Economics 101

by David K. Levine (August 01, 2000)

This is the first upper division microeconomics course for economics majors. It covers the basics tools required for upper division economics, and is relatively mathematical.

PREREQUISITES: You must have two courses in calculus and economics 11. We will make serious use of calculus. We will do differentiation, simple equation solving, and a limited amount of integration. It is crucial that you feel comfortable with these operations. If calculus is something you once knew but are now fuzzy on, you will find this course difficult.

TEXTS: We will use two textbooks.

H. R. Varian, Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach, 4th edition, Norton, ISBN 0-393-96842-1

H.S. Bierman and L. Fernandez, Game Theory with Economic Applications, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-56298.

LECTURES: You are responsible for all material covered in lecture as well as the required reading.

GRADING: You will be graded on four problem sets, a midterm exam and the final exam. Each problem set will count for 5% of your grade. The midterm exam will have three equally weighted questions, and counts 30% of your grade. It will be based directly on the problem sets. The midterm and problem sets are optional. The final exam is mandatory, and will cover the entire course, and have six equally weighted questions accounting for 50% of your grade. If you do better on the final than on either the midterm or the problem sets, it will replace the corresponding grade.

EXAMS: Dates of the exams, as well as due dates for the problem sets are given in the course schedule.. The midterm is given in class. Attendance at the final exam is mandatory; if you miss the midterm, the final will count in its place. If you do not think you can make the final exam, do not enroll in this class: you will either fail the class, or, with the approval of the academic dean, drop the class or withdraw from the quarter. There are no exceptions. I do not give incompletes, nor is it possible to make up a poor or non-existent exam grade by "doing an extra credit project."

If your exam score has been tallied incorrectly, we will gladly correct it. Otherwise, if you feel your exam has been graded unfairly, you should bring it to me (and not to the TA) and submit the entire exam for regrading. If errors in your favor are discovered, you may receive a lower grade. I have no interest in the possibility that a few more points on a particular question might net you a higher grade in the class, but I am concerned that you are graded fairly.

You must bring two large BLUEBOOKs to the midterm, and three to the final exam. Do not write your name in them: you will turn them in and they will be randomly distributed. Do all scratchwork in the bluebook. Do not remove pages or erase: simply put a line through errors or scratch work. You must use pen.

WORLD WIDE WEB: The slides used in class and all materials distributed in class will also be available on the world wide web. To use the material you will need access the the web and a web browser. If you do not currently have access to the web, you may go to one of the Social Science Computer Labs in Bunche 2149, 2155, Franz 2434, Haines 37, Powell 145, 307, 320, or 320B. Alternatively (and highly recommended) you can establish a Bruin Online account. To do this, you should purchase the Bruin Online client software from the ASUCLA Student Store. This will contain instructions on setting up and accessing a Bruin Online account. You may also establish an internet access account with any commercial internet provider.

Once you have established access to the world wide web, point your browser at http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/101/Spring97/index.htm. Follow the directions there to access the course material. While using the material found on the web is not required, it is highly recommended. Because materials for the lectures are being provided (in advance) I will not have a notetaker for this course.

You are encouraged to submit questions to the TAs and myself by e-mail as an alternative to attending office hours.

Contact Information

e-mail: dlevine@ucla.edu; http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/

fax: (310) 825-3810 or (310) 825-9528; phone: (310) 825-3810

administrative assistant: Chris Frank (310) 825-1011, cfrank@econ.ucla.edu

Appointments are best arranged by email at dlevine@ucla.edu.

TA Information

Matteo Alvisi

Office: Bunche 9372

Office Hours:

E-Mail Address: alvisi@ucla.edu

Web-Site: none yet

Sections:

Elisa Mariscal

Office: Bunche 2256A

Office Hours:

E-Mail Address: elisa@ucla.edu

Web-Site: none yet

Sections:

Course Schedule

Office Hours and Scheduling Information