Behavioral Economics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master programme in Economics

Entry requirements

Completed Economics, basic course, 30 HE credits, Economics, continuation course, 30 HE credits, and Economics in-depth course, 30 HE credits with at least 60 HE credits approved, or the equivalent. In addition to the above, approved knowledge in Swedish and English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle studies is required.
Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6: internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (minimum scores: Paper based 575 + TWE-score 4.5, and internet based 90+TWE-score 20), IELTS, academic (minimum score Overall band 6.5 and no band under 5.5), or equivalent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Intended learning outcomes

After completing of the course the student shall be able to:
- have an overview of major papers in the literature and appreciate differences between neoclassical and behavioral methods.
- explain key theories, concepts and methods theories in Behavioral economics.
- be able to apply the basic frameworks to economic problems.
- recognize some of the key debates in thinking about how behavioral economics can inform public policy.
- independently collect, critical review and evaluate current research literature in behavioral economics

Course content

This course studies the ways that economic and psychological factors jointly influence behavior. We will analyze choices that economic actors make in the lab and in the field and we will try to explain these choices with economic models. We will enrich the standard economic model by incorporating psychological mechanisms, including limited rationality, limited self-control and social preferences.

The course is divided into seven topics:
- Methods in behavioral economics
- Fairness and social preferences
- Time preferences
- Risk Preferences
- Mental Accounting
- Behavioral Game Theory
- Applications of behavioral economics

Teaching and working methods

The course consists of a combination of lectures and seminars. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instruction: English or Swedish

Examination

The examination consists of a term-paper written in pairs, presence and active participation at seminars and a individual oral examination at the end of the course. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department