EC487     
Advanced Microeconomics

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Christopher Sandmann SAL 4.24

Dr Clement Minaudier

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics. This course is available on the MSc in Applicable Mathematics, MSc in Economics and MSc in Economics (2 Year Programme). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Students on other programmes must get permission from the course conveners to take this course. 

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Introductory Course for MSc EME (EC451).

EC451 takes place prior to the start of Michaelmas Term, please contact econ.msc@lse.ac.uk for more information.

Course content

The aim of this course is to: (i) introduce and develop the analytical tools of graduate level Microeconomics with a special emphasis on mathematical models; (ii) provide the students with a firm grounding in classical Microeconomic Theory as well as its modern development.

 

Topics are likely to include: Games of complete information (zero-sum and supermodular games, rationalizability, correlated equilibrium, equilibrium refinements, Nash + Rubinstein bargaining, repeated games, oligopoly), general equilibrium (existence + uniqueness, welfare theorems, core equivalence, Walrasian bargaining, jungle equilibrium) in Autumn Term, and choice under uncertainty, economics of information, topics in mechanism design, topics in behavioural economics in Winter Term.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the AT. 20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of seminars in the WT. 1 hour of seminars in the ST.

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 60 hours across Autumn Term, Winter Term, and Spring Term.

There will be a reading week in Week 6 of WT only (no lectures or classes that week).

Formative coursework

Problem sets will be discussed in class and two marked assignments will be given in AT and WT.

Indicative reading

The main texts are:

Osborne and Rubinstein, A Course in Game Theory, The MIT Press,

Mas-Colell, Whinston & Green, Microeconomic Theory, OUP, and,

A Rubinstein, Lecture Notes in Economic Theory, Princeton University Press (with the most up-to-date version available for free download from the author's website).

Other sources include: Fudenberg and Tirole, Game Theory, MIT Press.

Assessment

Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the January exam period.
Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the spring exam period.
Problem sets (20%) in the AT and WT.

Note that EC451 material will be covered on the exam.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2022/23: 41

Average class size 2022/23: 14

Controlled access 2022/23: Yes

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT & LT)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

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