ECON 2202: Principles of Microeconomics – Syllabus and Course Structure Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to Microeconomics

The course "Principles of Microeconomics" introduces students to the fundamental concepts and analytical tools used to understand how individuals and firms make decisions, interact in markets, and respond to incentives. The course covers core microeconomic topics, including supply and demand, market structures, consumer and producer behavior, and the role of government in the economy.

• Goal: To provide students with the skills and knowledge to analyze microeconomic problems and policy issues.

• Applications: Understanding market outcomes, evaluating policy interventions, and interpreting economic data.

Course Structure

Components of the Course

The course is divided into three main components: video quizzes, in-class assignments, and online homework assignments. Exams are also administered to assess student understanding.

• Video Quizzes: Assigned as the primary lecture source, covering core material.

• In-Class Assignments: Designed to apply concepts through group work, problem-solving, and discussion.

• Online Homework: Completed via Achieve Learning for each chapter, reinforcing concepts and skills.

• Exams: Three exams (including a final), testing analytical and conceptual understanding.

Course Topics and Schedule

Main Topics Covered

The syllabus outlines the following major topics, which align with standard microeconomics curriculum:

• Introduction to Economics: Basic principles, opportunity cost, scarcity, and choice.

• Market Forces: Supply and demand, market equilibrium, price determination.

• Elasticity: Responsiveness of quantity demanded and supplied to changes in price and other factors.

• Consumer and Producer Behavior: Utility maximization, cost of production, profit maximization.

• Market Structures: Perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly.

• Government Intervention: Taxes, subsidies, price controls, externalities, and public goods.

• International Trade: Comparative advantage, gains from trade, trade policy.

Additional info: The schedule lists chapters and weeks for each topic, ensuring coverage of all foundational microeconomics concepts.

Grading Policy

Assessment Breakdown

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of quizzes, assignments, homework, and exams. The following table summarizes the grading components:

Component	Percentage Weight
Video Quizzes	15%
In-Class Assignments	15%
Achieve Learning Homework Assignments	10%
Exams	60%
Total	100%

Letter grades are assigned based on overall percentage, with standard cutoffs for A, B, C, D, and F.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance: Required for in-class assignments and participation.

• Absences: Must be documented and communicated to the instructor for excused status.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating and Plagiarism: Strictly prohibited; violations result in disciplinary action.

• Electronic Devices: Use of cell phones, smartwatches, and recording devices is banned during lectures.

Required Materials

Textbook and Resources

• Textbook: Principles of Microeconomics from OpenStax (ISBN: 10-1-947172-34-0, 13-978-1-947172-34-0).

• Online Homework: Achieve Learning platform for assignments and quizzes.

Competency and Knowledge Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of microeconomic theory and models.

• Analyze market outcomes and the impact of government policies.

• Apply economic reasoning to real-world problems involving individuals, firms, and society.

• Interpret and use graphs, tables, and equations to explain economic phenomena.

Course Outline and Schedule

Weekly Breakdown

Part	Chapters Covered	Dates
Introduction to Economics	1, 2, 3	Weeks 1-5
Markets and Public Policy	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10	Weeks 6-10
Market Structures	11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18	Weeks 11-16

Additional info: Specific exam dates and assignment deadlines are provided in the schedule.

University Policies

Accessibility and Academic Honesty

• Disability Accommodations: Available through the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR).

• Academic Honesty: Adherence to the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct is required.

Summary

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Principles of Microeconomics course, including its objectives, structure, topics, grading, and policies. It serves as a guide for students to understand expectations and prepare for success in the study of microeconomics.