Schedule

Below is a breakdown of topics for each class day this semester. Assignments are also listed according to their due dates. The associated links take you to additional information relevant for that day or for that assignment. The Details link provides specific objectives, activities, readings, and any additional supplemental materials for that day; the Slides link takes you to the relevant slides for that day; and the Assignment link takes you to the relevant details for each assignment.

Module 0: Getting Started

Class Dates Topic Details Slides Assignment
1 1/17 Data and Version Control
2 1/22 Software Setup
3 1/24 Introduction to Causal Inference
4 1/29 Homework 1, Initial Submission
5 1/31 Homework 1, Second Submission
2/2 Homework 1, Final Due Date

Module 1: Pricing and Selection on Observables

Class Dates Topic Details Slides Assignment
6 2/5 Basics of Hospital Pricing
7 2/7 Understanding HCRIS Data
8 2/12 Selection on Observables, Part I
9 2/14 Selection on Observables, Part II
10 2/19 Homework 2, Initial Submission
11 2/21 Homework 2, Second Submission
2/23 Homework 2, Final Due Date

Module 2: Demand for Cigarettes and Instrumental Variables

Class Dates Topic Details Slides Assignment
12 2/26 Smoking and Demand Elasticity
13 2/28 CDC Data on Smoking and Cigarette Prices
14 3/4 Instrumental Variables, Part I
15 3/6 Instrumental Variables, Part II
16 3/18 Homework 3, Initial Submission
17 3/20 Homework 3, Second Submission
3/22 Homework 3, Final Due Date

Module 3: Medicare Advantage and Regression Discontinuity

Class Dates Topic Details Slides Assignment
18 3/25 Basics of Medicare Advantage
19 3/27 Medicare Advantage Data
20 4/1 Regression Discontinuity, Part I
21 4/3 Regression Discontinuity, Part II
22 4/8 Homework 4, Initial Submission
23 4/10 Homework 4, Second Submission
4/12 Homework 4, Final Due Date

Module 4: Medicaid Expansion and Difference-in-Differences

Class Dates Topic Details Slides Assignment
24 4/15 Background on Medicaid Expansion
25 4/17 Difference-in-Differences, Part I
26 4/22 Difference-in-Differences, Part II
27 4/24 Homework 5, Initial Submission
28 4/29 Homework 5, Second Submission
5/8 Homework 5, Final Due Date