Archive – FB 03 – Public and Behavioral Economics

Master (6 CP) Lecture and Tutorial “Principles of Public Economics”
In this course, students gain a deep understanding of the state’s role in the economy. Building on key methods and concepts of public economics, we discuss the scope for and limitations of government intervention in the context of social welfare, market failure, public goods, and externalities. Combining theoretical insights and empirical evidence, we also cover the political economy underlying government action as well as highly debated topics, such as redistribution, social security, and public debt. By participating in this quantitative lecture- and tutorial-based course, students gain command of basic models and methods of analyzing public economic issues as well as the ability to apply this conceptual knowledge to policy issues. They learn how data can be used to corroborate their economic thinking and develop evidence-based policy advice.
The materials for the lecture will be provided via MS Teams. We will provide you with the access code via Jogustine and during the first lecture.

Bachelor (6 CP) Lecture and Tutorial “Behavioral Public Finance”
In the course, fundamental and current financial and economic policy problems are presented and discussed, incorporating both standard economic and behavioral economic models. In the tutorials, quantitative problems related to these topics are solved.
Within the framework of this course, students will:

be introduced in-depth to the role of the state in a market economy (e.g. taxation, redistribution, and government debt), combining insights from classical economics and behavioral economics.
develop the ability to analyze and discuss the effects of state activity on the economic and social system, considering the influence of behavioral biases and preferences (e.g., the effects of heterogenous time preferences, social preferences, attention, and social norms).
acquire the skills to explain state activities and their consequences both verbally and using formal-quantitative methods.
gain a basic understanding of empirical data for longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons of state activity, enabling them to conduct independent empirical analyses on economic policy issues based on this foundation.

Bachelorseminar WiSe 2025/2026

Bildung als Investition: Grundlagen und aktuelle Fragestellungen der Bildungsökonomik
Bildung ist ein wichtiger Produktivitätstreiber und somit ein entscheidender Faktor für den Erfolg auf dem Arbeitsmarkt sowie das Wirtschaftswachstum. Darüber hinaus korreliert Bildung mit besserer Gesundheit, einem stärkeren zivilgesellschaftlichen Engagement und einer geringen Wahrscheinlichkeit, straffällig zu werden.
In diesem Seminar werden wir ausgewählte Fragestellungen der Bildungsökonomik untersuchen. Diese reichen von grundlegenden Themen wie den individuellen und gesellschaftlichen Bildungsrenditen über institutionelle Strukturen sowie die Effizienz und Fairness verschiedener Bildungsinterventionen bis hin zu aktuellen Fragen zum Einsatz neuer Technologien. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf dem Schulsystem, aber auch der breitere Lebenszyklus von frühkindlicher Bildung über Berufsausbildung, Hochschulbildung bis hin zu Erwachsenenbildung wird behandelt. Dabei werden wir moderne ökonometrische Methoden zur empirischen Identifikation kausaler Effekte diskutieren.
Dieses Seminar richtet sich an Bachelor-Studierende. Bitte beachten Sie: Die Anmeldung zu diesem Seminar erfolgt nicht über den Lehrstuhl, sondern über Jogustine. Die Anmeldefristen entnehmen Sie bitte den Ankündigungen des Studienbüros. Die Themenvergabe findet bei der ersten Sitzung am 5.November 2025 statt.
Das Seminar eignet sich besonders für Studierende mit Interesse an Mikroökonomik und Finanzwissenschaft. Viele Themen in diesem Seminar basieren auf aktueller englischsprachiger Literatur.
Ablauf:
05. November 2025: Einführung und Themenvergabe
12. November 2025: Individuelle Betreuung
13. November 2025: Individuelle Betreuung
03. Dezember 2025: Abgabe des Exposés, per Mail
22. Januar 2026: Präsentation und Diskussion des Exposés
23. Januar 2026: Präsentation und Diskussion des Exposés
26. Januar 2026: Anmeldung der Bachelorarbeit
23. März 2026: Abgabe der Bachelorabeit, per Mail
Individuelle Betreuung: jeden Dienstag, 10:00 -11:00 Uhr in Raum 02-135 (Rewi II)

