California State University, Northridge

Economics 160

Semester: Spring 2004

Lecture: MWF 8:00-8:50 a.m.

Instructor: Dr. Edward P. McDevitt

Office: BB 4239 (818) 677-2431

e-mail:

Office Hours: MWF 10:15-11:45 a.m.

Note to all Students in the New Business Program (i.e., as of Fall 2002):

All students in the new business program are required to take the gateway class (Bus. 301). This class will require that you take exams in the following fields: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Business Law, and Statistics. The topics covered on the economics portion of the exam can be found at the following web site: http://buslab5.csun.edu/gateway/econ/ The site lists the ten topic areas for both microeconomics and macroeconomics, provides a brief discussion of each topic, and also provides some sample questions.

Economics majors do not take the gateway class and therefore do not take the above-mentioned exams.

Course Objectives: To provide students with analytical tools and institutional knowledge that will help them to understand the allocation of resources in a market economy.

Summary of Topics Covered: Scarcity and opportunity cost, comparative advantage and the gains from trade, supply and demand, elasticity, consumer and producer surplus, perfect competition, monopoly and imperfect competition, externalities and public goods.

Textbook and Study Questions: Principles of Microeconomics (3rd ed.) by Gregory Mankiw. I will be handing out study questions with answers. You will find these questions very useful in preparing for the exam. The questions are available on my website: http://www.csun.edu/~hceco011/

Grading: Grading is on a modified curve. A plus/minus grading system is used. Your grade will be determined on the basis of your performance on the written assignment and exams. The breakdown is as follows:

1. Attendance, misc. - 4%.

2. Three midterm exams- 18% each.

3. A cumulative final exam- 42%.

Exam Schedule: 1st exam- Feb. 27; 2nd exam-March 26; 3rd exam- April 30; Final exam- May 24 (8-10 a.m.)

Makeup Exams: There will be NO makeup exams. However, if a student had a valid medical excuse AND can provide documentation of such an excuse, or if the student has received prior permission to miss an exam (well in advance of the exam), then the remaining exams will be given a correspondingly greater weight. Otherwise, a student will receive a zero for the missed exam.

READING ASSIGNMENTS

WEEK CHAPTER TOPIC

1 Chs. 1 & 2 Introduction; Opportunity Cost

2 Chs. 4 & 6 (pp. 117-132) Supply & Demand Model

3 Chs. 4 & 6 (pp. 117-132) Supply & Demand Model-continued

4 Chs. 4 & 6 (pp. 117-132) Supply & Demand-cont.;

5 Ch. 5 & 6(pp. 133-end) Elasticity

6 Ch. 5,6 (pp. 133-end), Ch.3 Elasticity; Comparative Advantage and the Gains for Trade

7 Ch. 3 Comparative Advantage and the Gains from Trade

8 Chs. 7,8 & 9 Consumer and Producer Surplus;

9 Chs. 7,8 & 9 Consumer and Producer Surplus

10 Ch. 13 Production and Costs

11 Ch. 14 Perfect Competition

12 Ch. 14 & Ch. 15 Perfect Competition; Monopoly;

13 Chs. 15 Monopoly

14 Chs. 10 & 11 Externalities and Public Goods

15 FINAL EXAM

Policy on Academic Dishonesty: University rules prohibit cheating, fabrication, facilitating the academic dishonesty of another student, and plagiarism. If you engage in any of these activities in this class, you will fail this class. A letter will be sent to the appropriate campus officials requesting disciplinary action.


“Cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program at a campus is listed in Section 41301, Title V, California Code of Regulations, as an offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended or given a less severe disciplinary sanction.” (2002-2004 CSUN Catalog, pages 523-525).

Drop Policy: University add and drop policies are listed in the CSUN Schedule of Classes "Change of Program" section. According to University policy, non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal; to withdraw from any class you must file a drop form with the University. If you fail to attend and do not formally drop a class, a "WU," the equivalent of a failing grade, will be recorded.

In Economics classes, the university drop policy will be strictly enforced. During the first two weeks of instruction, students may withdraw without the course instructor's approval by way of the CSUN Web Portal. Drops are permitted the third week (Feb. 16 to 20) with the signature of the instructor. The last day to file to drop a class for Spring Semester 2004 is Friday, Feb. 20th. Once that day has passed, if you have not filed your forms, you may only drop a course for unforeseen, serious, compelling circumstances clearly beyond your control AND you must be passing the course. Students that are permitted to drop after Friday, February 20th will receive a “W” grade (withdrawal) in the class.

Examples of circumstances that do not meet the "serious and compelling standard:"

1. The student encountered a situation that should have been anticipated, such as the need to have transportation, the need to pay for ordinary living expenses, or the need for childcare.

2. The student is dissatisfied with the course or the instructor or feels that the class is no longer relevant to his or her academic interests.

3. The student has taken too many classes and cannot keep up.

4. Changes in work schedules.

Withdrawals are not permitted during the last three weeks of instruction or after unless an incomplete (see below) is not practical. (See the 2002-2004 CSUN Catalog, page 515.) An exception to this is a full Medical Withdrawal. Forms for a Medical Withdrawal can be obtained at the Student Health Center.

A grade of "Incomplete" will only be assigned when most of the course has been completed with a passing grade. This is only permitted when unforeseen circumstances arise that preclude finishing course work related to a class. According to University policy, an incomplete may not be assigned when a student would have to retake a course. (See the 2002-2004 CSUN Catalog, page 56.)