This course focuses on "data-driven" economic theory---that is, papers that take the theory seriously and in combination with data aim to make prescriptive recommendations; for example, how to design a performance pay plan given workers’ productivity data, or how to design an internal labor market. We will cover papers from several literatures including mechanism design and auctions, contract theory, market design, internal labor markets, taxation, and social insurance. Deliverables include several presentations (a central goal of this course is to hone your presenting skills), evaluations of peers’ presentations, and a paper project.