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Textbooks

Text: Arnold, Roger A. Microeconomics. 13th edition. Cengage, 2018. ISBN: 978-1-337-62161-8
 
For this course you must have two components: 1. the textbook (for reading) and 2. access to an online website called Aplia (for exercises).

APLIA INFORMATION:

  1. Online access to Aplia is required for this class.
  2. Aplia is an online website that provides an e-textbook as well as online homework assignments.
  3. NOTE: Aplia is NOT “optional:” the Aplia exercises make up 25% of the total course grade. It would be next to impossible to pass the course without Aplia access.
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION
  1. The textbook is available in different print formats like looseleaf or paperback or hard back - These options can be purchased new or used.
  2. The textbook is also available in an ebook format. When you purchase Aplia, you will get the ebook format with your Aplia Access. Most students find the ebook option adequate.

OPTIONS:

There are a variety of options to purchase the materials needed for the course - do the research and figure out what is your most economical option:

  1. Follow the address for the Aplia access on the first day of class and purchase the Aplia access directly from the publisher using a credit card. This will give you instant access to both the textbook and to the Aplia online environment.
  2. Purchase a used copy of the book and then pay for an access code to use when signing up for the course.
  3. If you use a book voucher, then you will need to use the CMU Virtual Bookstore. There are bundles available there if you want a print copy of the book with your Aplia access.
Aplia course information to sign up for this course's access is provided under handouts on the Resources and Materials page of the course on the day that the course opens.

Course Description

  • Following an initial introduction to important general economic concepts, including demand and supply, the course examines the U.S. economy from a microeconomic perspective.  It includes an analysis of (1) the theory of consumer behavior, (2) elasticity, (3) costs and supply, (4) market structure, (5) anti-trust law and regulation, and (6) factor markets. Prerequisite: MA103 (or ACT Math subscore ≥ 22)

Course Objectives

As a result of taking this course, the student will:

  1. develop an understanding of the economic approach to looking at the world, especially the notions of scarcity and opportunity cost and the supply and demand model;
  2. appreciate how a free-market economic system functions, as well as the benefits and problems that may arise under such a system;
  3. apply the tools of economic analysis to a variety of real-world problems and discover the insights they can offer;
  4. learn to think like economists.

This course addresses the following competencies required for beginning business teachers:

  • 5.1: Identify the basic features of economic systems
  • 5.2: Describe the role of competitive markets
  • 5.3: Describe the role of government in the economy
  • 5.5: Explain the function of domestic economic institutions and economic incentives