Spring 2008 Graduate Courses
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| Labor & Income; Urban | 3000 Level Courses | Fall 2007 |
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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 2010b. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 8659
Oliver S. Hart and Roger B. Myerson (The University of Chicago)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30; and a 1.5-hour weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Topics include social choice theory, signaling, mechanism design, general equilibrium, the core, externalities, and public goods.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a.
Economics 2010d. Economic Theory
Catalog Number: 2041
Benjamin M. Friedman, N. Gregory Mankiw, and Kenneth Rogoff
Half course (spring term). M., W., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
A basic course in graduate macroeconomics, including models of business fluctuations, analyses of monetary and fiscal policy, and introduction to open economy macroeconomic issues.
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.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 116 or the equivalent; can be taken concurrently.
*Economics 2020b. Microeconomic Theory II
Catalog Number: 4058
Christopher N. Avery (Kennedy School) and Nolan H. Miller (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 8:30–10; and a one-hour weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
A continuation of Economics 2020a. Topics include game theory, economics of information, incentive theory, and welfare economics.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as API-112 and with the Business School as 4011.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a or 2020a.
Economics 2052. Game Theory I: Equilibrium Theory
Catalog Number: 3690
Adam Szeidl (University of California, Berkeley)
Half course (spring term). M., 4–7 pm. EXAM GROUP: 9
Equilibrium analysis and its applications. Topics vary, but typically include equilibrium refinements (sequential equilibrium), the equilibria of various classes of games (repeated games, auctions, signaling games) and the definition and application of common knowledge.
Prerequisite: Economics 2010a or permission of the instructor.
Economics 2056. Market Design
Catalog Number: 3634
Alvin E. Roth (FAS, Business School) and Peter A. Coles (Business School)
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, labor markets, school choice, and kidney exchange.
Note: Open to undergraduates with permission of the instructors. Offered jointly with the Business School as 4150.
Prerequisite: Game theory.
Economics 2058. Networks and Social Capital
Catalog Number: 2872
Markus M. Möbius
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Provides a rigorous theoretical introduction into network models. Discusses the emerging empirical literature on economic and social networks. Topics include the role of networks in technological progress, buyer-supplier networks, and social capital.
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.
Econometrics and Quantitative Methods
Economics 2120. Introduction to Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 2352
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 2130. Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 2211
Dale W. Jorgenson
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Advanced methods in applied econometrics, including nonlinear regression, discrete and limited dependent variables, models of selection, and stationary and non-stationary time series. Includes detailed discussion of empirical applications.
Note: Students complete a short research project in applied econometrics.
Prerequisite: Economics 2120 or equivalent.
Economics 2144. Advanced Applied Econometrics
Catalog Number: 7686
Ariel Pakes and Guido W. Imbens
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An introduction to the theory and application of recently developed econometric techniques used in advanced applied work. Simulation techniques, estimation subject to inequality restrictions, as well as semiparametric and nonparametric tools will be studied in a variety of empirical contexts.
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 2327. Economic Development: Theory, Policy, and Evidence
Catalog Number: 8092
Dani Rodrik (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 11:40–1, and a review section F. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
Provides a graduate-level overview of the theory of and evidence on economic development from a policy-oriented perspective. Aim is to allow students to analyze policy debates surrounding development from a broad and rigorous analytical base.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as PED-101.
Economics 2333. Historical Perspectives on Current Economic Issues
Catalog Number: 6800
Claudia Goldin and John J. Wallis (University of Maryland)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Comparative economic history emphasizing the sources of economic growth. Subjects include labor systems, population change, migration, technology, industrialization, market integration, education, government, inequality, and the Great Depression. Each topic is motivated by a current concern.
Note: Satisfies the graduate distribution requirement. Open to undergraduates on a limited basis with permission of instructor.
*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 2390c. Development Economics II: Macroeconomic Issues
Catalog Number: 0388
Michael R. Kremer
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Topics include aggregative and non-aggregative growth models, growth and development accounting, models of technology diffusion and choice, the role of finance and foreign aid in the growth process, the role of trade, immigration, and population growth.
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 2410c. Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1746
Emmanuel Farhi and Michael Golosov (MIT)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Economics 2415. Theory of Optimal Policy
Catalog Number: 2855
Michael Golosov (MIT) and Emmanuel Farhi
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Theory of optimal taxation: static and dynamic models; taxation; Ramsey and Mirrlees approaches; theory of social insurance. Macroeconomic approach to optimal policy includes fiscal and monetary policy over time and business cycles, time-consistency problems.
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 2450b. Public Economics and Fiscal Policy II
Catalog Number: 6478
David M. Cutler and Martin Feldstein
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, including social security and health care.
Economics 2460. Health Economics Workshop
Catalog Number: 7617
David M. Cutler and Joseph P. Newhouse (Kennedy School, Medical School, Public Health)
Half course (spring term). Tu., 6–8 pm. EXAM GROUP: 18
Focuses on theory, econometric models, and public policy of health care. Frontier work in health economics presented and discussed by instructors and outside speakers.
