Reports: A report on one of the papers in the "Recent papers" category on the schedule page for the previous two classes will be due in each of weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Each report should be 2–3 pages long (with 1.5 line spacing). It should explain the main idea of the paper in your own words (don't paste from the paper!), ideally with a simple example or basic version of the model that illustrates the main point. An excellent report will also highlight any weaknesses in the paper.
Presentation: In one of the last two classes, you will make a 30-minute presentation, with slides, of a paper in the "Recent papers" category for any week (different from those on which you have written reports), or another paper, subject to my approval. The presentation should be like the one an author would give at a conference. It should explain the main idea of the paper without getting lost in technical details and should relate the contribution to previous work. You should meet with me to go over your slides by the Friday before your presentation, at the latest.
Paper proposal: Your paper proposal should outline a novel project in the field of political economy. A good proposal will describe an idea and give at least an example to show how the idea works, and provide conjectures about what might be demonstrated more generally. You'll need to search the literature to be sure that the idea is indeed novel. I expect good proposals to be 5–10 pages long. I encourage you to meet with me to discuss your ideas well before the proposal is due.
In summary, here is the schedule.
- January 23
- First report, on a "recent paper" for classes 1 or 2, due; 10%.
- February 6
- Second report, on a "recent paper" for classes 3 or 4, due; 10%.
- February 27
- Third report, on a "recent paper" for classes 5 or 6, due; 10%.
- March 13
- Fourth report, on a "recent paper" for classes 7 or 8, due; 10%.
- March 27
- Fifth report, on a "recent paper" for classes 9 or 10, due; 10%.
- March 27 or April 3
- Presentation; 25%.
- April 10
- Paper proposal due; 25%.