Econ 102 Syllabus

Jose L. Esteban                                 ECONOMICS 102                              Spring 2020

TEXT: Principles of Microeconomics by D. Mateer and L. Coppock – 2d. edition You will need access to the software for this text.  Each week you will read the assigned textbook chapters listed below, do the homework and then do work online. We will have in-class work as well. Student registration and access to the software will be from Canvas.

OBJECTIVES: First, to give you some insight about the basic theories of economics when dealing with distinct market structures and second, to prepare you for upper division courses in Economics.

Successful Students:

Will be able to: (1) assess the impact of current events using market analysis, (2) explain how and why individual markets have evolved (3) identify the role of competition and the role of the government when competition is lacking, and (4) offer suggestions to correct for various market failures. These items are a partial list of Student Learning Outcomes for the course.

OFFICE HOURS: W 11-12, TTH 9-9:30, T 12:35-1:00 or by appointment. Office location: MD-379 Phone: 744-1150 extension 2421 e-mail: jesteban@palomar.edu Economics Department extension – 2412.  Time management

TENTATIVE OUTLINE

WEEK 1 Introduction to Economics Read Chapter 1 Online work
WEEK 2 Production Possibilities Read Chapter 2 Online work
WEEK 3 Decision makers -Supply and Demand Read Chapter 3 and 5 Online work
WEEK 4 Elasticity Read Chapter 4 Online work
WEEK 5 Consumer Behavior and Markets Read Chapter 6 and 7 TEST NO. 1
WEEK 6 Costs of Production Read Chapter 8 Online work
WEEK 7 Perfect Competition Read Chapter 9 Online work
WEEK 8 The Theory of Monopoly Read Chapters 10 -11 Online work
WEEK 9 Monopolistic Competition Read Chapter 12 Online work
WEEK 10 Oligopoly and Monopolistic Competition Read Chapter 13 Online work
WEEK 11 Resource and Labor Markets Read Chapter 14 TEST NO. 2
WEEK 12 Poverty Read Chapter 15 Online work
WEEK 13 Consumer Choice Read Chapter 16 Online work
WEEK 15 International trade Read Chapter 19 Online work
WEEK 16 International Trade – continued Read Chapter 20 Online work
WEEK 17 Final Exam Last day of class

GRADING POLICY

FIRST TEST 100 points
SECOND TEST 100 Points
ONLINE WORK/Norton Smart Works 150 points
VARIOUS PROJECTS/Norton Smart Works 200 points
FINAL TEST 150 points
TOTAL 700 points

Notes: All tests are cumulative and are made up of multiple choice and/or essay questions. No make-ups are possible unless an emergency occurs. If you have a problem, please see me or call me. Homework assignments will be randomly collected for extra points. Cell phones will be confiscated until next class – no exceptions! Drop deadline is listed in Eservices, after this date AUTOMATIC F! Please abide by student conduct – http://www.palomar.edu/studentlifeandleadership/home/student-discipline/  Your computer may crash twice per semester  – after that no resets for online work! This means you may miss 2 assignments without penalty!

To get a grade of A/Credit you need 90% of the total points
To get a grade of B/Credit you need 80% of the total points
To get a grade of C/Credit you need 70% of the total points
To get a grade of D/No Credit you need 60% of the total points
To get a grade of F/No Credit you would be under 60% of the points

 

 

 

SUGGESTIONS

To do well in class I suggest you do the following:

  1. a) Finish your reading assignment before class and take notes about the information you gather. You will discover that you need to read the material over a couple of times before it makes sense. Keep up with online work – this is very important!
  2. b) Make sure you ask questions in class about the material you do not understand. Bring up current events for discussion. Economics is a very current topic.
  3. c) Your class attendance is CRITICAL!  Projects/worksheets completed in class for valuable points will happen often!
  4. d) You are in this class because you chose to be here. Make it a rewarding and interesting experience for you.

Economics is a challenging subject and a very interesting one. In order for you to learn, you will have to work at it. HAVE FUN!