Community College of Philadelphia

Econ 182

Introduction to Microeconomics

 

Instructor: Charles H. Tremblay

Telephone: 215-751-8706

E-mail: ctremblay@ccp.edu

 

Course Description: Microeconomics continues the study of how an economic system seeks to overcome economic scarcity through the most efficient allocation of its scare resources in order to maximize satisfaction of human wants.  This semester analysis focuses on the manner in which economic decisions are reached by the individual unit (person, business firm or industry) of the economic system through the mechanism of the price system.  Major emphasis is placed on the development of a logical understanding of the manner by which the following economic questions are resolved by the market mechanism:

1. What goods will be produced?

2. What quantity of these goods will be produced?

3. How will they be produced?

4. For whom will they be produced?

 

Course Objectives: To introduce the beginning economics student to principles essential in understanding the basic economizing problem, specific economic issues and the policy alternatives available for dealing with them.
To develop a lasting interest in economics.
To be able to reason accurately and objectively about economic matters.

 

Text: Required: McConnell/Brue: Microeconomics; McGraw-Hill, 2005

Recommended:  McConnell/Brue: Study Guide to Accompany Microeconomics, McGraw-Hill, 2005.

 

 Assignments: The assignments for the entire semester are indicated in the time line.  It is suggested that you study the assignments at least twice.  First, read the material carefully to get a general idea of the subject matter, than read it again making marginal notes to assist you in your review for examinations.  Do not fall behind in your reading assignments.

 

Grading:  Your grade will be determined based on the results of your midterm and final exam.  Each exam will be worth 40% of your grade.  The remaining 20% will be based on your written response to the questions you have been asked to do at the end of each chapter.  Make sure to post them on time. Assignments that are posted late will not be graded unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

 

 

 

 

90 and above = A

80 to 89 = B

70 to 79 = C

60 to 69 = D

59 and below  = F

 

Plagiarism:  “Students must do their own work; plagiarism will not be tolerated.”

 

Disabilities:  “Students who are registered with the Center on Disability must inform the instructor by the end of the first week of classes if special accommodations are requested.”

                                    

 

 

 

Outline

Chapter 1     Introduction

 

Chapter 3     Supply and Demand

 

Chapter 7     Elasticity

 

Chapter 8     Consumer Behavior

 

Chapter 9     Cost of Production

 

Chapter 10    Perfect Competition

 

Chapter 11    Monopoly

 

Midterm

 

Chapter 12    Imperfect Competition and Oligopoly

 

Chapter 13    Demand for Resources

 

Chapter 14    Wage Determination

 

Chapter 24    International Trade

 

Chapter 25    Exchange Rates

 

Chapter 23    Healthcare

 

Final