M.A. in Applied Economics

MA in Applied Economics Courses

ECO821  Advanced Microeconomics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This is an introductory graduate course in microeconomic theory. Topics cover consumption theory, including choice under uncertainty, production theory, partial equilibrium, and general equilibrium in perfectly competitive markets. The course also includes a treatment of game theory. The covered material will equip students with essential microeconomic tools needed for further coursework.

ECO822 Advanced Macroeconomics [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course will cover advanced models of short-run economic fluctuations and long-term economic growth in modern economies. Elements of fiscal and monetary policies will also be discussed.

ECO831 Applied Econometrics I: Cross Section and Panel Data [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles of the econometric techniques for analyzing cross-section and panel data. Topics covered include multiple regressions model, instrumental variables, discrete choice models, limited dependent variable models, and panel data methods. Emphasis will be placed on examples in applied microeconomics fields to tackle a number of current economic issues whereby students learn how to conduct empirical research.

ECO832 Applied Econometrics II: Time Series Data [3-0, 3 cr.]

The aim of this course is to introduce students to a comprehensive theoretical framework of time series econometrics and its applications. Topics covered include stationary univariate time series processes, non-stationary processes, multivariate processes, systems of simultaneous equations, and cointegration and error-correction models. The course involves frequent use of time series datasets with an emphasis on applications in the field of macroeconomics.

Prerequisites: ECO831

ECO833  Applied Econometrics III: Empirical Strategies for Applied Microeconomics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course examines empirical strategies used in applied microeconomics with an emphasis on identification and causality. Topics include randomized trials, regression, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, differences-in-differences and matching. Special emphasis will be put on real-world policy evaluation.

Prerequisites: ECO831 and ECO 832

ECO840 Mathematical and Computational Models in Applied Economics [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course will introduce mathematical and computational modeling problems of applied economics. The course will cover optimization and dynamic models. The course will include implementation of the models in computer algebra systems GAMS and MATHEMATICA.

ECO835 International Monetary Theory and Policy [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course will study monetary policy models that are at the forefront of theoretical and empirical research in addition to those utilized by central banks to evaluate policies and various exchange rate arrangements. The relationship between policies and economic outcomes such as unemployment, inflation, stabilization and growth will be investigated in an open-macroeconomic setting.

Prerequisite: ECO822

ECO850  Environmental and Resource Economics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides a treatment of fundamental issues in the economic approach to resource and environmental problems management. Topics covered include the economy-environment linkage, sustainable development, the theory of public goods and externalities, environmental pollution targets and instruments, and renewable and non-renewable natural resource exploitation.

Prerequisite: Advanced Microeconomics ECO 821

ECO852 Public Economics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is a microeconomic examination of the economic role of government. The course covers theory and evidence on government expenditure and taxation policy. In the expenditure component, we examine the theories of public goods, externalities and social insurance, and applications of these theories in various sectors such as education, welfare programs, and health care. In the taxation component, topics include: tax incidence, optimal tax theory, and the effect of taxation on labor markets and corporate behavior.

Prerequisites: ECO821

ECO855 Growth, Business Cycles and Economic Policy [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course will study the interplay between economic policy, economic growth and business cycles in developed and developing economies. Fiscal policies aimed at stabilization and growth will be introduced from theoretical and empirical perspectives. The role of economic policy in engendering economic growth and development in developing countries will also be studied utilizing traditional and structural macroeconomic models. Examples from Great Depression, Great Recession, postwar capitalist development and developing countries experiences will be introduced.

Prerequisites: ECO822

ECO861 Economic Policies in the Middle East [3-0, 3 cr.]

The first part of the course studies the macroeconomic situation in the MENA region. An overview of fiscal and monetary policies, in addition to the choice of exchange rate regimes, is conducted.  The second part of the course studies public economics and policies in Middle East countries. The course investigates the provision of public goods, social security systems, health provision, and tax structures. The issues of efficiency and equity are given prime importance.

ECO863 Challenges of Economic Development in the Middle East [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course discusses current economic issues in the Middle East. Applying economic theory together with the institutional framework in the MENA region, important problems and challenges are analysed. Under experienced supervision, students analyse specific economic issues and present potential theoretical explanations and policy recommendations. The analysis is based on theoretical and empirical methods commonly used in economics, taking into account the relevant institutional framework in the economies under investigation.

ECO880 Special Topics in Economics [3 cr.]