Note: May be taken for credit only by dissertation students writing a research paper. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as HCP-581.
Economics 2470. Law and Economics
Catalog Number: 5995
Andrei Shleifer and Louis E. Kaplow (Law School)
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Emphasizes themes relating different subjects in the field and analyzes topics that illustrate those themes. Besides issues such as torts, property, litigation, and law enforcement, will also focus on judicial decision-making and cross-country comparisons of the effects of laws and legal systems.
Note: Offered jointly with the Law School as 96203-31.
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.
*Economics 2490. The Economics of National Security Seminar
Catalog Number: 9061
Martin Feldstein
Half course (spring term). Th., 6:30–9 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 18
Considers a range of issues relating to national security, including bioterrorism, the market for nuclear weapons, the defense industry, the dependence on imported oil, intelligence, sanctions, etc.
Note: Speakers will be both experts with experience in this field and economists doing research on these issues. Seminar participants will be economics department faculty and selected graduate students.
International Economics
Economics 2530b. International Finance
Catalog Number: 7144
Gita Gopinath
Half course (spring term). F., 9–12. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3, 4
Financial aspects of growth and income determination in open economies. Topics include international business cycle, monetary and exchange rate regimes, capital flows, and current issues in international macroeconomic policy.
Prerequisite: Economics 2530a provides extremely useful background.
Economics 2535. Advanced Topics in International Trade
Catalog Number: 6410
Pol Antràs and Nathan J. Nunn
Half course (spring term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Covers advanced theoretical and empirical topics concerning the determinants of world trade patterns.
Prerequisite: Economics 2530a or permission of instructor.
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 2611. Industrial Organization II
Catalog Number: 2302
Julie H. Mortimer and Gregory M. Lewis
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Application of industrial organization to problems of public policy. Applied analysis of antitrust policy, network industries, vertical relationships, auctions, and other topics depending on interest.
Note: Students are urged to take Economics 2610 before Economics 2611.
*Economics 2640hf. The Industrial Organization Workshop
Catalog Number: 5981
Uli Doraszelski, Greg Lewis, Nancy Rose (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 2670. Organizational Economics
Catalog Number: 6913
Oliver S. Hart and Robert Gibbons (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 3, 4
Theoretical and empirical work on organizations. Topics include agency problems inside organizations, boundaries of the firm, relational contracting, authority, hierarchies, delegation, decentralization, and nonstandard organizational arrangements (including joint ventures, venture capital, and public ownership).
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4180.
Prerequisite: Economics 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 2724 (formerly Economics 2424). Finance Theory in Continuous Time
Catalog Number: 2614
Robert C. Merton (Business School)
Half course (spring term). M., 2:30–6. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
Synthesis of finance theory from the perspective of continuous-time analysis covering individual financial behavior, financial markets and intermediaries, corporate finance, governmental and macro finance in an uncertain environment.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4256.
Prerequisite: At least one finance course including capital markets; elementary probability and statistics; multi-variate calculus; matrix algebra.
Economics 2725. Corporate Finance
Catalog Number: 1427
Efraim Benmelech and David S. Scharfstein (Business School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Theory and empirical evidence on capital structure, dividends, investment policy, and managerial incentives. Topics include banking, corporate governance, and mergers.
Note: Offered jointly with the Business School as 4223.
Prerequisite: Economics 2060.
Economics 2726. Theoretical and Empirical Perspective on Entrepreneurship: Economics and Finance - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 4451
Joshua Lerner (Business School) and William Robert Kerr
Half course (spring term). Th., 2:30–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17, 18
Entrepreneurship is a complex phenomenon that has attracted little academicattention. This course explores the emerging work in this area. Students taking the course for credit will be expected to complete two referee reports and a paper.
Note: Jointly listed with the Business School as 4350
Catalog Number: 1379
Efraim Benmelech and John Y. Campbell
Half course (throughout the year). Spring: W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: Spring: 9
Labor, Human Resources, and Income Distribution; Urban Economics
Economics 2811. Social Economics
Catalog Number: 5188
Roland G. Fryer
Half course (spring term). M., W., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2
Applies the tools of economics to explore social issues including crime, discrimination, racial and gender differences, poverty, family structure, urban problems, social interactions and peer effects, and intergenerational mobility.
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 2813. Labor and Work Life Forum
Catalog Number: 1415
Paul C. Weiler (Law School)
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Research and discussion with trade union leaders and management concerning labor issues.
Economics 2880. Economics and Sociology of Science - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7488
Richard B. Freeman
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2:30–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17, 18
Analyzes economic issues regarding the role of science and RD in the economy and in the deployment and productivity of scientists, engineers, and highly skilled technical workers. Topics include: wage levels/employment prospects; stipend policy, education/recruitment, student unionization/post-doc organization, career choices/trajectories, with reference to women; scientific competition/collaboration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
© 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College