*Economics 970. Tutorial — Sophomore Year
Catalog Number: 7923 Enrollment: Limited to concentrators.
Christopher L. Foote, Robert H. Neugeboren, and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A series of small seminars focusing on applications of economic theory to real problems.
Note: One term required of all Economics concentrators.
Prerequisite: Both terms of Social Analysis 10, Statistics 100, Economics 1010a or 1011a, and current enrollment in Economics 1010b or 1011b.
*Economics 980r. Tutorial — Junior Year
Catalog Number: 3281
Robert H. Neugeboren and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 7–8:30 p.m.
A thorough review of intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Note: Required of and limited to concentrators who received below a B-/C+ average in the Economics 1010/1011 sequence.
[*Economics 985b. Research in Industrial Organization and Regulation]
Catalog Number: 8180
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Full course. Hours to be arranged.
Research seminar examining the major issues and approaches in the economics of industrial organization and regulation. Written and oral presentations of work in progress leading toward completion of a major research paper or senior honors thesis are required.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
*Economics 985c. Research in Labor Economics
Catalog Number: 5409
James L. Medoff
Full course. Fall: F., 1–3 Spring: Hours to be arranged.
Senior thesis research seminar in labor economics and related topics. Emphasis on choice of research topics, methodology, and data sources. Written and oral presentations of work in progress leading toward completion of a major research paper or senior honors thesis are required.
*Economics 985d. Research in Economic Development
Catalog Number: 4989
Michael P. Murray (Bates College)
Full course. Fall: Th., 2:30–4:30 Spring: Hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 16, 17, 18
Workshop for seniors writing theses in the areas of economic history and economic development. Emphasis on choice of research topics, primary sources, data sources, and research methods. Written and oral presentations of work in progress leading toward completion of a major research paper or senior honors thesis are required.
*Economics 985e. Research in Macroeconomics
Catalog Number: 3740
Francesco Caselli
Full course. Fall: W., 2–4; Spring: W., 3–5.
Provides intellectual support and constructive criticism for students involved in research in the fields of monetary and fiscal policy, business cycles, and economic growth. Initial meetings focus on finalizing research topics, data sources, and research methods. Written and oral presentations of work in progress leading toward completion of a major research paper or senior honors thesis are required.
*Economics 985f. Research in International Trade and Finance
Catalog Number: 7157
Richard N. Cooper
Full course. M., 3:30–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Workshop for seniors writing theses in international trade and finance. Emphasis on choice of research topics, methodology, and international economic theory. Written and oral presentations of work in progress leading toward completion of a major research paper or senior honors thesis are required.
*Economics 985h. Research in Financial Markets
Catalog Number: 0350
Tuomo O. Vuolteenaho
Full course. Fall: Th., 4–6; Spring: M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: Spring: 9
Workshop for seniors writing theses in finance. Emphasis on choice of research topics, methodology, and data sources. Written and oral presentations of work in progress leading toward completion of a major research paper or senior honor thesis are required. Topics include asset pricing and corporate finance.
*Economics 985k. Research in Public Finance
Catalog Number: 0871
Judith Li
Full course. M., 2–4.
Research seminar for seniors writing theses in public finance. Written and oral presentations of work in progress required. Topics have included taxation, health economics, environmental and resource economics, and education.
*Economics 990. Tutorial — Senior Year
Catalog Number: 7342
Christopher L. Foote and members of the Department
Full course. Workshop meetings to be arranged.
Note: Senior concentrators who are candidates for honors must write a senior thesis. They are required to present the thesis project to either the senior thesis workshop or a research seminar during the fall term. A student should consult a thesis adviser from among Department members and then inform the Undergraduate Office of the topic and adviser. Signature of the Director of Undergraduate Studies required. Students must write a 25-page paper during the fall term and make two oral presentations on their thesis work. Students currently enrolled in Economics 985 may not enroll in Economics 990.
Economics 1010b. Macroeconomic Theory
Catalog Number: 2924
N. Gregory Mankiw, Alberto F. Alesina, and Francesco Caselli
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Theory of determination of national income, employment, prices, and interest rates; related issues of economic growth, fluctuations, and inflation; monetary and fiscal policy.
Note: Economics 1010b fulfills the intermediate macroeconomic theory requirement for economics concentrators. Students may take either Economics 1010b or Economics 1011b for credit.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10. While no specific mathematics course is required, knowledge of calculus at the level of Mathematics 1a is assumed.
Economics 1011a. Microeconomic Theory
Catalog Number: 7230
Michael A. Schwarz
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Economics 1011a is similar to Economics 1010a, but moves at a faster pace and with more use of mathematics. Topics include the theory of the consumer, decisions involving time and risk, the theory of the firm, perfect and imperfect competition, general equilibrium, welfare economics, game theory, and the economics of information. Special applied topics are covered if time permits; the topics this year will be bargaining and auctions, basic asset-pricing theory, and an introduction to law and economics.
Note: Economics 1011a fulfills the intermediate microeconomic theory requirement for economics concentrators. Students may take either Economics 1010a or Economics 1011a for credit.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10 and Mathematics 20 or 21a, or permission of the instructor.
Economics 1011b. Macroeconomic Theory
Catalog Number: 6993
N. Gregory Mankiw, Alberto F. Alesina, and Francesco Caselli
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
The same topics as in 1010b, but with a more mathematical approach.
Note: Economics 1011b fulfills the intermediate macroeconomic theory requirement for economics concentrators. Students may take either Economics 1010b or Economics 1011b for credit.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10. While no specific mathematics course is required, Mathematics 20 or 21 is recommended.
