Fall 2007 Graduate Courses

General Economics; Economic Theory; History of Economics

Economics 2001. The Behavioral & Experimental Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 8732
Alvin E. Roth (FAS, Business School), Edward L. Glaeser, and David I. Laibson
Full course (indivisible). Tu., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Presents current research in the Behavioral and Experimental Economics field.

*Economics 2010a. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 8656
Edward L. Glaeser and Jerry R. Green
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30; and a 1.5-hour weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Covers the theory of individual and group behavior. Topics include consumer theory, producer theory, behavior under uncertainty, externalities, monopolistic distortions, game theory, oligopolistic behavior, and asymmetric information.
Note: Enrollment is limited to students in the economics and business economics PhD programs.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 116 or equivalent; can be taken concurrently.

Economics 2010c. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 4431
David I. Laibson and Robert J. Barro
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30; and a 1.5-hour weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Topics include discrete-time and continuous-time dynamic programming, consumption, investment, economic growth, and business cycles.
Note: Enrollment is strictly limited to PhD students in the Economics Department, Business Economics program, and PEG program. Qualified Harvard undergraduates may also enroll. No other students may take the course for credit or as auditors.

*Economics 2020a. Microeconomic Theory I
Catalog Number: 0339 Enrollment: Limited to 102.
Christopher N. Avery (Kennedy School) and Nolan H. Miller (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). M., W., 8:30–10; and a one-hour weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
A comprehensive course in economic theory designed for doctoral students in all parts of the University. Consumption, production, uncertainty, markets, general equilibrium. Applications to policy analysis and business decisions. Emphasizes the use of economic theory in practical research.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as API-111 and with the Business School as 4010.
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 2053. Game Theory II: Topics in Game Theory
Catalog Number: 1898
Attila Ambrus
Half course (fall term). Tu., 5:30–8:30 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 18
Aimed at students planning to do research in game theory. Topics vary from year to year; examples include evolutionary game theory, models of learning and imitation, epistemological models, coalitional agreements, and the foundations of games of incomplete information.

Economics 2060. Contract Theory
Catalog Number: 1404
Philippe Aghion
Half course (fall term). M., W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
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 2061. Dynamic Games and Contracts - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 4138
Susan Athey
Half course (fall term). F., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
This course develops methods for analyzing repeated and dynamic games and contracts in environments with hidden information and moral hazard problems. Applications include collusion, bilateral trade, and mutual insurance. This course complements Economics 2415.

Economics 2086. The Theory Workshop
Catalog Number: 6378
Jerry R. Green (fall term) and Drew Fudenberg (spring term) and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
For students with an interest in economic theory. Faculty presentations by Harvard and MIT economists and invited guests. The location alternates between Harvard and MIT.

Economics 2099. Topics in the History of Economic Thought - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9529
Stephen A. Marglin
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Topics covered: (1) Efficiency vs distribution as the engine of change. (2) Can socialism allocate resources efficiently without markets? (3) Was there a Keynesian revolution? (4) The transformation of self interest from vice to virtue. (5) Economics and ecology. (6) Justifications of the focus on efficiency.
Prerequisite: Graduate-level course in microeconomic theory. Ec 2010a and b, Ec 2020a and b, or equivalent.

Econometrics and Quantitative Methods

Economics 2110. Introductory Probability and Statistics for Economists
Catalog Number: 7213
Marcelo J. Moreira
Half course (fall term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Introduction to probability and statistics. Emphasis on general methods applicable to both econometrics and economic theory. Topics include probability spaces, random variables, limit laws, estimation, hypothesis testing, and Bayesian methods.
Prerequisite: Statistics (Stat 100), Linear Algebra and Calculus (Math 21a and 21b), and Real Analysis (Math 112).

Economics 2120. Introduction to Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 2352
Dale W. Jorgenson (fall term) and Gary Chamberlain (spring term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Introduction to methods employed in applied econometrics, including linear regression, instrumental variables, panel data techniques, generalized method of moments, and maximum likelihood. Includes detailed discussion of papers in applied econometrics and computer exercises using standard econometric packages.
Note: Enrollment limited to PhD candidates in economics, business economics, health policy, public policy, and political economy and government (PEG).
Prerequisite: Economics 2110 or equivalent.

