What This Document Is
This is a comprehensive syllabus for an advanced economics course, “The Economics of Institutions,” offered at the University of California, Berkeley. It outlines the course structure, expectations, and planned topics for students engaging in rigorous economic study. This syllabus serves as a foundational guide for understanding the course’s objectives and requirements.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is essential for prospective students, particularly those in PhD programs in Economics or Business and Public Policy, considering enrollment in this course. It’s also valuable for currently enrolled students needing a clear reference for course policies, grading criteria, and the overall academic journey. Reviewing this document beforehand will help you determine if the course aligns with your academic interests and prepare for the demands of advanced institutional economic analysis.
Topics Covered
* Agency Theory and Incentive Design
* Organizational Economics and Firm Structure
* Transaction Costs and their Impact on Economic Activity
* The Role of Property Rights in Economic Systems
* Economic Analysis of Contracts and Governance
* The Nature and Boundaries of the Firm
* Incentive systems within organizations
* Team dynamics and moral hazard
What This Document Provides
* A detailed course description outlining the learning objectives.
* Information regarding prerequisites and expected background knowledge.
* A breakdown of the course requirements, including assignments and participation expectations.
* A preliminary reading list, indicating key academic articles and journals that will be explored.
* A schedule of topics to be covered throughout the semester, offering a roadmap for the course.
* Details regarding office hours and instructor contact information.
