ECON 1:
Principles of Economics
This is an introductory course in economics. We will cover both microeconomics (investigating decisions by individuals and firms) and macroeconomics (examining the economy as a whole). The primary goal is to develop and then build on your understanding of the analytical tools and approaches used by economists. This will help you to interpret economic news and economic data at a much deeper level while also forming your own opinions on economic issues. The course will also provide a strong foundation for those of you who want to continue on with intermediate microeconomics and/or intermediate macroeconomics and possibly beyond.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI
ECON 1V:
Principles of Economics
The course covers all of economics at a basic level. It stresses the key idea that economics is about making purposeful choice with limited resources and about people interacting with other people as they make these choices. Most of those interactions occur in markets, and the course is mainly about markets, including labor markets and capital markets. We show why free competitive markets can improve people's lives and how they have removed millions from people from poverty, with many more, we hope, to come; we show how monopolies and environmental spillovers cause market failures; we show how to remedy these failures through government policy; and we explain why government failure can also be a problem. The overall goal is to use economics to understand the big issues of the day including economic growth, inequality, crises, and unemployment. The goal of this course is to learn how to use economic analysis to reach reasoned conclusions about the big issues of the day from the workings and benefits of a market economy to the causes of economic growth, financial crises, and unemployment.
Last offered: Spring 2020
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI
ECON 3:
Big Ideas: Conversations with Stanford's Own Nobel Laureates & MacArthur "Genius" Fellows (CHEM 5, SOC 5)
10 weekly one-on-one conversations with Nobel Laureates and MacArthur fellows, talking about their life story, how they got to their ideas, what they discovered, how the world is a better place as a result, what advice they have for students and young researchers, etc. Readings related to guest research will be assigned. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
ECON 4:
Democracy Matters (PHIL 30, POLISCI 42, PUBLPOL 4)
Should the U.S. close its border to immigrants? What are the ramifications of income inequality? How has COVID-19 changed life as we know it? Why are Americans so politically polarized? How can we address racial injustice? As the 2020 election approaches, faculty members from across Stanford will explore and examine some of the biggest challenges facing society today. Each week will be dedicated to a different topic, ranging from health care and the economy to racial injustice and challenges to democracy. Faculty with expertise in philosophy, economics, law, political science, psychology, medicine, history, and more will come together for lively conversations about the issues not only shaping this election season but also the nation and world at large. There will also be a Q&A following the initial discussion. Attendance and supplemental course readings are the only requirements for the course.
Last offered: Autumn 2020
| Units: 1
ECON 10:
Microcosm of Silicon Valley and Wall Street
Seminar in applied economics with focus on the microcosm of Silicon Valley, how growth companies are originated, managed and financed from start-up to IPO. Round-table discussion format. Applicable to those students with an interest in technology company formation, growth and finance including interaction with Wall Street. Enrollment limited to 10 juniors, seniors and co-term students. Application found at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms
Last offered: Autumn 2022
| Units: 1
ECON 11N:
Understanding the Welfare System
Welfare-reform legislation passed by the federal government in the mid-1990s heralded a dramatic step in the movement that has been termed the devolution revolution, which is again being discussed in the context of healthcare reform. The centerpiece of devolution is the transfer of more responsibilities for antipoverty programs to the states. We will explore the effects of these reforms and the role that devolution plays in the ongoing debates over the designs of programs that make up America's social safety net. In addition to discussing conventional welfare programs (e.g., Medicaid, food stamps, TANF, SSI) and other governmental policies assisting low-income families (EITC, minimum wages), we will examine the trends in governmental spending on anti-poverty programs and how our nation defines poverty and eligibility for income support. We will apply economics principles throughout to understand the effectiveness of America's antipoverty programs and their consequences on the behavior and circumstances of families. Prerequisites: A basic understanding/knowledge of introductory economics is recommended.
Last offered: Autumn 2022
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 17N:
Energy, the Environment, and the Economy
Examines the intimate relationship between environmental quality and the production and consumption of energy. Assesses the economics efficiency and political economy implications of a number of current topics in energy and environmental economics. Topics include: the economic theory of exhaustible resources, Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) control (cap and trade mechanisms and carbon fees), GHG emissions offsets, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the "smart" transmission grid for electricity, nuclear energy and nuclear waste, the real cost of renewable energy, natural gas and coal-fired electricity production, the global coal and natural gas markets, Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) and Low-Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS), Energy Efficiency Investments and Demand Response, and Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). For all topics, there will be reading to explain the economics and engineering behind the topic and class discussion to clarify and elaborate on this interaction. Prerequisite: Econ 1 is recommended.
Last offered: Winter 2023
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 21SI:
Perspectives on Economics, Diversity, and Discrimination (PEDD)
In this student-initiated and student-facilitated reading group, we will read and discuss economics papers on racial and ethnic diversity and discrimination. We draw on papers from different economics literatures, including health, education, intergenerational mobility, and political economy. Our aim is to have a structured but informal conversation about each paper. Guest speakers will also present their research on these topics and have Q&A sessions with the students. There are no prerequisites, and discussions will be accessible for students with little or no prior exposure to Economics research. Freshmen and sophomores are particularly encouraged to enroll. To apply, complete the application at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. The deadline is 3/13/21.
Last offered: Spring 2021
| Units: 1
ECON 25N:
Public Policy and Personal Finance (PUBLPOL 55N)
The seminar will provide an introduction and discussion of the impact of public policy on personal finance. Voters regularly rate the economy as one of the most important factors shaping their political views and most of those opinions are focused on their individual bottom lines. In this course we will discuss the rationale for different public policies and how they affect personal financial situations. We will explore personal finance issues such as taxes, loans, charity, insurance, and pensions. Using the context of (hypothetical) personal finance positions, we will discuss the public policy implications of various proposals and how they affect different groups of people, for example: the implications of differential tax rates for different types of income, the promotion of home ownership in the U.S., and policies to care for our aging population. While economic policy will be the focus of much of the course, we will also examine some of the implications of social policies on personal finance as well. There will be weekly readings and several short policy-related writing assignments.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 41:
Pasta, Soccer, and Opera: An Intro to Applied Micro and Data Analysis
This course will provide an introduction to applied microeconomics and data analysis. The course material will derive from academic journal articles on a variety of fun topics, such as penalty kicks in soccer, copyright law for opera, and the economic costs of the Mafia. Students will learn to interpret regression equations, tables, figures, and other results from academic papers. The course will teach very basic regression tools and skills for implementing these tools in R. Students will be required to complete three problem sets involving coding in R, along with weekly write-ups about the topics covered. Prerequisite: Econ 1
Last offered: Spring 2022
| Units: 2
ECON 43:
Introduction to Financial Decision-Making
The purpose of this course is for you to obtain both a broad overview of the role of finance in society and your role in it, and a degree of greater comfort that you know how to approach the major financial decisions you will confront. Your journey through life will require many financial decisions, some easily predictable now, that will heavily influence the quality of your life, your financial security, your ability to withstand unanticipated burdens arising from the vagaries of your and your family's lives, and to keep open desirable options on how you lead your life. The course will use a variety of approaches to illustrate and analyze archetypical situations, emphasizing both sound decisions and financial mistakes that are all too common and can have major damaging results. From illustrative examples and case studies, to historical and statistical evidence and some simple analytical tools, the course is designed to help you develop some straightforward understanding of basic financial concepts, the people and institutions you will interact with in making such decisions, and advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches for individuals and society. Topics include making a financial plan and budget, managing money, obtaining and using credit and loans, saving, investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and other assets, venture capital and private equity, purchasing insurance, purchasing vs. renting a home, getting a mortgage, taxes, inflation and inflation protection, financial markets and more. Summer 2024: Students will be given the option to take the full 5-unit course (Section 01) or a revised 1-unit course option that will be offered CR/NC ONLY. The 1-unit course option is suggested for students who are interested in learning more about the personal finance topics taught in this course but who may not already have background knowledge in economics. Those interested in the 1-unit course offering should enroll in section 02. The one unit course option cannot be applied to economics degree requirements.
Terms: Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 44:
The Modern Financial System
The purpose of the class is to introduce you to the modern financial system. What are the major financial instruments -- bonds, bank loans and also equity - and how are their prices determined. What are the key financial institutions that lend, provide liquidity and make markets. What role does the government play through regulation, monetary policy and special intervention in crisis time. We'll devote particular attention to the payments system: how do households and firms make payments, how do financial institutions organize these payments, and how could this business change with potential entry of new digital currencies, provided by central banks or the private sector. This course is intended for freshmen and sophomores. Prerequisites: Econ 1 is recommended.
Last offered: Winter 2023
| Units: 3
ECON 46:
Networks and Human Behavior
Two threads are interwoven: why social and economic networks have special features, and how those features shape power, opinions, opportunities, and behaviors. Some of the topics included are: the different ways in which a person's position in a network determines their influence; which systematic errors people make when forming opinions based on what they learn from others; how financial contagions work and why are they different from the spread of a flu; the role of splits in our social networks in inequality, immobility, and polarization; and how network patterns of trade and globalization have changed international conflict and wars. The course requires analyzing network data, which will be provided. No prerequisite but Econ 102A or equivalent is recommended.
Last offered: Spring 2021
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 47:
Media Markets and Social Good
This class will apply tools from economics and related social sciences to study the functioning of media markets and their impact on society. The guiding question will be: when and how do media best serve the social good? Topics will include the economics of two-sided markets, media bias, polarization, social media, fake news, advertising, propaganda, effects of media on children, media and crime, and the role of media in corruption, protests and censorship. The course will give students a non-technical introduction to social science empirical methods, including regression analysis, causal inference, experimental and quasi-experimental methods, and machine learning.
Last offered: Autumn 2020
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 48:
Law and Economics of Biomedical Innovation
Why don't we have an HIV vaccine, or a cure for Alzheimer's disease? Why weren't we better prepared for a pandemic? A variety of evidence suggests market incentives - such as provided by policies ranging from patent law to public health insurance - are a critical determinant of which potential technologies successfully make the transition from the lab to the market. This course articulates the key market failures justifying government intervention in biomedical innovation markets, reviews theory and evidence on the legal instruments governments use to intervene in these markets, and considers leading proposals for legal reform. We close by discussing links between biomedical innovation and inequality. No prerequisites. Elements used in grading: class participation, attendance, and short writing assignments. Undergraduates: letter grade only.
| Units: 3
ECON 50:
Economic Analysis I
Individual consumer and firm behavior under perfect competition. The role of markets and prices in a decentralized economy. Monopoly in partial equilibrium. Economic tools developed from multivariable calculus using partial differentiation and techniques for constrained and unconstrained optimization. Prerequisites: Econ 1 or 1V, and Math 51 or Math 51A or CME 100 or CME 100A.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Math, WAY-FR, WAY-SI
ECON 51:
Economic Analysis II
Neoclassical analysis of general equilibrium, welfare economics, imperfect competition, externalities and public goods, risk and uncertainty, game theory, adverse selection, and moral hazard. Multivariate calculus is used. Prerequisite: ECON 50.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SI
ECON 52:
Economic Analysis III
Long-run economic growth and short-run economic fluctuations. Focus on the macroeconomic tools of government: fiscal policy (spending and taxes) and monetary policy, and their effects on growth, employment, and inflation. Prerequisites: ECON 50.
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 101:
Economic Policy Seminar
Capstone and writing in the major course open to Econ majors only. Economic policy analysis, writing and oral presentations will be large components of this course. Students may also complete group projects that include empirical economic analysis focused on a specific topic. The goal of this course is to enable students to utilize the skills they have acquired throughout their time in the major. Section topics vary by instructor. Enrollment limited to application at the start of each school year with student placement notifications before the term starts. Permission numbers will be provided to students. Limited to students applying to graduate in 2023-24. Prerequisites: Econ 51 and 52, 102B, and two field courses. Enrollment by application: https://economics.stanford.edu/forms.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 102A:
Introduction to Statistical Methods (Postcalculus) for Social Scientists
Probabilistic modeling and statistical techniques relevant for economics. Concepts include: probability trees, conditional probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, correlation, central limit theorems, point estimation, hypothesis testing and confidence intervals for both one and two populations. Prerequisite: MATH 20 or equivalent.
