This class presents methods for empirical and practical analysis of markets and competition. It emphasizes the relationship between microeconomic theory and empirical methods, and the application of the methods to the analysis of current issues in the Israeli economy. Among the topics: consumer activism and its impact on preferences, retail competition in Jerusalem (why certain neighborhoods pay more despite being nonaffluent?), media markets: does the market equilibrium "discriminate" against minority groups, and in what sense? How is the quality of goods and services determined in an oligopoly market?

The class includes advanced subjects in microeconomic theory and econometrics, and requires reading articles and conducting independent economic analysis. For additional information please refer to the Moodle site.