Course Overview

Introduction to Microeconomics

This course, Principles of Microeconomics (EC1021A650), introduces students to the foundational concepts and analytical tools of microeconomics. The course is designed to help students understand the behavior of consumers, producers, and governments, and how their decisions interact to determine market outcomes. The course is delivered online and asynchronously, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

• Instructor: Sunghoon Cho

• Department: Economics, Western University

• Delivery Mode: Online asynchronous (lectures and materials posted on Brightspace)

• Textbook: Microeconomics: Canada in the Global Environment, 12th ed., by Michael Parkin and Robin Bade

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Goals of the Course

• Introduce students to core microeconomic principles and models.

• Enable students to analyze and interpret the behavior of economic agents and market outcomes.

• Develop the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with quantitative and qualitative evidence.

• Foster critical evaluation of market structures and government policies, including their effects on welfare.

• Encourage the use of economic reasoning in formulating and evaluating policy advice.

Course Structure and Assessment

Assessment Components

The course grade is based on a combination of quizzes and exams, all administered online. The assessments are designed to test understanding of both textbook material and lecture content.

• All exams are open-note (handwritten notes only).

• Strict academic integrity policies apply; collaboration and use of unauthorized resources are prohibited.

• Remote proctoring (Proctortrack) is used for all assessments.

Course Topics and Chapters

List of Main Topics

The course covers the following chapters, which align with standard microeconomics curricula:

• Chapter 1: What is Economics?

• Chapter 2: The Economic Problem

• Chapter 3: Demand and Supply

• Chapter 4: Elasticity

• Chapter 5: Efficiency and Equity

• Chapter 6: Government Actions in Markets

• Chapter 8: Utility and Demand

• Chapter 9: Possibilities, Preferences, and Choices

• Chapter 10: Output and Costs

• Chapter 11: Perfect Competition

• Chapter 12: Monopoly

• Chapter 14: Oligopoly

Note: Some chapters (e.g., 7, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18) are not listed, indicating a focus on core microeconomic theory and market structures.

Policies and Academic Integrity

Key Academic Policies

• Registration: Students are responsible for ensuring correct course registration.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses with severe penalties, including possible expulsion.

• Make-up Exams: Absences must be documented; self-attestation is allowed for one assessment (except Midterm 2). Missed midterms may have their weight transferred to the final exam.

• Remote Proctoring: All assessments are monitored using Proctortrack. Students must complete an onboarding quiz to set up their profile.

• Accessibility: Students with disabilities should contact Accessible Education for accommodations.

• Communication: Use UWO email for all correspondence; check the course website regularly for updates.

Technical and Participation Requirements

Required Technology

• Laptop or computer with stable internet connection

• Microphone and webcam (for proctoring)

Participation and Engagement

• Regular engagement with online materials is expected.

• Unsatisfactory engagement (e.g., frequent absences, lack of submissions) may result in being barred from the final exam.

Important Dates

Support and Resources

• Mental Health: Resources available at Mental Health at Western.

• Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Support: Information and support services are available for survivors.

• Technical Support: For Proctortrack issues, visit remoteproctoring.uwo.ca.

Summary Table: Course Assessment Structure

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use the optional MyLab (Pearson) platform for additional practice and study tools.

• All course content, updates, and communications will be managed through the Brightspace platform.

• Students must adhere to all university and departmental policies regarding academic conduct, accommodations, and assessment procedures.