Principles of Microeconomics Bonnie Palifka

Outline Who am I? The course The rules Grades Who are you?

Who am I? I grew up in New Hampshire B.A.: University of Vermont –Economics –Latin American Studies M.S.: University of Texas at Austin –Economic History –Economic Development

Who am I? Ph.D.: University of Texas at Austin –Economics of Latin America –Labor Economics I have taught at the Tec since Fall I have taught this course here and at the University of Texas at Austin.

Who am I? Please call me –Dr. Palifka –Professor (Palifka) –Bonnie Please do not call me –teacher –miss

Who am I? Office: DAF 232 Office hours: –Mondays and Wednesdays, 10: :00 –at other times by appointment only

The course We will explore how economics influences our lives. For example, economics helps to explain: –Why does a ticket to the Superbowl cost more than one to a Clásico? –Are teen-agers rational? –Why do people pay more for a (insert brand name here) T-shirt than for a comparable T- shirt of a less prestigious name? –What role can or should the government play in the economy?

The course The course syllabus is available at: homepages.mty.itesm.mx/bpalifka/micro.htm also on BlackBoard

The rules RESPECT Arrive on time. Stay until the end of class. Do not speak out of turn. Do not connect to the Internet without permission. Turn cell phones off when you enter the classroom.

The rules Turn in homework on time. Be honest. Be responsible.

Grades 45% three midterms 30% final exam 10% quizzes 15% homework 5% at-the-board participation

Grades You will receive a grade of DA if you –commit plagiarism –copy on a quiz –copy on a midterm –copy on a final exam –copy on a homework assignment (even if it is for another class)

Grades You will receive a grade of DA if you –allow your work to be copied –have a cheat sheet among the belongings on your desk during an exam –commit any other academically dishonest act

For next time Buy the textbook (Microeconomics, Michael Parkin, 7 th edition) Read Chapter 1.

For next time Come to class with answers to the following questions: –What is the main economic problem? –What are the big economic questions? Think about every-day examples of these concepts.

Who are you? survey

Welcome! I hope you enjoy the course and learn a lot from it.