The two documents transcribed for this post provide wonderful detail about the economics training received by Zvi Griliches whose academic career passed from Hebrew University, through the University of California, Berkeley, and ultimately through the University of Chicago to Harvard.
Griliches was responsible for graduate admissions in the Harvard economics department back when I was applying to graduate school (1974). When I went to Cambridge to visit the Harvard and M.I.T. departments, I pressed Griliches (the only professor at Harvard with whom I could get an appointment) for him to tell me what in his opinion the difference between Harvard and M.I.T. was. He smiled (hopefully amused by my naive presumption) and replied that M.I.T. provided more of a “bootcamp training” than Harvard would. He did make that sound like a bad thing. In any event, M.I.T. was better at recruiting, able on short notice to line up appointments to talk with Evsey Domar and Charles Kindlberger plus a handful of graduate students. Still I have to admit that Griliches did warn me what I was getting myself into.
Zvi Griliches was awarded a Social Science Research Council Research Training Fellowship in 1955-56, and from information in the supplementary statements below, it is clear that the application was written sometime in the early months of 1955 (Chicago’s Winter Quarter 1955). So while it is possible that he was applying for more than this single fellowship, there is no indication of any other fellowship at that time being considered in Griliches’ papers in the files at the Harvard Archive that I consulted.
Questions for the Price Theory prelim exam for the Winter Quarter 1955 have been posted earlier. From Milton Friedman’s papers, we know that Griliches got the top grade (by a long shot) on that particular exam.
Griliches received a two year appointment at Chicago beginning Oct 1, 1956— “to give service for the National Science Foundation Econometric Model Research Project on a ninety per cent time basis and for the Department of Economics on a ten per cent time basis with total salary of $5,000 per annum”. So it was certainly reasonable for him at the start of the second year of his contract to put his academic record on file with the University of Chicago Vocational Service and Employment Office. That is the second document transcribed below.
Economic in the Rear-view Mirror’s “Believe it or not!”
Graduates listing themselves with the University of Chicago’s Vocational Service and Employment Office were asked even as late as the Autumn Quarter of 1957:
Any racial or religious institutions in which you would prefer to teach?
Any racial or religious institutions in which you would prefer not to teach?
Easy to believe, and the documentary record indeed shows, that Zvi Griliches answered “No” to both questions.
___________________________________
Supplementary Statements from Winter Quarter 1955 in Griliches’ fellowship application for 1955-56
Zvi Griliches
SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT “C”:
For attainment of the objectives outlined above I think that the following knowledge and training is desirable: 1) economic theory including mathematical economics; 2) statistics and econometrics including all the modern developments and also experience with efficient computational procedures; 3) agricultural economics; and 4) some knowledge of historical methods.
- Economic theory and mathematical economics will be very important in my future work because they provide the framework for the actual quantitative work. They suggest which are the important variables in different problems and indicate something about the form of their interrelationships. They also provide a check on the internal consistency of our models and are the source of most of our hypotheses. I believe that I have a good knowledge of basic economic theory and a reasonable familiarity with mathematical economics. My major graduate courses in this field were:
R.G. Bressler Jr. — Production Economics — In this course I was introduced to the pure theory of production and to the interrelationships of cost and supply curves.
R.G. Bressler Jr. — Seminar in Agricultural Marketing Organization — This course, in spite of its name, dealt primarily with problems of cost measurement, location theory, and general equilibrium.
Robert Dorfman — Advanced Economic Theory A-B1 — This was the major graduate course in Economic Theory at the University of California, covering Price Theory, Distribution Theory, and introducing us to Income and Employment Theory.
Robert Dorfman — Mathematical Methods in Economics — This was my introduction the Mathematical Economics proper. It dealt with general maximization problems, the pure theory of consumers’ choice, and in particular with dynamic difference equations models. The last topic will be very important in the construction of my model.
A.C. Harberger — Price Theory A — Covered more advanced topics in price theory and problems of definition and measurement of utility.