Economics 2140. Econometric Methods
Catalog Number: 7210
Guido W. Imbens
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Econometric methods for cross-section and panel data. Topics include generalized method of moments, empirical likelihood, instrumental variables, bootstrapping, clustering, treatment effects, selection bias, difference-in-differences, qualitative choice, quantile regression, nonparametric methods, and semiparametric methods.
Prerequisite: Economics 2120 or equivalent.

Economics 2142. Time Series Analysis
Catalog Number: 4414
Rustam Ibragimov
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 10, 11
A survey of modern time series econometrics. Topics include univariate models, vector autoregressions, linear and nonlinear filtering, frequency domain methods, unit roots, structural breaks, empirical process theory asymptotics, forecasting, and applications to macroeconomics and finance.

Economics 2149. Computational Economics
Catalog Number: 7236
Ulrich Doraszelski
Half course (fall term). M., W., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
Graduate introduction to computational approaches for solving economic models. Formulate economic problems in computationally tractable form and use techniques from numerical analysis to solve them. Examples of computational techniques in the current economics literature will be examined.

Economics 2162. The Econometrics Workshop
Catalog Number: 2372
James H. Stock and members of the Department
Full course. Th., 4:30–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Current research topics in theory and applications of econometrics.

Economic History; Development Economics

*Economics 2339. The Economic History Workshop
Catalog Number: 8183
Claudia Goldin (fall term); Claudia Goldin and John Wallis (spring term)
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 2390b. Development Economics I: Microeconomic Issues
Catalog Number: 2990
Sendhil Mullainathan
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Topics include agricultural issues such as peasant behavior, land tenancy, interlinked markets; credit and insurance market problems and institutions; health, nutrition, and productivity; gender bias; education; and technology adoption.

Economics 2390d. The Economic Growth and Development Workshop
Catalog Number: 1926
Michael R. Kremer and members of the Department
Full course. Fall: Tu., 2:30–4; Spring: W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 16, 17; Spring: 7, 8
Fall speakers cover issues in growth and development. Spring speakers alternate between “growth and institutions,” focusing on the macro aspects of growth and development, and “labor and development,” focusing on the micro aspects.

Monetary and Fiscal Theory and Policy; Public Sector Economics

Economics 2410e. Economic Growth
Catalog Number: 0681
Philippe Aghion
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Covers a variety of advanced topics in economic growth and development, including the roles of factor accumulation, differences in productivity, technology adoption and technology diffusion, institutions and politics, culture and social capital.

Economics 2410g. Political Economics
Catalog Number: 6758
Alberto F. Alesina and Andrei Shleifer
Half course (fall term). W., 4:30–6:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
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, and elections and the economy.

Economics 2420. Monetary and Fiscal Policy Seminar
Catalog Number: 5946
Aleh Tsyvinski, Philippe Aghion, Robert J. Barro (fall term), Benjamin M. Friedman and members of the Department
Full course. M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Seminar speakers present papers on macroeconomic topics, including issues relating to monetary and fiscal policies, economic growth, the role of institutions, and other research issues in the field.

Economics 2450a. Public Economics and Fiscal Policy I
Catalog Number: 1339
Jeffrey B. Liebman (Kennedy School) and David M. Cutler
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F.), 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
Surveys theoretical and empirical analyses of taxation and government expenditures. Topics include tax incidence, optimal tax theory, public goods and externalities, and empirical analysis of responses to taxation.

Economics 2480. The Public Economics and Fiscal Policy Workshop
Catalog Number: 6834
David M. Cutler and Martin Feldstein
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.

International Economics

Economics 2530a. International Trade
Catalog Number: 4537
Elhanan Helpman
Half course (fall term). M., W., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
Provides a broad overview of theory and evidence concerning international trade, direct foreign investment, and trade policy.
Note: Strongly recommended as preparation for Economics 2530b.

