Econ 438: Fall 2024

Description

This course has an applied econometrics focus. The topics include voting behavior, betting markets, sports, and various issues in microeconomics. The requirements are three empirical papers. The first, worth 20 percent of the grade, is an extension of an existing article, where some of the results are duplicated and then extended. A voting example is provided if a student wants to use it. The second, worth 30 percent of the grade, is more of the same but with no example provided. The third, worth 50 percent of the grade, is a more original paper within the range of topics covered in the course, where data are collected and analyzed using whatever econometric techniques are relevant. For seniors this paper can possibly be the beginning of a senior essay. The aim of the course is to get students doing original empirical research using econometric tools. It is also to prepare students to read empirical papers in economics and other social sciences.

Prerequisites

Two semesters of econometrics, like Econ 117 and 123 or Econ 135 and 136, and intermediate microeconomics. Special permission from the instructor is needed if the student has had only one semester of econometrics.

Attendance

Class attendance is required, and there will be considerable class participation.

Statistical Software

Any statistical software is fine. Class time will not be taken going over software.

Readings

The following list of readings is tentative. Some papers may be added and some subtracted, partly depending on students' interests. And not all papers may be required reading. Students will be asked to present some of the papers. Also, time will be taken for students' presentations of their own papers. All readings are online except for your econometrics text.

August 28, 30, September 4: Econometric Methodology and Tools

September 9, 11: Explaining and Predicting Voting Behavior

September 16, 18: Explaining the Voting Behavior of Members of Congress and Student Presentations of the First Paper

First paper due Monday, September 23, before class.

September 23, 25: Topics in Sports Economics--1

September 30, October 2: Topics in Sports Economics--2

October 7, 9: Political Betting Markets

October 14, 21, 23: Announcement Effects on Stock and Bond Markets and Student Presentations of the Second Paper

Second paper due Monday, October 28, before class.

October 28, 30: Natural Experiments

November 4, 6: Grades, Wine, and Extramarital Affairs

November 11, 13: Minimum Wage, Minimum Driving Age

Outline of third paper due Wednesday, November 13, before class.

November 18, 20: Is the Harvard Admissions Process Biased Against Asian Americans?

December 2, 4: Student Presentations of the Third Paper

Third paper due Thursday, December 12, midnight.

Possible Other Readings

News Items and Miscellaneous