D. Gale Johnson — Price Theory B3 — This course covers distribution theory and related topics.
I have also taken in the past and intend to take in the future a series of courses in Monetary and Fiscal Theory which I shall not list here.
I also intend to participate in the Seminar in Mathematical Economics to be given in the spring quarter of 1955 by G. Debreu at the University of Chicago. In spite of all the above, I shall still lack adequate knowledge of Mathematical Economics. I need especially a better knowledge of growth models and of stochastic difference equations. I think, however, that I shall be able to acquire this necessary knowledge through individual study, as my work progresses.
I am aided in my knowledge of mathematical economics and also of statistics and econometrics by a good undergraduate training in calculus and an individually acquired knowledge of matrix and vector algebra. Nevertheless, this is not enough. As it forms a basis for most of the other fields, I should learn more mathematics. I intend to do so after I have completed the preliminary Ph.D requirements both through intensive studying on my own and also by auditing some courses at the university.
- A good knowledge of statistics and econometrics is indispensable for quantitative work in agricultural economics. Though this is a field where there is always more to learn, nevertheless, I think that I have a basic knowledge of the most important techniques. My major courses in this field were:
George Kuznets — Analytical Methods A — This was my introduction to the theory and methods of multiple regression, weighted regression, testing hypotheses, and non-parametric tests. Within the framework of this course I wrote a paper “Demand for Clingstone Peaches on the Grower Level” which introduced me to modern computational procedures and the use of modern computational equipment.
Ivan Lee — Analytical Methods B — In this course I was introduced to simultaneous equations, the identification problem, maximum likelihood estimates, analysis of variance, and sampling theory. Within the framework of this course I wrote a paper “Clingstone Peaches: Demand and Supply Relationships on the Grower Level” applying both least squares and limited information techniques.
Roy Radner — Statistical Problems of Model Construction1 — Introduced me to decision theory, covered in greater detail the Markov Theorem and maximum likelihood estimates.
Martin Beckman — Allocation of Resources in Production3 — This course is introducing me to the valuable new technique of activity analysis (linear programing).
W.H. Kruskal — Mathematical Statistics I2 — The principal topics of this course are: point and set estimation; hypothesis testing; elements of multivariate analysis; elements of linear hypothesis theory; typical nonparametric procedures.
In the addition to the above I profited greatly from work with Professors Varden Fuller and Ivan Lee (Summer 1953), which made me familiar with census data, BAE publications, and other major sources of data in agriculture: and from my work with Professor Sidney Hoos (Summer 1954), which provided practical experience in the application of modern econometric techniques. I also have participated and shall continue to participate in the Seminar in Econometrics conducted by members of the Cowles Commission at the University of Chicago.
All this of course is not enough. I shall have to learn much more. Some of it I shall still get at the university, but the greater part I shall have to learn on my own as my work progresses.
- A thorough knowledge of agricultural economics is important as it will provide both the framework and background of my work. I believe that I possess a reasonably good knowledge of this field. I have received both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural economics and have read widely in the field. Some of my courses in this field were:
George Mehren — Seminar in Agricultural Marketing — Introduced me to the practical and theoretical problems arising in the administration of agricultural marketing and adjustment programs.
Murray Benedict — Agricultural Production Economics — Dealt with the theoretical issues underlying policy problems in agriculture.
Varden Fuller — Seminar in Agricultural Policy1— Dealt with current policy issues and their economic implications.
C.M. Hardin — Seminar in Agricultural Policy2 — This course is introducing me to the consideration of current agricultural policy issues from the point of view of Political Science.
T.W. Schultz — Choice and Possibilities in Economic Organization — Dealt primarily with economic development and its impact on agriculture.
D. Gale Johnson — Incomes Welfare, and Policy3 — This course is introducing me to more advanced topics in agricultural economics and policy.