Economics 1030. Psychology and Economics
Catalog Number: 4709
David I. Laibson and Andrei Shleifer
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Integrates psychological and economic analysis of behavior. Psychological topics include: trust, vengeance, fairness, impatience, impulsivity, bounded rationality, learning, reinforcement, classical conditioning, loss-aversion, over-confidence, self-serving biases, cognitive dissonance, altruism, subjective well-being, hedonic adaptation, marketing. Discusses how psychological experiments have been used to learn about preferences, cognition, and behavior. Economic topics include: arbitrage; equilibrium; rational choice; utility maximization; Bayesian beliefs; and game theory. Integrates these psychological and economic concepts to understand numerous behavioral phenomena, such as: credit card borrowing; portfolio choice; retirement saving; procrastination; addiction; asset pricing; auction bidding; labor supply; and cooperation.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a, or 1011a, and knowledge of multivariate calculus.
Economics 1050. Strategy, Conflict, and Cooperation
Catalog Number: 8506
Robert H. Neugeboren
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 1, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 6
An introduction to “the strategic way of thinking” and a primer on game theory with applications to economics and other social sciences. Topics include the prisoner’s dilemma and the arms race; dominance reasoning and the minimax theorem; mixed strategies and Nash equilibrium; bargaining and collective action; threats, promises, and negotiated games; the evolution of cooperation. No special mathematical preparation required.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
Economics 1052. Introduction to Game Theory
Catalog Number: 2634
Markus M. Möbius
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
An introduction to game theory and its applications to economics at a high level of rigor. Topics include extensive form and strategic form games, Nash equilibrium and Nash’s existence theorem, subgame-perfect equilibrium, Bayesian equilibrium, and applications to repeated games, auctions, and bargaining.
Prerequisite: Economics 1011a and Mathematics 21b or equivalent.
Economics 2010b. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 8659
Laurent E. Calvet and Michael A. Schwarz
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
General equilibrium, the core, externalities and public goods, moral hazard, social choice theory, signaling, mechanism design.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a.
Economics 2010c. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 2041
Benjamin M. Friedman, David I. Laibson, and N. Gregory Mankiw
Half course (fall term). M., W., 12:30–2. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6
A basic course in graduate macroeconomics, including models of business fluctuations, theories of consumption, investment, money demand, and analysis of monetary and fiscal policy.
Note: Enrollment is normally limited to students in the economics Ph.D. program, doctoral candidates in a few other designated programs, and well-qualified undergraduates.
Prerequisite: Economics 2030 or the equivalent; can be taken concurrently.
Economics 2010d. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 4431
Alberto F. Alesina and Robert J. Barro
Half course (spring term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Economic growth; theory of economic policy; fiscal policy; macroeconomic theory for the open economy.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010c.
*Economics 2020a. Microeconomic Theory I
Catalog Number: 0339 Enrollment: Limited to 102.
Jerry R. Green and Nolan H. Miller (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., 8:30–10, plus one section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 2
The theory of microeconomic behavior. Consumption, production, uncertainty, markets, general equilibrium. Applications to policy analysis, business decisions, industrial organization, finance, the legal system. Emphasizes the use of economic theory in analyzing and understanding practical problems. This is a comprehensive course in economic theory designed for doctoral students in all parts of the university.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as API-111 and the Business School as 4401.
Prerequisite: Two years of calculus and one course in probability theory. Thorough background in microeconomic theory at the intermediate level. Undergraduates with the appropriate background are welcome.
*Economics 2020b. Microeconomic Theory II
Catalog Number: 4058
Jerry R. Green, Christopher N. Avery (Kennedy School), and Nolan H. Miller (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 8:30–10, plus a one hour section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
A continuation of Economics 2020a. Game theory, economics of information, incentive theory, welfare economics.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as API-112 and the Business School as 4402.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a or 2020a.
Economics 2030. Mathematics and Optimization Theory for Economists
Catalog Number: 4976
Emmanuel Saez
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Covers all basic aspects of mathematics and optimization theory useful to Ph.D.-level economics. Topics include: real analysis, functions of several variables, convex programming, duality theory, linear and non-linear programming, calculus of variations, the maximum principle of optimal control theory. While each topic is treated rigorously, the emphasis is on economic applications. This course could be useful for a graduate student either: needing more exposure to mathematics for economists, or wishing to learn more about optimization theory for economists.
Economics 2040. Experimental Economics
Catalog Number: 8485 Enrollment: Limited to 48.
Alvin E. Roth
Half course (fall term). F., 9–12. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3, 4
An introduction to experimental economics, its methods, and some of the major subject areas that have been addressed by laboratory experiments. Effort is made to concentrate on a series of experiments, in order to see how experiments build on one another and allow researchers with
different theoretical dispositions to narrow the range of potential disagreement.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4257. Open to 2nd year graduate students in economics and also to Harvard Business School students. Others welcome to attend with permission of instructor. Classes meet at the Business School.
Economics 2050. General Equilibrium Theory
Catalog Number: 2279
Laurent E. Calvet
Half course (fall term). F., 2:30–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
Develops the foundations of general equilibrium with an emphasis on financial markets. Topics include regularity and generic structure of equilibria, incomplete markets, default, informational efficiency and dynamic asset pricing.
Economics 2052. Game Theory and Its Applications
Catalog Number: 3690
Drew Fudenberg
Half course (spring term). M., 4–6:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Noncooperative game theory; equilibrium analysis of incomplete information; dynamic and repeated games; economic applications; introduction to non-equilibrium dynamics.
Prerequisite: Economics 1011a or 2010a, Statistics 110, and Math 21b.
Economics 2055. Negotiation and Dispute Resolution: Interdisciplinary Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 3700
Jerry R. Green, Iris Bohnet (Kennedy School), Robert H. Mnookin (Law School), and James K. Sebenius (Business School)
Full course. Alternate F., 12:00 - 1:30. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6
Concerned with topics relating to bargaining, negotiation, and dispute resolution. Special emphasis on the effect of laws and the legal system. Perspective of psychology and economics used to study the barriers to negotiated resolution of conflict.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructors.
Economics 2056. Topics in Advanced Theory
Catalog Number: 3634
Alvin E. Roth and Paul R. Milgrom
Half course (spring term). F., 9–12. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3, 4
Deals with the theory and practice of market design, with prominent examples drawn from auctions and labor markets.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 2150.
