Syllabus

Title
1438 Advanced Microeconomics II (Science Track)
Instructors
Univ.Prof. Dr.Dr. Ulrich Berger
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
11/21/22 to 11/27/22
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Master Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 11/30/22 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 12/07/22 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 12/14/22 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 12/21/22 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 01/11/23 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 01/18/23 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Wednesday 01/25/23 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM D4.0.144
Contents

Advanced Microeconomics II continues Advanced Microeconomics I. It is an advanced course that teaches selected fundamental topics in microeconomics in more detail. The course starts with mechanism design, using a public goods game and auctions as primary examples. After introducing the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves mechanism we turn to second-best mechanisms and finally to market mechanisms.

1. public goods

2. the VCG mechanism

3. balanced budgets

4. second-best mechanisms

5. bilateral trade

6. Myerson-Satterthwaite theorem

7. competition

8. double auctions

9. markets

10. large public goods

11. auctions and profit maximization

12. competitive markets

Learning outcomes

After attending this course, students will be able to:

  • understand the source of inefficiencies arising under incomplete information.
  • construct efficient mechanisms to handle social choice problems.
  • explain how large markets may eliminate inefficiencies.
Attendance requirements

The attendance requirement is met, if a student is present at least 80%. Therefore, students are allowed to be absent for one teaching unit.

Advanced Microeconomics II is the continuation of Advanced Microeconomics I. It is formally possible to only complete the second course (e.g. for exchange students who need just 4 ECTS), but it would be rather difficult and doesn't make much sense.

Teaching/learning method(s)
  • Lectures with material developed on the whiteboard and supported by slides
  • Discussion of examples

Slides and exercises will be uploaded on Canvas. Students are requested to prepare for each class with the provided material.

Assessment

There will be several homeworks (weight 30%) and a written final exam (60%). The remaining 10% can be gained by active participation, i.e. by answering questions raised during the course or contributing to the discussion thoughtfully.

Recommended previous knowledge and skills

Students should have a good knowledge of introductory microeconomics and game theory, and they should have completed Advanced Microeconomics I. The most important requirement, however, is the willingness to engage with formal (axiomatic) reasoning and proofs.

Availability of lecturer(s)

e-mail: ulrich.berger@wu.ac.at

phone: 01/31336-4562

Last edited: 2022-12-02



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