I have gained also from participation in departmental meetings and seminars, both at the University of California and at the University of Chicago. Three years of my life spent working on farms (1947-50) and a summer (1952) as a research assistant with the California Packing Corporation collecting yield data have enriched my understanding of agriculture and its problems.
- As time series are used to a great extent in quantitative work, some knowledge of historical methods is quite important. I am fortunate in this respect to have had a very intensive and profitable year of undergraduate study in History at the Hebrew University, and in particular a course in “Introduction to historical literature and methods” by Professor Richard Koebner
The only way one really becomes adept in quantitative work is by doing quantitative work. In a sense, this is the purpose of my project. As a result of work on my project I should gain experience and facility in using both theory and quantitative methods.
I have a good knowledge of Russian, German and Hebrew.
—————————————–
1 I audited this course
2 I am auditing this course
3 am currently taking this course
SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT “D”:
I shall have completed all the required course work by June 1955. I intend to take the Ph.D. preliminary examination in Winter 1955, and the preliminary examinations in Money and Banking, and Agricultural Economics in Summer 1955. I have already taken and passed a reading examination in German, and I shall take the examination in Russian in February of 1955. Hence, I hope to have completed all the requirements toward the Ph.D. degree, except the dissertation and final oral examination, by August 1955, and before the fellowship goes into effect.
The preliminary title of my thesis is “A study of the factors determining the development, distribution, and acceptance of new technology”.
The faculty adviser is Professor D. Gale Johnson,
SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT “E” :
1950-51. A student at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem.
1951-54. Student at the University of California, Berkeley.
Summer 1952. Research Assistant with the California Packing Corporation. Collection of yield data. $1.10 per hour.
Fall 1952. Awarded the D. Solis Cohen Scholarship. This scholarship was awarded to me during the following two semesters.
May 1953. Election to Phi Beta Kappa.
June 1953. Awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science with highest honors in Agriculture.
Summer 1953. Research Assistant with the John Haynes Foundation, working under the direction of Prof. Varden Fuller, at the University of California. Salary: $325/month
1953-54. Jesse D. Carr Fellow in Agriculture at the University of California.
Summer 1954. Research Assistant at the Gianini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, University of California; working under the direction of Professor Sidney Hoos. Salary —$290 a month.
September 1954. Awarded a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics by the University of California.
1954-55. A University Fellow and full time student at the University of Chicago.
SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT “F”:
- “Demand for Clingstone Peaches on the Grower Level”, Berkeley, January 1954, Typewritten manuscript,
- “Clingstone Peaches for Canning: Demand and Supply Interrelationships on the Grower Level”, Berkeley, June 1954,
- “The Differential Spread of Hybrid Corn: A Research Proposal”, Chicago, December 1954, pp. 1-20.
All three papers are available on loan from me. All are unpublished typewritten manuscripts.
Source: Harvard University Archives. Papers of Zvi Griliches, Box 129, Folder: “Correspondence, 1954-1959.”
_______________________________
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
EDUCATIONAL REGISTRATION FORM
Date: September 30, 1957
Name in Full: Hirsch Zvi Griliches
Current Address: 6011 Kimbark, Chicago 37, Ill.
Telephone: Bu 8-1975
Permanent Address: ditto
PERSONAL DATA
Date of birth: 9/12/1930. Place: Kaunas, Lithuania
Are you a U.S. citizen? No
If through naturalization give date. If not, explain status: Permanent resident (immigrant), expect. naturalizt. in 2 yrs.
Height: 5’11
Weight: 160
Marital status: Married
Number and ages of children: 1 daughter, 9 months.
Are you a veteran? Of the Israeli Army.
