Not all difference results from discrimination. Not all discrimination results in observable differences. This course will focus on issues of difference and discrimination associated with race, gender, or nation of birth, focusing particularly on markets other than the labor market. Is there evidence of discrimination in credit markets? Housing markets? In education? How is econometrics used to address questions of discrimination?
Course Description:
Economics 154 is a seminar course with maximum enrollment of 25 students. The format of a seminar course differs from the format of lecture courses. Each week, there will be readings which you must complete before coming to class. In the seminar, we discuss the readings. Everyone has responsibility for being prepared and participating. So to be a part of this class, you have to commit to making all class meetings and being present for the full three hours each week.
You must have completed Econ 140 or 141 (or equivalent) before taking this class. You cannot take econometrics at the same time as you take 154.
I will put the reading list together in December or January after soliciting input as to topic areas from enrolled students.
If you have a laptop, please plan to bring it to class each week. We will be accessing online data, and the more laptops we have, the better. Ideal will be at least 1 laptop for every 3 students so that the folks on either side of those with a laptop can look on.
Many of you will want to purchase Stata for your computer. Follow the link below for "purchasing Stata with GradPlan." You would want Stata/IC10. Whether you want a one-year or a perpetual license depends on what you expect to be doing next year. If you'll be writing a thesis next year, or working, or going to grad school, then a perpetual license is probably worth the extra $60. You don't have to purchase Stata; there are free copies available on campus. But if you want the flexibility of working from home, anytime you want, with an interactive (vs batch) program, then you'll want to buy the software. You also don't have to purchase Stata. But it's the program that I know the best, so I can help you with Stata questions but not with questions about SAS or SPSS or Gretl or etc.
Meeting Time and Place: Thursdays 3:40 - 6:30 p.m., 20 Wheeler
Prerequisites: Economics 100A, 100B, and 140 or 141
Enrollment: You need a CEC, which you can obtain from Jenny Cornet (jenny @ econ) with the permission of Prof. Olney.
Final Exam Conflict? There is no final exam for the course, so no conflict with graduation.
