09446 - Microeconomics (O-Z)

Learning outcomes

Microeconomic theory is a branch of economics that studies how individuals, households and firms make decisions to allocate limited resources, typically in markets where goods or services are being bought and sold. Microeconomics examines how these decisions and behaviours affect the supply and demand for goods and services, which determines prices; and how prices, in turn, determine the supply and demand of goods and services.  The students wil master the basic instruments for the analysis of the behaviour of the main economic agents (consumers, firms, goverment) and of their interactions in the markets. Basic theoretical instruments for the understanding of the redistributive effects of public policies, with particular reference to the Italian case are further provided.

Course contents

INTRODUCTION  (First week)
Some Economic Fundamentals Necessary analytical tools 

PART I: Consumption and production choices (Weeks 2-5)
Consumption theory Consumer behaviour  Individual and market demand  The theory of the firm  Technology and production Production costs

PARTE II: Market structure (Weeks 6-8)
Perfect competition
Profit maximization and competitive supply Analysis of perfectly competitive markets Monopoly Oligopoly 

PART III: General equilibrium, externality and public goods (Weeks 9-10)
General economic equilibrium and efficiency Esternalities

Readings/Bibliography

Pindyck, R.S. e D.L. Rubinfeld: Microeconomia,ottava edizione italiana, Pearson, Prentice Hall, 2013.

Updating: http://giuseppepignataro.altervista.org/teaching.html

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures accompanied by a web support materials available at the site (http://giuseppepignataro.altervista.org/teaching.html). 
 

Assessment methods

Written exams.

Teaching tools

Lessons (60 teaching hours for 30 lessons) plus due hours per week for practise exercises held by a Tutor.

Website: http://giuseppepignataro.altervista.org/teaching.html

Links to further information

http://giuseppepignataro.altervista.org/teaching.html

Office hours

See the website of Giuseppe Pignataro