Terms: Aut, Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-Math, WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 102B:
Applied Econometrics
Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals for population variances, chi-squared goodness-of-fit tests, hypothesis tests for independence, simple linear regression model, testing regression parameters, prediction, multiple regression, omitted variable bias, multicollinearity, F-tests, regression with indicator random variables, simultaneous equation models and instrumental variables. Topics vary slightly depending on the quarter. Prerequisites: Econ 102A or equivalent. Recommended: computer experience (course often uses STATA software to run regressions).
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 102C:
Advanced Topics in Econometrics
This is an advanced econometrics class targeted to students who want to go deeper into and/or expand their knowledge of topics firstly learned in Econ 102B (or equivalent class). Topics include: Instrumental variables estimation; Panel data models (fixed and random effect models, dynamic panel data models); Limited dependent variable models (probit, logit, Tobit) and selection models; models for Duration data; Bootstrap and Estimation by Simulation. Applications from Labor Economics and Public Finance will be used to motivate the discussion. Prerequisite: Econ 102B
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 102D:
Econometric Methods for Public Policy Analysis and Business Decision-Making
This course focuses on the use of econometric methods in public policy analysis and business decision-making. Building on methods taught in Economics 102A and 102B, additional descriptive, predictive and causal econometric modeling methods will be introduced along with the assumptions required for the validity of each methodology. Methods for designing randomized controlled trials (RCT) and analyzing the resulting data will be discussed. The methods for recovering economically meaningful magnitudes such as price elasticities of demand and other behavioral responses from observational data will be discussed. Both classical econometric methods and modern techniques in machine learning will be employed. The class will be taught using the R programming language. Students will perform both in-class and out-of-class assignments working with actual datasets to address policy-relevant decisions and simulation exercises designed to deepen their knowledge of these methods. Prerequisites: Econ102A, Econ102B
Last offered: Autumn 2020
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR
ECON 105:
Economic Forecasting
The objective of the course is to introduce you to time series analysis and forecasting methods. Students will master a mix of theoretical and applied econometrics techniques used in macroeconomic and financial applications. Topics to be covered potentially include but are not limited to: regression from a predictive viewpoint; forecasting trends and seasonality; exponential smoothing models; ARMA models; stochastic trends, unit roots, and cointegration; structural breaks; point, interval and density forecasts; forecast evaluation and combination; vector autoregression including impulse-response estimation and analysis; dynamic factor models; volatility forecasting using GARCH models; conditional forecasting models and scenario analysis. The course emphasizes hands-on experience, and all students will acquire knowledge of the programming language R in the context of time series models and forecasting. Prerequisites: ECON 102B. Students with a strong background in Statistics may reach out to the Economics Undergraduate office for permission to enroll.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
ECON 106:
World Food Economy (EARTHSYS 106, EARTHSYS 206, ECON 206, ESS 106, ESS 206)
The World Food Economy is a survey course that covers the economic and political dimensions of food production, consumption, and trade. The course focuses on food markets and food policy within a global context. It is comprised of three major sections: structural features (agronomic, technological, and economic) that determine the nature of domestic food systems; the role of domestic food and agricultural policies in international markets; and the integrating forces of international research, trade, and food aid in the world food economy. This 5-unit course entails a substantial group modeling project that is required for all students. Enrollment is by application only. The application is found at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to upper-level undergraduates who need the course for their major, and to graduate students pursuing work directly related to the course. The application submission period will close on March 15
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 108:
Data Science for Business and Economic Decisions
This course will teach from a textbook written by a prominent economist with leading expertise in data science and machine learning. Students will be presented with statistical techniques to process big data for making business and economics decisions. Topics may include statistical uncertainty, regression, classification and factor analysis, experimentations and controls, frameworks for causal inference. We will also explore the relations between nonparametric econometrics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. The statistical package R will be used to illustrate concepts and theory. Prerequisites: Econ 102A or equivalent and Econ 102B.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
ECON 109:
Economics from Outer Space
The possibilities for economic measurement have been transformed through observation of the earth from satellites. In this course, we will study the array of possibilities in free and commercial imagery, and link up to applications in economic research and industry. The course will start from the physics foundations of how satellites see the earth, examine measurement opportunities at all frequencies, show research and business applications, and carry the student to the point of writing code in Julia for one small problem. Pre-requisites: ECON 1
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
ECON 111:
Money and Banking
The primary course goal is for students to master the logic, intuition and operation of a financial system - money, financial markets (money and capital markets, debt and equity markets, derivatives markets), and financial institutions and intermediaries (the Central Bank, depository institutions, credit unions, pension funds, insurance companies, venture capital firms, investment banks, mutual funds, etc.). In other words, how money/capital change hands between agents over time, directly and through institutions. Material will be both quantitative and qualitative, yet always highly analytical with a focus on active learning - there will be an approximately equal emphasis on solving mathematical finance problems (e.g. bond or option pricing) and on policy analysis (e.g. monetary policy and financial regulation.) Students will not be rewarded for memorizing and regurgitating facts, but rather for demonstrating the ability to reason with difficult problems and situations with which they might not previously be familiar. Prerequisite: Econ 50, 52. Strongly recommended but not required: some familiarity with finance and statistics. Summer session students wishing to enroll who feel they have the appropriate prerequisites from another institution may submit that information, transcript or syllabus that is similar to Econ 52, to econ-undergrad@stanford.edu.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 112:
Financial Markets and Institutions: Recent Developments
The course covers innovations, challenges and proposed changes to the financial system. Topics include new mortgage products, foreclosure rules, securitization, credit ratings, credit derivatives, dealer networks, repo financing, implications for prudential regulation & monetary policy. Emphasis is on quantitative studies of these topics. Prerequisites: Econ 52, Econ 102B.
Last offered: Autumn 2019
| Units: 5
ECON 113:
Historical perspectives on inequality and opportunity in America
A thematic discussion of the economic history of the United States, with emphasis on the perspective it gives on modern-day economic and social issues. Topics will include economic growth, government intervention in the economy, economic causes and consequences of slavery, immigration, women's changing role in the economy, income inequality, and economic mobility. Prerequisite: Econ 1
Last offered: Autumn 2022
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 118:
Development Economics
The microeconomic problems and policy concerns of less developed countries. Topics include: health and education; risk and insurance; microfinance; agriculture; technology; governance. Emphasis is on economic models and empirical evidence. Prerequisites: ECON 50, ECON 102B.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 125:
Economic Development, Microfinance, and Social Networks
An introduction to the study of the financial lives of households in less developed countries, focusing on savings, credit, informal insurance, the expansion of microfinance, social learning, public finance/redistribution, and social networks. Prerequisites- Econ 51 or Publpol 51 and Econ 102B.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 126:
Economics of Health and Medical Care (BIOMEDIN 156, BIOMEDIN 256, HRP 256)
Institutional, theoretical, and empirical analysis of the problems of health and medical care. Topics: demand for medical care and medical insurance; institutions in the health sector; economics of information applied to the market for health insurance and for health care; economics of health care labor markets and health care production; and economic epidemiology. Graduate students with research interests should take ECON 249. Prerequisites: ECON 50 and either ECON 102A or STATS 116 or the equivalent. Recommended: ECON 51.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 127:
Economics of Health Improvement in Developing Countries (HRP 227, MED 262)
Application of economic paradigms and empirical methods to health improvement in lower-income countries. Emphasis is on unifying analytic frameworks and evaluation of empirical evidence. How economic views differ from public health, medicine, and epidemiology; analytic paradigms for health and population change; the demand for health; the role of health in international development. Prerequisites: ECON 50 and ECON 102B.
Last offered: Winter 2023
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 131:
The Chinese Economy
This is a survey course of the Chinese economy with emphasis on understanding the process of economic reform, transition and development during the past 40 years. It will help students learn the different historical stages of institutional changes, develop an informed perspective on economic and political rationale and the effectiveness of the economic policies that have shaped China's economic emergence, and think critically about the process of economic and social changes. Prerequisite: Econ 1. Same as OSPBEIJ 30. Students may not earn credit for both OSPBEIJ 30 and ECON 131.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 132:
Persuasive Economic Storytelling
Modern economics has produced outstanding advancements in understanding and predicting economic behavior and phenomena. Despite these achievements, there is a huge gap between how economists and non-economists perceive certain aspects of the economy, society, and the world - how we communicate our findings is at the core of this problem. In this course we will explore and discuss examples of powerful economic storytelling (from the classics to modern pieces), and we will learn how storytelling can be more effective at convincing and driving people to action than purely logical economic expositions. We will learn how to craft effective stories, and then we will create some of our own that are not only persuasive but also based on sound economic models and data. Application required- https://forms.gle/uAAkV1WAXWeZQ52f9. Prerequisite: Econ 1
Last offered: Spring 2022
| Units: 5
ECON 134:
Wealth of Nations (POLISCI 244C)
Why are there economic disparities across countries? Why did some countries grow steadily over the past 200 years while many others did not? What have been the consequences for the citizens of those countries? What has been the role of geography, culture, and institutions in the development process? What are the moral dilemmas behind this development process? These are some of the questions we will discuss in this course. Following a historical and cross-cultural perspective, we will study the origins of economic development and the path that led to the configuration of the modern global economy.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 135:
Foundations of Finance
For graduate students and advanced undergraduates. This course teaches the foundations of finance. Topics include internal rate of return and net present value, Black-Scholes option pricing, portfolio diversification and the Capital Asset Pricing Model, relationships between risk and return, market efficiency, and the valuation of derivative securities. Much of the analysis will build on the Arrow-DeBreu state preference model. Next, adverse selection and moral hazard in contracting and the design of auctions will be discussed. Towards the end of the course applied topics such as bank capital regulation, sovereign debt, pension funds, university endowments, and the evaluation of private equity performance and fees will be discussed, depending on time. Prerequisites: MATH 51, ECON 50, ECON 102A, or equivalents or with permission of the instructor; ability to use spreadsheets, and basic probability and statistics concepts including random variables, expected value, variance, covariance, and simple estimation and regression.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
ECON 136:
Market Design
Use of economic theory and analysis to design allocation mechanisms and market institutions. Course focuses on three areas: the design of matching algorithms to solve assignment problems, with applications to school choice, entry-level labor markets, and kidney exchanges; the design of auctions to solve general resource allocation problems, with applications to the sale of natural resources, financial assets, radio spectrum, and advertising; and the design of platforms and exchanges, with applications to internet markets. Emphasis on connecting economic theory to practical applications. Students must write term paper.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR
ECON 137:
Decision Modeling and Information
Effective decision models consider a decision maker's alternatives, information and preferences. The construction of such models in single-party situations with emphasis on the role of information. The course then evolves to two-party decision situations where one party has more information than the other. Models examined include: bidding exercises and the winner's curse, the Akerlof Model and adverse selection, the Principal-Agent model and risk sharing, moral hazard and contract design. Prerequisite: ECON 102A or equivalent. Recommended: Econ 50, Optimization and simulation in Excel.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-FR
ECON 139D:
Directed Reading
May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Allcott, H. (PI);
Amemiya, T. (PI);
Athey, S. (PI);
Auclert, A. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Baker, L. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Bocola, L. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Brynjolfsson, E. (PI);
Bulow, J. (PI);
Callander, S. (PI);
Chandrasekhar, A. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cochrane, J. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Diamond, R. (PI);
Duffie, D. (PI);
Duggan, M. (PI);
Dupas, P. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fafchamps, M. (PI);
Fearon, J. (PI);
Gentzkow, M. (PI);
Goldin, J. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Haber, S. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Hammond, P. (PI);
Harris, D. (PI);
Harstad, B. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Imbens, G. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Jagadeesan, R. (PI);
Jha, S. (PI);
Kehoe, P. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Krueger, A. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Lau, L. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
Li, H. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Mahoney, N. (PI);
Makler, C. (PI);
McKeon, S. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Miller, G. (PI);
Morten, M. (PI);
Naylor, R. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Ober, J. (PI);
Pencavel, J. (PI);
Persson, P. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Reiss, P. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Rossin-Slater, M. (PI);
Rosston, G. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Sargent, T. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Singleton, K. (PI);
Skrzypacz, A. (PI);
Sorkin, I. (PI);
Spiess, J. (PI);
Starrett, D. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Tendall, M. (PI);
Voena, A. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI)
ECON 140:
Introduction to Financial Economics
Modern portfolio theory and corporate finance. Topics: present value and discounting, interest rates and yield to maturity, various financial instruments including financial futures, mutual funds, the efficient market theory, basic asset pricing theory, the capital asset pricing model, and models for pricing options and other contingent claims. Use of derivatives for hedging. Prerequisites: ECON 50, ECON 102A.
