ECON 698: TECHNICAL PAPER
Objectives
The Technical Paper exercise is required of all PhD students, who are expected to work on the paper during
the summer after the first year, for completion during Fall semester of the second year, with registration for
ECON 698 during that fall semester. The objectives are:
• To demonstrate ability to apply concepts and methods learned in ECON 504, 506, 705, 635, and 735, as a
basis for continued research work toward the PhD.
• To assure continuity and integration between the first-year theory courses and the second-year theory
courses.
• To deepen student understanding of theoretical concepts in support of success on the PhD Qualifying
Examination.
• To fulfill in part the requirements of a Plan B Master’s degree, while working toward the PhD.
Structure and schedule
Requirements include the following:
• The Technical Paper will include three distinct parts, relating to macroeconomics, microeconomics, and
heterodox theory as presented in ECON 504, 506, and 705 respectively. Each section must specify which
subject (macro, micro, heterodox) it pertains to, and must stand alone as a short paper in its own right,
including a separate introduction and conclusion.
• At least one part will involve econometric estimation, applying data to a model using methods from
ECON 635 and/or 735.
• The overall paper length, inclusive of all three parts, should not exceed 20 pages.
The chosen topics and methods are intended to demonstrate mastery of essential concepts, but do not need to
embody important original research. The assignment is in the nature of elaborated individualized exercises,
not full research projects. Essential previous work should of course be cited when relevant, but a literature
review is not expected. Students are expected to work on the paper over several weeks. Faculty members
in each area of expertise will be available for consultation during the summer on a schedule announced in
advance. Papers will be due the first class day of the Fall semester. The Technical Paper Committee will
review the papers, request revisions as necessary, and make a decision of Pass or Fail.
Examples of paper topics and approaches
For the required econometrics-oriented part, one could apply data to a simple model in order to:
• Test whether the hypotheses are supported or rejected.
• Estimate elasticities or other parameters.
• Test the relative validity of competing models of economic behavior.
• Apply new data to a standard econometric model and compare the results.
Options for the other parts include:
• Use new data to recalibrate a dynamic programming model.
• Tweak an established mathematical model by changing an assumption or functional form on the basis of
sound economic intuition and/or empirical evidence.
• Offer a simple theoretical model of a unique consumer or producer problem or context.
Registration
Students should register for ECON 698, Technical Paper, and should specify 3 credits. Grading will be
Instructor Option; the normal expectation will be a grade of S or U, but especially meritorious papers may be
awarded a grade of A.
Submission instructions
The papers are due the first class day of Fall semester.
Please submit the three parts as three separate papers, each headed with your name and the paper
title, and identified as to which requirement(s) it is satisfying: Macro / Micro / Heterodox, and
Econometrics if applicable.
Papers should be in professional format, including equations and graphics (if applicable), and should
be double-spaced.
Please submit your papers to Prof. Alexandra Bernasek, who is serving as the chair of the Tech Paper
Committee and chair of your graduate committee. The complete committee composition for 2013
is:
Prof. Alexandra Bernasek, Chair
Prof. Terry Iverson, Macro
Prof. Daniele Tavani, Heterodox
Prof. Bob Kling, Micro
Prof. Stephan Kroll, Outside Member