Economics 2060. Contract Theory
Catalog Number: 1404
Philippe Aghion
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Recent developments in contract theory. Includes hidden action and hidden information models, dynamic agency issues, incomplete contracts, and applications of contract theory to theories of the firm and corporate financial structure.
*Economics 2075hf. Political Economy Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 7645
Stephen A. Marglin
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: Spring: 3, 4
Economics 2076. Keynes and the 20th Century
Catalog Number: 4351
Stephen A. Marglin
Half course (fall term). Tu., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Examines the impact of Keynes on economics and the economy, with special emphasis on alternative readings of the General Theory. Considers both the standard interpretation of Keynes as a theorist of the short run, which allowed the assimilation of Keynesian economics into the mainstream of American economics, and an alternative reading of Keynes as offering a vision of capitalism fundamentally at odds with the vision of neoclassical economics. Attention is paid both to theory and to the historical context in which the theory developed.
Economics 1126. Quantitative Methods in Economics
Catalog Number: 4076
Gary Chamberlain
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Reviews the elements of probability that are central to the statistical methods developed. This leads to the conditional expectation function. The role of multiple regression in drawing inferences from a sample about this population concept is developed. Empirical articles are discussed to illustrate this methodology. A key question is the extent to which the conditional expectation function can be given a causal interpretation. Empirical attempts by economists to isolate exogenous variation are discussed. Related methodology includes the use of longitudinal data and instrumental variables to control for selection bias.
Note: This course is sufficient preparation for undergraduate economics special field in econometrics. Also, Economics 1123 may not be taken for credit if taken after Economics 1126, but credit will be given for both courses if Economics 1123 is taken first.
Prerequisite: Statistics 100 or preferably 110; Mathematics 20.
Economics 2120. Introduction to Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 2352
Dale W. Jorgenson (fall term) and Jack R. Porter (spring term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: Tu., Th., 2:30–4; Spring: Tu., Th., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 16, 17; Spring: 10, 11
Introduction to methods employed in applied econometrics, including linear regression, instrumental variables, generalized method of moments, maximum likelihood. Includes detailed discussion of papers in applied econometrics and computer exercises based on these papers, using standard econometric packages.
Note: Economics 2120 is replacing the former courses, Economics 2110b and 2140a. Thus, Economics 2120 can not be counted toward a degree in addition to Economics 2110b or 2140a.
Prerequisite: Economics 2110 or equivalent.
Economics 2131. Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 2211
Dale W. Jorgenson
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Advanced methods employed in applied econometrics, including nonlinear regression, panel data techniques, the analysis of stationary and non-stationary time series. Includes detailed discussion of empirical applications. Students will complete a short research project in applied econometrics.
Prerequisite: Economics 2120 or equivalent.
Economics 2140 (formerly Economics 2140b). Econometric Methods
Catalog Number: 7210
Gary Chamberlain
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Statistical decision theory with applications to portfolio choice, panel data topics, selection bias, demand and supply, qualitative choice, and quantile regression.
Prerequisite: Economics 2120 or equivalent.
Economics 2142 (formerly Economics 2140d). Time Series Analysis
Catalog Number: 4414
James H. Stock (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
An introduction to current research in time series econometrics. Theoretical and empirical topics include ARIMA, vector autoregressions, state-space models, Kalman filtering, nonlinear filtering, frequency domain analysis, and integrated and cointegrated time series models, functional central limit theorems, and tests for structural breaks. Other advanced topics and applications from macroeconomics and finance are also considered.
Economics 2144 (formerly Economics 2140e). Advanced Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 7686
Ariel Pakes and Jack R. Porter
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An introduction to the theory and application of recently developed econometric techniques
used in advanced applied work. Simulation techniques as well as semiparametric and
nonparametric tools will be studied in a variety of empirical contexts.
Economics 2162. The Econometrics Workshop
Catalog Number: 2372
Gary Chamberlain, Dale W. Jorgenson, Jack R. Porter, James H. Stock (Kennedy School), and Samuel B. Thompson
Full course. Th., 4:30–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Current research topics in theory and applications of econometrics.
Economics 1315. Economic Development in East Asia
Catalog Number: 1920
Dwight H. Perkins
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Covers the modern development and economic history of East and Southeast Asia. Topics include the role of government policy and the state, the transition from economies based on control planning to economies relying on market forces, the origins and nature of the Asian financial crisis, the role of natural resources or the lack thereof, differing approaches to income distribution and social welfare, and other issues connected with industrialization and agricultural development in the region.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
Economics 1357. Historical Perspectives on American Economic Ascendancy
Catalog Number: 7554 Enrollment: Limited to 70. Limited to no more than 70 students
Claudia Goldin
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
The sources and origins of America’s economic ascendancy are explored beginning with the founding of the nation. Addresses whether the U.S. is currently losing economic leadership or whether other nations are converging on it. Explores how the U.S. achieved economic supremacy, emphasizing natural resources, legal institutions, migration of labor and capital from the Old World, education, and invention. Addresses domestic problems encountered along the way, such as inequality, regional divisions, slavery, and economic vicissitudes such as the Great Depression. Evaluates the solutions tried, such as larger and more powerful government, including the growth of social insurance programs, and labor unions.
Note: Economics concentrators may not take this course pass/fail.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10 or permission of the instructor.
Economics 1360. Politics, Society, and Economic Development
Catalog Number: 6066 Enrollment: Limited to 30.
Dwight H. Perkins
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Explores selected topics in the relationship between economic development in developing countries
and the kinds of political and social institutions that influence development. Focuses on the
appropriate role for the state in the management of the economy under varying political and social systems. Topics include the effectiveness of industrial policy in different institutional settings, the economics and politics of bilateral and multilateral foreign aid, how ethnic diversity affects ownership patterns in the economy, the causes and cures for corruption, and other similar issues.
Note: Requires a major research paper as well as a final exam.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10 or permission of the instructor.
