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Learn from the top minds at Peking University School of Economics and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Engage in an intensive academic training experience to tackle real social issues using an evidence-based approach.
Designed for students with little to no coding experience, this course, taught by the University of Chicago, introduces you to the tools required to write and share code; translate self-contained questions into R programs; and learn how to retrieve, clean, visualize, and analyze data. You will watch pre-recorded lectures at your own pace and join the weekly live office hours sessions conducted in Zoom.
This course, taught by Peking University, focuses on econometrics methodology and its applications. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the econometric modeling tools that are frequently used in empirical economic research. You attend live lectures, conducted in Zoom, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. China Standard Time (UTC+8), which is 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-5). Recordings are available.
This course, taught by Peking University, introduces you to basic functions with the programming language Stata. You attend live lectures, conducted in Zoom, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. China Standard Time (UTC+8), which is 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-5). Recordings are available.
The program concludes with a capstone research project, lead by the University of Chicago. You will analyze real datasets and research on an international policy topic led. You will work in small groups led by faculty director Austin Wright on a capstone project, conducting a comprehensive policy analysis using real datasets. The project enables you to work through real world problems and collaborate with peers and faculty to design a solution.
Conflict and Insurgent Learning (PDF, 4 pages): How do insurgents learn and adapt to their enemies?
Hate Crimes in the United States (PDF, 4 pages): What are the trends and implications of hate crime reporting?
Read the Academic Highlights blog post to hear from three participants of the 2021 program.
Austin L. Wright is an assistant professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. His research leverages microlevel data to study the political economy of conflict and crime in Afghanistan, Colombia, Indonesia, and Iraq. His work is supported by the National Science Foundation, Niehaus Center for Global Governance, The Asia Foundation, and World Bank.
“The capstone project is an opportunity for students to take the skills that they have acquired from the program and start to think about: ‘How do I ask and answer a really important research question rigorously?’”
Watch the March 2022 Mini-Class with Austin Wright (UChicago), 25-minutes
Xuezheng Qin is a professor and deputy dean in the School of Economics at Peking University, and the director of the Peking University Research Center for Market Economy. Dr. Qin’s primary research interests include health economics, economics of human capital, and applied econometrics.
Watch the March 2022 Mini-Class with Xuezheng Qin (PKU), March 2022, 60-minutes
July 18 - August 19, 2022
Five weeks
Curriculum is delivered in a 100% virtual format
The virtual format allows you to engage with the curriculum from anywhere in the world. Please see the course descriptions to learn which sections have asynchronous (pre-recorded) or synchronous (live) lectures.
All courses have live office hours with faculty and graduate teaching assistants. You will also leverage a virtual discussion board for quick communication with peers and teaching assistants.
You can anticipate a commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per week.
This part-time format makes the program more compatible for those in full-time jobs or degree programs.
The live office hours accommodate various time zones and occur multiple times throughout the week. You can anticipate live office hours to be held in the mornings and evenings of China Standard Time (UTC+8).
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, issued electronically, upon successful completion of the credential program. The Certificate of Completion will include the grade earned for each academic course. The certificate can be shared in future job applications, graduate school applications, or share on professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
IPAL students access resources from Peking University and the University of Chicago. Read the Interview with IPAL Director Shilin Liu to learn the full scope of your summer resources and opportunities.