Last offered: Spring 2021
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 141:
Financial Markets
This class provides an introduction to financial markets. We cover major financial instruments -- bonds, bank loans, equity and derivatives -- and how their prices are determined. What are the key financial institutions that lend, provide liquidity and make markets. What role does the government play through regulation, monetary policy, bailouts and other interventions during financial crises. First we teach basic principles of modern finance. Then we focus on recent developments (digital currencies provided by central banks or the private sector, climate finance.) An important component of the course are online games that we play to mimic what we see in financial markets. These games highlight the importance of heterogeneous investor beliefs, risk exposures, and market frictions for asset trading and valuation.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
ECON 143:
Finance, Corporations, and Society (INTLPOL 227, POLISCI 127A, PUBLPOL 143, SUSTAIN 143)
As society faces major challenges, democracies and "free-market" capitalism appear to be in crisis. This interdisciplinary course will explore the complex interactions between corporations, governments, and individuals, drawing on insights from the social sciences, business, and law to understand how institutions and collective actions translate to a set of rules and to outcomes for people and nature. The course aims to help students become savvier in their interactions with our economic and political systems and understand the governance issues that are critical to whether and how well institutions in the private and public sectors serve us. Topics include financial decisions, financial markets, banks and institutional investors; corporations and corporate governance; political economy and the rule of law as it applies to people and to organizations, and the role and functioning of the media. We will connect the material to specific issues such as climate change and justice, and discuss current events regularly throughout the course. Students will have the opportunity to explore a situation of their choosing in more depth through group final projects. Visitors with relevant experiences will regularly enrich our class discussion.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4-5
ECON 144:
Family and Society
The family into which a child is born plays a powerful role in determining lifetime opportunities. This course will apply tools from economics and related social sciences to study how the functioning of families is shaped by laws, social insurance, social norms, and technology. Topics will include intergenerational transmission of wealth and health, the importance of the early family environment, partnership formation, cohabitation and marriage, teen pregnancy and contraception, assisted reproduction, Tiger Moms and Helicopter Parenting, and the employment effects of parenthood. In the context of these topics, the course will cover social science empirical methods, including regression analysis, causal inference, and quasi-experimental methods. Throughout the course, we will think critically about the role of the government and how the design of public policy targeting families affect our ability to solve some of the most important social and economic problems of our time. Prerequisites: Econ 50
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 145:
Labor Economics
Analysis and description of labor markets. Determination of employment, hours of work, and wages. Wage differentials. Earnings inequality. Trade unions and worker co-operatives. Historical and international comparisons.. Prerequisites: ECON 51 (Public Policy majors may take PUBLPOL 51 as a substitute for ECON 51), ECON 102B.
Last offered: Autumn 2018
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:EC-Gender, WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 146:
Economics of Education
How a decision to invest in education is affected by factors including ability and family background. Markets for elementary and secondary schooling; topics such as vouchers and charter schools, accountability, expenditure equalization among schools, and the teacher labor market.The market for college education emphasizing how college tuition is determined, and whether students are matched efficiently with colleges. How education affects economic growth, focusing on developing countries. Theory and empirical results. Application of economics from fields such as public economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, and industrial organization. Prerequisites: ECON 50, ECON 102B.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 147:
The Economics of Labor Markets
This course will cover the economics of labor markets. Topics include: determinants of employment and unemployment; job creation and job destruction. The effects of technological change on the labor market. The effects of a universal basic income. There is a final exam. Prerequisites: ECON 51 (Public Policy majors may take PUBLPOL 51 as a substitute for ECON 51), Econ 52, Econ 102B.
Last offered: Spring 2020
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 148:
Investors and the Social Responsibility of Business (PUBLPOL 150)
Much of the world's economic activity is undertaken by corporations, the largest being more powerful than most nations. Given daunting societal challenges like climate change, inequality, and racial injustice, what objectives should corporations have? In this course, we discuss the ongoing debate about the social responsibility of corporations. We consider shareholder activism, divestments made by university endowments and other ways investors might influence corporations. We look at the ESG (environment, social, governance) movement and the potential for "impact investing" to solve problems. Throughout we focus on whether the incentives of key decision makers are aligned with desirable objectives. We will bring to class CEOs and leading investors in public and private equity, to ensure we provide a balance of theory and practice.
Last offered: Spring 2022
| Units: 3
ECON 149:
The Modern Firm in Theory and Practice
Examines the empirics on the economics, management and strategy of organizations (e.g. firms). Topics include the organization of firms in US and internationally. Management practices around information systems, target setting and human resources. Focus on management practices in manufacturing, but also analyze retail, hospitals and schools, plus some recent field-experiments in developing countries. Prerequisites: ECON 51 (Public Policy majors may take PUBLPOL 51 as a substitute for ECON 51), ECON 102B.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 150:
Economic Policy Analysis (PUBLPOL 104, PUBLPOL 204)
The relationship between microeconomic analysis and public policy making. How economic policy analysis is done and why political leaders regard it as useful but not definitive in making policy decisions. Economic rationales for policy interventions, methods of policy evaluation and the role of benefit-cost analysis, economic models of politics and their application to policy making, and the relationship of income distribution to policy choice. Theoretical foundations of policy making and analysis, and applications to program adoption and implementation. Prerequisites: PUBLPOL 50 or ECON 50. Students are also strongly encouraged to either complete ECON 102B prior to taking this course or take ECON 102B concurrently with this course. Undergraduate Public Policy students are required to take this class for a letter grade and enroll in this class for five units.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR
ECON 151:
Tackling Big Questions Using Social Data Science (POLISCI 151)
Big data can help us provide answers to fundamental social questions, from poverty and social mobility, to climate change, migration, and the spread of disease. But making sense of data requires more than just statistical techniques: it calls for models of how humans behave and interact with each other. Social data science combines the analysis of big data with social science theory. We will take a project-oriented, many models-many methods approach. This course will introduce students to a variety of models and methods used across the social sciences, including tools such as game theoretical models, network models, models of diffusion and contagion, agent based models, model simulations, machine learning and causal inference. Students will apply these tools to tackle important topics in guided projects. Prerequisite is Econ 102A, Polisci 150A or equivalent.
Last offered: Autumn 2022
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR
ECON 152:
The Future of Finance (ECON 252, PUBLPOL 364)
This 2-credit course will examine vast changes driven by innovation both from within traditional finance and from new ecosystems in fintech among others. Breathtaking advances in financial theory, big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational capability, IoT, payment systems (e.g. blockchain, crypto currencies), new products (e.g. robo advising, digital lending, crowd funding, smart contracts), new trading processes (e.g. algorithmic trading, AI-driven sales & trading), and new markets (e.g. ETFs, zero-cost products), among others are changing not only how financial and non-financial firms conduct business but also how investors and supervisors view the players and the markets. nWe will discuss critical strategy, policy and legal issues, some resolved and others yet to be (e.g. failed business models, cyber challenges, financial warfare, fake news, bias problems, legal standing for cryptos). The course will feature perspectives from guest speakers including top finance executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs on up-to-the-minute challenges and opportunities in finance. nWe will discuss slowing global growth against the backdrop of ongoing intervention and wildcards in the capital markets of the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India, Japan, the Middle East and Latin America. We will look forward at strategic opportunities and power players appearing and being dethroned in the markets to discuss who is likely to thrive ¿ and not survive ¿ in the new global financial landscape. nnPrerequisites: If you are an undergraduate wishing to take this course, apply by completing the course application and provide a brief bio here: https://forms.gle/9BGYr8brdYwPS8Cu8
Last offered: Winter 2020
| Units: 2
ECON 154:
Law and Economics (PUBLPOL 106, PUBLPOL 206)
In this course, we explore the role of law in promoting social well-being (happiness). Law, among its other benefits, can serve as a mechanism to harmonize private incentives with cooperative gains, to maintain an equitable division of those gains, and to deter social defection and dystopia. Law is thus an implementation of the social contract and essential to civilization. Economic analysis of law focuses on the welfare-enhancing incentive effects of law (and of law enforcement). More generally, we study the law's role in reducing the risks of cooperation, achieved by fixing expectations of what courts or the state will do in possible futures. Prerequisite: ECON 50 or PUBLPOL 50. Final paper instead of an exam. Instructor consent required for enrollment. Please email the instructor a short statement of interest (300 words max) explaining why you would like to enroll in the course.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 155:
Environmental Economics and Policy
Economic sources of environmental problems and alternative policies for dealing with them (technology standards, emissions taxes, and marketable pollution permits). Evaluation of policies addressing local air pollution, global climate change, and the use of renewable resources. Connections between population growth, economic output, environmental quality, sustainable development, and human welfare. Prerequisite for Undergraduates: ECON 50. May be taken concurrently with consent of the instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SI
ECON 156:
Energy Markets and Policy (ECON 256, INTLPOL 276)
This is a course on how energy and environmental markets work, and the regulatory mechanisms that have been and can be used to achieve desired policy goals. Throughout the course students play the roles of electricity generators, electricity retailers, energy traders, and electricity consumers in order to gain an understanding of how energy and environmental policies (including environmental regulations and renewable energy mandates) affect the business strategy of market participants - and in turn economic and environmental outcomes. The goal of the course is to provide students with both theoretical and hands-on understanding of important energy and environmental market concepts that are critical to market functioning but not always widely appreciated. The course is useful background for private sector roles in energy production, research, management, trading, investment, and government and regulatory affairs; government positions in policymaking and regulation; research and policy functions in academia, think tanks, or consultancies; and non-profit advocacy roles related to energy and the environment. Econ 1 recommended.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 157:
Imperfect Competition
The interaction between firms and consumers in markets that fall outside the benchmark competitive model. How firms acquire and exploit market power. Game theory and information economics to analyze how firms interact strategically. Topics include monopoly, price discrimination, advertising, oligopoly pricing, product differentiation, collusion and cartel behavior, and anti-competitive behavior. Sources include theoretical models, real-world examples, and empirical papers. Prerequisite: ECON 51 or PUBLPOL 301A or INTLPOL 204A, and ECON 102A. ECON 102B is recommended.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 158:
Regulatory Economics
Economics 158 examines public policies for dealing with problems arising in markets in which competitive forces are weak. The focus is on monopolies, oligopolies, cartels, and other environments where market mechanisms are unlikely to produce outcomes that benefit consumers more than the alternatives involving costly government intervention. The two main areas examined are competition policy and economic regulation. Competition policy refers to laws that define certain market behavior as illegal because it is harmful to competition or fails to provide consumer benefits that justify its costs to consumers. Economic regulation refers to policies in which government controls prices and/or decides the terms and conditions under which firms can participate in a market. A growing area of study and policy design is the introduction of market mechanisms into formerly regulated industries such as: telecommunications, electricity, airlines, railroads, postal delivery services and environmental regulation. Cross-listed with Law 1056. Prerequisites: Econ 51 or equivalent.
