Microeconomic Theory I: Policy and Economic Systems

This course is the first in a two‑part sequence on microeconomic theory, offering a foundation in how individuals, firms, and organizations make choices under resource constraints. Students analyze neoclassical models of consumer and producer behavior, market equilibrium, and welfare outcomes, emphasizing their relevance for policy design and evaluation.

The course develops skills in formulating and solving constrained optimization problems—including utility maximization, expenditure minimization, and profit maximization—and in using microeconomic theory to hypothesize, analyze, and interpret the effects of policy interventions. By the end, students establish a rigorous foundation for applying economic reasoning to policy research and analysis.