20973 - DATA, INEQUALITY, AND HUMAN CAPITAL
Department of Economics
Course taught in English
ACME (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - AFC (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - AI (6 credits - II sem. - OP | 12 credits SECS-P/01) - CLELI (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - CLMG (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - DES-ESS (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - DSBA (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - EMIT (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - ESS (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - FIN (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - GIO (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - IM (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - MM (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01) - PPA (6 credits - II sem. - OP | SECS-P/01)
Course Director:
MICHELA CARLANA
MICHELA CARLANA
Suggested background knowledge
Students attending this course should have a foundational understanding of econometrics, particularly statistical inference, regression analysis, and causal inference. A brief review of causal inference methods will be included in the course.
Mission & Content Summary
MISSION
This course will give students an introduction to frontier research in economics and social science. Students will explore how social and economic inequalities emerge and persist, and how education, family background, and neighborhoods contribute to opportunity and mobility. The course combines theoretical frameworks and econometric techniques to analyze causal relationships, empowering students to critically assess policies aimed at promoting equality of opportunity.
CONTENT SUMMARY
These are the main topics we will cover:
- Equality of Opportunity
- Intergenerational Mobility
- School and Teacher Quality
- Neighborhood Effects
- Cultural factors and social norms
- Policies to increase equal opportunities
- Interdisciplinary connections with neuroscience and psycology
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course student will be able to...
- Explain the main determinants of social and economic inequality.
- Evaluate empirical research and policy initiatives targeting human capital formation and inequality.
- Interpret findings from key applied research using modern quantitative techniques.
- Recognize the value and limitations of quantitative tools in addressing complex policy questions.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course student will be able to...
- Use analytical and empirical tools to study the effects of education, family, and environment on opportunity.
- Analyze real-world datasets and draw policy-relevant conclusions.
- Critically assess the causal impact of public policies and interventions related to human capital and inequality.
- Engage constructively with peers on debates around social and economic policy.
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Collaborative Works / Assignments
DETAILS
The learning experience is interactive, with students actively participating in lectures and collaborative exercises. Students are encouraged to raise questions, contribute their perspectives, and share insights on course topics to foster a dynamic and engaging classroom experience.
Assessment methods
| Continuous assessment | Partial exams | General exam | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
x |
ATTENDING STUDENTS
70% of the grade will come from a general exam; 30% from assignments. The assignment will be a group assignment for attending students with a final presentation.
NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
70% of the grade will come from a general exam; 30% from assignments. Non-attending students will have to submit an individual assignment.
Teaching materials
ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
The course material, including articles and lecture notes, for both attending and non-attending students, are uploaded to the Bboard platform of the course.
Last change 24/07/2025 18:03