Applied Migration and Cultural Economics

Learning objectives: Students gain knowledge of recent advances in migration economics, particularly applied empirical analyses in the intersection of migration, economic development, political economy and labor economics with a focus on migration based changes in preferences, norms, and values in host and home communities. They are able to critically evaluate research on these topics and assess strengths and weaknesses of causal claims in economics papers. Students are equipped to present papers in an academic setting. The students are able to identify gaps in the literature and develop research proposals that are empirically sound and add to the body of work in migration economics in a meaningful way.

Preconditions: The module “Econometric Methods” or equivalent knowledge is recommended.

Lecture: What is the effect of migration on cultural change? In this course, we will look at the effects of international and regional migration on the economic and cultural dynamics at the destination and the origin countries. Synthesizing the conclusions of a number of seminal studies in the field and analyzing their empirical strategies, we will identify and critically evaluate various channels through which migration can alter the political economy and the economic development of sending and receiving countries.

Exercise: Topics to be covered include: Instrumental variable methods, differences-in-differences, regression discontinuity design and other empirical strategies. There will be deep-dives into various papers, where students prepare referee reports.

#BIM Berliner Institut für empirische Integrations- und Migrationsforschung

Portfolio exam: The first assignment is to draft referee reports for several research papers (each about 300 words).  The second assignment is to give a presentation on one research paper and give one presentation of a paper critique. The third assignment is to draft an original research proposal (about 2,500 words) related to the field of migration and cultural economics. The final grade will be given/will be awarded for the portfolio of all three assignments.

SoSe 2021: Note! Binding exam registration via AGNES already until ...

Or written exam (90 min).

The form of examination will be announced by Mrs. Sardoschau at the beginning of the semester.