ECON 3 Principles of Microeconomics

Course Information

Description of the Course: This course is an introduction to the field of microeconomics, the branch of economics that examines the behavior of individual economic agents (such as individuals, firms, government, and etc.) in making decisions regarding the allocation of scarce resources within the market framework. Major topics include the supply and demand theory, elasticity, utility, production, costs and revenues, market structures, income distribution, market failures and government policy, and international trade theory. The course also covers different theories and views that explain an economic system.

Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 40 or higher, or demonstration of equivalent skills.

Student Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:

Explain fundamental economic concepts of choice and production.
Describe the institutional structure of a modem capitalist economy, including the public and private sectors, and the criteria used by economists to evaluate economic outcomes.
Analyze how markets function and what happens in the presence of market failures.
Calculate and interpret measures of elasticity.
Analyze production and costs of firms under a variety of market structures.
Analyze factor markets and how they are affected by product market structures.

Add/Drop Information

For adding the Class Before the Start Date:

Use Web4 to enroll in the class if space is available.
If no space is available, you can use Web4 to add yourself to a waitlist. If space becomes available before the semester, you will be notified via email and provided an add code.
If you are on the waitlist and no space becomes available, you will need to use the next set of steps (For adding the class After the Start Date):

For Adding the Class After the Start Date:

CCSF has removed add codes as of Spring 2020
You must use the Class Request option on the class schedule using the CRN to request an add.
Requests are not guaranteed! I always prioritize the waitlist first and then the request list.

Dropping the Class:

Students are encouraged to drop the class on their own ASAP to allow other students to add.
The instructor will drop students who do not demonstrate academic contributions within the first seven days of the course. Academic contribution is usually in the form of a discussion post or quiz, depending on the instructor's assignments.
The instructor reserves the right to drop students at any point in the semester if they do not login and contribute academic work at least once every seven days.
Students are required to be aware of drop dates throughout the semester. CCSF Academic Calendar will include the last dates to drop with and without a W as well as last day to drop for a full refund. Students are responsible to drop the class on their own in these circumstances.

How many students do I add over the cap?

I try to add up to 4 students over my cap.

Technology Requirement

Learning Management System Requirement: Since this is an online course, students are required to access the Learning Management System Canvas (Links to an external site.) often in order to view and complete lessons, quizzes, and discussion board posts.

Internet Requirement: Students need to secure reliable access to the internet in order to complete assessments on Canvas. CCSF provides students with free computer use on campus and free WiFi.

Camera Requirement: Students need access to a camera with audio and visual capabilities. Most smartphones and laptops have this capability.

Required Textbook

Microeconomics, 10^th edition, Boyes and Melvin (published by Cengage Learning, 2016)

ISBN: 9781285859477

Instructor Contac Information

Instructor: Zhicheng Liang

Email: zliang@ccsf.edu

I respond to emails within 24 hours during the week and 48 hours over the weekend.

Online Office Hours: Wednesday and Friday 4:30PM – 5:30PM through Zoom

Canvas Log-in and Tech Support

If this is the first time you have used the Canvas learning management system, you may have questions about how things work.

Canvas Student Support Banner Visit the CCSF Canvas Student Support Center to watch video tutorials from Canvas that will help you set up your notification preferences, use the Canvas Student app, navigate the dashboard, and access and submit your assignments.

If you want to travel deeper into the world of Canvas, you can enroll in Passport to Canvas which will give you an in-depth orientation in using Canvas as a student.

In the Canvas Student Support center, learn how to get live Canvas support and use conferencing applications like Zoom and Pronto to join live class sessions and meet with your instructor during office hours.

grey help button with question mark icon. You can also find links to these support resources by clicking on the Help button in the lower-left corner of this page from wherever you might be in Canvas.

DSPS Academic Accommodation

Disabled Students Programs and Services

Course Policies

Excused Absence Policy

Students need to notify the instructor of absences prior to class when possible. Students are responsible for providing the instructor reason(s) for his or her absence. The instructor then determines the validity of the reason(s) for the absence and whether the student is to be excused for the absence. Instructors will consider the following reasons for absence as excusable: verified medical or family emergencies; death in a student’s immediate family; military duty; obligation of a student at legal proceedings in fulfilling responsibility as a citizen; involvement in traffic accident documented by law enforcement report; major religious holidays, and others determined by the instructor to be excusable.
Students missing work due to an excused absence bear the responsibility of informing the instruction about their absence. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in an unexcused absence.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

City College of San Francisco is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and the prevention of discrimination and harassment in any program or activity of the District on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, disability or AIDS/HIV status, medical conditions, or status as Vietnam-era veteran, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Dishonesty and Student Conduct

Cheating: Cheating on assignments and exams can take many forms. Unless otherwise notified, looking at any other student’s test during an examination will be considered evidence of cheating. Also remember that signing another student’s name on the attendance sheet or having someone else sign your name on the attendance sheet is considered a form of dishonest conduct or cheating. Cell phones may not be turned on or used as calculators during exams. All caps must have brims turned to the back during exams. To discourage cheating, students may be asked to rearrange their seats for exams. Students who appear to be looking at others’ exams, seeking to exchange information, or otherwise cheating will have their seats changed immediately and must sit up front for all remaining quizzes and exams. City College of San Francisco takes such matters seriously and the penalties may involve receipt of a grade of “F” on the test or suspension from the College.
Plagiarism: I encourage you to study with other students and discuss any class assignments – but please make sure you write your own final answer. Written assignments are a way for you to show your understanding of basic economic concepts by putting them in your own words. Plagiarism means presenting someone else's words or ideas as if they were your own and is a form of cheating.
To write acceptable answers to assignments, don’t copy word-for-word from the source you’re using – this is plagiarism. Instead, summarize the main points or basic ideas of the material you are discussing in your own (different) words and phrasing, and always give credit to the source. If you are not sure whether your work would be considered plagiarism, please come discuss it with me.

Important Dates

This course is a fully online class with no required live meeting dates or times (fully asynchronous). Everything occurs in Canvas. New material, including lectures, videos, and assignments will be available to you each Monday by noon.

**Important Dates**
Event	Dates
Semester Start Date	Jan. 16
Last day to drop course in order to qualify for refund	Jan. 29
Last day to add	Feb. 2
Last day to drop without a “W”	Feb. 2
Last day to drop, withdraw or reduce course work in order to qualify for 50% refund	Feb. 7
Last day to request a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) grade option	Apr. 18
Last day to drop with a “W”	Apr. 18
Final Exam	May 22
Semester End Date	May 22