Economics
Office: 129 Blodgett Hall, Website: economics.vassar.edu, Phone:
(845) 437–7395, e–mail: economics@vassar.edu
201a or b. Microeconomic Theory (1)
Economics is about choice, and microeconomic theory begins with how
consumers and producers make choices. Economic agents interact in markets,
so we carefully examine the role markets play in allocating resources.
Theories of perfect and imperfect competition are studied, emphasizing the
relationship between market structure and market performance. General
equilibrium analysis is introduced, and efficiency and optimality of the
economic system are examined. Causes and consequences of market failure
are also considered. The department.
Prerequisites: Economics 101 and one semester of college-level calculus.