Econ 201: Introduction to Microeconomics

Fall 2016: Section 004

Instructor: Dr. Camille Soltau Nelson

Office: Bexell Hall 422B
Office Phone: 737-1475
Office Hours: Wednesday 9:00-10:00am and Thursday 1:00-2:00pm and by appointment
Pre-requisites: Math 111 or equivalent
Econ 201 Student Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of the methods and principles of microeconomic theory,

including tradeoffs, opportunity costs, incentive effects, gains from exchange, and
marginal decision-making.
Explain how markets work and how market prices are determined.
Show mastery of the theories of demand, supply, consumption, production and cost,
perfect competition, monopoly, and imperfect competition.
Assess the impact of externalities, price controls and market power on efficiency and
welfare, and evaluate possible public policy remedies.
Use theory to analyze economic policy issues.

Econ 201 is a BAC Core course under the Perspectives category of Social Processes and
Institutions. Students taking courses under this category will:
1. Use theoretical frameworks to interpret the role of the individual within social process
and institutions
2. Analyze current social issues and place them in historical context(s)
3. Critique the nature, value, and limitations of the basic methods of the social sciences
Required Materials:

Karlan/Morduch, Microeconomics, 1e (print or electronic)

Access to CONNECT (online homework tool)

CONNECT: You will be accessing CONNECT through http://connect.mheducation.com/

Registering for CONNECT:
1. Click on the CONNECT link in Canvas. This will take you to our class website.
2. Click the Register Now Button.
3. Enter your email address. Please use your ONID email address and name as it is listed
on my OSU roster.
4. Enter the Registration Code you purchased from the bookstore or enter Start Free
Trial for a 2 week free trial as you wait to get your books.
5. Complete the registration form, click Submit

Grading: Course grades will be based on the number of points you earn. We will have 3 exams
(each worth 25% of your final grade) and online assignments worth the remaining 25%. Grades
are based ONLY on the number of points earned on each of these items. Grades are assigned on
a traditional 90/80/70/60 scale with plus/minus grades being given to approximately the top
and bottom 20% of students in the A, B, C and D range.

Homework and LearnSmart Assignments: (25%)

Exam 1 (25%): October 18
Exam 2 (25%): November 8
Final Exam (25%): December 5, 6:00-7:50 pm in our regular classroom

Exams 1 and 2 will be given during class times and will be 50 multiple choice questions each.
The Final Exam is given during the scheduled final exam time and will be 50 multiple choice
questions (15 from Exam 1 and 2 material and 35 from new material since Exam 2). Exams 1 and
2 are non-cumulative. The final exam is cumulative (comprised of new material covered since
Exam 2 plus material covered on the two midterm exams). This exam will count as your final
exam grade AND can replace your lowest exam grade (given that your final exam score is higher
than the lowest of your two midterm exam scores). Note: This exam CANNOT replace your
CONNECT assignment grade.
Exam Policies:
Exams are comprised of multiple choice questions. For each exam you will need to bring a #2
pencil, your OSU ID card, and a non-programmable/ non-graphing calculator. I will supply
scantrons for the exam. You will be required to show your OSU ID card on Exam day. If you
forget your OSU ID card, you will be required to come to my office during a posted time later on
the day of the exam and show it to get credit for the exam. Forgetting your OSU ID card may
also result in a deduction of 2 points (out of 100) on your Exam score. All electronic devices
(except your nonprogrammable calculator) are required to be turned off and stored in a nonaccessible way during the exam. Failure to follow this policy may result in the confiscation of
your electronic device.
Exam Make-up Policy: There are no make-up exams in the course. If you miss an
exam you will receive a score of zero on the exam. Remember, however, that the final exam can
replace your lowest exam score (thus replacing the 0 from your missed exam). If you miss 2
midterm exams, you may replace one score with the final exam, the other midterm score will
remain a zero. In compliance with university policy, if you miss the final without approval, you
will receive a score of zero on the final.
Homework and LearnSmart Assignments (25%)
We will be using CONNECT for homework and LearnSmart assignments. LearnSmart is an
interactive study tool designed to introduce you to the basic concepts in the material. As such,
LearnSmart assignments will be due BEFORE the lecture over the relevant chapter. Homework
assignments will be due after we have covered the material. Each type of assignment will be due
at 11:59pm on the due date. You complete the assignments on-line (on your own time, outside of
class). Please note that I will not accept late LearnSmarts or homeworks (even if they are just
one second late!). Please see Canvas for assignment due dates.
Finally, if you have any questions or problems with the CONNECT system, you should contact
CONNECT support. Please do not contact me with technical CONNECT.

