Textbook:
There is no "required" textbook for the class in large part because only parts of the class are covered by standard micro textbooks. I have provided links to background readings, but some students may find a standard textbook helpful.  Below, I provide some textbook options. It is up to the student to connect class material to the appropriate section of a textbook. Here are some recommendations

 

Microeconomics: Basic Principles and Extensions (Nicholson & Snyder) 

This textbook is algebra/calculus-based. 

The Amazon link provides various options in terms of rent/buy/hardcover/paperback.
The edition does not matter much; they are very similar

 

Intermediate Microeconomics & Its Applications (Nicholson & Snyder)
This textbook is graph-based with no calculus and limited algebra. 
I have linked to the 11th edition. There is a newer 12th edition if you desire. 

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Microeconomics: An Intuitive Approach with Calculus (Nechyba)

This textbook is algebra/calculus-based but with more words/explanation than the Nicholson text.

The Amazon link is to the most recent hardcover edition to rent or buy. There is a paperback also. 

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Grading 

Exam 1                                                            30%
Exam 2                                                            30%
Quizzes                                                           30%

Presentation                                                  10%
Total                                                                100% 
Attendance/Classroom Adjustment          (See below) 

(A=90-100; B= 80-89; C= 70-79; D = 60-69;  F < 60)

 

 

Exams: Short answer and multiple-choice over class material and assignments

 

Presentations: Students or student teams will prepare a 15 minute (max) minute presentation of an assigned article(s) accompanied by PowerPoint slides.  The presentations address these points:

i) What is the author's objective & how does it tie into broader questions & topics in economics?

ii) What is a general outline/overview of the article (including an overview of the theory used)? 

iii) What are some details on data/methods used to generate results?

(The aim is to present it in a way that the other masters students are able to have a sense of what the author is trying to do, how they are doing it, and why it matters for economics.  This isn't just a synopsis for an Econ 202 class. There should be some detail on methods.  You may have to be selective if the article is long. The number of slides is optional but should a rough benchmark is between 7 and 12 slides for a 15 minute. presentation.  If a team is presenting, students members can share presentation time or assign it to one member. All members will receive the same grade unless there is evidence of free-riding. 

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Example PPT:  Tech Revolutions & Bubbles  

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Quizzes:  Approximately ten multiple-choice questions over required readings in selected weeks plus prior week lecture material that assesses whether where the student read the material and studied the notes. There are some questions each week to help review the prior week material, but do not view thee as exhaustive. 

 

Class Attendance & Classroom Conduct
This is a graduate class meeting only once per week.  Student attendance is expected. One class may be missed

without penalty.  Failure to attend 2 classes or more (or substantial parts of 2 or more classes) will result in a

5% reduction in student grade per class missed.  Students with special circumstances (extended illness; job-related
absence, ...) should discuss those with me in advance if possible. Do not casually use up the "free" miss.  Missing

for no valid reason once and then being sick for a second class does not excuse both absences.  

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Respect for other students and the instructor is required. Demeaning or disruptive behavior is not permitted.  Masks must be worn at all time in class.  Failure to adhere to these policies will receive reductions in grade or other disciplinary action. 

 

Dropping the Class 
Last day to drop the course with a W is listed in the WKU Academic Calendar.

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ADA Accommodation  Policy

In compliance with University policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC)  located in Downing Student Union, 1074. SARC can be reached by phone at 270-745-5004 [270-745-3030 TTY] or via email at sarc.connect@wku.edu . Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a faculty notification letter (FNL) from The Student Accessibility Resource Center.

 

 

Title IX Misconduct/Assault Policy 

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to supporting faculty, staff and students by upholding WKU’s Title IX Sexual Misconduct/Assault Policy (#0.2070) at https://wku.edu/eoo/documents/titleix/wkutitleixpolicyandgrievanceprocedure.pdf and Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040) at https://wku.edu/policies/hr_policies/2040_discrimination_harassment_policy.pdf.

 

Under these policies, discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct based on sex/gender are prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex/gender-based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator, Andrea Anderson, 270-745-5398 or Title IX Investigators, Michael Crowe, 270-745-5429 or Joshua Hayes, 270-745-5121.

 

Please note that while you may report an incident of sex/gender based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct to a faculty member, WKU faculty are “Responsible Employees” of the University and MUST report what you share to WKU’s Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Investigator. If you would like to speak with someone who may be able to afford you confidentiality, you may contact WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center at 270-745-3159.

 

 

 

 

Course Learning Objectives

1. To solidify and extend understand key microeconomic concepts and models

2. To bridge understanding between key microeconomic concepts and empirical application of

3. To expose students to commonly used microeconomic tools infrequently presented at intermediate level

4. To develop student skill in solving economic questions and puzzles

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