Course rules

Final grade calculation

The final grade is based on a weighted average of the scores received for the following components (weights in brackets):

a) active class participation (25%) - consisting of entry short tests and discussion of presentations,

b) in-class presentation (15%) - consisting of the presentation itself and responses to questions, 

c) final exam (60%).

To pass the course, a student must achieve both: at least 50% of the maximum exam score AND at least 50% of the maximum total course score obtained from components a), b), and c).

In the retake session, only the final exam may be retaken. The new result replaces the previous one, even if the new result is lower. Scores from components a) and b) cannot be improved in the retake session. 

Points earned in previous years do not carry over.

Active class participation - Entry short tests (maximum 20 points):

• An entry short test will be given every other class.
• Tests may cover all material discussed in class up to the time of the test, with an emphasis on material covered since the previous short test.
• Tests may include different types of tasks, including open problems, multiple choice questions, true/false questions, etc.
• No notes, phones, or other devices may be used during tests. Everything except a pen must be stored in bags.
• The Faculty policy "Zero tolerance for cheating" - Any form of cheating, including looking at another student's work, will result in the immediate termination of the test and a score of zero.
• Short tests may be reviewed during office hours held after the next class following the test (typically one week after the test). After that time, no changes to short-test scores will be possible.
• Absence from a test or failure to participate results in zero points for that test.
• There are no retakes for entry short tests.
• The score for the entry short-test component will be calculated based on the average score achieved across all entry short tests, excluding the test with the lowest result.

Presentation (maximum 15 points):

• The presentation is completed in teams of two or three students, all from the same group in USOS.
• Each team must present its work in class. Every team member must present a part of the work. The total presentation time may not exceed 10 minutes.
• The presentation should address a microeconomic problem grounded in the existing scientific literature and closely related to the topics covered in the course.
• The objective of the presentation is to use microeconomic concepts discussed in class to discuss and/or analyze a real-world problem.
• The presentation must be based on at least two scientific articles published in recognized economic journals (e.g., found in Google Scholar, with an Impact Factor), which concern a chosen topic covered within the course. The presentation should explain the research and findings of the selected articles, connect them to the relevant microeconomic concepts, and critically compare or evaluate the evidence. For example, if two articles examine a similar issue in different countries, the presentation may compare the evidence across countries.
• It is strongly recommended to consult the specific topic and the selection of articles with the lecturer before starting the work.
• There are the following topic slots: four on governmental interventions, four on externalities, four on public goods, and four on asymmetric information. One member of each team must submit the selected topic slot and the names of all team members by December 18, 2026, 11.59 pm, via email to the lecturer. Given the limited number of slots, they will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Failure to submit a topic slot by the deadline means no participation in this grade component and, consequently, zero points for the presentation.
• Presentation slides must be submitted by email to the lecturer by January 10, 2027, 11.59 pm. Two points will be deducted from the presentation score for each started day of delay with the submission.
• The last slide of the presentation must list the names and student ID numbers of all authors. If team members contributed unequally, this last slide may also indicate the percentage contribution of each member to the joint work. Any declaration of unequal contributions should be agreed upon by all team members. This slide is for the lecturer's information only and should not be shown in class.
• All presentations will be subject to a plagiarism check. Copying text without quotation marks and a proper source reference, as well as paraphrasing another source without appropriate attribution, constitutes plagiarism. Cases of suspected plagiarism will be handled in accordance with Faculty rules.
• References to the journal articles must be cited in-text (author’s name and publication year) and compiled in a reference list with full bibliographic details at the end of the presentation. A link does not constitute a reference.
• Working papers, popular science articles, conference presentations, and similar materials do not count as scientific articles published in recognized economic journals.
• Grading components [maximum points for each component are given in square brackets]:
  (i) scientific content [5] - connection to the selected course topic, accurate use of microeconomic concepts, appropriate use and interpretation of at least two scientific articles, appropriate referencing to them, integration of insights from the articles into a coherent presentation; 
  (ii) presentation style [5] - structure and logic of the presentation, clarity of speech, engagement with the audience (no reading from notes), clarity of the slides, adherence to the 10-minute time limit;
  (iii) responses to questions [5] - clarity, scientific accuracy, and demonstrated understanding of the presented topic; two questions will be asked; the lecturer will select the questions from those submitted by students and/or ask her own questions.
• The slides themselves are not the primary object of assessment. Scientific content is assessed primarily based on what is communicated orally during the in-class presentation. The slides should serve as a supporting tool for communicating the presentation’s message.
• All team members will receive the same score unless unequal contributions are reported.

Active class participation - Discussion of presentations (maximum 5 points):

• This takes the form of asking a question or making a critical comment related to the presentation.
• Questions and comments should not simply request repetition of information already presented or ask for a simple clarification. They may, for example, refer to the relationship between the presented topic and microeconomic concepts discussed in class, question an assumption or interpretation, or raise a critical point for further discussion.
• Before presentations, every student will receive slips of paper on which to write a question or comment.
• After each presentation, the lecturer will collect all submitted questions/comments and select two to be addressed by the presenting team. If none of the submitted questions/comments meet the expected standard, the lecturer will ask her own questions.
• All submitted questions and comments, including those not asked in class, will be evaluated by the lecturer against the expected standard and assigned points accordingly.

Final exam:

• The same for all groups taking the course in Microeconomics III.
• Organized by the course coordinator, Dr. Anna Kukla-Gryz.
• At the end of the term, during the exam session.
• Single-choice questions.
• A total of 30 questions at the maximum.
• The range of the exam material includes all topics listed in the “Full description” in the course syllabus in USOS. The exam questions will not concern problems discussed in the presentations made by students.

Grading scale