Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems

This course will show how “big data” can be used to understand and address some of the most important social and economic problems of our time. The course will give students an introduction to frontier research and policy applications in economics and social science in a non-technical manner that does not require prior coursework in Economics or Statistics, making it suitable both for students exploring Economics for the first time and more advanced students. Topics include equality of opportunity, education, innovation and entrepreneurship, health care, climate change, and crime. In the context of these topics, the course will also provide an introduction to basic methods in data science, including regression, causal inference, and machine learning. The course will include discussions with leading practitioners who use big data in real-world applications. Formerly Economics 1152 and Economics 50a. Primarily for Undergraduate Students.