The aim of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the underlying goals and purpose of economic research, and to give you familiarity with some of the research tools available to economists. Although many of the methods we study in this course will be applicable to theoretical research, the focus of the course is on empirical research. We look at several means of conducting empirical research, including case studies, natural experiments, surveys, and use of secondary data. During the course, you will design a researchh proposal; you will then conduct, write, and present an empirical research paper. Many of the classes will be designed to give you ideas and feedback along the way.