ECO 201 Module Six Short Paper Guidelines and Rubric
Overview
A monopoly is a firm that is a sole seller in a market. Monopolies can decide to set different prices for different consumers through price discrimination. In monopolistic competition, there are many firms that sell products that are differentiated (similar but not identical). In this short paper, you will demonstrate what you have learned about the similarities and the differences between monopolistic competition and monopolies.
Directions
Using the template provided in the What to Submit section, write a short paper exploring the theoretical differences between monopolistic competition and monopoly and their relevance for real-life firms. 1. Introduction: Define monopolistic competition and monopolistic market structures.
2. Economic Theory: Identify at least three key features that monopolistic competition and monopolies have in common and three key features that are different. Use the following questions to guide you: How many sellers are there in the market?
Are the products differentiated or identical? Explain.
Are there barriers to entry and exit? Explain.
How is the profit maximizing quantity determined?
How is the price determined in each market type?
Is there short run and long run profit? Explain.
3. Application: Illustrate the practical application of the economic theory regarding monopolies and monopolistic competition you discussed in the prior section of your paper.
A. Examples: Research examples of firms that operate under each market structure and explain why you chose each example.
B. Market Structures and Firm Behavior: Analyze how each market structure’s characteristics align with your example firms’ behavior. Provide details to support your claims.
Support your claims with examples from your research or from the textbook cited in APA format.
What to Submit
Use the Module Six Short Paper Template to create your short paper and submit it for grading. Sources should be cited according to APA style.
Supporting Materials
The following resource support your work on this assignment:
Resource: APA Style Basics
Use this resource to support your in-line citations and full references in the References section of your template.
Module Six Short Paper Rubric
|
Criteria |
Meets Expectations (100%) |
Partially Meets Expectations (55%) |
Does Not Meet Expectations (0%) |
Value |
|
Introduction |
Defines monopolistic competition and monopolistic market structures |
Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but with errors or omissions |
Does not attempt criterion |
10 |
https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/2074693/viewContent/44650924/View 1/2
11/26/25, 5:01 PM Assignment Information
|
Criteria |
Meets Expectations (100%) |
Partially Meets Expectations (55%) |
Does Not Meet Expectations (0%) |
Value |
|
Economic Theory |
Identifies at least three key features that monopolistic competition and monopolies have in common and three features that are different |
Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but with errors or omissions |
Does not attempt criterion |
30 |
|
Application: Examples |
Identifies examples of firms that operate under each market structure and explains why each was chosen |
Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but with errors or omissions |
Does not attempt criterion |
20 |
|
Application: Market Structures and Firm Behavior |
Analyzes how each market structure’s characteristics aligns with the behavior of the example firms |
Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but with errors or omissions |
Does not attempt criterion |
30 |
|
Clear Communication |
Consistently and effectively communicates in an organized way to a specific audience |
Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but communication is inconsistent or ineffective in a way that negatively impacts understanding |
Shows no evidence of consistent, effective, or organized communication |
5 |
|
Citations and Attributions |
Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with consistent minor errors |
Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with major errors |
Does not use citations for ideas requiring attribution |
5 |
|
Total: |
100% |
|||
https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/2074693/viewContent/44650924/View 2/2