Courses

Ec 980x: The Economics of Work and Family [Fall 2024]

How are the most personal choices and life transitions decided? When and whom do you marry, how many children do you have, how much education should you obtain, and which careers or jobs will you pursue? Much will be explored in terms of change over time, particularly concerning the economic emergence of women and the growing role of government. Readings draw on economic theory, empirical analyses, history, and literature from the 19th century to the present.

Ec 980b: Education in the Economy [Spring 2024]

An exploration of the role of education in the economy using historical, comparative, and current policy perspectives. Topics include the theory of human capital, role of education in economic growth and distribution, the educational production function, vouchers, charter schools, class size, standards, school equalization, for-profit educational institutions, and the gender gap in college completion.

Ec 2330: History and Human Capital [Spring 2024]

Explores a range of subjects concerning human capital, historically and comparatively. Topics include fertility, mortality, health, immigration, women's work, child labor, retirement, education, inequality, slavery, unionization, and governmental regulation of labor, all within the broader context of economic history.

Ec 3004: Graduate Student Workshop in Economic History [Fall 2025]

Participants discuss recent research in economic history and present their own work in progress. Primarily, but not exclusively, for doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations. Meets in the Littauer Lounge (Third Floor) Friday at 12noon and is followed by the Economic History Seminar. Box lunch is served between the two events, when possible.

Seminar in Economic History [2024-2025]

Intended for students writing dissertations related to economic history themes and/or methodology and for others with interests in economic history. Discusses research papers presented by scholars at Harvard and elsewhere.

Ec 3012: Graduate Student Workshop in Labor Economics [Spring 2025]

Participants discuss recent research in labor economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.

Seminar in Labor Economics [2024-2025]

Outside speakers present research concerning the operation of labor markets.