Principles of Microeconomics and Public Policy I

Must be a Harris masters student to enroll. No exceptions for non-Harris students, even by consent. Principles of Microeconomics and Public Policy serves as the first course in a two-quarter sequence in microeconomic theory. This course does not require prior training in economics, although prior courses will be helpful. This course provides a careful and rigorous presentation of the foundations of microeconomics. Applications will be discussed in tandem with the course material (examples might be discussion of minimum wages, labor supply and taxes, fixed costs and licensing restrictions with taxis and Uber) but the primary focus is on the tools and techniques of microeconomics and price theory. This course covers the theory of consumer choice and the theory of the firm. Moderately fast-paced, the course is designed for students lacking a background in economics. Students will have an opportunity to apply economics to policy issues such as food stamps, income taxation, housing subsidies, and labor markets. Extensive problem sets provide an opportunity for practical application and a deeper understanding of the material. Calculus is not required, but a good grasp of algebra is necessary.