Economics 426 - The Economics of Work and Family

This course explores—empirically, historically, comparatively, and theoretically—the changing significance, timing, and meaning of work, career, dating, cohabiting, marriage, family, and other personal economic decisions. Readings and assignments will emphasize empirical, quantitative, and theoretical analysis of these topics as well as important underlying mechanisms, such as contraceptive access and social norms, in shaping economic decisions. The course will involve students in the creative process of researching, writing, and presenting original research using primary sources (often large-scale, cross-section data sets). The analytical tools developed in the classroom will be applied to current policy discussions related to The Economics of Work and Family using current media sources.

Prerequisite: ECON 300/301, ECON 360/361. Limited to 15 students. Fall semester. Visiting Fellow Kelly Ragan, Stockholm School of Economics.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority will be given to juniors and seniors. Priority will be given to economics majors.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Readings, independent research, group work, quantitative work.