Teaching
ECON 2010 - Principles of Microeconomics
This class will acquaint students with the principles of microeconomics. Microeconomics provides a model of human behavior based on (as is the case with all models) certain simplifying assumptions. The "micro" signifies a focus on the individual decision maker, typically a consumer or a producer (in the real world, you and I are both). Microeconomics can be summed up by the phrase, "people respond to incentives." If we are successful, by the end of the semester you will be able to distinguish between economic sense and economic nonsense when reading the newspaper, listening to political speeches, etc. This is an important skill, and a rare one judging by the amount of economic nonsense there is out there.
ECON 2020 - Principles of Macroeconomics
This course helps students better understand how economists and policymakers assess the economic performance of the macroeconomy, what factors influence long-term economic growth, and what factors can cause economic recessions and booms. We also analyze the channels through which fiscal and monetary policy can influence the performance of the macroeconomy. In short, this course focuses on the causes and consequences of inflation, unemployment, economic growth, recessions, and expansions.
ECON 4270 - Advanced Econometrics
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This course introduces students to the modern field of "causal inference." If we are successful, then by the end of the course you will have a better understanding of when and why it is justified to believe that discovered correlations are in fact a reflection of true causal effects, and when they are not. To this end, students will learn, both in theory and in application, numerous contemporary research designs economists and statisticians have developed to estimate causal inference when randomized experiments are impossible, unethical, or financially unreasonable. Broad topics covered include basic programming etiquette, regression, basic causality tools (e.g. the potential outcomes framework), randomized controlled trials, randomization inference, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables, panel methods, differences-in-differences, synthetic control, and matching and weighting.
ECON 6200 - Managerial Economics (MBA)
This course applies economic theory, principles, and methods to managerial problem solving and strategy. The central premise of the course is that a sound understanding of economic principles, and an ability to apply economic methods, can make a significant difference in the quality of managerial decision making and ultimately in the performance of the firm. This course emphasizes the dissemination of practical knowledge by extensively using real business problems and case studies. Broad topics covered include basic microeconomic theory, industrial organization as it applies to business strategy, and the economics of organizations.