Economics 1366. Natural Resource Economics in Developing Countries
Catalog Number: 4602
Clifford Fich Zinnes
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Economic theory of natural resources and the environment in a development context and policy analysis of resource and environmental issues in developing countries: market failures, collective choice and intertemporal allocation; optimal use and conservation of renewable and nonrenewable resources; market structure, technology, and resource scarcity; externalities and environment; economic growth and resource depletion; resource taxation and regulation; development strategy and resources policy. Applications are made to mineral extraction, deforestation, soil erosion, overfishing, and environmental degradation in developing countries, and to global environmental problems such as the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School of Government as PED-267.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10 or permission of the instructor.
Economics 1395. Institutions, Incentives, and Economic Development
Catalog Number: 3562
Ashok S. Rai
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Provides an analytic framework for understanding how institutions influence development. Special attention is paid to the possibilities for and limitations of government intervention. Topics include corruption, microcredit, environmental degradation, agricultural tenancy, financial crises, and poverty
reduction schemes.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a or 1011a. Mathematics 20 or equivalent is recommended.
Economics 1399. Economic Development
Catalog Number: 4051
Beatriz Armendariz de Aghion
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 14
Provides an overview of the economics of development and of the major economic issues confronting developing countries. Explores various theories of economic growth, structural change, the distribution of income, and poverty as they apply to developing countries. Integrates analysis of these topics with an examination of the role of agriculture, industry, international trade, capital flows, the environment, and human resource development.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a (or 1011a) and 1010b (or 1011b.)
Economics 2385. Microfinance: Theory and Practice
Catalog Number: 8527
Beatriz Armendariz de Aghion
Half course (fall term). M., W., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
Studies poverty alleviation via the provision of small loans to credit constrained individuals in developing countries. Reviews the analytics behind microfinance loans. Focuses on how theory can help explain the way in which microfinance institutions can potentially circumvent adverse selection, moral hazard, and enforcement problems. Examines the empirical evidence on the impact of microfinance. Analyzes existing microfinance institutions and discusses the ongoing policy debate on selfsustainability.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as PED-326.
Prerequisite: Good background in advanced microeconomics and econometrics. Qualified undergraduates welcom.
Economics 2327. History and Theory of Development
Catalog Number: 8092
Jeffrey D. Sachs
Half course (fall term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Provides an overview of the subject of economic development, from theoretical, historical, and policy
perspectives. Main aim is to allow students to analyze policy debates surrounding economic growth and development from a broad theoretical and historical base. Considers alternate theories of modern economic growth within a dynamic context. Treats the problem of economic growth in historical perspective, addressing several critical junctures of modern economic history. Emphasizes current policy debates in economic development.
Note: Satisfies the graduate distribution requirement. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as PED-101I.
Economics 2330. The Development of the American Economy
Catalog Number: 0123
Claudia Goldin
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Covers selected topics in American economic history with an emphasis on the causes and consequences of economic growth in the 19th and 20th centuries. Also explores the historical roots of current economic issues, such as the productivity slowdown, technological change, inequality, social insurance programs, regulation, race, immigration, unions, education, and macroeconomic fluctuations.
Note: Satisfies the graduate distribution requirement.
[Economics 2332. Globalization and History]
Catalog Number: 2251
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Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Explores the evolution of economic globalization over the past two centuries: from the beginning of the First Industrial Revolution in late 18th-century Britain; through the gold standard outward regimes of the late 19th century; through the autarchic retreat inwards during 1914–1950; and concluding with the return to the outward regimes of the late 20th century. Focuses
primarily on the current OECD countries exploring the sources and impact of trade, capital flows and migration, including the contribution of open economy forces to global convergence.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Advanced undergraduates welcome with permission of instructor. Satisfies the graduate distribution requirement.
[Economics 2334. The Industrial Revolution]
Catalog Number: 0124
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Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Selected topics in European economic history with an emphasis on the causes and consequences of modern economic growth in Britain, France, Germany, and Russia in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Topics include agrarian change and impact, industrial technical change and impact, physical capital accumulation and finance, divisions of labor, human capital accumulation, international trade and finance, British late 19th-century retardation, World War I, and the Great Depression.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Advanced undergraduates welcome with permission of instructor. Satisfies the graduate distribution requirement.
*Economics 2339. The Economic History Workshop
Catalog Number: 8183
Claudia Goldin
Full course. F., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Intended for students writing dissertations related to economic history themes and/or methodology and for others with interests in economic history. Discusses research papers presented by scholars at Harvard and elsewhere.
[Economics 2390a. The Structural Transformation in Historical Perspective]
Catalog Number: 4216
Dwight H. Perkins and Jeffrey G. Williamson
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Reviews historical patterns of the structural transformation in Europe, Latin America, East Asia, and Africa. Focus is on the role of policy in development, the balance between agriculture and industry, the role of international trade and finance, and
the need for changing institutions as economies mature or as they make the transition from one economic system to another.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Serves as the introduction at the graduate level to the field of Economic Development; also satisfies the graduate distribution requirement.
Economics 2390b. Development Economics I: Microeconomic Issues
Catalog Number: 2990
Michael Robert Kremer
Half course (fall term). M., W., 10:30–12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Agricultural issues: peasant behavior, land tenancy, interlinked markets; credit and insurance market problems and institutions; health, nutrition, and productivity; gender bias; education; technology adoption.
Economics 2390c. Developmental Economics II: Macroeconomic Issues
Catalog Number: 0388
Philippe Aghion
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Dynamic models of development emphasizing migration, modernization, and technological change; static and dynamic models of political economy; rent-seeking in and outside the government; trade liberalization, macroeconomic stabilization, and reform; the dynamics of income distribution and institutional change.