Last offered: Winter 2020
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 160:
Game Theory and Economic Applications
Introduction to game theory and its applications to economics. Topics: strategic and extensive form games, dominant strategies, Nash equilibrium, subgame-perfect equilibrium, and Bayesian equilibrium. The theory is applied to repeated games, oligopoly, auctions, and bargaining with examples from economics and political science. Prerequisites: Working knowledge of calculus and basic probability theory.
Last offered: Spring 2023
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SI
ECON 162:
Games Developing Nations Play (POLISCI 247A, POLISCI 347A)
If, as economists argue, development can make everyone in a society better off, why do leaders fail to pursue policies that promote development? The course uses game theoretic approaches from both economics and political science to address this question. Incentive problems are at the heart of explanations for development failure. Specifically, the course focuses on a series of questions central to the development problem: Why do developing countries have weak and often counterproductive political institutions? Why is violence (civil wars, ethnic conflict, military coups) so prevalent in the developing world, and how does it interact with development? Why do developing economies fail to generate high levels of income and wealth? We study how various kinds of development traps arise, preventing development for most countries. We also explain how some countries have overcome such traps. This approach emphasizes the importance of simultaneous economic and political development as two different facets of the same developmental process. No background in game theory is required.
Last offered: Winter 2021
| Units: 3-5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 163:
Solving Social Problems with Data (COMM 140X, DATASCI 154, EARTHSYS 153, MS&E 134, POLISCI 154, PUBLPOL 155, SOC 127)
Introduces students to the interdisciplinary intersection of data science and the social sciences through an in-depth examination of contemporary social problems. Provides a foundational skill set for solving social problems with data including quantitative analysis, modeling approaches from the social sciences and engineering, and coding skills for working directly with big data. Students will also consider the ethical dimensions of working with data and learn strategies for translating quantitative results into actionable policies and recommendations. Lectures will introduce students to the methods of data science and social science and apply these frameworks to critical 21st century challenges, including education & inequality, political polarization, and health equity & algorithmic design in the fall quarter, and social media, climate change, and school choice & segregation in the spring quarter. In-class exercises and problem sets will provide students with the opportunity to use real-world datasets to discover meaningful insights for policymakers and communities. This course is the required gateway course for the new major in Data Science & Social Systems. Preference given to Data Science & Social Systems B.A. majors and prospective majors. Course material and presentation will be at an introductory level. Enrollment and participation in one discussion section is required. Sign up for the discussion section will occur on Canvas at the start of the quarter. Prerequisites: CS106A (required), DATASCI 112 (recommended as pre or corequisite). Limited enrollment. Please complete the interest form here: https://forms.gle/8ui9RPgzxjGxJ9k29. A permission code will be given to admitted students to register for the class.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 165:
International Finance
This is a first course in open economy macroeconomics. The course's objective is to build the analytical foundation for understanding key macro issues in the world economy such as global capital flows, the behavior of exchange rates, currency and sovereign debt crises. While a significant portion of the course will be theoretical, there will be several occasions for linking the theory to real-world events. Prerequisite: ECON 52. Summer session students wishing to enroll who feel they have the appropriate prerequisites from another institution may submit that information, transcript or syllabus that is similar to Econ 52, to econ-undergrad@stanford.edu.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 166:
International Trade
Explaining patterns of trade among nations; characterizing the sources of comparative advantage in production and the prospect of gains from economies of scale. Enumerating and accounting for the net aggregate gains from trade, and identifying winners and losers from globalization. Analyzing the effects of international labor migration, foreign direct investment, outsourcing, and multinational companies. Strategic trade policy; international trade agreements; labor and environmental implications. We will review relevant theoretical frameworks, examine empirical evidence, and discuss historical and contemporary policy debates as covered in the popular press; active class participation is an important part of the course. Prerequisite: ECON 51 (Public Policy majors may take PUBLPOL 51 as a substitute for ECON 51).
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 167G:
Game Theory and Social Behavior
Game theory is the formal toolkit for analyzing situations in which payoffs depend not only on your actions (say, which TV series you watch), but also others' (whether your friends are watching the same show). You've probably already heard of some famous games, like the prisoners' dilemma and the costly signaling game. We'll teach you to solve games like these, and more, using tools like Nash equilibrium, subgame perfection, Bayesian Nash equilibrium, and the one-off deviation principle. Game theory has traditionally been applied to understand the behavior of highly deliberate agents, like heads of state, firms in an oligopoly, or participants in an auction. However, we'll apply game theory to social behavior typically considered the realm of psychologists and philosophers, such as why we speak indirectly, in what sense beauty is socially constructed, and where our moral intuitions come from. Nearly each week, students are expected to complete a problem set, to read 2-3 academic papers, and to complete a 1-2 page response to short essay questions (`prompts') on these readings. All assignments can be completed in groups of two. There will also be a final exam. Prerequisites: Although there are no formal prerequisites for this course, we will make frequent use of probability theory (Bayes¿ Rule; conditional probabilities), set theory notation, and proofs. Students without a background in these tools have historically found some of the later problem sets to be challenging. TA sessions are not required, but are recommended for students without the necessary math background. Not sure if this class is for you? Take our self assessment, then see how your answers compare with ours. (Assessments and solutions can be found here: https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms)
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 177:
Empirical Environmental Economics (SUSTAIN 130, SUSTAIN 230)
Are you interested in environmental and energy policy? Do you want to improve your data science skills? If so, Empirical Environmental Economics is for you. In the first few weeks of class, you'll use data and microeconomic modeling to quantify the harms from pollution, including estimating the social cost of carbon emissions. For the rest of the quarter, you'll use more data and microeconomic modeling to evaluate major environmental policies such as pollution taxes, cap-and-trade programs, and subsidies for clean technologies. You will consider overall benefits and costs as well as the distributional equity, which can inform discussions of environmental justice. You will learn and practice useful data science skills, including applied econometrics/causal inference methods (e.g., difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, and regression discontinuity) and equilibrium modeling. The class has weekly problem sets involving data analysis in R, plus a final paper. Class sessions feature active learning, discussions, and small-group case studies. You should only enroll if you expect to attend regularly and complete the problem sets on time. Prerequisites: You must have experience with regression analysis (e.g., ECON 102 or 108, CS 129, EARTHSYS 140, HUMBIO 88, POLISCI 150C, or STATS 60 or 101). If you plan to take microeconomics (e.g., ECON 1, 50, or 51), we recommend you take those either beforehand or concurrently. If you have no economics background, you may still be comfortable in class if you are strong in math, statistics, and/or computer science. If you have not used R before, that is OK: we will guide you from the beginning. If you have used R before, you can still learn a lot in this class through the applications.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4-5
ECON 178:
Behavioral Economics
The field of behavioral economics draws on insights from other disciplines, especially psychology, to enrich our understanding of economic behavior. In this course, we will discuss how psychological considerations can create behavioral patterns that diverge from the predictions of standard economic models, the implications of those behavioral patterns for market outcomes and public policies, and the ways in which economists incorporate those considerations into their theories. We will also examine how social motives (such as altruism or concerns about fairness, equity, status, or image) impact economic behavior. We will learn about classical findings and leading theories in behavioral economics. The treatment of psychological phenomena in this course involves tools similar to those employed in other economics courses. Prerequisites: ECON 50 and ECON 102A. Econ 51 and 102B are recommended.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
ECON 179:
Experimental Economics
Methods and major subject areas that have been addressed by laboratory experiments. Focus is on a series of experiments that build on one another. Topics include decision making, two player games, auctions, and market institutions. How experiments are used to learn about preferences and behavior, trust, fairness, and learning. Final presentation of group projects. Prerequisites: ECON 51 (Public Policy majors may take PUBLPOL 51 as a substitute for ECON 51), ECON 102A.
Last offered: Autumn 2019
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
ECON 180:
Honors Game Theory
Rigorous introduction to game theory and applications. Topics include solution concepts for static and dynamic games of complete and incomplete information, signaling games, repeated games, bargaining, and elements of cooperative game theory. Applications mainly from economics, but also political science, biology, and computer science. Prerequisites: Experience with abstract mathematics and willingness to work hard. No background in economics required.
Last offered: Autumn 2019
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SI
ECON 184:
Institutional Investment Management: Theory and Practice
This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of institutional investment management, including asset allocation and manager selection across public and private equity, absolute return, real assets, and fixed income. The course is taught by the CIO of Stanford's endowment, along with other members of the investment team, and takes the perspective of an institution with a long-term investment horizon. We introduce and apply a framework for assessing investment strategies and investment firms. Students put theory into practice with guest speakers from leading investment firms, including partners at venture capital firms, real estate partnerships, and hedge funds. Enrollment is capped at 20. All majors are welcome. To apply please send a one to two paragraph statement of interest and an unofficial transcript to econ184@ smc.stanford.edu by December 3, 2023. Econ 1 and Econ 102A, Stats 60, or equivalent courses recommended and may be taken concurrently. Lunch will be provided for each Monday lecture.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
ECON 185:
Data Science for Environmental Business (PUBLPOL 185, SUSTAIN 135, SUSTAIN 235)
Are you interested in clean tech and sustainability? Do you like working with data or plan to manage data scientists? Do you want to find a socially impactful job? If so, Data Science for Environmental Business is for you. Each week, we'll have a guest speaker from a utility, venture capital firm, clean tech startup, renewable energy developer, or some other sustainability-related business. We'll do a quantitative case study of one of the speaker's business problems, such as carbon footprint measurement, supply chain decarbonization, techno-economic analysis, where to site renewable energy facilities, how to value electricity storage, or predicting demand for electric vehicles. Then in the next class, we'll discuss the analytical decisions you made on the case study and the business implications of your results. We aim to draw a mix of students from the GSB, engineering, sustainability, data science, computer science, economics, math, and other fields. Students registering through the GSB should expect a roughly standard MBA class workload. Students registering through non-GSB course numbers should expect a serious data science course where you'll learn and apply new methods. We hope to develop a pipeline of students working for the guest speakers and similar firms. Prerequisites: You must know basic statistics and regression analysis (e.g., ECON 102 or 108, CS 129, EARTHSYS 140, HUMBIO 88, POLISCI 150C, or STATS 60 or 101). You should also have at least some experience with data analysis in R, python, Stata, MATLAB, or something similar. If you plan to take microeconomics (e.g., ECON 1, 50, or 51) or empirical environmental economics (ECON 177), we recommend you take those either beforehand or concurrently.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
ECON 198:
Junior Honors Seminar (PUBLPOL 197)
For juniors (advanced sophomores will be considered) who expect to write an honors thesis in Economics or Public Policy. Weekly sessions go through the process of selecting a research question, finding relevant bibliography, writing a literature review, introduction, and study design, culminating in the write-up of an honors thesis proposal (prospectus) and the oral presentation of each student's research project. Students also interact with potential advisors, and outline a program of study for their senior year. To apply, complete the application at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
ECON 199D:
Honors Thesis Research
In-depth study of an appropriate question and completion of a thesis of very high quality. Normally written under the direction of a member of the Department of Economics (or some closely related department). See description of honors program. Register for at least 1 unit for at least one quarter after your honors application is approved. Winter registration for one unit under the supervision of the Director of the Honors Program is mandatory for all honors students.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Allcott, H. (PI);
Athey, S. (PI);
Auclert, A. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Baker, L. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Bocola, L. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Brynjolfsson, E. (PI);
Bulow, J. (PI);
Callander, S. (PI);
Chandrasekhar, A. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cochrane, J. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Diamond, R. (PI);
Duffie, D. (PI);
Duggan, M. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fafchamps, M. (PI);
Fearon, J. (PI);
Fetter, D. (PI);
Gentzkow, M. (PI);
Goldin, J. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Haber, S. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Harstad, B. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Imbens, G. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Jagadeesan, R. (PI);
Jha, S. (PI);
Kehoe, P. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
Li, H. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Mahoney, N. (PI);
Makler, C. (PI);
McKeon, S. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Miller, G. (PI);
Morten, M. (PI);
Naylor, R. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Owen, B. (PI);
Persson, P. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Reiss, P. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Rossin-Slater, M. (PI);
Rosston, G. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Rozelle, S. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Singleton, K. (PI);
Skrzypacz, A. (PI);
Sorkin, I. (PI);
Spiess, J. (PI);
Strebulaev, I. (PI);
Sweeney, J. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Tendall, M. (PI);
Voena, A. (PI);
Wager, S. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wolitzky, A. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI);
Ju, Z. (TA);
Liu, L. (TA)
ECON 200:
First-Year Seminar
Restricted to Economics PhD students in their first year. Must be taken in both Winter and Spring Quarters. Enrollment by permission number only.