This course deals with selected topics in economics. 

Prerequisite varies according to topic offered. This course may be repeated for credit when topics vary.

ECO898 Applied Economics Project [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course is a research project written under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to use economic models and tools to tackle an applied economics problem. Students are then required to present their work in a forum open for economics faculty and graduate students. The project may involve work outside LAU with external constituents (e.g., research institutes, specialized regional and international agencies, banks, or government entities).

Prerequisite: Consent of Department

FIN863 Financial Derivatives [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course deals with derivative securities. It focuses on the analysis of options, futures, option and futures’ markets, and option and futures’ strategies. In addition, it discusses option and futures’ pricing models, and how derivatives are used in financial risk management. 

FIN836 Modern Portfolio Management  [3-0, 3 cr.]              

This course applies concepts of efficient capital markets, modern portfolio theory, and asset pricing models to practical problems of security analysis, portfolio construction, optimization, and performance measurement. The analysis considers return and risk characteristics of various financial investment instruments and derivatives, including common stocks, bonds, futures, options, and forward contracts. [3-0,3cr.].

FIN835 Commercial Bank Management  [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course covers commercial bank management policies and decisions. Analysis includes advanced treatment of asset-liability management, emphasizing risk management issues such as interest rates, liquidity, credit, capital, and off-balance sheet risk and activities. The analysis presents financial engineering techniques in risk management and evaluates bank performance.

OPM880C: Sp.Top.OPM: Operations Mgt. [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to introduce you to concepts and techniques related to the design, planning, control, and improvement of manufacturing & service operations. The course initially presents a holistic view of operations. It focuses on operational strategy and productivity, management of product and process design, Quality, and supply chain management. As the course progresses, we will investigate various aspects of each of these topics in detail. We will cover topics in the areas of process analysis, materials management, production scheduling, quality improvement, and product design.

ACM724: Linear Programming  [3-0, 3 cr.]

Topics covered are: Simplex method, degeneracy, cycling, fundamental theorem of linear programming, weak and strong duality theorems, dual simplex method, resource allocation, sensitivity analysis, simplex method in matrix notation, parametric analysis, and applications.

CSC615: Machine Learning [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of popular algorithms in machine learning. Topics include supervised learning, linear and polynomial regression, classification algorithms, gradient descent, unsupervised learning, instance-based learning, neural networks, and genetic algorithms and boosting. The course requires some knowledge of artificial intelligence, and good programming skills. The theoretical aspects of the algorithms will be studied, and assignments will be given to test their applicability. 

CSC688C: Top.CSC:Data Visualization [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the essential and practical skills necessary to communicate information about data clearly and effectively through graphical means based on principles from graphic design, visual art, perceptual psychology, and cognitive science. The course introduces the value of visualization, the principles and techniques of data visualization, and specific techniques in information and scientific visualization. The course also focuses on big data organization and mining for decision support, and how to best leverage visualization methods. The assignments will involve the use of Tableau, web programming using D3, statistics, and the ability to manipulate data sets with code.

IGS725: Gender and Public Policy  [3-0, 3 cr.]

Introduction to decision-making processes and current and contemporary legal and social debates over public policy directly affecting women in major spheres of public life in the Arab world, with a focus on the Lebanese and Arab contexts (e.g., citizenship, political participation, foreign domestic workers, etc.). Topics may focus on public health, political participation, employment policies and practices, etc. 

INA831: Intl. Political Economy [3-0, 3 cr.]

The seminar examines the basis of the international political economy and analyzes interactions between economic and political factors on the international levels. Discussion issues include; international finance, international trade and the role of governmental and non-governmental international organizations.

MIG765: Migration and Development [3-0, 3 cr.]

This seminar examines the most relevant issues concerning the relationship between migration and development. The complex dynamics that characterize the interconnection between migration and development including socio-political (state-, society- and household- related), economic (labor-, income- and capital-related), and legal (human rights, international and regional policy) factors will be reviewed. The courses acknowledges that, in both sending and receiving countries, different patterns of migration – circular, return, temporary, permanent, regular/irregular – may have different impacts on development. Push factors (underemployment and unemployment; poverty; poor access to welfare; low rewards to skills; poor governance, political or civil instability, etc.), and pull factors (jobs availability; higher incomes; social security; higher education; networks of previous migrants; etc.) will also be examined. Debates on the impact of development include destination and origin countries.