Advanced Topics in Causal Inference

4 credits · Graduate

This course builds on introductory causal inference in quantitative social science courses (e.g. PS231B) to introduce students to the theory and application of cutting-edge methods for causal inference, including recent advances on difference-in-differences estimators, instrumental variable approaches, regression discontinuity designs, interference, external validity, doubly robust methods, and sensitivity analyses. With this course students will learn the theory behind these methods and will have the opportunity to apply the methods to cases of interest to social scientists, and to their own causal empirical research. The ultimate goal of the course is to stimulate student interest in future independent learning of new advanced techniques.