ECON 201-012 Spring 2026: Principles of Microeconomics Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, objectives, and assessment methods for Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 201-012), a foundational course introducing students to the core concepts and analytical tools of microeconomic theory.

Course Introduction

• Credit Hours: 3

• Prerequisite Courses: None

• Instructor: Sarah Davis

• Class Meetings: Tuesdays 6:00pm – 8:50pm, Reynolds Hall Room 521

• General Education: Fulfills 3 credits of general education under F4: Society and Connections

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply microeconomic principles and terminology.

• Explain how markets function and how equilibrium is established.

• Analyze the impact of government intervention on market outcomes.

• Describe the behavior of consumers and firms, including utility maximization and profit maximization.

• Interpret and use supply and demand models, including price and quantity determination.

• Explain elasticity and its implications for revenue and market efficiency.

• Identify and analyze different market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly.

• Discuss the role of prices, profits, and incentives in resource allocation.

• Evaluate the effects of taxes, subsidies, and government interventions on markets.

• Apply microeconomic concepts to real-world issues and policy debates.

Instructional Materials

• Required Textbook: Microeconomics by Glenn Hubbard and Anthony Patrick O'Brien (digital access via Pearson MyLab and eText).

• Course Website: Pearson MyLab for assignments, quizzes, and resources.

Assessment and Grading

• Homework: 200 points (20%)

• Class Participation: 100 points (10%)

• Tests 1-5: 400 points (40%)

• Final Exam (Comprehensive): 200 points (20%)

• Extra Credit: Test of Economic Literacy Quiz (TEL)

Grading Scale:

Grade	Percentage
A	90% and above
B	80% – 89%
C	70% – 79%
D	60% – 69%
F	Below 60%

Major Topics and Timeline

The course is organized into modules, each covering key microeconomic topics. Below is a summary of the expected timeline and major topics:

Week	Topics	Assigned Reading	Assignments/Tests
1	Orientation, Foundations	Chapters 1, 2	Test of Economic Literacy Quiz
2-3	Introductory Economic Models, Supply and Demand	Chapters 3, 4	Test 1
4-5	Elasticity, Consumer and Producer Surplus	Chapters 5, 6	Test 2
6-7	Taxes, Externalities, Types of Goods	Chapters 7, 8, 9	Test 3
8-9	International Trade, Costs of Production	Chapters 10, 11	Test 4
10-12	Market Structures: Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly	Chapters 12, 13, 14	Test 5
13-15	Factor Markets, Income Inequality, Behavioral Economics	Chapters 15, 16, 18	Final Exam

Course and Institutional Policies

• Attendance: Required and counts toward participation grade.

• Missed Exams: Must be documented and approved for make-up.

• Academic Integrity: Strictly enforced; unauthorized use of AI tools is prohibited.

• Accommodations: Provided in accordance with ADA and university policy.

Additional Information

• Office Hours: Available in person and virtually; see syllabus for details.

• Communication: Email is the primary method; responses within 24 hours on business days.

• Technology Use: Permitted only for class-related activities.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, assessment, and policies for a standard Principles of Microeconomics course, covering all major topics listed in the provided chapter titles.