Jose L. Esteban                                  ECONOMICS 102                                        Spring 2012                                         

TEXT:  Micro 3 Econ by W. A. McEachern. Student edition plus Aplia software access. Each week you will read the assigned textbook chapters listed below, do the homework and then do work in Aplia.  We will have in-class work as well.

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: MW 8:30-9:30, TTH 11-12:20  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 Chapters 1

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 2

Production Possibilities

Read Chapter 2

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 3

Decision makers -Supply and Demand

Read Chapter 3 and 4

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 4

Elasticity

Read Chapter 5

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 5

Consumer Behavior and Costs of Production

Read Chapter 6 and 7

TEST NO. 1

WEEK 6

Perfect Competition

Read Chapter 8

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 7

The Theory of Monopoly

Read Chapters 9 and 10

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 8

Oligopoly and Monopolistic Competition

Read Chapter 10

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 9

Resource and Labor Markets

Read Chapter 11and 12

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 10

Regulation

Read Chapter 15

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 11

Public goods

Read Chapter 16

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 12

Externalities

Read Chapter 17

TEST NO. 2

WEEK 13

Poverty

Read Chapter 18

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 14

International Trade

Read Chapter 19

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 15

International Finance

Read Chapter 20

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 16

Developing Economies

Read Chapter 21

Aplia homework/quiz

WEEK 17

Final Exam

 

May 12-18

GRADING POLICY

FIRST TEST

100 points

SECOND TEST

100 Points

ONLINE QUIZZES/Aplia

150 points

VARIOUS PROJECTS/Aplia

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 March 10th, after this date AUTOMATIC F!

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:

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.

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.

c)       Your class attendance is CRITICAL!  Projects/worksheets completed in class for valuable points will happen often!

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!