teaching
Course materials and resources for classes taught.
I have been teaching for over ten years, even before I started studying economics, and teaching remains one of the parts of my work I enjoy most. Select a course below to read its description and find the teaching materials.
Instructor of Record
EC 970: Sophomore Tutorial
When Economics Fails
Course description. Many foundational economic models rely on strong assumptions: people are rational, markets are perfect, and decision-makers have all the information they need. How well do these assumptions hold up in the real world? People buy lottery tickets despite unfavorable odds, similar goods sell at different prices, and credit remains scarce in many developing countries. These phenomena have real consequences and can be difficult to explain using standard economic models alone.
This course examines how economists have tackled these questions and changed the field along the way. Students explore what happens when we relax three central assumptions: rational agents, perfect information, and perfect markets. Drawing on behavioral and information economics, alongside evidence from development, labor, finance, and other fields, they learn to challenge established ideas and develop explanations grounded in theory and evidence. By the end of the course, students will understand the trade-offs between simplicity and tractability on the one hand, and realism and accuracy on the other.
Teaching Evaluation: You can access my evaluation here.
Materials: Syllabus. Notes and assignments are available upon request.
PhD Math Camp
Course description. This intensive course introduces incoming economics PhD students to the mathematical tools they will use throughout their studies. Meeting for four hours a day over two weeks, it prepares themn for the problem sets they will encounter in microeconomics and macroeconomics classes.
Materials: Syllabus · Lecture Notes. Problem sets are available upon request.
EC332: Market Structure and Economic Performance
Course description. This undergraduate course introduces industrial organization to undergraduate students, with an emphasis on theory. Topics include market power, introductory game theory, and oligopoly.
Materials: Syllabus. Slides and problem sets are available upon request.
Teaching Assistant / Teaching Fellow
- EC705: Introduction to Mathematical and Computational Economics, Boston University (Fall 2025) Teaching Evaluation
- EC703: Microeconomic Theory, Boston University (Spring 2023) Teaching Evaluation
- EC101: Introduction to Microeconomics, Boston University (Fall 2022) Teaching Evaluation
- Mathematics for Economists, São Paulo School of Economics FGV (2020)
- Interpretations of Brazil, São Paulo School of Economics FGV (2020)
- Project I, São Paulo School of Economics FGV (2019)
Student Evaluation Highlights
Explaining complex concepts clearly
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“Luis is a phenomenal TA. He is so good at explaining difficult concepts in a clear way. I learned an incredible amount from him during the math camp and also attending his office hours and discussion section.”
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“He explained the concepts really well and provided really useful resources of the assessments like practice questions. He also provides good real-life examples to explain the concepts.”
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“I really appreciate that you explain every problem in a very systematic way and show us how we might apply the same methods to variations of the problems.”
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“He is so good at explaining difficult concepts in a clear way. I learned an incredible amount from him during the math camp and also attending his office hours and discussion section.”
Supporting students with patience and guidance
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“Making the jump from the theory discussed in class to the application on problem sets was not always easy - but Luis was EXTREMELY helpful in office hours and discussion section and provided guidance and intuition. He was always patient and insightful, and communicated concepts in a very effective way.”
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“Luis was very helpful in explaining key mathematical concepts and in implementing computational methods. Very attentive and available.”
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“Explains the solutions to problem sets very clearly. Answers questions effectively. Available outside of class and very patient and helpful.”
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“Luis, you are just absolutely amazing! […] You are also incredibly helpful during and outside of office hours.”
Sharing enthusiasm for learning
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“Luis was easily the greatest TA I ever had. He cared about his students. I have had TAs in the past that see it as a chore, but if myself or a classmate truly wanted to do well and learn the material, Luis met their effort and enthusiasm one-for-one.”
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“He is energetic and excited about the material which in turn made me more excited and positive about this difficult course.”
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“Really was passionate about the subject which made it easier to understand.”
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“Luis is the best TA I’ve had in my life. I do not think anyone can beat him. Wonderful and amazing at every thing. So nice, understanding, and willing to explain things without just giving us the answer.”