Economics 2540. The International Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 4008
Elhanan Helpman and members of the Department
Full course. W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Research papers in all aspects of international economics, including theory, econometrics, and policy.

Industrial Organization and Regulation; Environmental Economics

Economics 2610. Industrial Organization I
Catalog Number: 3766
Ariel Pakes
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Applied work in industrial organization. Static analysis (theory, estimation): demand systems, cost functions, and game theoretic concepts of equilibrium and their application. Dynamic analysis (theory, computation, estimation): single agent problems, dynamic games and their application.

*Economics 2640hf. The Industrial Organization Workshop
Catalog Number: 5981
Julie H. Mortimer and Ariel Pakes (fall term); Susan Athey (spring term)
Half course (throughout the year). M., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8

Economics 2665. The Economics of Organizations Workshop
Catalog Number: 9819
Oliver S. Hart and Robert Gibbons (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4230.

Economics 2680. Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Catalog Number: 6529
Martin L. Weitzman
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Basic theory and models, including externalities, common property, instruments for controlling pollution. Applications of optimal control theory to renewable and non-renewable resources. Analysis of cost-benefit, discounting, uncertainty, environmental accounting, “sustainability,” and biodiversity preservation.
Prerequisite: Graduate price theory at level of 2010 or 2020.

*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.

Financial Economics

Economics 2723. Asset Pricing I
Catalog Number: 2847
John Y. Campbell
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
An introduction to financial economics emphasizing discrete-time models and empirical applications. Reviews basic asset pricing theory. Discusses empirical topics including predictability of stock and bond returns, the equity premium puzzle, and intertemporal equilibrium models.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4209.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a or 2020a, or permission of instructor.

*Economics 2770hf. The Financial Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 1379
Efraim Benmelech and John Y. Campbell
Half course (throughout the year). Fall: W., 3:30–5:30; Spring: W., 3:30–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9

Labor, Human Resources, and Income Distribution; Urban Economics

Economics 2800b. Urban and Social Economics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5574
Edward L. Glaeser
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Why do cities exist? What makes economic agglomerations more productive?This class will focus on recent research in urban and social economics. It will also discuss the essentials of real estate economics and housing. It is meant to be a field class for Ph.D. students interested in urban economics, but it is also meant to accessible for advanced undergraduatesIt is meant to be a field class for Ph.D. students interested in urban economics, but it is also meant to accessible for advanced undergraduates
Note: This course is meant to be a field class for Ph.D. students interested in urban economics, but it is also accessible for advanced undergraduates
Prerequisite: Undergraduates must have taken Economics 1011a and receive instructor’s permission. Graduate students must have taken 1011a, 2010a or 2020a.

Economics 2810a. Labor Market Analysis
Catalog Number: 4862
Lawrence F. Katz
Half course (fall term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Theoretical and empirical research on labor markets. Wage determination covers equalizing differences, human capital, job mobility, and incentive models. Labor supply covers life-cycle models. Labor demand includes minimum wage and union models.

Economics 2812. The Labor Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 0230
Lawrence F. Katz, George J. Borjas (Kennedy School), Richard B. Freeman, and Roland G. Fryer
Full course. W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Focuses on research concerning the operation of labor markets.

Economics 2888hf. Economics of Science and Engineering Workshop
Catalog Number: 6311
Richard B. Freeman
Half course (throughout the year). Meets bi-weekly: M., 3:30-5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Focus on work force and career issues. Topics include: Effects of globalization on work force and innovation, growth of networks in work; impact of career incentives on productivity; university policies; mobility between academe and industry; link between ideas and outputs.

Graduate Courses of Reading and Research

*Economics 3000. Research Paper
Catalog Number: 4174
Members of the Department
Intended to fulfill the Research Paper Requirement for the PhD 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
Individual work or work in small groups (with a professor or lecturer in residence) in preparation for the general examination for the PhD degree, or work on special topics not included in course offerings.

*Economics 3010. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations
Catalog Number: 4579
Members of the Department
Note: In all cases, the dissertation topic must have been formally submitted to, and approved by, a dissertation adviser.