Masterseminar Public Policy WiSe 2025/2026

Cognitive Foundations of Economic Decision-Making
Economic behavior is shaped not only by external incentives but also by how individuals process information and form beliefs. Cognitive factors such as attention, memory, and mental models play a central role in how people interpret their environment, make choices, and respond to uncertainty. These processes can simplify decision-making but also introduce biases and errors with meaningful economic consequences.
This seminar investigates how cognition influences individual and collective economic outcomes. We explore how people allocate attention, recall and use past experiences, form beliefs through mental models, and sometimes make flawed inferences. We also consider how complexity and cognitive noise affect choices, and how misperceptions about others shape behavior in social and market settings.
No specific MIEPP course is required.
Schedule:
November 05, 2025: Introductory session
November 20, 2025: Individual meetings, questions on papers
November 21, 2025: Individual meetings, questions on papers
January 08, 2026, 11.59 pm: Deadline for a draft of your paper
January 15, 2026: Seminar with discussions & presentations
January 16, 2026: Seminar with discussions & presentations
January 30, 2026, 11:59 pm: Deadline for final paper
Individual meetings: every Tuesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am in room 02-135 (ReWi II)

Doctoral Seminar “Public and Behavioral Economics” WiSe 2025/2025
In the doctoral seminar, we present and discuss research projects in the fields of public and behavioral economics, and we teach new research methods that are being used in these fields. The seminar will take place every week and it lasts 90 minutes. All doctoral students and master students from economics at JGU are invited to attend. The seminar takes place in room 02-132 (ReWi II).
Schedule:
October 29, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session I
November 5, 2025 13:00-14:30: Session II
November 12, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session III
November 19, 2025 13:00 – 14:30: Session IV
November 26, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session V
December 3. 2025 13:00 – 14:30: Session VI
December 10, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session VII
December 17, 2025 13:00 – 14:30: Session VIII
January 7, 2026 12:00 – 14:00: Session IX
January 14, 2026 13:00 – 14:30: Session X
January 21, 2026 12:00 – 14:00: Session XI
January 28, 2026 13:00 – 14:30: Session XII
February 4, 2026 12:00 – 14:00: Session XIII

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.PhD Course “Intergenerational Economics”
This course is for advanced graduate students and it is part of the Graduate School of Economics, Finance, and Management (GSEFM) of the Universities of Darmstadt, Frankfurt and Mainz. It is taught at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt by Professor Daniel Schunk. For further information, please contact Professor Schunk directly at daniel.schunk@uni-mainz.deMaster Lecture and tutorial “Math review”
The course aims to review the math that is required for the economic courses the students will take in the following semesters. Hence, it tries to enable the students to dive into and enjoy modern economics that uses mathematical methods intensively in both theoretical and empirical work. We cover basic calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, probability theory, and basic statistics. The course is especially designed for those students who have not done a lot of math during their bachelors or for those who have been a while out of university.
Schedule:
April 15, 2025 08:00 – 18:00: Session I
April 16, 2025 08:00 – 18:00: Session II
April 17, 2025 08:00 – 18:00: Session III

Bachelorseminar SoSe 2025

Warum zahlen manche Menschen bereitwillig Steuern, während andere versuchen, sie zu vermeiden? Warum entscheiden sich einige für eine höhere Bildung, während andere trotz guter Chancen darauf verzichten? Die Verhaltensökonomie zeigt, dass politische Maßnahmen nicht nur durch klassische ökonomische Anreize wirken, sondern auch durch psychologische Faktoren beeinflusst werden. Dieses Seminar untersucht, wie Erkenntnisse der Verhaltensökonomie beispielsweise in der Steuer-, Verteilungs- und Bildungspolitik genutzt werden können.
Das Seminar eignet sich besonders für Studierende mit Interesse an Verhaltensökonomik. Viele Themen in diesem Seminar basieren auf neuer englischsprachiger Literatur. Die Quellen sind somit ausschließlich auf Englisch und die Bereitschaft zum Arbeiten mit englischen Quellen ist Voraussetzung für dieses Seminar.
Ablauf:
Beginn des Seminars: 28.04.2025
Abgabe des Exposés: 26.05.2025, per E-Mail
Präsentation des Exposés: 27.06.2025 und 03.07.2025
Beginn der Bachelorarbeit: 10.07.2025
Abgabe der Bachelorarbeit: 04.09.2025, per E-Mail
Individuelle Betreuung: jeden Mittwoch, 11:00 -12:00 Uhr in Raum 02-135 (Rewi II)

