Brief Outline
of the Course
The aim of this short course is to provide
an introduction in applying economics to understand the real
world.
The first two sessions will be lectures on
applied theory, given by Fahad Khalil. They will focus on
clarifying the idea that all observed data are to be interpreted
as equilibrium outcomes of some model and optimizing behavior by
economic agents. For example, the demand curve represents
quantity choices by consumers, which are derived from consumers’
equilibrium (optimizing behavior) and comparative statics. So,
we will go back to roots and review the basics of a model –
exogenous and endogenous variables, and comparative statics. We
will also present examples to see how theoretical models are
used to represent and explain observed behavior.
The second two sessions will be lectures,
given by Sajjad Zohir, on empirical methods with a focus on
using data to set up and test a hypothesis. Starting with a
data set, participants will learn to distinguish between stocks
and flows, exogenous and endogenous variables, the basics of
preparing a data set for analysis, to set up and test a research
question. Real world problems will be taken up to engage the
participants in formalizing these with the tools in economics.
Hands on experience: the final three
sessions of the seven session course will involve active
research experience for the participants. At the beginning of
the course, participants will be divided into groups, and each
group will be given a set of data to think about possible
research questions. Once the four initial lectures are over, it
will be the students turn to use the data sets given to them to
set up and test their own hypotheses. The fifth meeting will be
devoted to help the groups come up with a well formulated
research question, and the participants will make presentations
during the final two sessions. There will be an optional lab
session in between fifth and the sixth sessions to facilitate
group exercises.
Eligibility
All persons with a university degree
majoring in economics is eligible to apply. Under very special
circumstance and strong recommendation, applications may be
accepted from senior undergraduates in economics departments.
The final selection of participants will be made by the
instructors. The course will be limited to a maximum of 12
(twelve) participants.
Time and Venue
The course will be offered over two weekends. Each session will
be 2 to 3 hours long and there will be a maximum of two
sessions on each day on two consecutive Fridays and Saturdays.
It is anticipated that the first session will be from 10:30 till
12:30 and the second will be from 14:00 till 16:00 hr. Unless
prior requests are made with separate payments, the organizers
will not be responsible for lunch.
The course will begin on Friday, 11th January 2008 (or, from
18th) and end on the following weekend.
The venue will be at Brac Center and the optional computer lab
session will be held at ERG in Gulshan-1.
Course Fee
Pricing is at the core of economics
teaching. While imperatives of market forces cannot be ignored,
it does not need to be guided by profit motive. In order to
account for costs that excludes the effort of resource persons
and venue charges but includes expenses on a closing dinner, the
course fee is Tk. 3,000 (Taka Three Thousand only). The fee will
have to be paid in the form of an account payee check crediting
Economic Research Group.
Click here
or on 'Online Registration' in the right column. You may send your application with a cv
and names of referees (who may be consulted with) to
info@ergonline.org; or,
mail them to Economic Research Group, House # 3, Road # 16,
Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212. The best option is however to register
online. This will be made available at ERG website from 24th
December 2007. All formalities with registration including
payment of fees will be closed by 10th January 2008.
For more information, please mail
info@ergonline.org