Economics 2390d. The Economic Growth and Development Workshop
Catalog Number: 1926
Michael Robert Kremer (fall term), Robert J. Barro (spring term), and Dwight H. Perkins
Full course. Fall: Tu., 2:30–4; Spring: M., 4:30–6. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 16, 17; Spring: 9
[Economics 1415. Reform of the Public Sector]
Catalog Number: 5233
John F. McHale
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Provides an introduction to the economics of policy reform with an emphasis on student participation. Develops useful tools for the normative evaluation of public policy and for understanding the political economy of reform, then applies the tools to study reforms that are on the agenda in many countries. Informal debates on topics including: social security privatization, educational vouchers, globalization and the WTO, work-based welfare reform.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
Economics 1420. American Economic Policy
Catalog Number: 8110
Martin Feldstein and John F. McHale
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Analyzes major issues in American economic policy including national saving, taxation, Social Security, budget policy, monetary and fiscal policy, and exchange rate management. Current economic issues and policy options discussed in detail and in the context of current academic thinking.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a, or 1011a, or permission of instructor.
[Economics 1430. Macroeconomics and Politics]
Catalog Number: 5549
Alberto F. Alesina
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topics on the interplay between political processes and macroeconomics, including monetary policy and central-bank independence, political business cycle theory, macroeconomic determinants of voter behavior, the economic consequences of divided government, determinants of fiscal policy, hyperinflation and monetary stabilization, political economy of long-term growth, theory of economic and monetary union.
Note: Expected to be given in 2002–03.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
[Economics 1480. Moral Perspectives on Economic Growth]
Catalog Number: 3441 Enrollment: Limited to 20. Limited to 20
Benjamin M. Friedman
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Considers economic growth, and policies that either promote or impede economic growth, from a social and moral perspective. The central question is whether rising living standards promote openness of opportunity, social mobility, tolerance of diversity, commitment to democracy, and other related characteristics of free societies. Approaches include economic, historical, and literary analyses.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a (or 1011a) and 1010b (or 1011b).
Economics 2410e. Economic Growth
Catalog Number: 0681
Francesco Caselli
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
The course is organized around the question: “why are some countries so poor and some so rich?” Examines, among other things, the roles of factor accumulation, differences in productivity, technology adoption and technology diffusion, institutions and politics, culture and social capital. Emphasizes both empirical and theoretical methods.
Economics 2410g. Political Economics
Catalog Number: 6758
Alberto F. Alesina and Andrei Shleifer
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Discusses several research areas in political economy, including the origins of the state, comparative political systems, theories of economic reform, fiscal problems in democracies, rule of law, privatization, regulation, elections and the economy.
Economics 2410h. Dynamic Programming and Consumption
Catalog Number: 1851
David I. Laibson
Half course (spring term). F., 1:30–4:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8, 9
First half of course introduces dynamic programming, including both discrete and continuous-time methods. Considers applications to search, investment, option valuation, and consumption. Discusses computational methods for generating numerical solutions. Second half surveys recent empirical and theoretical research in consumption. Topics may include: consumption of durables, incomplete markets, habit formation, precautionary saving, asset allocation, credit markets, savings adequacy, savings policy and savings incentives, psychological models of saving, calibration of lifecycle consumption models, and empirical methods.
Economics 2420. Monetary and Fiscal Policy Seminar
Catalog Number: 5946
Benjamin M. Friedman (fall term), Alberto F. Alesina, Robert J. Barro (spring term), John Y. Campbell, Francesco Caselli, Christopher L. Foote, David I. Laibson, N. Gregory Mankiw, Kenneth Rogoff, and James H. Stock (Kennedy School)
Full course. M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Economics 2450a. Public Economics and Fiscal Policy I
Catalog Number: 1339
Emmanuel Saez and Caroline M. Hoxby
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Surveys theoretical and empirical analyses of taxation and government expenditures. Topics include tax incidence, optimal tax theory, public goods and externalities, empirical analysis of responses to taxation, health economics.
Economics 2450b. Public Economics and Fiscal Policy II
Catalog Number: 6478
Martin Feldstein, Caroline Hoxby, and Emmanuel Saez
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
Surveys theoretical and empirical analyses of taxation and government expenditures. Special topics include taxes and corporate finance, social insurance and fiscal policy.
Economics 2460 (formerly Economics 2910). The Health Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 7617
Joseph P. Newhouse (Kennedy School, Medical School, Public Health) and William C. Hsiao (Public Health)
Half course (spring term). W., 4:30–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Focuses on theory, econometric models, and public policy of health care. Frontier work in health economics presented and discussed by instructors and outside speakers. Topics include public and private investments in health, hospital and physician behavioral models, markets and competition in health care, and regulation and financing health services.
Note: May be taken for credit only by dissertation students presenting research.
Economics 2470. Reform of the Welfare State
Catalog Number: 8752
Janos Kornai and John F. McHale
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Reform of the welfare state is on the agenda in many countries. This course uses a comparative and interdisciplinary approach to study reform options, with an emphasis on policy conclusions. Topics include: causes and effects of welfare state growth; reform of state-provided pensions, health care, education, unemployment insurance and assistance, poverty relief, etc.; the political economy and ethical implications of reform; and the special problems of developing and post-communist economies.
Note: Presentations will be given by guest speakers, the instructors, and students. Students of political science, public administration, sociology, public health, education, law, philosophy, and advanced undergraduates are encouraged to attend. Empirical and theoretical papers dealing with reform in a single country or comparing reforms in many countries are welcome.
Economics 2480. The Public Economics and Fiscal Policy Workshop
Catalog Number: 6834
Caroline M. Hoxby, Martin Feldstein, Judith Li, John F. McHale, and Emmanuel Saez
Full course. M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Focuses on current issues in the theory and practice of public finance including both tax and expenditure policies.
Economics 1535. International Trade and Investment
Catalog Number: 2557
Carsten Kowalczyk (Tufts University)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Analysis of the causes and consequences of international trade and investment. Attention focused on the interplay of economic theory and empirical descriptions of foreign trade and direct investment patterns.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a or 1011a.
[Economics 1542. International Trade Policy]
Catalog Number: 2613
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Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Provides an introduction to the theory, history and empirical evaluation of international trade policy. Begins by reviewing the theory of trade and trade policy in both competitive and non-competitive environments. Discusses the determinants and impact of 19th- and 20th-century trade policies. Concludes with an evaluation of major current trade policy debates.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a, or 1011a, or permission of instructor.
