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Microeconomics (minor)

Vak
2025-2026

Admission requirements

Description

This course will provide students with the basic tools in Microeconomics. We start by studying consumer behavior and how choices form the basis of demand in the economy. Next, we study firm behavior in order to understand input and output decisions of firms and to learn where supply originates from. Finally, (strategic) interaction between firms is studied. Throughout the course we will use examples from the real world in order to stimulate understanding of the economic theories.

This course assumes some basic background in Mathematics.

Course objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Use economic theory to analyse how individuals make decisions;

  • Use economic theory to analyse firm behavior and market functioning;

  • Predict how individuals and firms will behave, using economic theory.

  • Reproduce key findings in microeconomic theory;

  • Interpret findings from theoretical models;

  • Write a note or give a presentation which applies economic theory to explain phenomena we observe in the real world, in collaboration with other students.

Timetable

Zie MyTimetable.

Mode of instruction

Lectures

  • Number of (2 hour) lectures: 7

  • Names of lecturers: Simona Cicognani

  • Required preparation by students: Students are required to read the mandatory literature and to prepare the mandatory exercises. There is time for discussion and debate during both lectures and tutorials.

Seminars

  • Number of (2 hour) seminars: 7

  • Names of lecturers: Simona Cicognani

  • Required preparation by students: Students are required to read the mandatory literature and to prepare the mandatory exercises. There is time for discussion and debate during both lectures and tutorials.

Other

Assessment method

Examination form(s)

  • Written exam (70%)

  • Group assignment (20%)

  • In-class participation at tutorials (10%)

The written exam covers the literature discussed in the course as well as the content of all lectures and tutorials. The assignment will be either in the form of a written paper or a presentation (tbd).

The written exam needs to be completed with a score of 5.5 or higher. The grade for the assignment can be compensated. A resit will be available for the final exam. The assignment grade cannot be carried over to the next year in case a student repeats the course.

Reading list

Obligatory course materials
Microeconomics and Behavior, 3rd edition (2020), Frank and Cartwright, McGraw Hill, 1526847841 · 9781526847843.

Registration

Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap. If you do not have access to MyStudymap (guest students), look here (under the Law-tab) for more information on the registration procedure in your situation.

Contact

  • Coordinator: Dr. Simona Cicognani

  • Work address: Wijnhaven, The Hague

  • Email: s.cicognani@law.leidenuniv.nl

Institution/division

  • Institute: Institute of Tax Law and Economics

  • Department: Economics

  • Room number secretary: KOG B2.07

  • Opening hours: 09.00- 12.00 AM

  • Telephone number secretary: 071-5277756

  • Email: economie@law.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks