Empirical and quantitative methods in macroeconomics 2400-EN3SL277B
In this course students will learn about empirical and quantitative methods used in modern macroeconomics to study and model selected macroeconomic issues. Students will be prepared to carry out their own research utilizing the discussed methods. Bachelor’s theses prepared in this seminar need to have a significant empirical and/or quantitative part.
Topics of theses might be related:
- Business cycle fluctuations
- Monetary and fiscal policy
- Wealth and income inequality
The first meeting will be devoted to presenting the formal requirements related to bachelor’s theses. We will then discuss selected empirical and quantitative methods such as time series econometrics (VAR and local projection methods), general equilibrium models (DSGE) and microeconometric tools often used in modern macroeconomics (income process estimation, production function estimation). The selection of models discussed in class will depend on students’ interests and topics of their theses. The following classes will be devoted to student’s presentations on their progress.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Students who pass this seminar should:
KNOWLEDGE
Know the methods and tools most commonly used in modern macroeconomics and the methods of acquiring and preparing data. They are aware of the limitations and constraints of these methods. They know the most often raised objections against these methods and know how to respond to them.
Know how to define a research question and how to state hypotheses.
Know the most important data sources.
Know how to use the literature.
Know how to acquire and process empirical data.
Know the relevant literature and its findings.
Know the formal requirements for the bachelor’s thesis submission.
SKILLS
Can critically review the literature.
Can independently work with empirical data.
Can formulate the research objective, state hypotheses and select the appropriate data and methods to verify the stated hypothesis.
Can independently use empirical techniques discusses in this seminar to study economic phenomena.
Can use the obtained results to derive conclusions and to verify the stated hypotheses.
Can prepare a scientific paper.
SOCIAL SKILLS
Can formulate a plan of steps required to deliver a required outcome in a timely manner.
Can acquire and broaden knowledge on her/his own.
Assessment criteria
The grade for the first semester will depend on the student’s outline of the thesis and her/his presentation on their progress in writing the thesis. The grade for the second semester will equal to the grade received for the submitted thesis.
Bibliography
Based on student’s research interests.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: