14.121: Microeconomic Theory I

Syllabus

Professor Susan Athey
E52-251B, athey@mit.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 4-5:30 p.m.

TA: Charles Morcom
E52-243C, chasm@mit.edu
Office Hours: TBA.

Class: Monday-Wednesay, 1-2:30 p.m., E51-151.
Recitation: Friday, 1-2:30 p.m., E51-151.

Course Overview


This course is designed to provide an introduction to microeconomic theory for
students planning to pursue a PhD in economics. The main topics which will be
covered are the theory of the consumer and the theory of the firm, as well as the
basics of market equilibrium.

Prerequisites and Enrollment


The course will be taught assuming that students have taken an intermediate
microeconomics course at the undergraduate level. Further, students should have
a working knowledge of multivariate calculus and linear algebra, as well as
some exposure to real analysis. These prerequisites are essential for success in this course. Students whose backgrounds are weak in some areas should plan to devote extra time, particularly in the first two weeks, to review the mathematical prerequisites.

Enrollment in this course is limited, and permission is required for students
outside of the economics department. Permission can be obtained by
attending the first class meeting and providing information about previous
coursework in mathematics and economics.

Course Requirements


There will be approximately six problem sets, which will be graded on a "check, check-,
and no credit" scale. You may work in groups, but please do the "write-ups"
individually. Thus, we do not expect to see identical answers to problems from
different students. The problem sets will count at the margin towards your grade.
There will be a final exam to be given between October 23 and October 26; details to be settled in class.

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