VL: Experimental and Observational Approaches to Causal Inference

Course Details

Course Instructor: Nan Zhang (Office hours by appointment)

Course Website: https://nanzhang-polisci.github.io/Turnout_FSS26

Date and Time: Wednesday, 10:15-11:45 in B244 Hörsaal (A 5, 6 Bauteil B)

Course Description

This course will teach students how to analyze political science questions through the application of causal inference methods. We will begin by asking what it means for X to cause Y using the potential outcomes framework. We will then look at some of the most popular research designs in causal analysis including experiments, regression discontinuity designs, difference-in-differences / two-way fixed effects, instrumental variables and matching. As illustrations of these methods, we will read some fun papers from different subfields of political science.

At the end of the course, students should be able to understand and critically evaluate academic research employing these methods.

Course Structure and Requirements

This course will follow a “flipped classroom” model:

  • students are expected to complete an assigned reading before each class meeting
  • each meeting will begin with a short quiz on the main ideas from the assigned readings
  • we will then spend the remainder of class time discussing the quiz / readings

Diligent preparation and active participation are essential for the success of this class! In addition to the theories and main findings in each article, we will also spend considerable time discussing the article’s methods as well as how the researchers arrive at their (causal) conclusions.

This way of approaching the material is hard, especially if you are encountering it for the first time, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is how you will learn.

To encourage participation from everyone, I may randomly select several students to speak during each class session. The idea is not to cause anyone stress or anxiety, but rather to “break the ice” and foster a more “active” and collaborative environment where everyone can feel comfortable to participate.

If you are worried about this “cold calling” policy, please come see me.

Since participation is central to what we do in class, I will be keeping a record of attendance. You are allowed two unexcused absences during the semester. Any additional absences should be approved by me beforehand.

Assessment

Your final grade will be based an Oral Exam (mündliche Prüfung). Details to follow.

Weekly Schedule

Note: the current version of the syllabus is a work in progress.