Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - ECON 913 G100

Selected Topics in Economics (4)

Structural Microeconomics

Class Number: 6554

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Offered by arrangement.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, you will be introduced to the estimation of model parameters.  In ECON 835, 836 and 837, you get a good introduction as to how to estimate the partial derivative vector of some dependent variable Y with respect to a vector of covariates X.  In this course, you will expand on this by considering how to estimate the parameters of economic models.  We will do a brief survey of the major workhorse models in structural micro-econometrics:

  • The estimation of a partial derivative without (much) structure;
  • Empirical Revealed Preference Analysis ---how do we go from observing choices to revealing preferences?;
  • the canonical model of consumer demand (from your 3rd year microeconomics course), including the cost of living and equivalence scales;
  • Chiappori’s (1989) collective household model (which expands on the canonical demand model);
  • the Berry-Levinsohme-Pakes (BLP: 1995) general equilibrium supply-and-demand model common in empirical industrial organization;
  • The ‘gravity’ model underlying much of the empirical trade literature.

Each pair of weeks, we will go through one family of models, and estimate one model using Stata.  I will provide the data, but you must write the code.  Each estimation exercise will be accompanied by a write-up that shows you understood both the model and the estimation procedures.  The final exam will be on the theoretical models and estimation methods used in your weekly assignments.  You may opt to write a term paper instead of a final.

Grading

  • Assignments (4) 40%
  • Presentations (2) 30%
  • Double Sized Assignment/Project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

none. 

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.