What This Document Is
This document is a comprehensive reading list and course description for Economics 101A, an intermediate microeconomics course offered at the University of California, Berkeley. It serves as a foundational guide for students embarking on a rigorous exploration of economic principles and their mathematical underpinnings. It outlines the course structure, expectations, and required materials for a successful learning experience.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for prospective students, those considering enrolling in the course, and currently enrolled students seeking a clear understanding of the course’s scope and demands. It’s particularly valuable at the beginning of the semester for planning study schedules, acquiring necessary textbooks, and understanding the grading breakdown. Students with a background in calculus and statistics will find this document helpful in assessing their preparedness for the course’s quantitative approach.
Topics Covered
* Core principles of microeconomic theory
* Consumer behavior and decision-making processes
* Firm behavior, production, and cost analysis
* Market structures and competitive dynamics
* Mathematical applications in economic modeling
* Game theory and strategic interactions
* Economic concepts related to uncertainty and risk
* Advanced topics in finance, public goods, and externalities
* Methods for empirical economic analysis
What This Document Provides
* A detailed course description outlining learning objectives and expectations.
* A list of recommended textbooks and supplemental reading materials.
* A complete schedule of lectures, discussion sections, and exam dates.
* Information regarding assessment components and their respective weights (problem sets, midterm exams, final exam).
* A breakdown of lecture content, organized by topic, with corresponding textbook chapter references.
* Details on course policies, including attendance, late submissions, and group work.
* Information on discussion section times and locations led by Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs).
