This topics course explores the theory and practice of matching and auction market design, drawing on examples from entry-level labor markets, school choice procedures, kidney exchanges, course allocation procedures, Internet advertising, spectrum auctions, cryptocurrencies, and financial exchanges.
It is expected that all students in the class will have basic familiarity with graduate-level microeconomics and game theory and comfort with mathematical proofs. The course is intended for Ph.D. students and research-minded undergraduate students. In the past both undergraduates and MBA students have taken the class, participated actively, and written outstanding final papers. If you are unsure of whether you have the requisite background for the class, I encourage you to do the readings for Week 1 and also to contact us in advance of the first class.
