Syllabus

Syllabus

Econometrics, Econ 303

Instructor: Dr. Moriah Bostian

Term: Spring 2025

Classroom: JRHH 101

Time: TR 9:40-11:10

Office: JRHH 324 

Office Hours: Tue 2-3:30 (JRHH 324); Wed 2-3:30 (via zoom)

Email: mbbostian@lclark.edu

Watzek Library Liaison:

E.J. Carter, ecarter@lclark.edu

Required Texts:

Wooldridge, J., Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, Seventh Edition, South-Western Cengage Learning, 2019.  

Angrist, J. and Pishke, J., Mastering ‘Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect, Princeton University Press, 2014.  

Required Software:

You can purchase a student copy for use on your personal computer directly from the Stata website:https://www.stata.com/order/new/edu/profplus/student-pricing/. The Stata/BE six month option is sufficient for this course.

Prerequisites:

• • Econ 103

  • Econ 301 or 302

  • Math 131

Course Description:

Econ 303 introduces the application of probability and statistical methods to estimate economic relationships.  This course will begin with a review of probability and statistics, and then focus largely on the classical linear regression model (CLRM).  Major topics include the CLRM assumptions, estimation techniques, hypothesis testing and inference.  

In order to learn econometrics, it is important to do econometrics.  We will hold regular computer lab sessions in class to practice using Stata to solve econometric problems.  In class we will routinely consider the appropriate modeling techniques for example cases, drawn from the course texts and economic literature.  

These exercises are designed to prepare you to engage in applied economic research.  To that end, another major component of this course is the empirical research project.  We will discuss topics related to the project over the course of the semester, including the formulation of an economic research question, data sources and data organization, the use of economic literature, model construction, and the analysis and display of your research results.  

Course Objectives:

The objectives of this course are for you to:

• • understand the CLRM, including its assumptions and desirable properties, and its use for inference.

  • learn how to test for and address violations of the CLRM assumptions in order to carry out sound inference.

  • be able to analyze econometric results critically when reading economic literature.

  • be able to locate published economic research on a particular economic issue

  • apply appropriate econometric methods to a specific research question and effectively present your research results.

Student Responsibilities:

Fulfilling the objectives above will require each of you to engage in this course.  Your primary responsibilities as a student are to:

• • Come to Class.  This course will utilize discussion, group activities and in-class exercises as learning methods.  For these methods to be effective, you must be present.  

  • Complete assigned readings before class.  It is especially important for you to read any assigned articles before class because we will be discussing these readings in class.  Use the textbook as a reference for class exercises and lecture material.

  • Participate in Class.  Participation includes contributing to class discussions, collaborating on in-class exercises and providing feedback to your colleagues as part of the empirical research process.   

  • Maintain the learning environment for others.  I expect you to be a considerate member of our classroom community.  This includes refraining from any distracting activities.

  • Complete assignments on time.  In this course, we will cover a set of topics that build sequentially.  Your comprehension of and ability to apply course concepts at any point in the semester depends on your understanding of previous material.  Unless announced otherwise, assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date.  I will only accept late work with prior accommodation.  

Tips for doing well in this course:

Here are a few helpful strategies for success in Econometrics:

• • Do not fall behind.  This course covers challenging material at a rigorous pace.  As a general rule, plan to spend 2 - 3 hours outside of class on the readings and homework for each class session.  If you are having trouble keeping up with the course, visit me in office hours to develop a better study plan.  

  • Ask questions.  Bring questions from the readings to class, raise your hand if you have a question during class, and visit me during my office hours to go over material outside of class.

  • Come to Office Hours!  If you are unable to make any of my scheduled office hours, please email me to make an appointment.    

  • Work through the homework problems as we cover the related topics in class.  The material will be more fresh, applying the concepts from class will help to solidify your understanding, and this also leaves you time to ask for help on difficult problems.  

  • Start working on your empirical project early in the semester.  Aside from avoiding late-semester data crises, applying the material from class to your own research is a great way to deepen your understanding.

  • Form a study group.  Get together with a few other people in class to work on homework problems, rehash the lectures and review for exams.  Study groups are fun, supportive and a great way to fill in the gaps and stay on track.  

  • Take good notes in class.  We will be solving problems, drawing graphs and outlining concepts at the board.  If it goes on the board, it should go into your notes.

  • Start thinking like an econometrician!  Think about economic relationships that are interesting to you, and consider how you might test them in an ideal world with no data restrictions.  Are differences in choices or outcomes due purely to chance or can they be explained by economic theory?  As you read journal articles, consider the assumptions that authors are making.  Are they reasonable, or can you think of plausible violations?   

Attendance:

I understand that each of you will likely need to miss class at some point during the semester.  If you do need to miss class, you are still responsible for any assignments that are due that day, and for catching up on any missed material. Please make arrangements with me and the Office of Student Accessibility to receive accommodation for any extended absence from class. This includes missing three or more consecutive class days due to illness.  

Please do not attend class if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.  I will not penalize your grade for staying home to recover, and to protect

everyone in our classroom community.    

Grading:

I will base your grade on two in-class midterm exams, three homework sets, and the empirical project as follows:

• • 10%, Homework

  • 30%, Exam 1

  • 30%, Exam 2

  • 30%, Empirical Project

The homework problems will correspond to the readings and examples from lecture, and are designed to build your understanding as we move through the course.  This term, homework will be a group effort, with groups forming at the end of the second week of classes. Please turn in one set of answers per group.  

The exams will include problems that are similar to homework problems and examples from class, as well as questions that challenge you to go beyond these exercises.  

You can find a detailed description for the empirical project on the Empirical Project webpage. I will assign each of you to a project team, consisting of 2-3 people.

Final letter grades will be based on the percentage of total points earned as follows:

Academic Integrity:

I expect everyone who is participating in this course to adhere to the college's academic integrity policy.  The Lewis & Clark Academic Integrity Policy states:

"Acts of academic dishonesty involve the use or attempted use of any method or technique enabling a student to misrepresent the quality or integrity of his or her academic work.  Academic dishonesty with respect to examinations includes but is not limited to copying from the work of another, allowing another student to copy from one's own work, using crib notes, arranging for another person to substitute in taking an examination, or giving or receiving unauthorized information prior to or during the examination. Academic dishonesty with respect to written or other types of assignments includes but is not limited to: failure to acknowledge the ideas or words of another that have consciously been taken from a source, published or  unpublished; placing one's own name on papers, reports, or other documents that are the work of another individual, whether published or unpublished; flagrant misuse of the assistance provided by another in the process of completing academic work; submission of the same paper or project for separate courses without prior authorization by faculty members; fabrication or alteration of data; or knowingly facilitating the academic dishonesty of another."

I will not treat academic dishonesty lightly in this course.  Nor will I consider ignorance of the LC academic integrity policy as an excuse for its violation.  Please consult me if you have any questions regarding academic integrity while working on your research project.

Accommodations:

If you have a disability that may impact your academic performance, you may request accommodations by submitting documentation to the Office of Student Accessibility in 206 Albany Quadrangle (x7192). After you have submitted documentation and filled out paperwork there for the current semester requesting accommodations, staff in that office will notify me of the accommodations for which you are eligible. You can find additional information about accommodation arrangements on the Office of Student Accessibility website.

How students can access academic resources: 

The Academic Support and Resources website contains information for accessing a range of resources, including the SQRC, SAAB tutoring, Writing Center, and Library staff. This is one very useful website!

Tentative Class Schedule:

I expect you to come to class having read the day's assigned material in advance. The tentative schedule of readings and topics are listed below. I will update this schedule as needed through the semester and notify you of any changes to these plans.