Assignment Make-up Policy: There are no make-ups for LearnSmart or homework

assignments. However, I will drop your 2 lowest scores on your CONNECT assignments when
calculating your grade.
Expectations for Student Conduct: Students are expected to comply with the university
policies on student conduct (see http://oregonstate.edu/studentconduct/code/index.php).
Disruptive Behavior: Behaviors that are disruptive to teaching and learning will not be
tolerated, and will be referred to the Student Conduct Program for disciplinary action. Behaviors
that create a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment based on gender, race, ethnicity,
color, religion, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation will be referred to the Office of
Equity and Inclusion.
Classroom Demeanor: Please respect your fellow students by helping provide a comfortable
learning environment in the classroom. This means that you should turn off your cell phone,
arrive to class on time, avoid excessive talking during class, and refrain from packing your
belongings before the end of class. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated.
Attendance Policy: Although class attendance will not be taken, and will not be used in the
calculation of your grade, students are expected to attend class regularly. Please be respectful to
your instructor and your fellow students by avoiding tardiness.
Disabilities: Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by
Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for
accommodations but have not obtained approval please contact DAS immediately at 541-7374098 or at http://ds.oregonstate.edu. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved
academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. While
not required, students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the
implementation of individual accommodations.
Majoring or Minoring in Economics: A major or minor in economics is useful in many
careers and as preparation for advanced studies. If you might be interested in majoring or
minoring in economics, please contact Laura Relyea (laura.relyea@oregonstate.edu) or check
the economics undergraduate website, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/econ/undergraduate.
Tips for Success: Students often ask if I have any advice for doing well in my class, study tips,
etc. My best advice is to ask yourself the following questions and make sure the answer to each
one is YES.
1. Do I always carefully and consciously read the assigned chapter and complete the Learn Smart
module before coming to class?
2. Do I attend class regularly (i.e. have not missed more than one class) and take careful notes?
If I have to miss a class, do I make-up the missed material, either from a friend or by coming to
office hours?
3. Do I work through all the material? Have I completed all the homework and practice exam
problems?
4. Do I get help with the material I am struggling with? Have I come to office hours for
assistance?
5. Have I been studying this material all term (as opposed to just a few days before the exam)?

Resources for help in the course: Need help? Check out the following options.
1. My office hours: Wednesday 9:00-10:00am and Thursday 1:00-2:00pm and by appointment
2. The Economics Undergrad Tutoring Lab. The tutoring lab is a FREE tutoring service for all
students in Econ 201 and Econ 202. The lab is staffed by economics majors who are able to help
you with questions you may have on homework, practice exam questions, lecture review, etc.
The Lab hours begin Week 1 and will be posted on Canvas.

List of Topics
You are expected to carefully read all assigned readings and complete all assigned work. Reading
assignment due dates, homework and LearnSmart assignment due dates and course specifics
will be posted on Canvas.
Chapter 1: Economics and Life
Chapter 2: Specialization and Exchange
Chapter 3: Markets
Chapter 4: Elasticity
Exam 1
Chapter 5: Efficiency
Chapter 6: Government Intervention
Chapter 18: Externalities
Exam 2
Chapter 12: The Costs of Production
Chapter 13: Perfect Competition
Chapter 14: Monopoly
Chapter 15: Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly
Final Exam
A couple of final notes:
You are responsible for knowing what happens each day in class. If you miss a lecture
or class day you are responsible for making up that missed material and being up to
date in the course.
You are responsible for checking Canvas regularly and for any information or content
posted on our Canvas class site.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus. Any changes will
be announced in class or posted on Canvas. Students are responsible for being aware
of any announced changes.