Prerequisite: Admission by permission of instructor. Please send a short statement of interest to Professor Spier (kspier@law.harvard.edu).

Exam Type: No Exam

This is a small, low-key research workshop held in the Economics Department over the lunch hour (lunch provided). The workshop is co-taught by Professors Kathryn E. Spier and Oliver Hart, recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Attendees include graduate students, faculty, visiting scholars, and others from the Harvard community. The workshop features presentations of work in progress by economics PhD students and junior scholars from across Harvard, spanning a range of topics and economic methodologies. Presentations are generally not too technical, but discussions are research-oriented and intended for students with an interest in economic research. The workshop is particularly well suited for students interested in law and economics, empirical legal studies, and interdisciplinary legal scholarship.

HLS students may earn one course credit (per semester) in two ways: (1) six short reaction papers (about two or three pages each), or (2) a modest paper on a topic of the student’s choice (about twelve to fifteen pages). Students are welcome to present their own research in the workshop, but are not required to do so. Presenters receive feedback in a collegial and supportive environment. Subject to HLS requirements, the workshop paper may be extended to serve as the basis for satisfying the HLS written-work requirement. As with other HLS classes, attendance is expected.

HLS students who enjoy economic reasoning and engaging with research are encouraged to contact Professor Spier to discuss whether the workshop would be a good fit.

Note: This course is cross-listed with FAS, will meet on the FAS campus, and adhere to the FAS Academic Calendar.