Masterseminar Public Policy SoSe 2025

Comparative Public Policy: How Differences in Policies Shape Macroeconomic Differences in Economic Performance
In this seminar, we explore the field of comparative economics. Comparative economics focuses on the effects of different economic systems, policies, and institutions on individual and macroeconomic success. We will cover a wide range of topics from innovation policy and entrepreneurship culture to education-, inflation- and climate-related policies. Through the seminar papers and discussions during the seminar sessions we will gain an understanding of the stark differences in economic outcomes – at the individual and country level – that can be caused even by slight differences in policies and institutions. In addition, some topics focus on the role of historic events and institutions in current economic performance and investigate how modern policies may alleviate historical burdens and inequalities.
We will provide you with a list of potential topics. If you would like to work on an alternative topic, we are open to that if you provide your own literature suggestions and / or data access.
Schedule:
Seminar kick-off & assignment of topics: April 28, 2025
Individual meetings (literature & outline): May 13, 2025
Seminar paper draft submission: June 17, 2025, via email
Seminar presentations: June 26, 2025
Seminar paper submission: July 17, 2025, via email
Individual meetings: Tuesdays, 2-3pm in room 02-141 (ReWi II)

Doctoral Seminar “Public and Behavioral Economics” SoSe 2025
In the doctoral seminar, we present and discuss research projects in the fields of public and behavioral economics, and we teach new research methods that are being used in these fields. The seminar will take place every two weeks and it lasts 90 minutes. All doctoral students and master students from economics at JGU are invited to attend.
Schedule:
April 23, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session I
May 7, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session II
May 21, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session III
June 4, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session IV
June 18, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session V
July 2, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session VI
July 16, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session VII

Bachelor (6 CP) Vorlesung und Übung “Öffentliche Finanzen”:
In den Vorlesungen werden grundlegende und aktuelle finanz- und wirtschaftspolitische Probleme vorgestellt und diskutiert. In der Übung werden hierzu quantitative Aufgaben gerechnet. Im Rahmen dieser Veranstaltung werden die Studierenden vertieft mit der Rolle des Staates in der Marktwirtschaft vertraut gemacht. Sie sollen Wirkungen der staatlichen Aktivität auf das Wirtschafts- und Sozialsystem verbal als auch formal-quantitativ analysieren und diskutieren können, ebenso die Rolle der Sozialversicherungsträger. Darüber hinaus wird den Studierenden ein grundlegendes Verständnis empirischer Daten zu Längsschnitt- und Querschnittvergleichen staatlicher Aktivität vermittelt, um sie zu befähigen, auf dieser Basis eigenständige empirische Analysen zu wirtschaftspolitischen Fragestellungen durchführen zu können.
Die Unterlagen werden über MS Teams bereitgestellt. Den Zugangscode erhalten Sie über Jogustine sowie während der ersten Vorlesung.

Bachelorseminar WiSe 2024/2025

Ein verhaltensökonomischer Blick auf die Umwelt- und Klimapolitik
Der Klimawandel gefährdet unsere Lebensgrundlage. Ein signifikanter Anteil der Treibhausgasemissionen sind Folgen von alltäglichen Entscheidungen der Menschen, die oft von den rationalen Entscheidungen des Homo oeconomicus abweichen. Wenn diese Abweichungen berücksichtigt werden, können politische Umweltmaßnahmen unter bestimmten Bedingungen effizienter gestaltet werden.
In diesem Seminar analysieren wir, wie verhaltensökonomische Erkenntnisse zur Gestaltung effizienter Umweltpolitik beitragen können. Wir untersuchen, wie Menschen auf politische Maßnahmen – wie beispielsweise eine CO2-Steuer – reagieren und wie diese Einblicke genutzt werden können, um die Maßnahmen zu verbessern.
Dieses Seminar richtet sich an Bachelor-Studierende. Bitte beachten Sie: Die Anmeldung zu diesem Seminar erfolgt nicht über den Lehrstuhl, sondern über Jogustine. Die Anmeldefristen entnehmen Sie bitte den Ankündigungen des Studienbüros. Die Themenvergabe findet bei der ersten Sitzung am 28. Oktober 2024 statt.
Das Seminar eignet sich besonders für Studierende mit Interesse an Verhaltensökonomik und Umweltökonomik. Viele Themen in diesem Seminar basieren auf neuer englischsprachiger Literatur.
Ablauf:
28. Oktober 2024: Einführung und Themenvergabe
06. November 2024: Individuelle Betreuung
07. November 2024: Individuelle Betreuung
25. November 2024: Abgabe des Exposés, per Mail
23. Januar 2025: Präsentation und Diskussion des Exposés
24. Januar 2025: Präsentation und Diskussion des Exposés
27. Januar 2025: Anmeldung der Bachelorarbeit
24. März 2025: Abgabe der Bachelorabeit, per Mail
Individuelle Betreuung: jeden Mittwoch, 11:00 -12:00 Uhr in Raum 02-142 (Rewi II)

