Summer Term 2026
The Economics of Terror - Master (2nd year)
Prof. Dr. Günther Schulze
Language: English
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Requirements: A good command of econometrics and solid knowledge of micro- and macroeconomics are required since most papers are empirical.
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The Economics of Corruption - Master (2nd year)
Dr. Nikita Zakharov
Language: English
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Content At the core of almost every dysfunctional economy lies a primordial disease – corruption. Yet, the discipline of economics has only recently turned its attention to study this dire phenomenon. This reading course invites you to join the most recent developments in empirical research on the causes and consequences of corruption around the world by surveying cutting edge scientific articles. Our primary focus will be on the econometric design and the empirical methods behind the main findings of the literature. By the end of the course, the participants are expected to excel at reading, understanding, and interpreting the economic papers. These skills are essential for any economist and apply beyond the topic of corruption. In a tutorial, additional complementary material is presented by the students and discussed in the group.
Requirements Knowledge of econometrics at an intermediate level is strongly recommended. The course requires intensive reading prior to the reading sessions and active participation in the discussions.
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Causal Analysis in Labor Economics using R - Master
t.b.a.
Sports Economics - Seminar (Master, 2nd year)
Prof. Dr. Günther Schulze, Lukas Pohn, M.Sc.
Language: English
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Content Sports economics analyzes key issues at the intersection of sports and economics. In particular, we will examine the labor markets for athletes, discrimination in sports, and the socioeconomic effects of sporting events. Using econometric literature, you will gain an excellent overview of the world of sports from an economic perspective and learn how to empirically identify and evaluate economic relationships in a causal way. The questions addressed in sports economics include for example: Why are some athletes more successful than others? Which factors distinguish superstars from other athletes? Are certain athletes discriminated against because of their background? Are referees influenced by the home advantage of certain clubs? Are referees neutral toward athletes from their own country? Can important sporting events influence students’ academic performance?
Requirements As the literature is mostly empirical, the seminar requires the knowledge of econometrics to the extent taught in intermediate econometrics. The seminar is restricted to 12 participants. If you are interested in participating, please send an e-mail to Judith Müller at sek.schulze[at]vwl.uni-freiburg.de by April 20, 11.00 a.m., attaching your transcript of records. Late applications will be considered until slots are filled.
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Topics in Political Economy - Seminar (Bachelor, 3rd year)
Prof. Dr. Günther Schulze, Ramón Rey, M.Sc.
Language: English/German
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Content The unifying themes of this seminar are the political-economic perspective and the focus on empirical papers. Rather than analyzing what should be done by the government, the political-economic approach zeros in on explaining the political behavior that we observe. What are the relevant actors and what incentives and which constraints do they have, how do they interact and what is the outcome? Political economy sits at the intersection of economics and political science, examining how institutions, incentives, and power shape economic outcomes. Our upcoming seminar explores these questions through the lens of rigorous empirical research. Employing advanced econometric techniques, we will analyze issues like how media exposure affects political accountability, investigate the causes and consequences of corruption, explore the factors driving migration patterns and their economic effects, and examine the ways religion influences economic decisions. Why do some countries stay poor while others prosper? Does media coverage keep politicians honest? How does religion shape economic behavior? Join us as we examine how economists study politics, economics and society using empirical evidence, offering a systematic, data-driven perspective on questions that matter for policy and everyday life.
Requirements Since we will cover various theoretical and empirical articles, knowledge of microeconomics and a basic understanding of empirical methods are required. The seminar is therefore especially recommended for third-year students. As the core literature is in English, a good command of English is expected. Term papers can be written in German and the presentation can be held in German as well. If all participants are German-speaking, we might switch to German during the discussions as well. The seminar is limited to 12 students. If you are interested, please register with our secretary, Judith Müller (sek.schulze[at]vwl.uni-freiburg.de) by April 15th. Late applications will be considered if places remain available.
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