Course Overview

Introduction to Microeconomics

This course, Econ 102: Introductory Microeconomic Analysis, provides students with a foundational understanding of microeconomic principles. The curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking about economic issues and their application to everyday life. The course is divided into three main sections, each corresponding to an exam, covering fundamental concepts, firm behavior, and consumer behavior.

• Fundamental Concepts: Includes goals of economics, economic models, supply and demand, elasticity, taxes, price controls, and externalities.

• Firm Behavior: Covers monopolies, price discrimination, oligopoly, and basic game theory.

• Consumer Behavior: Focuses on behavioral economics and income distribution.

Additional info: The course aligns closely with standard microeconomics topics, including those listed in the provided chapter titles.

Course Structure and Materials

Textbook and Supplemental Materials

The primary textbook is Principles of Microeconomics: 14th Edition by Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, & Sharon E. Oster. Supplemental notes and practice exams are available in the coursepack. Homework assignments correspond to textbook chapters and are completed through Pearson’s MyLab platform.

• Textbook: Provides comprehensive coverage of microeconomic principles.

• Coursepack: Contains notes on topics not covered in the textbook, practice exams, and answer keys.

• MyLab: Online platform for homework assignments, accessible via Canvas.

Grading System

Grade Breakdown and EconBucks

Grades are earned through participation, homework, exams, and a final exam. The grading system uses "EconBucks," which are accumulated throughout the semester and exchanged for a final grade according to a set scale.

Grades are assigned based on the total EconBucks earned:

Additional info: Canvas does not automatically calculate grades; students must use the provided grade calculator.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

Attendance is not mandatory except on exam days, but participation is heavily encouraged. Think-Pair-Share activities contribute significantly to the participation grade. Notes are not provided outside of class, so students are expected to take their own notes or obtain them from peers if absent.

• Think-Pair-Share: Interactive activities to promote engagement and learning.

• Attendance: Not required except for exams; missing some classes does not prevent achieving maximum participation grade.

Homework Policy

Homework is completed through MyLab and corresponds to chapters covered in class. Students may redo homework for credit until the exam covering that material. The lowest two homework scores are dropped when calculating the final homework grade.

• Access: Must enroll in MyLab before the first exam.

• Due Dates: Homework is due shortly after the relevant material is covered.

• Grade Calculation: MyLab grades are used for the course; Canvas may not reflect accurate grades.

Exam Policy

There are three midterms and a cumulative final exam. Exams must be attended at the scheduled time and location. Valid excuses for missing exams must be documented and communicated in advance.

• Exam Dates: Scheduled in class; final exam date determined by university.

• Make-up Policy: Valid excuses must be documented; make-up exams or final exam substitution may be allowed.

• Grade Updates: TPS and exam grades updated on Canvas around exam periods.

Academic Integrity and Conduct

Code of Academic Integrity

Students must adhere to Penn State’s academic integrity policy. All coursework must be completed independently unless otherwise specified. Use of generative AI for coursework or communication is discouraged or forbidden and may result in conduct violations.

• Violations: May result in severe academic consequences, including a 0 in the course.

• Communication: Emails and excuses must be composed without generative AI.

Classroom Behavior

A positive, inclusive learning environment is expected. Disruptive behavior is discouraged, and students are encouraged to communicate concerns to the instructor.

Special Needs and Adjustments

Disability Accommodations

Penn State provides resources and accommodations for students with disabilities. Students must contact the appropriate office, provide documentation, and share accommodation letters with instructors each semester.

Support and Resources

Office Hours and Study Groups

Office hours are available for students to ask questions and seek help. Guided Study Groups led by previous students offer additional support and review of course material.

• Instructor Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

• TA Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM

• Guided Study Groups: Tuesday, Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Summary Table: Course Structure

Additional info: The course content matches the standard microeconomics curriculum, including topics such as supply and demand, elasticity, market structures, and consumer choice.