This is a hands-on course in empirical labor economics. The course focuses on how economists study labor markets using data and empirical methods, with a strong emphasis on understanding and applying empirical research tools.

In the first part of the course, we introduce core concepts in labor economics and discuss selected empirical papers on topics such as artificial intelligence, remote work, gender gaps in the labor market, and unemployment insurance. The goal is to understand both the economic questions and the empirical methods used to study them.

The second part of the course focuses on project work. Students work in teams of two on their own empirical research project. Throughout the semester, students will develop a research idea, present their progress, receive feedback, and write a short final paper. On the 17.12. , we will hold a student research conference where students will present their projects and provide constructive feedback on their peers’ work.

Lastly, a special guest discussion with Dr. Johannes Kopf, Chair of the Executive Board of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), will connect the course material with the practical design and implementation of labor market policy.

The course is discussion-based, and students are expected to read papers before class and actively participate in discussions.

The course is divided into three parts.

The first part combines short theoretical introductions with discussions of empirical research papers in labor economics. The focus is on understanding the empirical tools economists use to study labor market topics and how causal effects can be identified.

The second part focuses on applied project work. Students work in teams of two on their own empirical research project and complete several milestones during the semester, including:

• an idea pitch,

• a first presentation,

• a final presentation,

• and a short final paper.

Guest discussion with Dr. Johannes Kopf, Chair of the Executive Board of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)

As a special feature of the course, students will have the opportunity to engage directly with one of Austria’s leading labor market policy practitioners. In an interactive discussion, students can ask questions and explore how empirical evidence informs policy decisions, how labor market policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated in practice, and which challenges labor market institutions currently face.

Overall, the course is designed to provide hands-on experience with empirical economic research and to connect academic evidence with the practical design and implementation of labor market policy.

The final grade is composed of:

• Idea pitch: 15%
• First project presentation: 20%
• Final presentation: 25%
• Short paper: 35%
• Participation and paper discussions: 5%

There is no final exam.

The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is permitted only to a limited extent and should be used responsibly. 

• AI can be helpful for understanding difficult parts of papers, assisting with coding, brainstorming research ideas or improving presentations (Latex!)
• However, students are expected to engage seriously with the material themselves. AI tools should not replace reading and understanding the papers, developing the analysis, or thinking critically about the research question and results.
• In particular, the final paper must be written by the students, without the use of AI text generation tools, themselves and should reflect their own understanding, structure, argumentation, and interpretation of the results. Learning how to formulate arguments, explain empirical findings, and structure academic writing is an important part of the course.
• The submission of fully AI-generated text or analysis is not permitted. If there are concerns regarding inappropriate AI use, submitted work may be checked using AI-detection tools.

If you have a valid course registration but are unable to attend the course, please deregister via LPIS during the registration period so that your course spot can be made available to other students.

Course places during the registration period are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

After the registration period ends, any remaining course places will be increased and assigned to students on the waiting list who do not yet have a valid registration for the course component, ranked according to waiting list rank and study progress.

There is no guarantee of receiving a course place.

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