Elective courses
Credits

Description:
Empirical research in international economics is characterized by a tight link between economic theory and econometric specifications. The course will introduce the structural approach to empirical research using the gravity model of international trade, which is the workhorse model in empirical trade research. Based on a theoretical derivation of the model, students will learn both how to estimate the corresponding structural econometric model and how to use the model to perform counterfactual policy analyses. Using the trade gravity expression as a starting point, closely related models for example for international migration, FDI flows, or carbon emissions embodied in international trade will also be considered.

Besides the lectures, the course will also contain computer exercises in which the students will implement the different estimations and simulations themselves. At the end of the term, there will be a student research conference in which all participants will present their term paper projects.
For details, please refer to the syllabus.

Literature:
Please refer to the syllabus.

Time & venue:
Thursdays, 10:00-12:00 (starting on 20.10.2022); University of Potsdam, Campus Griebnitzsee, building 6, room S12

Exam:
Presentation, Term Paper & Referee Report