*Economics 3011. Research in Behavior in Games and Markets
Catalog Number: 0109
Attila Ambrus 4665, Drew Fudenberg 3460 (on leave fall term), Jerry R. Green 1539 (on leave spring term), David I. Laibson 1241, Markus M. Möbius 3441, and Alvin E. Roth 564 (on leave fall term)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). W., 11:30–1.
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, Rustam Ibragimov 5329, Guido W. Imbens 2671, Dale W. Jorgenson 2000, Marcelo J. Moreira 4365 (on leave spring term), and James H. Stock 1783
Half course (throughout the year). M., 12–2.
Participants discuss recent research in econometrics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics.

*Economics 3336hf. Research in Economic History
Catalog Number: 0639
Claudia Goldin 2667, John J. Wallis (University of Maryland) 5861 (spring term only), and Jeffrey G. Williamson 7680 (fall term only)
Half course (throughout the year). M., 4–5:30.
Participants discuss recent research in economic history and present their own work in progress.
Note: Primarily, but not exclusively, for doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.

*Economics 3390hf. Research in Economic Development
Catalog Number: 2532
Michael R. Kremer 2112, Erica M. Field 5095, Robert T. Jensen (Kennedy School) 4548, Asim I. Khwaja (Kennedy School) 3994, and Jeffrey G. Williamson 7680 (on leave spring term)
Half course (throughout the year). Fall: W., 1–2:30; Spring: W., at 1.
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
Alberto F. Alesina 2074, Robert J. Barro 1612, Nicola C. Fuchs-Schündeln 5026 (on leave fall term), David I. Laibson 1241, and Aleh Tsyvinski 4981 (on leave fall term)
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., at 12.
Participants discuss recent research in macroeconomics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.

*Economics 3450chf. Research in Public Economics and Fiscal Policy
Catalog Number: 3436
David M. Cutler 2954, Edward L. Glaeser 3219, and Lawrence F. Katz 1480
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., 1–2:30.
Participants discuss recent research in public economics and fiscal policy and present their own work in progress. 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). Hours to be arranged.
Participants discuss recent research in health economics. Course may also include presentation of original research by participants. Open to doctoral students only.

*Economics 3530hf. Research in International Economics
Catalog Number: 5777
Pol Antràs 4666, Richard N. Cooper 7211, Gita Gopinath 5042 (on leave fall term), Elhanan Helpman 2334 (on leave spring term), and Joseph P. Newhouse (Kennedy School, Medical School, Public Health) 2425
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
Susan Athey 5334 (on leave spring term), Richard E. Caves 1414, Ulrich Doraszelski 5024, Julie H. Mortimer 3993 (on leave spring term), and Ariel Pakes 1774
Half course (throughout the year). W., 2:30–4.
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
Lucian A. Bebchuk (Law School) 2042, Oliver S. Hart 3462, Louis E. Kaplow (Law School) 3223, Joshua Lerner (Business School) 1601, and Andrei Shleifer 2772
Half course (throughout the year). M., 12:30–2.
The presentation of work in progress in the field of law, economics, and organizations. Presentations by members of the various Harvard faculties, outside speakers, and graduate students.
Note: Offered jointly with the Law School as 96250-11 and with the Business School as 4670.

*Economics 3680hf. Research in Environmental Economics
Catalog Number: 1227
Robert N. Stavins (Kennedy School) 2093
Half course (throughout the year). F., 12–1:30.
Participants discuss recent research in environmental and natural resource economics and present their own work in progress.
Note: Open to doctoral students only.

*Economics 3723hf. Research in Financial Economics
Catalog Number: 4107
Efraim Benmelech 5419, John Y. Campbell 1230, and Jeremy C. Stein 3752 (on leave 2007-08)
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 oral examinations.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4601.

*Economics 3810chf. Research in Labor Economics
Catalog Number: 4066
Lawrence F. Katz 1480, Roland G. Fryer 5523, and Claudia Goldin 2667
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., 1–2:30.
Participants discuss recent research in labor economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.