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 1
| Repeatable
2 times
(up to 2 units total)
ECON 202:
Microeconomics I
(Non-Economics graduate students register for 202N.) Open to advanced undergraduates with consent of instructors. Theory of the consumer and the implications of constrained maximization; uses of indirect utility and expenditure functions; theory of the producer, profit maximization, and cost minimization; monotone comparative statics; behavior under uncertainty; partial equilibrium analysis and introduction to models of general equilibrium. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: thorough understanding of the elements of multivariate calculus and linear algebra.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 202N:
Microeconomics I For Non-Economics PhDs students
Theory of the consumer and the implications of constrained maximization; uses of indirect utility and expenditure functions; theory of the producer, profit maximization, and cost minimization; behavior under uncertainty; partial equilibrium analysis and introduction to models of general equilibrium; discussion of how assumptions and models stand up to recent developments in empirical and in particular behavioral economics. Prerequisite: understanding of basic calculus and some familiarity with writing basic proofs.
Last offered: Autumn 2022
| Units: 2-5
ECON 203:
Microeconomics II
(Non-Economics graduate students register for 203N.) Non-cooperative game theory including normal and extensive forms, solution concepts, games with incomplete information, and repeated games. Externalities and public goods. The theory of imperfect competition: static Bertrand and Cournot competition, dynamic oligopoly, entry decisions, entry deterrence, strategic behavior to alter market conditions, bargaining theory. Enrollment is limited to Econ PhD students for the first two weeks of open enrollment, after which the remaining space will be available to all other interested students. Prerequisite: ECON 202.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 204:
Microeconomics III
Social Choice, including Arrow's theorem, the Gibbard-Satterthwaite theorem, and the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves mechanism. The theory of contracts, emphasizing contractual incompleteness and the problem of moral hazard. Incentive regulation. Competition with imperfect information, including signaling and adverse selection. Competitive equilibrium and the core. Limited enrollment. Non-Econ students need permission of instructor to enroll. Enrollment is limited to Econ PhD students for the first two weeks of open enrollment, after which the remaining space will be available to all other interested students. Prerequisite: ECON 202 and 203.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 206:
World Food Economy (EARTHSYS 106, EARTHSYS 206, ECON 106, ESS 106, ESS 206)
The World Food Economy is a survey course that covers the economic and political dimensions of food production, consumption, and trade. The course focuses on food markets and food policy within a global context. It is comprised of three major sections: structural features (agronomic, technological, and economic) that determine the nature of domestic food systems; the role of domestic food and agricultural policies in international markets; and the integrating forces of international research, trade, and food aid in the world food economy. This 5-unit course entails a substantial group modeling project that is required for all students. Enrollment is by application only. The application is found at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to upper-level undergraduates who need the course for their major, and to graduate students pursuing work directly related to the course. The application submission period will close on March 15
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
ECON 210:
Macroeconomics I
Dynamic programming applied to a variety of economic problems. These problems will be formulated in discrete or continuous time, with or without uncertainty, with a finite or infinite horizon. There will be weekly problem sets and a take-home final that will require MATLAB programming. Limited enrollment.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 211:
Macroeconomics II
Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models using dynamic programming methods that are solved with MATLAB. Growth models (neoclassical, human capital, technical change) using optimal control theory. Enrollment is limited to Econ PhD students for the first two weeks of open enrollment, after which the remaining space will be available to all other interested students. Prerequisite: ECON 210.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 212:
Macroeconomics III
Real business cycle and new Keynesian models: business cycle fluctuations, inflation dynamics, the effects of monetary and fiscal policy, and optimal policy. Models of heterogeneity: search models of the labor market; precautionary savings and general equilibrium with incomplete markets; constrained efficiency; endogenous market incompleteness and recursive contracts; optimal taxation and redistribution. Enrollment is limited to Econ PhD students for the first two weeks of open enrollment, after which the remaining space will be available to all other interested students. Prerequisites: ECON 203, ECON 210, ECON 211.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 214:
Development Economics I
This course uses microeconomic theory and empirical analyses to understand barriers to human and economic development in lower income countries, as well as how public policies are formulated and their effectiveness at alleviating poverty. Topics include institutions and governance; human capital accumulation; productivity; inequality; poverty traps. Prerequisites: 202 or 202N, 270.
Last offered: Autumn 2021
| Units: 3-5
ECON 215:
Development Economics II
This course uses economic theory and empirical analyses to understand barriers to human and economic development in lower income countries, as well as how public policies are formulated and their effectiveness at alleviating poverty. Topics include barriers to agricultural productivity; urban and rural labor markets; migration; technological change; models of growth and development and public finance in less developed countries. Prerequisites: 202 or 202N, 270.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-5
ECON 216:
Development Economics III
This course focuses on savings, credit, informal insurance, the expansion of microfinance, social networks, social learning and technology adoption, public finance and firm organizations. Prerequisite: 202, 203, 204, 210, 211, 212, 270, 271, 272.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 220:
Political Economy I (POLISCI 460A)
Introduction to empirical and theoretical research in political economy. This course focuses on issues in democracies, while Political Economy II focuses on issues in non-democracies. Topics may include institutional foundations, social choice, electoral competition and candidate positioning, accountability, voter behavior, polarization, media and political communication, redistribution, special interests and lobbying, collective action, immigration, and populism. Prerequisite for Econ PhD students: ECON 202 and 270 or permission of instructors. Prerequisites for Political Science PhD students: POLISCI 450A, POLISCI 450B, and POLISCI 356A.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 221:
Political Economy II (POLISCI 460B)
Continuation of ECON 220 / POLISCI 460A. Preparation for advanced research in political economy. This quarter will focus on topics related to culture, institutions, political and economic development, historical evolution, nondemocratic politics, conflict and cooperation. We will cover both empirical and theoretical work. Prerequisite for Political Science PhDstudents: POLISCI 356A.
Last offered: Winter 2021
| Units: 3-5
ECON 222:
Political Development Economics
There is a growing awareness that many of the key challenges in fostering development in poor societies are political challenges. What can we do to encourage trade, cooperation and peace in environments riven with social and ethnic divisions? How do we foster broadly beneficial political reforms and good governance when the potential losers to reforms are able to mobilise to prevent them? How do we detect and mitigate the effects of corruption? What role may modern finance play in creating or mitigating political economy challenges in developing countries? These problems are modern and endemic, but many are also old problems, and economic theory and the practical experiences of different countries have much to tell us both about what has worked in the past, and what policy experiments we may try in new environments. Rather than a survey, the objective of this course is to selectively discuss new and open research areas in political development economics and the theoretical and empirical tools necessary to contribute to them, with the topics chosen to complement other Stanford courses in applied microeconomics, development, political economics and economic history. By the end of the course, the student will have analyzed a theoretical or historical solution to a key political development challenge and proposed a natural or field experiment to test it empirically. Graduate level proficiency in microeconomics and empirical methods will be required.
Last offered: Winter 2023
| Units: 3
ECON 226:
Topics in US and international economic history
The role of economic history as a distinctive approach to the study of economics, using illustrations from U.S. history and topics in international economics. Topics focused on the US include: historical and institutional foundations of US economic growth; economic causes and consequences of slavery; women's changing role in the economy; inequality and intergenerational mobility; the growth of social insurance. Topics in international economics include globalization of goods and capital flows and their impact on growth, financial and sovereign debt crises, and financial institutions. Enrollment limited to graduate students.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 2-5
ECON 229:
Topics in Economic History
Topics in Economic History: covers topics in Economic History such as the industrial revolution, the demographic transition, the great divergence, the importance of institutions, the diffusion of knowledge, the causes and consequences of income inequality, and immigration over the last two centuries. The course will highlight the roles of economic history in modern economics, the use of economic theory in guiding hypothesis testing, and the construction of new datasets and the execution of empirical analysis. The course is open to PhD students only.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 233:
Advanced Macroeconomics I
Topics in the theory and empirics of economic growth. For PhD-level students.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 234:
Advanced Macroeconomics II
Course Description: This is an advanced class in macroeconomics. We cover monetary and business cycles models, labor models, and HANK models. We emphasize solution methods in continuous and discrete time. Students enrolled in MGTECON 612 take the class for 4 units. Students develop a research proposal and present it to the instructors as the final exam. Prerequisite: Satisfaction of the economics department's core macro requirement or consent of the instructors.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 235:
Advanced Macroeconomics III
Current topics to prepare student for research in the field. Recent research in labor-market friction, reallocation, fluctuations, wage and price determination, innovation, and productivity growth. Research methods, presentations skills, and writing in advanced economics.
Last offered: Spring 2023
| Units: 2-5
ECON 236:
Financial Economics I
This course will cover research topics at the boundary between macroeconomics and finance. Topics may include the study of macroeconomic models with financial frictions, conventional and unconventional monetary policy, its transmission mechanism and the term structure of interest rates, sovereign debt crises, search frictions and segmentation in housing markets, (over)leveraging by households, heterogeneous expectations, excess volatility, financial bubbles and crises. Prerequisites: 210, 211, 212.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-5
ECON 237:
Heterogeneity in Macroeconomics
The goal of this course is to introduce students to frontier research in quantitative macroeconomics and finance with heterogeneous agents. We study models with imperfect financial markets and/or search frictions. We emphasize theory and numerical methods as well as tools to confront model predictions with both micro and macro data. Potential applications cover a wide range of topics in household finance, corporate finance and firm dynamics, asset pricing, housing and labor markets, business cycles and growth. (Same as MGTECON 617)
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 239D:
Directed Reading
May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Allcott, H. (PI);
Amemiya, T. (PI);
Athey, S. (PI);
Auclert, A. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Baker, L. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Bocola, L. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Brynjolfsson, E. (PI);
Bulow, J. (PI);
Callander, S. (PI);
Chandrasekhar, A. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Diamond, R. (PI);
Duffie, D. (PI);
Duggan, M. (PI);
Dupas, P. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fafchamps, M. (PI);
Fearon, J. (PI);
Fetter, D. (PI);
Gentzkow, M. (PI);
Goldin, J. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Haber, S. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Hammond, P. (PI);
Harris, D. (PI);
Harstad, B. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Imbens, G. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Jagadeesan, R. (PI);
Jha, S. (PI);
Kehoe, P. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Krueger, A. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Lau, L. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
Li, H. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Mahoney, N. (PI);
Makler, C. (PI);
McKeon, S. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Miller, G. (PI);
Morten, M. (PI);
Naylor, R. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Pencavel, J. (PI);
Persson, P. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Reiss, P. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Rossin-Slater, M. (PI);
Rosston, G. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Sargent, T. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Singleton, K. (PI);
Skrzypacz, A. (PI);
Sorkin, I. (PI);
Spiess, J. (PI);
Starrett, D. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Tendall, M. (PI);
Voena, A. (PI);
Williams, H. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI);
Zambrano, D. (PI)
ECON 241:
Public Economics I
Design of tax systems, transfers intended to alleviate poverty, the effect of taxes on earnings, fees intended to internalize externalities like pollution, school finance and other forms of fiscal federalism, local public goods such as schools, policy evaluation with behavioral decision makers. Students will learn to apply sophisticated applications of frontier applied econometric techniques including synthetic controls, regression discontinuity, advanced instrumental variables methods. Prerequisites: ECON 202-204, ECON 210, ECON 270, ECON 271, or equivalent with consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 242:
Public Economics II
The first part of the course concerns inequality and the design of social insurance. We also explore questions in the intersection of public and family economics such as the unit of taxation, and the interaction between social insurance and intra-family insurance. The second half of the course covers local public policy and urban economics, and includes topics such as spatial equilibrium, placed-based policies and housing policy. Prerequisites: Econ 202, 203, 204, 210 or equivalent with consent of instructor. Recommended: Econ 241.270, 271, or equivalent with consent of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 243:
Public Economics III
This class will cover topics in public economics, including those relating to regulation of consumer financial markets and the health care sector, among others. The class will cover recent publications, with the intention of preparing students to conduct their own research. Prerequisites: Econ 202, 203, 204, 270, 271, or the consent of the instructor. Recommended: Econ 241 and 242.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 244:
Market Failures and Public Policy
Market failures are the classic justification for government intervention in private markets. This course will focus on a small number of economically important markets where market failures are thought to be important: credit, health care, innovation, and insurance. For each of these markets, we will discuss theory and evidence on the existence and magnitude of market failures, and theory and evidence on the efficiency of public policy interventions designed to address those market failures. Prerequisites: ECON 202-204, ECON 270, ECON 271, or equivalent with consent of instructor.
