  Note that ECON 301, may be retaken only once.
10. Students whose combined grade on the two midterm exams is less than a C+ have to meet with their advisers to fill an alternate major form.
11.  Students with Academic Accommodations- Trinity College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  If you have a documented disability and require academic accommodations, please present your accommodations letter during my office hours within the first week of the semester.  If you do not have a letter but have a disability requiring academic accommodations, or if you have questions about applying for academic accommodations, please contact Lori Clapis.

Finally, I expect you to assume an active role in your learning, work closely with the material, identify your challenges and seek help if needed.  While micro theory is a tough course, it is a very rewarding learning experience.  You are encouraged to speak with me directly should any concerns or difficulties arise.  I am happy to work with students who need extra help.  Please feel free to drop by during office hours, send an email or speak with me following class time.

Course Outline 

The following is an outline of the chapters that will be covered. The outline and dates are intended as a guide and may be changed during the semester.

Week 1: Sept 4, 6

• Chapters 1 and 2
• Workouts: 1.1- 1.5 Due Sept 9 and will be discussed in class Sept 6

Week 2: Sept 9, 11, 13

• Chapter 2 and 3
• Workouts: 2.1 – 2.10  Due Sept 13

Week 3: Sept 16, 18, 20

• Chapter 3, 4
• Workouts: 3.1 – 3.14 except 3.10 Due
• Workouts: 4.1 – 4.6 and 4.11 Due

Week 4: Sept 23, 25, 27

• Chapter 5
• Workouts: 5.1 – 5.7 Due ……..

Week 5: Sept 30, Oct 2, 4

• Chapter 6
• Workouts: 6.1-6.7 Due…….

Week 6: Oct 7, 9, 11

• Exam 1
• Chapter 14
• Workouts: 14.1-14.3, 14.5, 14.7- 14.9 Due

Week 7: Oct 16, 18

• Chapter 15, 19
• Workouts: 15.1, 15.3, 15.7- 15.10 Due
• Workouts: 19.1 – 19.3 and 19.8 – 19.10 Due

Week 8: Oct 21, 23, 25

• Chapter 20
• Workouts: 20.1 – 20.5 Due

Week 9: Oct 28, 30, Nov 1

Week 10:  Nov 4, 6, 8

• Chapter 21
• Workouts: 21.1- 21.10 Due

Week 11: Nov 11, 13, 15

• Chapter 22
• Workouts: 22.1 -22.4(a to d only) Due

Week 12: Nov 18, 20, 22

• Exam 2:
• Chapter 23
• Workouts: 23.1 – 23.4, 23.6, 23.8, 23.10  Due

Week 13: Nov 25  

• Chapter 24
• Workouts: 24.4 – 24.7

Week 14: Dec 2, 4, 6

• Chapter 25, 28
• Workouts: 25.1- 25.4 and 25.6 Due
• Workouts: 28.1-28.5

Week 15: Dec 9

• Chapter 29 and 30
• Workouts: 29.1 – 29.6 Due

 

Final Exam: Monday Dec 16 at 9:00 am in Seabury Hall N217

* If you would like to get back your final exam, you may give me a self-addressed, stamped postcard or envelope and I will mail you the final exam and course grade.