Physical handicaps: None
Church (if you wish to indicate): Jewish
Scholastic honors: S.B. with Highest Honors in Agriculture (U of Calif., 1953), Phi Beta Kappa
Scholarships (give dates and schools): Solis D. Cohen Scholarship, Univ. of Calif., 1952-53
Fellowships (give dates and schools): Jesse D. Carr (Univ of Calif., 1953-54), University (U of Chicago, 1954-55), Social Science Res. Council Research Training Fell. 55-56
Certificates held: None
EDUCATIONAL AND RELATED EXPERIENCE
List chronologically all work experience (including teaching, government, business, practice teaching, and experience in armed services)
June 1953 to Sept 1953. John Hanes Foundation, Berkeley, Calif., Research Assistant
June 1954 to Sept. 1954. Univ. of Calif., Berkeley, Research Assistant, Price Analysis.
Oct. 1954 to Sept 1955. Office of Agricult. Economic Research, Chicago, Research Assistant.
Oct. 1956 to date, U of Chicago, Assistant. Prof., Ag. Economics, Gen. Econ. Theory.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
(If this space is insufficient, attach another sheet)
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES: (List title, not catalogue number, and follow with the number of semester hours; e.g. Shakespeare, 3. One full course in the College of the University of Chicago equals 3 semester hours.)
|
First Year |
Second Year | Third Year |
Fourth Year |
| Hebrew 10 | Geology 6 | Botany 3 | |
| English 8 | Introd. Econ 6 | Calculus 6 | |
| Latin 8 | Intern. Trade 3 | Ag Econ Theory 6 | |
| Russian 4 | Statistics 3 | Ag. Marketing 3 | |
| Westr. Civil. 6 | Agric Policy 3 | Ag Policy 3 | |
| Polit. Theories 8 | Range Mangmnt 3 | Hist. of Ec. Thght 3 | |
| Medieval History 8 | Zoology 3 | Irrigation Econ. 3 | |
| Sociology 8 | Agronomy 3 | ||
| Intnat.Econ. 3 |
GRADUATE COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (List Course Title.) (One full course in the Divisions of the University of Chicago equals 3½ semester hours)
|
Instructor |
Title of Course | Instructor |
Title of Course |
| Harberger | Price Theory A | Hamilton | Banking and Monetary Policy |
| Monetary and Fiscal Policy | Metzler | Monetary Asp. of Inter’l Trade | |
| Recent Dev. in Economics | Beckman | Alloc’n of Res. in Prod. | |
| Schultz | Choice & Possib. in Econ. Org. | Audited: | |
| Econ. Org. for Stability | Savage | Introd. To Probability Theo. | |
| Regression & Anal. of Varian. | |||
| Johnson | Price Theory B | Theil | Math. Economics |
| Income, Welfare, & Policy | Radner | Econometrics | |
| Friedman | Price Theory A & B | ||
| Tolley | Money |
GRADUATE COURSES TAKEN ELSEWHERE (University of California, Berkeley)
|
Instructor |
Title of Course | Instructor |
Title of Course |
| Clark | Agric Marketing 3 | Kuznets | Analytical Methods A 3 |
| Mehren | Agric Marketing. Sem. 3 | Lee | Analytical Methods B 3 |
| Bressler | Ag Market Organ. Sem. 3 | Dorfman | Math Methods of Econ 3. |
| Bressler | Ag Production Theory A 3 | Audited: | |
| Benedict | Ag Production Theory B 3 | Dorfman | Econ Theory A & B 6 |
SUMMARY OF ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AS OF Oct. 1, 1957
|
|
MAJORS | SEMESTER HOURS | MINORS (OR RELATED FIELDS) |
SEMESTER HOURS |
|
Undergraduate |
Agric Econ | 15 | History | 22 |
| Economics | 15 | Math and Statistics |
9 |
|
|
Graduate |
Agric Econ | 24 | Econometrics & Stat | 6 + 9 aud. |
| Econ Theory & Math Econ | 15 +15 aud | Money |
12 |
|
| Thesis field and preliminary fields: Agricultural Economics, Economic Theory, Monetary Theory. | ||||
| Education Courses: None | ||||
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
List all schools attended. Begin with high school from which you graduated. Include work in progress at the University of Chicago and Foreign [Universities]
|
Dates of Attendance |
Institutions—Location | Major Subject | Minor Subject |
Degree and Date Awarded |
| 6/50 | Dept. of Education, State of Israel | External Matriculation exams passed | 1950 | |
| 9/50 to 6/51 | Hebrew University, Jerusalem | History | Sociology | — |
| 10/51 to 6/54 | University of California, Berkeley | Agric. Econ | Agric. Market. | S.B. 1953 |
| S.M. 1954 | ||||
| 10/54 to 8/57 | University of Chicago, Chicago | Economics | Agric. Econ. | A.M. 1955 |
| Ph.D. 1957 | ||||
Title of Master’s thesis: no thesis
Title of Doctor’s thesis: Hybrid Corn: An Exploration in Economics of Technological Change.