Economics 1545. International Financial and Macroeconomic Policy
Catalog Number: 5166
Kenneth Rogoff
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Advanced theoretical and empirical analysis of contemporary international macroeconomic policy issues, including speculative attacks on exchange rates and sovereign debt. First part of course develops theoretical and empirical foundations, whereas last part looks at a number of policy issues related to redesigning the international financial architecture.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010b or 1011b.
Economics 2530b. International Finance
Catalog Number: 7144
Kenneth Rogoff
Half course (spring term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Financial aspects of growth and income determination in open economies. Specific topics include financial risk in the international setting; money and exchange rate regimes; income determination and macroeconomic policy; history of international monetary arrangements, and current issues in international monetary reform.
Prerequisite: Economics 2530a provides extremely useful background for topics in this course.
Economics 2535. Advanced Topics in International Trade
Catalog Number: 6410
Marc J. Melitz
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Covers advanced theoretical and empirical topics concerning the determinants of world trade patterns.
Prerequisite: Economics 2530a or permission of instructor.
[Economics 2536. Advanced Topics in International Finance]
Catalog Number: 1718
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Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Covers advanced theoretical and empirical topics in open economy macroeconomics and international finance.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Economics 2537. International Trade Policy: Issues and Analysis
Catalog Number: 1699
Dani Rodrik (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
Aims to develop expertise with economic models used for the analysis of international trade policy issues. Readings and discussions focus on theoretical and empirical work relating to: trade and income distribution; trade and growth; industrial policy and development; political economy of trade; the WTO and the international trade regime.
Note: Students are expected to make presentations and write a research paper. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as ITF-345.
Prerequisite: Microeconomic theory, econometrics, international trade theory at the graduate level.
Economics 2540. The International Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 4008
Elhanan Helpman (fall term), Richard N. Cooper, Marc J. Melitz, Dani Rodrik (Kennedy School), and Kenneth Rogoff
Full course. W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Research papers in all aspects of international economics, including theory, econometrics, and policy.
Economics 1601. Regulation and Antitrust
Catalog Number: 2851
Richard E. Caves
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Examines the economic rationales for government intervention into business decisions. Considers both traditional regulation and recent progress towards deregulation of public utilities, such as telecommunications firms or electric utilities. Also considers the enforcement of antitrust policies. The course will provide an overview of the institutions through which government policies are implemented and will consider evidence on the impact of regulatory and antitrust policy.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
[Economics 1630. Economics and the Arts]
Catalog Number: 4884
Richard E. Caves
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Explores the economic issues that arise in the organization of economic activity in the visual and performing arts and industries with substantial “creative” components. Addresses issues of domestic and international public policy.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
[Economics 1660. Law and Economics]
Catalog Number: 2236
Steven Shavell (Law School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
The emergence of the economic approach to the analysis of law — the hallmark of which is its focus on determining the consequences of legal rules — is today generally acknowledged to be one of the most significant developments in 20th-century legal scholarship. The course considers this new field of law and economics. Subjects covered are the four basic areas of legal systems: property law, contract law, tort law (civil liability), criminal law and law enforcement. Aspects of the legal process (suit, settlement, legal expenditures) are also discussed.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10.
Economics 1661. Environmental and Resource Economics and Policy
Catalog Number: 2115
Robert N. Stavins (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Provides a survey, from the perspective of economics, of policy issues associated with natural resource use and environmental protection. Lectures on conceptual and methodological topics are combined with case discussions of actual resource and environmental controversies. Topics: principles of environmental and resource economics; nonrenewable resources (minerals and energy), renewable resources (water, forests, land, fisheries, and wildlife); air pollution (stationary and mobile sources, acid rain, and global climate change); water pollution (point and nonpoint sources); waste management; sustainable development and political aspects of environmental policy.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as ENR-201.
Prerequisite: Social Analysis 10 or permission of instructor.
Economics 1690. Economic Theory of the Environment and Natural Resources
Catalog Number: 2939
Martin L. Weitzman
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30, plus section F., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Provides a survey of the conceptual, analytical, and theoretical foundations of environmental and natural resource economics. Topics include the theory of public goods and externalities, common property, and alternative policies for controlling pollution. Dynamic analysis of the extraction and exploitation of renewable (e.g., fisheries) and nonrenewable (e.g., minerals) natural resources. Some treatment of theoretical aspects of cost-benefit analysis, environmental accounting, and sustainable development. An exploration of the basic conceptual issues involved in modeling biodiversity preservation.
Note: This is a mathematically rigorous course that provides the basic analytic framework for students seriously interested in environmental economics.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a, or 1011a, and Mathematics 20, or equivalent.
Economics 2611. Industrial Organization II
Catalog Number: 2302
Markus M. Möbius and Ariel Pakes
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6, 7
Application of industrial organization to problems of public policy. Analysis of antitrust policy; public utility regulation; regulation and deregulation of electricity, telecommunications and other sectors; health, safety and environmental regulation.
Note: Students are urged to take Economics 2610 before Economics 2611.
*Economics 2640hf. The Industrial Organization Workshop
Catalog Number: 5981
Ariel Pakes and Richard E. Caves
Half course (throughout the year). M., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
*Economics 2690hf. Environmental Economics and Policy Seminar
Catalog Number: 4324
Robert N. Stavins (Kennedy School) and Martin L. Weitzman
Half course (throughout the year). W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Selected topics in environmental and resource economics. Emphasizes theoretical models, quantitative empirical analysis, and public policy applications. Includes invited outside speakers.
Note: Primarily for graduate students in economics or related fields with environmental interests. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as ENR-551y.
Prerequisite: Graduate-level course in microeconomic theory.
Economics 1745 (formerly Economics 1445). Corporate Finance
Catalog Number: 5889
Rafael LaPorta
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Introduction to corporate finance, including capital budgeting, capital structure of firms, dividend policy, incentives of insiders, and takeovers.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a or 1011a.