Last offered: Winter 2021
| Units: 3-5
ECON 245:
Economics of Gender
The class will cover advances in the study of gender from Behavioral, Experimental and Labor Economics, e.g. traits in which women and men differ and what impact this may have for education and labor market outcomes. It will also examine gender differences in labor market outcomes and the role of policies and institutions in affecting these differences.
Terms: Win
| Units: 2-5
ECON 246:
Labor Economics I
Topics in current applied microeconomic research including intertemporal labor supply models, public policy, program evaluation, job search, migration, consumption behavior, the economics of the family, the technology of skill formation, discrimination. Student and faculty presentations.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 247:
Labor Economics II
Recent topics in applied micro, focusing on papers from top journals (QJE, AER, JPE, Econometrica and REStud) over the last ten years. Broad overview of current topic and techniques in applied-micro research - one student nicknamed this 'the greatest hits of applied micro'. Topics include inequality, polarization and skill-biased technical change, discrimination, technology adoption and the spread of information, management practices, field experiments, peer effects and academic spillovers. Combination of student and faculty presentations. Additional sessions on general presentations, paper writing and research skills to prepare for job market. Students write a term-paper.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 248:
Labor Economics III
Theories of earnings determination with particular attention to the role of imperfect competition. Human capital theory with particular attention to education decisions and the industrial organization of the education sector. Prerequisites: assumes first-year sequences in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 249:
Topics in Health Economics I (HRP 249, MED 249)
Course will cover various topics in health economics, from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Topics will include public financing and public policy in health care and health insurance; demand and supply of health insurance and healthcare; physicians' incentives; patient decision-making; competition policy in healthcare markets, intellectual property in the context of pharmaceutical drugs and medical technology; other aspects of interaction between public and private sectors in healthcare and health insurance markets. Key emphasis on recent work and empirical methods and modelling. Prerequisites: Micro and Econometrics first year sequences (or equivalent). Curricular prerequisites (if applicable): First year graduate Microeconomics and Econometrics sequences (or equivalent)
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 250:
Environmental Economics
We will discuss both theoretical and empirical analyses of environmental problems, ranging from local pollution challenges to global issues such as climate change. Topics include: Analyses of market failures, policy instruments, integrating environmental and distortionary taxes, policy making under uncertainty, valuing the environment, sustainable development, deforestation vs. conservation, and design of climate agreements.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-5
ECON 251:
Natural Resource and Energy Economics
Economic theory and empirical analysis of non-renewable and renewable natural resources, with considerable attention to energy provision and use. Topics include: exhaustible resources; renewable resources; and energy industry market structure, pricing, and performance. Prerequisites: 202, 203, 204, 271, and 272, or equivalents with consent of instructor.
Last offered: Winter 2018
| Units: 2-5
ECON 252:
The Future of Finance (ECON 152, PUBLPOL 364)
This 2-credit course will examine vast changes driven by innovation both from within traditional finance and from new ecosystems in fintech among others. Breathtaking advances in financial theory, big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational capability, IoT, payment systems (e.g. blockchain, crypto currencies), new products (e.g. robo advising, digital lending, crowd funding, smart contracts), new trading processes (e.g. algorithmic trading, AI-driven sales & trading), and new markets (e.g. ETFs, zero-cost products), among others are changing not only how financial and non-financial firms conduct business but also how investors and supervisors view the players and the markets. nWe will discuss critical strategy, policy and legal issues, some resolved and others yet to be (e.g. failed business models, cyber challenges, financial warfare, fake news, bias problems, legal standing for cryptos). The course will feature perspectives from guest speakers including top finance executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs on up-to-the-minute challenges and opportunities in finance. nWe will discuss slowing global growth against the backdrop of ongoing intervention and wildcards in the capital markets of the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India, Japan, the Middle East and Latin America. We will look forward at strategic opportunities and power players appearing and being dethroned in the markets to discuss who is likely to thrive ¿ and not survive ¿ in the new global financial landscape. nnPrerequisites: If you are an undergraduate wishing to take this course, apply by completing the course application and provide a brief bio here: https://forms.gle/9BGYr8brdYwPS8Cu8
Last offered: Winter 2020
| Units: 2
ECON 253:
Energy Markets: Theory and Evidence from Latin America
What theory and practice around the world and in Latin America tell us about the design of energy markets; how distributional impacts and enforcement capabilities affect their implementation. Topics include: pricing in wholesale electricity markets, role of long-term contracting, auction design, evidence from spot and contract markets ; design of markets for pollution permits, alternative environmental policy instruments, evidence from existing and proposed carbon markets and others, imperfect information, adverse selection in opt-in provisions, effect on innovation, interaction between markets, market power. Advanced undergraduates and masters students are welcome to enroll.
Last offered: Winter 2014
| Units: 2-5
ECON 254:
Economics of Digitization
Examines the transformation of the economy enabled by digital technologies, including AI, networks, and the digitization of information, goods and services. Topics include the economics of information, two-sided networks and platforms, power laws, intangible assets, organizational complementarities, incomplete contracts, growth theory, and design of empirical studies. Extensive reading and discussion of research literature with relevant guest speakers. Students will complete a final research paper and presentation. Primarily for doctoral students.
Last offered: Spring 2022
| Units: 3-5
ECON 255:
Economics of Communication
This course will cover theoretical and empirical work on the provision of information in markets. Likely topics include: theory of strategic communication; persuasion; media; advertising and brands; financial analysis and disclosure; political communication; text analysis using machine learning and natural language processing methods. Prerequisites: Econ 202 and 210 (or equivalent)
Last offered: Spring 2023
| Units: 2-5
ECON 256:
Energy Markets and Policy (ECON 156, INTLPOL 276)
This is a course on how energy and environmental markets work, and the regulatory mechanisms that have been and can be used to achieve desired policy goals. Throughout the course students play the roles of electricity generators, electricity retailers, energy traders, and electricity consumers in order to gain an understanding of how energy and environmental policies (including environmental regulations and renewable energy mandates) affect the business strategy of market participants - and in turn economic and environmental outcomes. The goal of the course is to provide students with both theoretical and hands-on understanding of important energy and environmental market concepts that are critical to market functioning but not always widely appreciated. The course is useful background for private sector roles in energy production, research, management, trading, investment, and government and regulatory affairs; government positions in policymaking and regulation; research and policy functions in academia, think tanks, or consultancies; and non-profit advocacy roles related to energy and the environment. Econ 1 recommended.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 257:
Industrial Organization 1
Theoretical and empirical analyses of the determinants of market structure; firm behavior and market efficiency in oligopolies; price discrimination; price dispersion and consumer search; differentiated products; the role of information in markets, including insurance and adverse selection; auctions; collusion and cartel behavior; advertising; entry and market structure; market dynamics; strategic behavior.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 258:
Industrial Organization IIA
Topics may include theoretical and empirical analysis of bargaining, dynamic models of entry and investment, models of household borrowing, models of markets with asymmetric information, advertising, brands, and markets for information, and research at the boundaries between IO and neighboring fields such as trade, behavioral economics, and household finance. Prerequisite: Econ 257.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 260:
Industrial Organization III
Course combines individual meetings and student presentations, with an aim of initiating dissertation research in industrial organization. Prerequisites: ECON 257, ECON 258. Enrollment by non-Econ PhD students requires instructors' consent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 261:
The Engineering Economics of Electricity Markets (EE 268)
This course presents the power system engineering and economic concepts necessary to understand the costs and benefits of transitioning to a low carbon electricity supply industry. The technical characteristics of generation units and transmission and distribution networks as well as the mechanisms used to operate the electricity supply industries will be studied. The fundamental economics of wholesale markets and how intermittent renewables impact the price and quantity of physical and financial products traded in these markets (e.g., energy, capacity, ancillary services, and financial contracts) will be analyzed. Long-term resource adequacy mechanisms will be introduced and their properties analyzed. The role of both short-duration and seasonal energy storage will be analyzed. Mechanisms for determining the engineering and economic need for transmission network expansions in a wholesale market will be discussed. The impact of distributed versus grid-scale generation on the performance of electricity supply industries will be studied. A detailed treatment of electricity retailing will focus on the importance of active demand-side participation in a low carbon energy sector. This course uses knowledge of probability at the level of Stats 116, optimization at the level of MS&E 111, statistical analysis at the level of Economics 102B, microeconomics at the level of Economics 51 and computer programming in R.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
ECON 266:
International Trade I
The first part of this course covers Ricardian, factor-proportions and monopolistic-competition models of international trade. The second part of the course covers commercial policy, with an emphasis on the economics of trade agreements. Students are expected to develop and present a research proposal. Prerequisites: Econ 202 or permission of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 267:
International Trade II
The course will cover quantitative and empirical work in trade, trade policy, and related subjects.
Last offered: Spring 2020
| Units: 2-5
ECON 268:
International Finance and Exchange Rates
Benchmark open economy models. Solution methods for macroeconomic models. Analysis and evaluation of quantitative macroeconomic models. Main applications: Sovereign debt and default; Financial crises and sudden stops; Hedging, interest parity relationships, and the determination of exchange rates; Liability dollarization.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 269:
International Finance and Exchange Rates II
This is the second half of the international finance sequence. Part I: intertemporal approach to the current account, international real business cycle models, international risk-sharing, gains from financial integration, global imbalances, and exchange rate determination. Part 2: open-economy monetary models and currency unions. Part 3: international finance policy, capital controls and foreign exchange interventions. Part 4: sovereign debt. . Prerequisites:Econ 210, 211, 212 and 268.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 270:
Intermediate Econometrics I
Probability, random variables, and distributions; large sample theory; theory of estimation and hypothesis testing; linear econometric models. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: probability and statistics at the level of Bruce Hansen's textbook "Probability and Statistics for Economists.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 271:
Intermediate Econometrics II
Second course in the PhD sequence in econometrics at the Economics Department (as Econ 271) and at the GSB (as MGTECON 604). This course presents modern econometric methods with a focus on regression. Among the topics covered are: linear regression and its interpretation, robust inference, asymptotic theory for maximum-likelihood und other extremum estimators, generalized method of moments, Bayesian regression, high-dimensional and non-parametric regression, binary and multinomial discrete choice, resampling methods, linear time-series models, and state-space models. As a prerequisite, this course assumes working knowledge of probability theory and statistics as covered in Econ 270/MGTECON 603. Enrollment is limited to Econ PhD students for the first two weeks of open enrollment, after which the remaining space will be available to all other interested students. Prerequisites: Econ 270/MGTECON 603 or equivalent.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 272:
Intermediate Econometrics III: Methods for Applied Econometrics
Methods for modern causal inference, including identification, matching methods, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, difference in differences, synthetic control methods. Prerequisites: Econ 271 or permission of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 273:
Advanced Econometrics I
Possible topics: parametric asymptotic theory. M and Z estimators. General large sample results for maximum likelihood; nonlinear least squares; and nonlinear instrumental variables estimators including the generalized method of moments estimator under general conditions. Model selection test. Consistent model selection criteria. Nonnested hypothesis testing. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Nonparametric and semiparametric methods. Quantile Regression methods.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 274:
Advanced Econometrics II
(Formerly 273B); Possible topics: nonparametric density estimation and regression analysis; sieve approximation; contiguity; convergence of experiments; cross validation; indirect inference; resampling methods: bootstrap and subsampling; quantile regression; nonstandard asymptotic distribution theory; empirical processes; set identification and inference, large sample efficiency and optimality; multiple hypothesis testing; randomization and permutation tests; inference for dependent data.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 275:
Economics-Based Econometrics
This course presents methods for constructing econometric specifications and systems directly based on economic models. One such approach formulates stochastic economic models that give rise to empirically implementable econometric models. The discussion will cover methods for estimating, diagnostic testing, and drawing inferences about the underlying economic primitives, including both parametric and non-parametric identification of economic structures. Applications include models from all fields of empirical microeconomics Industrial Organization, Labor, Public Finance, and Energy and Environmental Economics. Examples include: consumer demand models integrating corner solutions, intertemporal models of household and firm behavior, and dynamic models of single and multi-agent interactions with complete and incomplete information. These include auction markets, oligopolies, regulator-firm interactions, and nonlinear pricing.. The major theme of the course is to present a general framework for economic theory-based empirical research that allows researchers to recover the underlying economic primitives driving observed outcomes of an economic environment. Prerequisites: Econ 202, 203, 204, 270, 271, 272.
