Current Academic Year

Advanced Topics in Microeconomics. This course covers a selection of topics in game theory, and aims to provide a strong technical foundation for students interested in further studies and research in microeconomics. Topics include the concepts of dominance, rationalizability, and equilibrium solutions for static and dynamic games, including games with incomplete information. In particular, the course examines theoretical applications to microeconomic settings such as oligopolies, auctions, signaling, and matching markets. Emphasizing both rigorous analysis and real-world examples, it ensures that students gain both conceptual understanding and practical insight.

Environmental Economics. This course provides an overview of the theory and practice of environmental economics. Real-world policy issues serve as the foundation for introducing environmental topics that are formally analyzed through the lens of microeconomic theory. Topics covered include ethics, property rights and externalities, cost-benefit analysis, social norms and regulation, market-based instruments, policies supporting clean technology and renewable energy, and challenges related to transportation, urbanization, and population growth. The course emphasizes both rigorous analysis, through mathematical modeling, and practical application, equipping students with a strong theoretical foundation and real-world understanding.

Previous Academic Years

EC-2021 Intermediate Econometrics. This course covers regression analysis, model development, and causal inference problems arising in empirical economics. Algebra and some calculus are used to derive theoretical results, while statistical computation packages are used for practical applications. Topics covered include the analysis of commonly violated assumptions of the classical linear regression model, as well as an introduction to time series models.

ECON-350 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory. This is a calculus-based course in microeconomic theory. Topics covered include: theory of demand derived from indifference curves and revealed preference; supply analysis derived from cost and production functions; game theory and applications.

PPE-47* Network Analysis. This course addresses elements of network theory as relevant for analyzing the connectedness of economic or, more generally, social phenomena. Building on ideas from computer science, microeconomics and sociology, the course examines the properties of networked structures and the behavior of agents within those networks. The models aim to illuminate the relationship between one’s behavior and one’s social ties, thereby explaining phenomena such as the spread of ideas, social norms, market practices, and financial crises. Note: the course heavily relies on (introductory) material drawn from mathematical disciplines such as graph theory, microeconomics and game theory.

PPE-402 Research in PPE. This course exposes students to current research in behavioral game theory and philosophy of science. As part of the course, students must write a research proposal on a topic of their choice. The proposal should summarize the current state of knowledge on the topic, identify an open question, and suggest a relevant mode of inquiry, with an emphasis on mathematical modeling. Prerequisites: game theory and statistics (Stata, Python).

PPE-47* Public Choice & Public Policy. This course provides an analytical introduction to economic models of political processes. Each class begins by reviewing theoretical frameworks from the political economy literature, including the foundations of rational choice theory, approaches to the aggregation of preferences, strategic behavior, voting methods, accounts of cooperation, collective action, public goods, and institutions. The last part of each class then critically applies theoretical knowledge to relevant contemporary policy issues, including the current debates on governmental decision-making processes in the US and the EU, lobbying in democracies, international security, etc. Note: part of the program contains a mathematical component.

Gustav Klimt: Stoclet Frieze