ECO 376S
Applied Econometrics II
2009
This is the
public Òfront endÓ for the more detailed course website that will be accessible
through the University of Toronto Portal (Blackboard).
Background
Starting
this academic year (2008-09), the former full-year ECO 327Y (Applied
Econometrics) was split into three courses/streams:
Essentially,
ECO 327 was split into two halves (ECO 375H + ECO 376H), while we decided to
launch a distinct half-course version for commerce students (ECO 374H).
Students
can now take a sophisticated ÒterminalÓ course in applied econometrics, without
committing to take the more advanced material, or complete the full-length
research project. Admission to ECO 376 is contingent on satisfactory
performance in ECO 375 (requiring at least 60%). ECO 374 (the commerce stream)
is not designed to prepare students for ECO 376. However, students who earn at
least 70% in ECO 374 can enroll in ECO 376. No other courses are accepted
preparation for ECO 376 (including STA 302).
Course Description
This is the
second course in applied econometrics, continuing ECO 375. As with that course,
the primary objective is to provide students with a solid theoretical and
practical foundation for the interpretation of empirical evidence in economics.
The course continues to focus on the multiple regression model, but with more
attention paid to issues of mis-specification and the interpretation of causal
relationships. We will therefore discuss topics like: (1) the use of panel
data; and (2) experiments and instrumental variables. We will also discuss
advanced time series topics.
The
centerpiece of the course is an empirical project (paper) that every student
will complete. While the details have not been finalized, student evaluation
will also be based on performance in term tests and the final exam. As with ECO
375, there will also be regular problem sets (that will not be graded). The
problem sets will be taken up in weekly tutorials, and provide practice for the
tests and the major research project.
Textbook
The
required textbook for the course is the same as ECO 375:
Jeffrey M.
Wooldridge, Introductory
Econometrics: A Modern Approach, Fourth Edition, 2009, South-Western / Cengage Learning.
Software
The same
software considerations apply as in ECO 375: STATA is the only package that
will be supported.
Students
should purchase Intercooled Stata 10.0, available online at:
http://www.stata.com/order/new/edu/gradplans/cgpcampus-order.html
While
orders are placed online, you will pick up your software at the Software
Licensing Office in the Information Commons at Robarts Library:
http://www.utoronto.ca/ic/software/detail/stata.html
While it is
NOT supported in any way by the instructor or TAÕs, students interested in a more cumbersome,
but otherwise excellent low-cost (i.e., ÒfreeÓ) alternative to STATA may
consider ÒgretlÓ:
Syllabus
Link to Blackboard course
website (utorid required)
ECO376H1-S-LEC0101: Applied Econometrics II