14.31 - Econometrics, Fall 1997

Professor Dora L. Costa, costa@mit.edu
TA: Steven Bergantino, sberg@mit.edu
Office hours will be by appointment (made via e-mail)

  1. Course Description and Prerequisites. This course will introduce econometric analysis of linear models, both theory and application. The only formal prerequisite is 14.30 or the equivalent, but familiarity with matrix algebra will be helpful.
  2. Texts. The required texts are Econometric Models and Economic Forecasts by Pindyck and Rubinfeld and The Practice of Econometrics, Classic and Contemporary by Berndt. The latter will also be a good place to look for ideas for the empirical paper.
  3. Requirements The course grade will be based on two exams (30 percent each), 6-7 problem sets (20 percent), and an empirical paper (20 percent). One sheet of notes will be allowed for the exams. Bring a calculator. We will provide any necessary tables. You may colloborate on the problem sets, but must write up and hand in your own solutions. You should feel free to consult any sources, including your classmates, for help on your empirical paper, but each student will, of course, be required to hand in his or her own original paper. Futhermore, the deadline for the paper will be strictly enforced. You will lose at least 1/4 of a grade if you hand it in later. The later you hand it in the more your grade will suffer. Note that the deadline is close to the last exam. Therefore try to get the paper in a bit earlier. To give you even more of an incentive, I will give you extra credit (1/4 of a grade) if you hand it in Thursday the 4th in class. Regular attendace at the recitation is strongly recommended. The TA will discuss problem sets, clarify lecture material, and provide computer guidance. Problem sets will be posted on the class web page, http://web.mit.edu/14.31/www/
  4. Important Dates
  5. Course Outline Chapters in parentheses are from Pindyck and Rubinfeld (PR) and Berndt (B)