Economics 1755. International Corporate Finance
Catalog Number: 1921
Rafael La Porta
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Introduction to financial decisions in an international context. Topics include the market for foreign exchange, international valuation methods, options, futures, swaps, risk management, global financing, corporate governance, privatization, country risk, banking and currency crisis.
Prerequisite: Economics 1723 or 1745.
Economics 2725 (formerly Economics 2425). Corporate Finance
Catalog Number: 1427
Jeremy C. Stein
Half course (spring term). M., W., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
Theory and empirical evidence of capital structure, dividends, investment policy, managerial incentives, and takeovers. Topics to be emphasized include market efficiency, agency problems, and ownership.
Prerequisite: Economics 2060.
Economics 2727 (formerly Economics 2427). Topics in Empirical Corporate Finance
Catalog Number: 9055
Paul Gompers (Business School) and Joshua Lerner (Business School)
Half course (spring term). Th., 1:30–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16, 17
Examines empirical research in corporate finance. Covers empirical research methodology, financial
institutions, financial market regulation, intellectual property and finance, product market/capital market interaction, and corporate governance.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4814. Structured to minimize overlap with Economics 2725. Seminar format; students write referee reports, papers, and a research paper.
Economics 2730 (formerly Economics 2430). Asset Pricing II
Catalog Number: 2235
Luis Manuel Viceira (Business School), George Carl Chacko (Business School), and Randolph B. Cohen (Business School)
Half course (spring term). F., 3–6. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Emphasis of course is both theoretical and empirical. First part of course uses continuous-time methods to develop models of the term structure of interest rates, return volatility, contingent claims valuation and optimal consumption and portfolio choice. Covers estimation methods for continuous-time models in finance. Second part develops intertemporal general equilibrium models of asset returns and discusses recent research on cross-sectional patterns in stock returns.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4244.
Prerequisite: Graduate-level microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics; Economics 2723 or equivalent.
Economics 2735. Topics in Corporate Finance
Catalog Number: 3728
Andrei Shleifer and Jeremy C. Stein
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Topics include: privatization, law and finance, theories of banking, conglomerates and internal capital markets.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2001–02.
Prerequisite: Economics 2725; may be taken concurrently.
*Economics 2770hf. The Financial Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 1379
John Y. Campbell, Laurent E. Calvet, Rafael La Porta, Andrei Shleifer, Jeremy C. Stein, and Tuomo O. Vuolteenaho
Half course (throughout the year). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Economics 1812. Operation of the Labor Market
Catalog Number: 0421
James L. Medoff
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Presents the tools employed in research on the operation of the labor market and then uses them to discuss issues such as the determinants of earnings differentials, the impact of various firm characteristics on labor-market outcomes, discrimination, and unemployment.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a (or 1011a) and Economics 1010b (or 1011b).
Economics 1813. The Indebted Society
Catalog Number: 6957
James L. Medoff
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F.), at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
First charts trends in personal, corporate, and government indebtedness in the U.S., then discusses the impact of each change on societal well-being. Finally, asks about public policy concerning the various forms of U.S. debt.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a (or 1011a) and Economics 1010b (or 1011b).
Economics 1815 (formerly Economics 1015). Social Problems of the American Economy
Catalog Number: 3130
Lawrence F. Katz
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Examines selected social and economic problems of the U.S. and evaluates market and governmental solutions. Topics include discrimination; income and wage inequality; welfare reform; antipoverty strategy, including education and training programs; homelessness; crime; and charitable behavior.
Note: A research paper is required.
[Economics 1818. Economics of Discontinuous Change]
Catalog Number: 3029
Richard B. Freeman
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Explores discontinuous changes in the economic position of groups and countries and presents mathematical and computer simulation models designed to illuminate these changes. Examples: growth/decline of trade unions; segregation of groups; changes in corporate work culture; growth of social pathologies in neighborhoods; Malthusian concerns about the environment. Models: nonlinear simulations; neural networks; finite automata; evolutionary stable strategies; causal conjunctures; agent-based simulations; genetic algorithms. Primary emphasis is on using models and computer programs to analyze the substantive examples rather than on mathematics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. The course requires a research paper. Students should have some mathematical background, but there is no prerequisite. The course is primarily designed for undergraduates.
[Economics 1822. Economics of Education]
Catalog Number: 1004
Caroline M. Hoxby
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Explores questions such as why people attain different levels of education, why schools are or are not efficient, how education should be financed to achieve both equity and efficiency goals, what explains rising tuition in higher education, and whether education is an engine of macroeconomic growth. Examines education topics using economic theory from labor economics (human capital investment, the market for teachers), public economics (financing K-12 education, public colleges), industrial organization (the structure of the education industry, agency problems in public education), and macroeconomics (growth theory).
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. The emphasis on application of theory, the discussion of research, and the option of a research paper make this a useful course for students thinking about honors theses in economics.
Prerequisite: Economics 1010a, or 1011a, or permission of the instructor.
[Economics 2800chf. Urban Economics, Transportation, and Regional Economic Development Seminar]
Catalog Number: 5383
Edward L. Glaeser and John R. Meyer (Kennedy School)
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
Working seminar based on presentations of ongoing research for graduate students specializing in urban economics, regional economics, and transportation.
Note: Expected to be given in 2001–02. Students enrolled for credit must prepare and present a research paper.
Prerequisite: Economics 2800a, or 2800b, or permission of instructor.
Economics 2810a. Labor Market Analysis
Catalog Number: 4862
Caroline M. Hoxby
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An introduction to theoretical and empirical research related to labor markets, wages, education, employment and unemployment. Wage determination topics include: equalizing differences, self-selection, human capital, education, training, job mobility, and recent wage theories including matching, agency, insurance, and tournament models. Labor supply topics include: allocation of time, taxes, unemployment insurance, and life-cycle models. Labor demand topics include: the effect of minimum wage on employment, dynamic adjustment models, and the impacts of technological change and international trade on the wage structure. Provides an introduction to current empirical methods in applied microeconomics.
