This course serves as the capstone experience for the Economics major. It brings together the tools and concepts you have developed across the major and applies them to the kind of questions economists study using data. Because economic claims often shape public debate and policy, it is important to understand how to evaluate evidence and distinguish correlation from causation. This class will teach you how to conduct rigorous empirical economic analysis and how to develop and carry out an original research project.
We will begin with a review of core econometric ideas to ensure everyone has a common foundation. We will then move into advanced methods in causal inference and learn how these tools are used in applied research. Throughout the semester, you will read and discuss a range of empirical studies and practice applying these methods as you design, execute, and communicate your own research. By the end of the course, students should be able to interpret causal empirical findings and produce a well-designed, evidence-based economics research paper.