本課程是現代個體經濟理論系列課程的第一部分，旨在介紹現代個體經濟學的基礎。課程前半部探討決策理論（decision theory），分析理性決策者在不同情境下的選擇行為及其推論。後半部則進一步研究理性決策者之間的均衡互動，涵蓋部分均衡（partial equilibrium）與一般均衡（general equilibrium）理論。在簡要介紹配對理論（matching theory）之後，課程將進入完全資訊賽局理論（game theory under complete information）。
本課程將介紹多種經濟模型，目的並非僅在於學習模型本身，而是透過這些模型幫助學生理解：(1)現代經濟學中最重要的核心概念，包括個體最適化（individual optimization）、均衡（equilibrium）以及比較靜態分析（comparative statics）;(2)如何以經濟學家的方式，正式建立模型並分析經濟問題。

This course is the first part of a sequence covering the foundations of modern microeconomic
theory. The first part of the course studies decision theory, deriving some implications of rational decisions in
different settings. The second part considers the equilibrium interaction among rational decision makers. We
cover partial and general competitive equilibrium theory. After a brief detour to matching theory, we move
to game theory under complete information. In this class, you will see a number of models. The purpose
is to use these models as examples to show you (1) the most important concepts in modern economics:
individual optimization, equilibrium and comparative statics, and (2) how to formally set up and analyze a
problem as an economist.