Economics 2810b. Labor Economics and Labor Market Institutions
Catalog Number: 3206
Lawrence F. Katz
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Focuses on the operation of the labor market and impact of labor market institutions on labor market outcomes. Topics include labor econometrics; theories of wage determination; empirical analysis of wage differentials and changes in the wage structure; models of trade union behavior and research on the impact of unions; institutional change in the labor market; unemployment; labor market segmentation and discrimination; and the labor market in an open economy.
Economics 2812. The Labor Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 0230
Lawrence F. Katz and Caroline M. Hoxby
Full course. W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Focuses on research concerning the operation of labor markets.
*Economics 2813. Labor and Work Life Forum
Catalog Number: 1415
Paul C. Weiler (Law School)
Half course (spring term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Research and discussion with trade union leaders and management concerning labor issues.
*Economics 3000. Research Paper
Catalog Number: 4174
Members of the Department
Intended to fulfill the Research Paper Requirement for the Ph.D. degree in Economics. Ordinarily, this course is taken during the spring term of the second year of graduate study.
*Economics 3005. Reading and Research
Catalog Number: 3493
Members of the Department
Any professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or lecturer in residence is available for this course. Individual work or work in small groups, in preparation for the general examination for the Ph.D. degree, or by arrangement, in special topics not included in the announced course offering.
*Economics 3010. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations
Catalog Number: 4579
Members of the Department
Note: In all cases the thesis topic must have been formally submitted to and approved by a thesis advisor.
*Economics 3011. Research in Behavior in Games and Markets
Catalog Number: 0109
Drew Fudenberg 3460, Laurent E. Calvet 1495, Jerry R. Green 1539 (on leave spring term), David I. Laibson 1241, Markus M. Möbius 3441, Alvin E. Roth 564, and Michael A. Schwarz 2729
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., 12–1:30.
Serves mainly as a forum for presentations by graduate students of their current research. Work presented can be very preliminary and conjectural.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a (or 2020a) and 2010b (or 2020b).
*Economics 3163hf. Research in Econometrics
Catalog Number: 4392
Gary Chamberlain 1745, Dale W. Jorgenson 2000, Jack R. Porter 2337, James H. Stock (Kennedy School) 1783, and Samuel B. Thompson 3406
Half course (throughout the year). M., 12–1:30.
Participants discuss recent research in econometrics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in Economics who have passed their general oral examinations.
*Economics 3390hf. Research in Economic Development
Catalog Number: 2532
Michael Robert Kremer 2112 (on leave spring term), Philippe Aghion 1263, Robert J. Barro 1612 (on leave fall term), Dwight H. Perkins 2300, Ashok S. Rai 3127, and Jeffrey G. Williamson 7680 (on leave 2000-01) (fall term only)
Half course (throughout the year). W., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
Participants discuss recent research in development economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.
*Economics 3410dhf. Research in Macroeconomics
Catalog Number: 2126
N. Gregory Mankiw 1118, Alberto F. Alesina 2074, Robert J. Barro 1612 (on leave fall term), Francesco Caselli 1489, Christopher L. Foote 2333, and David I. Laibson 1241
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., 12–1:30. EXAM GROUP: 14, 15
Participants discuss recent research in macroeconomics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their general oral examinations.
*Economics 3450chf. Research in Public Economics and Fiscal Policy
Catalog Number: 3436
David M. Cutler 2954 (on leave 2000-01) (fall term only), Caroline M. Hoxby 1235, Lawrence F. Katz 1480, Judith Li 2144, John F. McHale 1674, and Emmanuel Saez 1654 (on leave 2001-02)
Half course (throughout the year). Th., 1:30–3.
Participants discuss recent research in public economics and fiscal policy and present their own work in progress.
Note: Open to doctoral students in Economics who have passed their oral examinations.
*Economics 3460chf. Research in Health Economics
Catalog Number: 5309
Joseph P. Newhouse (Kennedy School, Medical School, Public Health) 2425
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., 8–9:30 p.m.
Participants discuss recent research in health economics. Course may also include presentation of original research by participants.
Note: Open to doctoral students only. Enrollment by permission of instructors.
*Economics 3530hf. Research in International Economics
Catalog Number: 5777
Elhanan Helpman 2334 (on leave spring term), Richard N. Cooper 7211, Marc J. Melitz 3499, and Kenneth Rogoff 1746 (on leave 2001-2002)
Half course (throughout the year). W., at 12.
Participants discuss recent research in international economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.
*Economics 3650hf. Research in Industrial Organization
Catalog Number: 3318
Ariel Pakes 1774 and Richard E. Caves 1414
Half course (throughout the year). Fall: Tu., 2–4; Spring: W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 16, 17
Participants present their own research in progress in an informal setting. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their general examinations and are in the early stages of their dissertations.
*Economics 3660hf. The Law, Economics, and Organizations Workshop
Catalog Number: 4325
Andrei Shleifer 2772, Lucian Arye Bebchuk (Law School) 2042, Oliver S. Hart 3462, and Louis E. Kaplow (Law School) 3223
Half course (throughout the year). W., 4–6.
The presentation of work in progress in the field of law, economics, and organizations. Presentations to be made by members of the various Harvard faculties, outside speakers, and graduate students. Open to all faculty and students with an interest in law, economics, and organizations.
*Economics 3723hf (formerly *Economics 3423hf). Research in Financial Economics
Catalog Number: 4107
John Y. Campbell 1230, Laurent E. Calvet 1495, Rafael La Porta 1466, Andrei Shleifer 2772, Jeremy C. Stein, Tuomo O. Vuolteenaho, and Luis Manuel Viceira (Business School) 3183
Half course (throughout the year). F., 12–1:30.
Participants discuss recent research in financial economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their general oral examinations.
*Economics 3810chf. Research in Labor Economics
Catalog Number: 4066
Lawrence F. Katz 1480, Claudia Goldin 2667, and Caroline M. Hoxby 1235
Half course (throughout the year). Th., 1:30–3.
Participants discuss recent research in labor economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in Economics who have passed their general oral examinations.