Master (6 ECTS) Lecture and tutorial "Behavioral and Experimental Economics"
In Behavioral and Experimental Economics, we cover the central methods and concepts of this field at an advanced level. By integrating psychological insights into economics, behavioral economics challenges traditional models of decision making that are based on standard economic preferences and standard economic beliefs. After discussing such classic models of economic decision behavior, we present evidence from laboratory and field experiments in economics and psychology which has led to alternative descriptive models of behavior. In this context, we also discuss how the modern empirical-experimental toolbox can provide causal evidence on the determinants of human behavior. Expanding their own toolbox, students learn to discuss current theoretical and empirical research in behavioral economics.
Master (6 ECTS) Lecture and tutorial "Economics of Education"
The course deals with current research in the area “Economics of Education” at an advanced level, involving theoretical models as well as current empirics. We discuss the relevance of education as a central driver for individual and societal economic well-being and for productivity growth in the economy. Thereby, we cover topics such as individual decisions to invest (or to not invest) in education, long-term individual and social returns to education, the role of human capital, i.e. an individual’s skills and abilities, as a determinant of labor market success and the efficiency and equity of various different educational policies.