Readings for ECON 1201 Principles of Microeconomics
(Updated: 2010-04-20)

Below are the Schedule and Supplementary Readings for our class. Or jump to You Are Here.

Tentative Class Schedule

Note Bene: I reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule as necessary, so please check back periodically.

I will strongly emphasize the required readings below. You are responsible for completing all of these, even if we don't discuss them in class. The remainder of the readings will add depth to your understanding of the material, and you should strive to complete at least the majority of them.

What is this thing called `economics'?

The big picture: the Invisible Hand

Gains From Trade I: Production Possibilities & Specialization

Problem Set #1 (due 2010-02-02).

Supply & Demand: The Market in Action

Problem Set #2 (due 2010-02-11): Cowen & Tabarrok, Chapter 2, #6,10,12; Chapter 3, #2,3,10,11

Problem Set #3 (due 2010-02-1618): Cowen & Tabarrok, Chapter 4: F&T #8, T&PS #6,9

Problem Set #4 (due 2010-02-18): Cowen & Tabarrok, Chapter 5: F&T #3, T&PS #4,5, C #5

Midterm Exam: Thursday, 2010-03-18 (in class). Questions for Review.

Gains From Trade II: International Trade

Interlude: The Inescapable Mathematics of Musical Chairs

Problem Set #5 (due 2010-04-06): Cowen & Tabarrok, Chapter 6: C #4; Chapter 7: T&PS #7; C #2; Chapter 8: T&PS #2, C #1

Judging Outcomes: What does `efficiency' mean to me? (and what does `efficiency' mean to society?)

Problems & Complications: Externalities, Moral Hazard, & Adverse Selection

Problem Set #6 (due 2010-04-13): Cowen & Tabarrok, Chapter 8: T&PS #6; C #2; Chapter 9: T&PS #2,7; C #3

Firms & Production

Problem Set #7 (due 2010-04-2729).

Microfinance


Supplementary Readings

The following are books, mostly written for a general audience, that are suitable for reading independently this semester. Many of them emphasize the application of economic principles to daily life and/or important policy issues; these may be a good starting point for finding a topic for a five-minute presentation. None are required, but reading at least a few chapters that interest you would be a Good Idea.

I hope that's enough to keep you busy. (Sorry, but I couldn't find a book about the economics of zombies...)

Note: income from the affiliate links above will be spent on snacks or prizes for the class.


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