This class covers recent applied microeconomic research in the field of political economy. The first two sections set the stage and provide an introduction to the economic analysis of political behavior. In Section 1, we will consider political participation: why do people vote and what are the determinants of turnout? In Section 2, we will study the shaping and the expression of political preferences. The next sections will be dedicated to the influence of the political process. The arguably most direct way of influencing the election, namely vote buying, will be discussed in Section 3. In Section 4, we will cover special interest politics, with a focus on lobbying and campaign contributions. Finally, Section 5 will consider the effect of the media on the political process. Section 5.1 introduces the concept of media bias and studies to what extent media coverage can be distorted. Then, we will look at the impact of the media on political outcomes in Section 5.2.

All topics will be considered from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Based on the analysis of existing papers, we will see how to use basic theoretical microeconomic tools to derive testable empirical predictions. We will also study the empirical validation of these predictions.

Students should acquire a deeper understanding in one specific topic (Assessment 1) and be able to propose an original research idea (Assessment 2).

Topics in Microeconomics is a course with continuous assessment (PI), therefore attendance is necessary. At most two lectures can be missed without excuse. Further absences should be officially excused by the administration. Students absent for an assignment will receive the lowest possible grade. 

Each topic will consist in a general introduction by the instructor and will be followed by the study of selected research articles. Presentation of articles will be shared between the instructor and students and will be followed by a discussion.

Class presentation (40%)

Each student must present a paper on one of the topics of the class. A reading list will be provided during the first session. Other suggestions are welcome but should be discussed with the instructor. Presentations will last from 30 to 60 minutes depending on registration.

Research proposal (49%)

Each student must make an original research proposal related to one of the topics of the class. Research proposals will be the core assessment of the class. A topic should be proposed by week 7. By week 10, a preliminary version should be submitted (2-3 pages). Final versions will be submitted at the end of the class.

Participation (11%) 

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E-Mail: charles.louis-sidois@wu.ac.at