Introduction to Microeconomics, UCR, Fall 2015, Prof.

Brunstein, Page 1 of 5
Introduction to Microeconomics
Econ 003
UCR Fall 2015
Instructor:
Dr. Luis F. Brunstein
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Department of Economics
3102 Sproul Hall
(951) 827-3266
luis.brunstein@ucr.edu
Office hours: MWF: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment.
Class: University Lecture (UNLH) 1000; MWF 4:10-5:00 p.m.
Communication Policy: Please make sure you read your email daily for notices and
communications from your instructor.
Required Textbook: Principles of Microeconomics, 7th Edition, by N. Gregory Mankiw.
Required subscription to Internet site for Homework and resources:
http://www.cengagebrain.com/course/1-20C8BZ6

I. Course Description:
An introduction to the study of the economic system from the micro, or individual decisionmakers, perspective. Includes analysis of competition, monopoly, and the distribution of
income.
II. Goals and Objectives:
To provide the student with introductory tools in microeconomics and to connect the subject with
the real world. The combination of theory and real world applications should empower the
student with a set of tools to analyze and have a deeper understanding of our economic system.
By the end of the course, students should be able to converse on issues related to consumer and
producer behavior, competitive markets, market failures, monopoly, oligopoly and other relevant
issues.
III. Course Expectations:
Attendance to a section: Attendance to a section strongly suggested because your TAs will help
you reinforce the concepts covered in homework assignments and exams.
Homework assignments: The four homework assignments, to be found in MindTap, are
designed to reinforce concepts and to help students prepare for the exams. The format and
content in the assignments will be similar to the exams. Therefore, it is a good idea to complete
the assignments.

Introduction to Microeconomics, UCR, Fall 2015, Prof. Brunstein, Page 2 of 5

Exams: The midterm and the final exam will be available in MindTap for a number of days. The
format and content of the exams are similar to the homework assignments. You will have a fourhour window to complete the midterm and a five hour window to complete the final exam.
Please see the class schedule for details.
Make-up Work/Exams: Given that I am allowing ample time to complete the homework
assignments and the exams, there will be no valid excuses to miss any of them. Please, plan
ahead.
IV. Assessment and Evaluation:
Assignment

Percentage of grade

Homework assignments

40%

Mid-term exam

30%

Final exam

30%

Grade Scale

Principles of Macroeconomics, Fall 2014, Prof. Brunstein, Page 3 of 5

95100

7174

9194

A-

6770

C-

8790

B+

6366

D+

8386

5062

7982

B-

49

7578

C+

Introduction to Microeconomics, UCR, Fall 2015, Prof. Brunstein, Page 4 of 5

VI. Schedule:
This schedule is tentative and is subject to change.
Week 1 (Sep 25):
Introduction to the class: expectations and other issues
Week 2 (Sep 28 Oct 2):
Readings this week: Chapters 1 and 2
Week 3 (Oct 5 Oct 9):
Readings this week: Chapters 3 and 4
Week 4 (Oct 12 Oct 16):
Readings this week: Chapters 5 and 6
HW # 1 due on Sunday, Oct 18 at 11:45 p.m. on chapters 1 4.

Week 5 (Oct 19 Oct 23)

Readings this week: Chapter 7
HW # 2 due on Friday, Oct 30 at 11:45 p.m. on chapters 5 7.
Week 6 (Oct 26 Oct 30):
Readings this week: Chapters 8 and 9
The MT exam, covering chapters 1 7 will be available on Friday, Oct 30 at 5 pm and
will close on Friday Nov 6 at 11:45 pm. The exam has a four-hour window of time. Most
people will not need the entire time to complete the exam.
Week 7 (Nov 2 Nov 6):
Readings this week: Chapters 10 and 11
Week 8 (Nov 9 Nov 13; No class on Nov 11: Veterans day):
Readings this week: Chapter 13
HW # 3 due on Sunday, Nov 15 at 11:45 p.m. on chapters 8 11.
Week 9 (Nov 16 Nov 20):
Readings this week: Chapters 14 and 15
Week 10 (Nov 23 and Nov 25 only):
Readings this week: Chapter 16

Introduction to Microeconomics, UCR, Fall 2015, Prof. Brunstein, Page 5 of 5

Week 11 (Nov 30 Dec 4):
Readings this week: Chapter 17
HW # 4 due on Sunday, Dec 6 at 11:45 p.m. on chapters 13 17.
The final exam will be available on Friday, Dec 4 at 5 pm and will close on, Friday,
December 11, 2015 at 11:45 p.m. The final exam will cover all the materials after the
midterm exam. The exam has a five-hour window of time. Most people will not need the
entire time to complete the exam.
Additional Course Policies
Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class by any means.
Persons caught encouraging and/or involved in the act will be sent to the UCR academic
integrity cell and will receive an F grade for the class. Students can work together on
assignments. Additional information regarding UCRs code of conduct on academic integrity can
be found online:
http://conduct.ucr.edu/Policies/Academic+Integrity+Policy+and+Procedures.html
Rules & Etiquette:
Disruptive behavior is prohibited in class.
Cell phones should be turned off during class.
No late arrivals to class.
Emails should start with the name of the instructor or TA you are addressing and end with
your full name. It should have the course name (Econ 003) as the subject.
Special Accommodations: Students with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to contact
me during office hours or by appointment.