2020-21 Academic Catalog

Experimental economics focuses on using controlled experiments to demonstrate causal relationships in economic decision making. We will develop a deep understanding of both the methodology and major findings of experimental economics. Many discussions will be student-led, through in-depth presentation of journal articles. Topics covered will be determined largely by student interest, but might include subjects such as altruistic behavior, bargaining, market behavior, risk preferences, public goods, and auctions. Prerequisite: Economics 329, 330 and 331 or instructor permission

This seminar focuses on empirical analysis of topics in the economics of inequality. Specific areas of study depend on student interest and may include: labor markets; earnings gaps across gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, and immigrant status; labor-market discrimination; gender inequality in different countries and regions; immigration and the role of cultural transmission; and family decision-making. Class time is primarily devoted to discussion of peer-reviewed journal articles, theory and application of advanced econometric techniques, and student-led presentations. Prerequisite: Economics 329, 330 and 331 or instructor permission

This course studies empirical analyses of macroeconomic models. In addition to providing a survey of broad macro topics like growth, aggregate consumption, monetary policy, unemployment, and finance, the course will introduce tools used by macroeconomists to understand how and why aggregate measures covary. In addition to large-class meetings, students will engage in a narrower topic area through weekly tutorial sessions. Prerequisite: Economics 329, 330, and 331, or instructor permission