Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics                                                                               Brian D. Wright

University of California at Berkeley                                                                                        Spring Semester 2008

TuTh 12.30-2.00, 201 Giannini

 

 

 

Quantitative Policy Analysis

ARE 242

 

Course Description

 

This course covers important elements of the analysis of economics related to agricultural policy, applicable to developed and less developed countries. Important elements of the course are the presence of fixed factors, the riskiness of the natural and economic environment, the importance of the time dimension and intertemporal arbitrage including storage, and of research and innovation.

 

There will be at least two assignments. There will also be a short paper,  and an exam in class March 11. Gordon Rausser’s module will start March 13, 2008.

 

 I shall suggest a list of topics for the paper and may approve alternatives offered by students. The topics of climate change and agriculture, biofuels and their implications, and public/private collaboration on research are especially timely. Students are asked to indicate their preferences for topic emphasis, and to identify further relevant materials.

 

My office hours will be 2.00-2.30 PM after each class, and Fridays 11.00-12.00. Email ahead if possible to make an exact appointment time.

My phone number is 642-9213, my email is wright@are.berkeley.edu. My office is Giannini 330.

 

Readings are on reserve in the Giannini Library.

 

Click here for READING LIST