Econ121 Syllabus

Course Description: 

Microeconomics is an introduction to the science of economics emphasizing the role of the individual economic unit within the overall system. Topics covered include the economic explanation of consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, the characteristics of the four basic market structures, the role of price in the allocation of resources, products and income (Who gets what; the distribution of income).  The course will also cover work and the labor market.

Textbook Information: 

Principles of Microeconomics, Vol. 2 (SAC/SCC Custom Pkg), 10th Edition, by David C. Colander

Course Learning Objectives: 

The British economist Alfred Marshall observed that "economics is an engine of analysis." His famous student John Maynard Keynes later said that "economics is a way of thinking."  The course will have achieved its objective upon its completion if you have acquired this logical system of thought. The objective of this course is to develop and apply the basic results and techniques of economic reasoning to the American economy.

Critical thinking skills that are required throughout the course include analysis, logical reasoning, comparison, evaluation, problem-solving, and prediction.  Appropriate vocabulary, math and graphing skills are used as students apply economic concepts to examples from daily life in the business world.

 
Student Learning Objectives: 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify and explain the fundamental economic problem of allocating scarce resources and the role of positive economics in explaining choices.

• Communicate using basic economic terminology, interpret relevant economic data, and follow and construct fundamental economic arguments.

• Apply analytical reasoning and problem solving skills to model cause-and-effect relationships and formulate predictions at the individual consumer, firm, and industry levels.

• Explain the processes through which a market system allocates scarce resources at the individual level and analyze the efficiency of and the effects of government policies on the resulting allocation.

Meet Your Instructor: 

My name is Travis Ames. I received my M.A. in Economics from California State University, Fullerton. I am interested in all aspects of economics.  When I am not teaching I enjoy reading traveling, and hiking.

Course Syllabus:Fall 2017 SAC MICRO SYLLABUS-2.docx