Steve Mello
Assistant Professor of Economics
Dartmouth College
Teaching
At Dartmouth, I teach undergraduate courses in econometrics and public economics.
Description
This course covers the statistical techniques that economists use for estimating, testing, and forecasting economic relationships, with a particular focus on causal inference tools. The course emphasizes an understanding of the techniques involved as well as an understanding what these techniques mean in terms of the underlying economic issues. Successful completion of this course should allow you to (1) read much of the professional empirical literature in economics and (2) be prepared to start doing independent research using economic data in a 60-level course.
Description
Government policies exert a pervasive influence over the economy and the welfare of its inhabitants. This course aims to provide an understanding of the reasons for government intervention in the economy, as well as conceptual tools for analyzing the benefits of potential government policies and the reactions of individuals to policy interventions. The course first examines inequality and redistribution through the tax system. Next, it covers social insurance, externalities, public goods, and local government functions. Several lectures will be devoted to specific policy areas such as health care and the criminal justice system. A central goal of the course is to connect core economic concepts to current, real-world policy debates such as proposals for Medicare for All, Universal Basic Income, or defunding the police.