Last offered: Autumn 2020
| Units: 3-5
ECON 278:
Behavioral and Experimental Economics I
This is the first part of a three course sequence (along with Econ 279 & 280-formerly 277) on behavioral and experimental economics. The sequence has two main objectives: 1) examines theories and evidence related to the psychology of economic decision making, 2) Introduces methods of experimental economics, and explores major subject areas (including those not falling within behavioral economics) that have been addressed through laboratory experiments. Focuses on series of experiments that build on one another in an effort to test between competing theoretical frameworks, with the objects of improving the explanatory and predictive performance of standard models, and of providing a foundation for more reliable normative analyses of policy issues. Prerequisites: 204 and 271, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 279:
Behavioral and Experimental Economics II
This is part of a three course sequence (along with Econ 278 & 280-formerly 277) on behavioral and experimental economics. The sequence has two main objectives: 1) examines theories and evidence related to the psychology of economic decision making, 2) Introduces methods of experimental economics, and explores major subject areas (including those not falling within behavioral economics) that have been addressed through laboratory experiments. Focuses on series of experiments that build on one another in an effort to test between competing theoretical frameworks, with the objects of improving the explanatory and predictive performance of standard models, and of providing a foundation for more reliable normative analyses of policy issues. Prerequisites: 204 and 271, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 280:
Behavioral and Experimental Economics III
Economics 280 (formerly ECON 277) is a course primarily directed at graduate students in the Economics department writing dissertations with behavioral or experimental components. Economics 280 is the third part of a three course sequence (along with Econ 278 & 279). The first two quarters, which are taught primarily in lecture format, have two main objectives: 1) examining theories and evidence related to the psychology of economic decision making; 2) introducing methods of experimental economics, and exploring major subject areas (including those not falling within behavioral economics) that have been addressed through laboratory experiments. Focuses on series of experiments that build on one another in an effort to test between competing theoretical frameworks, with the objectives of improving the explanatory and predictive performance of standard models, and of providing a foundation for more reliable normative analyses of policy issues. This third quarter is a practicum, focused on students who have taken (at least one of) the first two quarters and who are now preparing an experimental or behavioral study of their own. Prerequisites: Non-Econ Phd students must complete 204 and 271, or have consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 281:
Designing Experiments for Impact
This is a team-based course where students will work on a project to design and carry out an experiment intended to drive social impact in collaboration with a partner organization. The first few weeks will include lectures, hands-on tutorials, and labs designed to guide students through the process of experimental design in the digital context. Special topics include designing and selecting outcome measures that capture the impact of interventions; multi-stage experiments with applications to chatbots; learning how treatment effects vary across subgroups; adaptive experiments using bandits and artificial intelligence; and estimation of policies that target treatments based on subject characteristics. Experiments may be conducted on the customer base of a partner organization through their digital applications or on recruited subjects, such as subjects recruited to interactive chatbots. The teaching team will provide templates and technical assistance for designing and running the experiments. Students from different disciplinary backgrounds will be assigned roles to work in teams on the project. This course is part of the GSB's Action Learning Program, in which you will work on real business challenges under the guidance of faculty. In this intensive project-based course, you will learn research-validated foundations, tools, and practices; apply these tools and learnings to a real project for an external organization; create value for the organization by providing insights and deliverables; and be an ambassador to the organization by exposing them to the talent, values, and expertise of the GSB. You will also have the opportunity to gain practical industry experience and exposure to the organization, its industry, and the space in which it operates; build relationships in the organization and industry; and gain an understanding of related career paths. Prerequisites: Some experience with statistical analysis and the R statistical package. Students with less experience will have an opportunity to catch up through tutorials provided through the course. Non-GSB students are expected to have an advanced understanding of tools and methods from data science and machine learning as well as a strong familiarity with R, Python, SQL, and other similar high-level programming languages. Prerequisite: Econ 102B or equivalent. Students complete applications and enrollment will be with instructors consent. ECON 281 is for non-GSB students.
Last offered: Spring 2022
| Units: 2-4
ECON 282:
Contracts, Information, and Incentives
Basic theories and recent developments in mechanism design and the theory of contracts. Topics include: hidden characteristics and hidden action models with one and many agents, design of mechanisms and markets with limited communication, long-term relationships under commitment and under renegotiation, property rights and theories of the firm.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 283:
Theory and Practice of Auction Market Design
This class will focus on several topics in auction market design and related areas. It is an advanced course, intended as a sequel to the more basic market/mechanism/auction design courses offered at the Economics department and the GSB. Students are expected to be familiar with the material in those courses. We will briefly review some basics of auction theory, but the main goal of the class is to bring students closer to doing independent research and introduce them to recent contributions and currently active research areas. Specific topics may include: multi-item and combinatorial auctions; robust auction design; applied auction design with practical applications; matching and pricing on the Internet; radio spectrum auctions; securities markets; commodities; complex procurements. Grading based on presentation, assignment, and term paper.
Last offered: Spring 2019
| Units: 2-5
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 284:
Simplicity and Complexity in Economic Theory (CS 360)
Technology has enabled the emergence of economic systems of formerly inconceivable complexity. Nevertheless, some technology-related economic problems are so complex that either supercomputers cannot solve them in a reasonable time, or they are too complex for humans to comprehend. Thus, modern economic designs must still be simple enough for humans to understand, and must address computationally complex problems in an efficient fashion. This topics course explores simplicity and complexity in economics, primarily via theoretical models. We will focus on recent advances. Key topics include (but are not limited to) resource allocation in complex environments, communication complexity and information aggregation in markets, robust mechanisms, dynamic matching theory, influence maximization in networks, and the design of simple (user-friendly) mechanisms. Some applications include paired kidney exchange, auctions for electricity and for radio spectrum, ride-sharing platforms, and the diffusion of information. Prerequisites: Econ 203 or equivalent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-5
ECON 285:
Matching and Market Design
This is an introduction to market design, intended mainly for second year PhD students in economics (but also open to other graduate students from around the university and to undergrads who have taken undergrad market design). It will emphasize the combined use of economic theory, experiments, and empirical analysis to analyze and engineer market rules and institutions. In this first quarter we will pay particular attention to matching markets, which are those in which price doesn't do all of the work, and which include some kind of application or selection process. We will also cover some of the basics of auction theory, with a particular emphasis on its connections to matching. In recent years market designers have participated in the design and implementation of a number of marketplaces, and the course will emphasize the relation between theory and practice, for example in the design of labor market clearinghouses for American doctors, school choice programs in a growing number of American cities (including New York and Boston), the allocation of organs for transplantation, online advertising auctions, and the market for transportation. Various forms of market failure will also be discussed. Assignment: One final paper. The objective of the final paper is to study an existing market or an environment with a potential role for a market, describe the relevant market design questions, and evaluate how the current market design works and/or propose improvements on the current design.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2-5
ECON 286:
Game Theory and Economic Applications
Aims to provide a solid basis in game-theoretic tools and concepts, both for theorists and for students focusing in other fields. Technical material will include solution concepts and refinements, potential games, supermodular games, repeated games, reputation, and bargaining models. The class will also address some foundational issues, such as epistemic and evolutionary modeling.Prerequisite: 203 or consent of instructor.
Last offered: Autumn 2020
| Units: 3-5
ECON 287:
Topics in Market Design (MS&E 365)
Market design is a field that links the rules of the of the marketplace to understand frictions, externalities and more generally economic outcomes. The course provides theoretical foundations on assignment and matching mechanisms as well as mechanism design. Emphasis on theories at the intersection of economics, CS and operations as well as applications that arise in labor markets, organ allocation, platforms. Exposes students to timely market design challenges. Guest lectures and a research project. The class offers an opportunity to begin a research project. Students read and critique papers and write and present a final paper.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 289:
Advanced Topics in Game Theory and Information Economics
Topics course covering a variety of game theory topics with emphasis on market design, such as matching theory and auction theory. Final paper required. Prerequisites: ECON 285 or equivalent. ECON 283 recommended.
Last offered: Spring 2023
| Units: 2-5
ECON 290:
Multiperson Decision Theory
Students and faculty review and present recent research papers on basic theories and economic applications of decision theory, game theory and mechanism design. Applications include market design and analyses of incentives and strategic behavior in markets, and selected topics such as auctions, bargaining, contracting, and computation.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
ECON 291:
Social and Economic Networks
Synthesis of research on social and economic networks by sociologists, economists, computer scientists, physicists, and mathematicians, with an emphasis on modeling. Includes methods for describing and measuring networks, empirical observations about network structure, models of random and strategic network formation, as well as analyses of contagion, diffusion, learning, peer influence, games played on networks, and networked markets.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-5
ECON 292:
Quantitative Methods for Empirical Research
This is an advanced course on quantitative methods for empirical research. Students are expected to have taken a course in linear models before. In this course I will discuss modern econometric methods for nonlinear models, including maximum likelihood and generalized method of moments. The emphasis will be on how these methods are used in sophisticated empirical work in social sciences. Special topics include discrete choice models and methods for estimating treatment effects.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-5
ECON 293:
Machine Learning and Causal Inference
This course will cover statistical methods based on the machine learning literature that can be used for causal inference. In economics and the social sciences more broadly, empirical analyses typically estimate the effects of counterfactual policies, such as the effect of implementing a government policy, changing a price, showing advertisements, or introducing new products. This course will review when and how machine learning methods can be used for causal inference, and it will also review recent modifications and extensions to standard methods to adapt them to causal inference and provide statistical theory for hypothesis testing. We consider causal inference methods based on randomized experiments as well as observational studies, including methods such as instrumental variables and those based on longitudinal data. We consider the estimation of average treatment effects as well as personalized policies. Lectures will focus on theoretical developments, while classwork will consist primarily of empirical applications of the methods. Prerequisite: Prior coursework in basic observational study methods for causal inference, including instrumental variables, fixed effects modeling, regression discontinuity designs, etc. Students should be comfortable reading and engaging with empirical research in economics and related fields. This is crosslisted with MGTECON 634.
