Machine Learning, Text Analysis, and Economics

Economists need advanced methods to study data that is complex, high-dimensional, and unstructured. The goal of this course is to highlight the key challenges of working with such data in economics and what machine learning and text analysis methods can be used to address them. Private sector companies, government agencies, and economics graduate programs are all looking for individuals with an understanding of these advanced methods and experience in applying them to real-world problems. This course is designed to help to meet that demand. This course will meet once a week. Lectures will introduce students to new material and include discussions of current economics research using machine learning and text analysis methods. They will also include applied exercises demonstrating methods covered in class and will focus on developing writing assignments and providing peer feedback.