Thesis adviser: T.W. Schultz
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Single check activities in which you have participated. Double check those which you can direct [coach/play].
Assemblies, Athletics, Audio-Visual, Band, Camping, Chorus, Civic Organizations, Crafts, Curriculum Planning, Debate, Dramatics, Gymnasium Activities, Orchestra, Parent-Teachers activities, Piano, Playground, Public Addresses, Pupil Participation in Government, Reading, Rhythms-Dances, School Clubs, School Publications, School Publicity, Speech, Vocational Guidance.
[Note: Only School Clubs was checked (single checked) from the list. It was the Political Economy Club in college]
What foreign languages do you speak? Hebrew, Russian, German, Lithuanian, Yiddish.
Can you type? Poorly. Take dictation? No. Bookkeeping knowledge? No.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(For our use only—not included in credentials mailed to employers.)
PUBLICATIONS:
“Specification bias in estimates of production functions,” Journal of Farm Economics, February 1957.
“Hybrid Corn: An Exploration in the Economics of Technological Change,”Econometrica, October 1957.
Book reviews in the Journal of Political Economy
MEMBERSHIPS:
American Economic Association
American Farm Economics Association
Econometric Society
Fellow of Royal Economic Society
REFERENCES
Instructors at the University of Chicago
List at least two University of Chicago instructors who are able to evaluate your course work.
T.W. Shultz
A.C. Harberger
D.G. Johnson
Carl Christ
INSTRUCTORS AT OTHER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS
List instructors at other schools from whom you would like to have letters of recommendation.
R.G. Bressler. Dept. of Agric. Economics, Univ. of Calif., Berkeley.
Sidney Hoos. Ditto.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
If you have had teaching or administrative experience, list administrative officers who can report on your work (one for each position you have held).
D.G. Johnson, Univ. of Chicago. Act. Chairman
H.G. Lewis, Univ. of Chicago. Director of Research Center.
At what other university or college placement office are your letters of recommendation on file? None.
OCCUPATIONAL CHOICES
List three position choices. Be very specific as to (1) courses you can teach within your own department (e.g., if Sociology-Social Psychology, Marriage and Family, Theory); (2) kinds of institutions (University, Liberal Arts College, State Teachers College, Junior College, High School, Junior High School, or grades); (3) other types of positions (Registrar Dean, Superintendent, Business Manager, Critic, Supervisor, etc.).
University, Land Grant or Liberal Arts College, teaching position with opportunities for research. Economic Theory, Agricultural Econ., Econometrics, Money.
Date available (month and year) September 1, 1958
Locality preferred East or West Coast.
Are you limited to that area? No.
Would you apply for positions in foreign countries? Yes
Any racial or religious institutions in which you would prefer to teach? No
Any racial or religious institutions in which you would prefer not to teach? No
Present or last salary $6500 (Confidential) for 11 months.
Minimum salary you would consider $7000 (Confidential) for 11 months.
Your registration is incomplete without six photographs (not larger than 2 ½ by 3 ½ inches).
Pictures are important.
Source: Harvard University Archives. Papers of Zvi Griliches, Box 129, Folder: “Correspondence, 1954-1959.”
Image Source: Zvi Griliches from the University of Chicago Photographic Archive, apf1-06565, Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.