Ateneo - UPO

This graduate-level course explores the fundamental principles of individual decision making, focusing on rational choice theory as applied to individual decision-making processes. The curriculum encompasses an analysis of how economic principles influence the choices made by individuals, touching upon consumer behavior, firm dynamics, and various market structures. Topics covered include supply and demand, consumer choice, market demand, information economics, game theory, and market structures like perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition.

Frank, Robert H. (2020) Microeconomics and Behavior – International Student Edition (10th ed.), McGraw-Hill.

- Understand rational choice theory and its application in economics.
- Analyze consumer behavior and demand.
- Evaluate economic decision-making under uncertainty and information constraints.
- Examine firm behavior, production, and costs.
- Study various market structures, including competition, monopoly, and oligopoly.
- Apply game theory to analyze strategic interactions.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in economics.

This graduate-level microeconomics course assumes a grasp of introductory microeconomics concepts and a basic proficiency in mathematics, including algebra and graph interpretation. Students should have completed an introductory microeconomics course or its equivalent, ensuring they are prepared for the quantitative and analytical aspects of this advanced course.

The course will predominantly use frontal lectures to cover theoretical foundations and empirical evidence. Additionally, students will read, present, and discuss academic papers to deepen their understanding and encourage critical analysis of labor market policies.

For any further information and clarification, please contact Dr. Traverso via email.

Assessment will be based on a written exam. Students' presentations and active participation in lectures will grant additional points.

Tentative program:
- Chapter 1. Thinking Like an Economist
- Chapter 2. Supply and Demand
- Chapter 3. Rational Consumer Choice
- Chapter 4. Individual and Market Demand
- Chapter 5. Applications of Rational Choice and Demand Theories
- Chapter 6. The Economics of Information and Choice under Uncertainty
- Chapter 7. Departures from Standard Rational Choice Models (With and Without Regret)
- Chapter 8. Production
- Chapter 9. Costs
- Chapter 10. Perfect Competition*
- Chapter 11. Monopoly*
- Chapter 12. A Game-Theoretic Approach to Strategic Behavior*
- Chapter 13. Oligopoly and Monopolistic Competition*

* If time allows.

This course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of rational choice theory, consumer behavior, decision-making under uncertainty, firm dynamics, and various market structures. Students will develop analytical and quantitative skills to evaluate economic decisions and strategic interactions, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in advanced microeconomics.