Last offered: Spring 2023
| Units: 3
ECON 294:
Continuous-time Methods in Economics and Finance
Continuous-time methods can, in many cases, lead to more powerful models to understand economic phenomena. The Black-Scholes option-pricing formula is significantly more tractable than discrete- time methods of option pricing based on binomial trees. There is an established tradition in continuous-time asset pricing, and there is increasing use of these methods in other fields, such as game theory, contract theory, market microstructure and macroeconomics. The goal of this class is to explore some of the old classic research as well as new economic models, and to discover areas of economics where continuous-time methods can help. The intention is to give graduate students a tool, which they can use to gain comparative advantage in their research, when they see appropriate. With this goal in mind, 25% of the class will focus on mathematics, but with economically relevant examples to illustrate the mathematical results. Up to one half of the class will cover established models, and the rest will focus on new papers. If students have their own work that uses continuous time, we can take a look at that as well. Coursework will include biweekly problem sets and a take-home final exam. There will also be room for short student presentations (related to homework assignments, economic papers, or definitions and results related to specific math concepts).
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
ECON 295:
The AI Awakening: Implications for the Economy and Society
This course will explore how the advances in AI can and will transform our economy and society in the coming years. Each week, we will learn from a guest speaker at the frontier of AI, economics, government or industry, read the relevant research, and discuss the implications. Primarily for graduate students in economics, business or computer science. Enrollment by application, opening in February 2024: https://digitaleconomy.stanford.edu/about/the-ai-awakening-implications-for-the-economy-and-society/
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
ECON 299:
Practical Training
Students obtain employment in a relevant research or industrial activity to enhance their professional experience consistent with their degree programs. At the start of the quarter, students must submit a one page statement showing the relevance of the employment to the degree program along with an offer letter. Submit this documentation to the Econ professor, who has agreed to the student enrolling in their Econ 299 section. At the end of the quarter, a three page final report must be supplied documenting work done and relevance to degree program. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Akbarpour, M. (PI);
Allcott, H. (PI);
Amemiya, T. (PI);
Arora, A. (PI);
Athey, S. (PI);
Attanasio, O. (PI);
Auclert, A. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Baker, L. (PI);
Baron, D. (PI);
Bekaert, G. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bettinger, E. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Bocola, L. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Brady, D. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Brynjolfsson, E. (PI);
Bulow, J. (PI);
Callander, S. (PI);
Canellos, C. (PI);
Carroll, G. (PI);
Chandrasekhar, A. (PI);
Chaudhary, L. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cogan, J. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Diamond, R. (PI);
Duffie, D. (PI);
Duggan, M. (PI);
Dupas, P. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fafchamps, M. (PI);
Fearon, J. (PI);
Fetter, D. (PI);
Fitzpatrick, M. (PI);
Garber, A. (PI);
Gentzkow, M. (PI);
Goldin, J. (PI);
Gould, A. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Haak, D. (PI);
Haber, S. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Hamilton, J. (PI);
Hammond, P. (PI);
Hanson, W. (PI);
Hanushek, E. (PI);
Harris, D. (PI);
Harstad, B. (PI);
Hartmann, W. (PI);
Henry, P. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hope, N. (PI);
Horvath, M. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Imbens, G. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Jagadeesan, R. (PI);
Jagolinzer, A. (PI);
Jha, S. (PI);
Jones, C. (PI);
Jost, J. (PI);
Judd, K. (PI);
Kehoe, P. (PI);
Kessler, D. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Kochar, A. (PI);
Kojima, F. (PI);
Krueger, A. (PI);
Kuran, T. (PI);
Kurlat, P. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Larsen, B. (PI);
Lau, L. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
Li, H. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Mahoney, N. (PI);
Makler, C. (PI);
Malmendier, U. (PI);
McClellan, M. (PI);
McKeon, S. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Miller, G. (PI);
Morten, M. (PI);
Naylor, R. (PI);
Nechyba, T. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Owen, B. (PI);
Pencavel, J. (PI);
Persson, P. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Polinsky, A. (PI);
Qian, Y. (PI);
Reiss, P. (PI);
Richards, J. (PI);
Roberts, J. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Romer, P. (PI);
Rossi-Hansberg, E. (PI);
Rossin-Slater, M. (PI);
Rosston, G. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Royalty, A. (PI);
Rozelle, S. (PI);
Sargent, T. (PI);
Schaffner, J. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Sharpe, W. (PI);
Shotts, K. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Singleton, K. (PI);
Skrzypacz, A. (PI);
Sorkin, I. (PI);
Spiess, J. (PI);
Sweeney, J. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Tendall, M. (PI);
Topper, M. (PI);
Voena, A. (PI);
Vytlacil, E. (PI);
Wacziarg, R. (PI);
Weingast, B. (PI);
Williams, H. (PI);
Wilson, R. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wolitzky, A. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI);
Wright, M. (PI)
ECON 300:
Third-Year Seminar
Restricted to Economics Ph.D. students. Students present current research. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Spr
| Units: 3-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 310:
Macroeconomic Seminar
Macroeconomic Seminar
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 315:
Development Seminar
Information and meeting times are available on the Department of Economics Website: https://economics.stanford.edu/seminars-events/list-seminars
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 325:
Economic History Seminar
May be repeated for credit. Information and meeting times are available on the Department of Economics Website: https://economics.stanford.edu/seminars-events/list-seminars
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 335:
Experimental/Behavioral Seminar
Field seminar in experimental and behavioral economics.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 341:
Public Economics and Environmental Economics Seminar
Issues in measuring and evaluating the economic performance of government tax, expenditure, debt, and regulatory policies; their effects on levels and distribution of income, wealth, and environmental quality; alternative policies and methods of evaluation. Workshop format combines student research, faculty presentations, and guest speakers. Prerequisite: ECON 241 or consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 345:
Labor Economics Seminar
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 354:
Law and Economics Seminar
This seminar will examine current research by lawyers and economists on a variety of topics in law and economics. Several sessions of the seminar will consist of an invited speaker, usually from another university, who will discuss his or her current research. Representative of these sessions have been discussions of compensation for government regulations and takings, liability rules for controlling accidents, the definition of markets in antitrust analysis, the role of the government as a controlling shareholder, and optimal drug patent length. Contact the instructor listed for the class to request permission to enroll. Cross-listed with the Law School (Law 7506 and Law 7507).
Last offered: Winter 2023
| Units: 2-3
ECON 355:
Industrial Organization Seminar
Information and meeting times are available on the Department of Economics Website: https://economics.stanford.edu/seminars-events/list-seminars
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 365:
International Trade Workshop
Last offered: Spring 2023
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 370:
Econometrics Seminar
Information and meeting times are available on the Department of Economics Website: https://economics.stanford.edu/seminars-events/list-seminars
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 391:
Microeconomic Theory Seminar
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 1-10
| Repeatable
for credit
ECON 400:
Ph.D. Dissertation
Pre-TGR dissertation research.(Staff)
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-15
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Amador, M. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Dupas, P. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fetter, D. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Kojima, F. (PI);
Kurlat, P. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Pencavel, J. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Williams, H. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI)
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Allcott, H. (PI);
Amemiya, T. (PI);
Athey, S. (PI);
Auclert, A. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Baker, L. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Bocola, L. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Brynjolfsson, E. (PI);
Bulow, J. (PI);
Callander, S. (PI);
Chandrasekhar, A. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Diamond, R. (PI);
Duffie, D. (PI);
Duggan, M. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fafchamps, M. (PI);
Fearon, J. (PI);
Gentzkow, M. (PI);
Goldin, J. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Haber, S. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Hammond, P. (PI);
Harris, D. (PI);
Harstad, B. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Imbens, G. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Jagadeesan, R. (PI);
Jha, S. (PI);
Kehoe, P. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Krueger, A. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Lau, L. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
Li, H. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Mahoney, N. (PI);
Makler, C. (PI);
McKeon, S. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Miller, G. (PI);
Morten, M. (PI);
Naylor, R. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Pencavel, J. (PI);
Persson, P. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Reiss, P. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Rossin-Slater, M. (PI);
Rosston, G. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Sargent, T. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Singleton, K. (PI);
Skrzypacz, A. (PI);
Sorkin, I. (PI);
Spiess, J. (PI);
Starrett, D. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Tendall, M. (PI);
Voena, A. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wolitzky, A. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI)
ECON 802:
TGR Dissertation
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abramitzky, R. (PI);
Allcott, H. (PI);
Amemiya, T. (PI);
Arora, A. (PI);
Athey, S. (PI);
Attanasio, O. (PI);
Auclert, A. (PI);
Bagwell, K. (PI);
Baker, L. (PI);
Baron, D. (PI);
Bekaert, G. (PI);
Bernheim, B. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Bloom, N. (PI);
Bocola, L. (PI);
Boskin, M. (PI);
Brady, D. (PI);
Bresnahan, T. (PI);
Brynjolfsson, E. (PI);
Bulow, J. (PI);
Callander, S. (PI);
Canellos, C. (PI);
Chandrasekhar, A. (PI);
Chaudhary, L. (PI);
Clerici-Arias, M. (PI);
Cogan, J. (PI);
Cuesta, J. (PI);
Diamond, R. (PI);
Duffie, D. (PI);
Duggan, M. (PI);
Dupas, P. (PI);
Einav, L. (PI);
Fafchamps, M. (PI);
Fearon, J. (PI);
Fetter, D. (PI);
Garber, A. (PI);
Gentzkow, M. (PI);
Goldin, J. (PI);
Gould, A. (PI);
Goulder, L. (PI);
Greif, A. (PI);
Haak, D. (PI);
Haber, S. (PI);
Hall, R. (PI);
Hammond, P. (PI);
Hanson, W. (PI);
Hanushek, E. (PI);
Harris, D. (PI);
Harstad, B. (PI);
Hartmann, W. (PI);
Henry, P. (PI);
Hong, H. (PI);
Hope, N. (PI);
Horvath, M. (PI);
Hoxby, C. (PI);
Imbens, G. (PI);
Jackson, M. (PI);
Jagadeesan, R. (PI);
Jagolinzer, A. (PI);
Jha, S. (PI);
Jones, C. (PI);
Jost, J. (PI);
Judd, K. (PI);
Kehoe, P. (PI);
Kessler, D. (PI);
Klenow, P. (PI);
Kochar, A. (PI);
Kojima, F. (PI);
Krueger, A. (PI);
Kuran, T. (PI);
Kurlat, P. (PI);
Kurz, M. (PI);
Lau, L. (PI);
Levin, J. (PI);
Li, H. (PI);
MaCurdy, T. (PI);
Mahoney, N. (PI);
Makler, C. (PI);
Malmendier, U. (PI);
McClellan, M. (PI);
McKeon, S. (PI);
Milgrom, P. (PI);
Miller, G. (PI);
Morten, M. (PI);
Naylor, R. (PI);
Niederle, M. (PI);
Noll, R. (PI);
Owen, B. (PI);
Pencavel, J. (PI);
Persson, P. (PI);
Piazzesi, M. (PI);
Pistaferri, L. (PI);
Polinsky, A. (PI);
Qian, Y. (PI);
Reiss, P. (PI);
Richards, J. (PI);
Roberts, J. (PI);
Romano, J. (PI);
Romer, P. (PI);
Rossi-Hansberg, E. (PI);
Rossin-Slater, M. (PI);
Rosston, G. (PI);
Roth, A. (PI);
Royalty, A. (PI);
Rozelle, S. (PI);
Sargent, T. (PI);
Schaffner, J. (PI);
Schneider, M. (PI);
Segal, I. (PI);
Sharpe, W. (PI);
Shotts, K. (PI);
Shoven, J. (PI);
Singleton, K. (PI);
Skrzypacz, A. (PI);
Sorkin, I. (PI);
Spiess, J. (PI);
Sweeney, J. (PI);
Taylor, J. (PI);
Tendall, M. (PI);
Topper, M. (PI);
Voena, A. (PI);
Wacziarg, R. (PI);
Weingast, B. (PI);
Williams, H. (PI);
Wilson, R. (PI);
Wolak, F. (PI);
Wright, G. (PI);
Wright, M. (PI)
