1.1 — The Tools of Microeconomics — Class Content
Please complete the preliminary survey by next class.
Overview
Welcome to ECON 306 — Microeconomic Analysis! Today’s lesson will be an overview of the content and the assignments of the course. Please read and familiarize yourself with the syllabus.
This is not just a “syllabus day,” as we need to hit the ground running, but today will give you a “big picture” look at this semester, and how to use microeconomic analysis, by focusing on the two main tools/models: optimization and equilibrium. We will dive right into optimization models next class.
Readings
Today is introductory, but you may look at Chapter 1 if you wish, to remind you about the use of models in economics. Otherwise, please heed this timeless message:
A message to students from the Doggfather himself, @SnoopDogg pic.twitter.com/wsSANYv8u6
— Ryan Briggs (@ryancbriggs) August 12, 2020
Please note going forward, the lesson numbers and topics (e.g. 1.1) on this website are my design, and will not match up with the textbook!
Optional/Referenced Readings
- de Rohan, Anuschka, 2003, “Why Dolphins are Deep Thinkers”, The Guardian
- Katzen et. al, 2021, The nematode worm C. elegans chooses between bacterial foods exactly as if maximizing economic utility, BioRxiv
- Loch-Temzelides, Ted, 2021, “Walrasian equilibrium behavior in nature”, PNAS 118(27)
- Serrano, Jody, 2021, These Monkeys Understand Economics and Intentionally Steal High-Ticket Items to Barter for Better Food, Study Finds, Gizmodo
Slides
Below, you can find the slides in two formats. Clicking the image will bring you to the html version of the slides in a new tab. The lower button will allow you to download a PDF version of the slides.
You can type h to see a special list of viewing options, and type o for an outline view of all the slides.
I suggest printing the slides beforehand and using them to take additional notes in class (not everything is in the slides)!
Assignments
Preliminary Math Survey Due Next Class
Please take the preliminary survey on your math background by next class. This will help us all have a productive semester together.