Masterseminar Public Policy WiSe 2024/2025

Narratives in Economics
Narratives drive economic behavior by framing how individuals and institutions perceive and respond to economic realities. They influence individuals’ beliefs, investment decisions, and policy-making by providing a coherent context for understanding complex economic phenomena. Historical and contemporary examples reveal how powerful narratives can create economic booms, busts, and shifts in public policy. By examining these stories, we develop an understanding of how they translate to economic behavior and uncover the mechanisms by which narratives can alter market dynamics and drive individual decision making. In this seminar, we aim to dive deep into the conceptualization of narratives and investigate how they shape individuals’ beliefs and economic behavior.
No specific MIEPP course is required.
Schedule:
October 28, 2024: Introductory session
November 14, 2024: Individual meetings, questions on papers
November 15, 2024: Individual meetings, questions on papers
January 9, 2025, 11:59 pm: Deadline for a draft of your paper
January 16, 2025: Seminar with discussions & presentations
January 17, 2025: Seminar with discussions & presentations
February 7, 2025, 11:59 pm: Deadline for final paper
Individual meetings: every Tuesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am in room 02-135 (ReWi II).
Initial Literature:

Roos, M., & Reccius, M. (2024). Narratives in economics. Journal of Economic Surveys, 38(2), 303-341.
Shiller, R. J. (2017). Narrative economics. American Economic Review, 107(4), 967-1004.
Shiller, R. J. (2020). Narrative economics: How stories go viral and drive major economic events. Princeton University Press.

Doctoral Seminar “Public and Behavioral Economics” WiSe 2024/2025
In the doctoral seminar, we present and discuss research projects in the fields of public and behavioral economics, and we teach new research methods that are being used in these fields. The seminar will take place every two weeks and it lasts 90 minutes. All doctoral students and master students from economics at JGU are invited to attend. The seminar takes place in room 02-132 (ReWi II).
Schedule:
October 30, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session I
November 13, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session II
November 27, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session III
December 11, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session IV
January 8, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session V
January 22, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session VI
February 5, 2025 12:00 – 14:00: Session VII

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.Master Lecture and tutorial “Math review”
The course aims to review the math that is required for the economic courses the students will take in the following semesters. Hence, it tries to enable the students to dive into and enjoy modern economics that uses mathematical methods intensively in both theoretical and empirical work. We cover basic calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, probability theory, and basic statistics. The course is especially designed for those students who have not done a lot of math during their bachelors or for those who have been a while out of university.
Schedule:
April 16, 2024 10:00 – 18:00: Session I
April 17, 2024 10:00 – 18:00: Session II
April 18, 2024 10:00 – 18:00: Session III
April 19, 2024 10:00 – 18:00: Session IV

Doctoral Seminar “Public and Behavioral Economics” SoSe 2024:
In the doctoral seminar, we present and discuss research projects in the fields of public and behavioral economics, and we teach new research methods that are being used in these fields. The seminar will take place every two weeks and it lasts 90 minutes. All doctoral students and master students from economics at JGU are invited to attend.
Schedule:
April 24, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session I
May 8, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session II
May 22, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session III
June 5, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session IV
June 19, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session V
July 2, 2024 12:00 – 17:00: Session VI
July 3, 2024 09:00 – 17:00: Session VII
July 4, 2024 09:00 – 17:00: Session VIII
July 5, 2024 09:00 – 12:00: Session IX
July 17, 2024 12:00 – 14:00: Session X
The seminar takes place in room 01-102 (Q Building).

Bachelorseminar WiSe 2023/2024

Grundlagen und aktuelle Entwicklungen der Bildungsökonomik
Bildung ist ein wichtiger Produktivitätstreiber und somit auch Treiber von Einkommen und ökonomischem Wachstum. Darüber hinaus korreliert Bildung mit besserer Gesundheit, einem größeren zivilgesellschaftlichen Engagement sowie einer geringen Wahrscheinlichkeit, kriminell zu werden.
In diesem Seminar wollen wir ausgewählte Fragen der Bildungsökonomik untersuchen, die von grundlegenden Themenbereichen wie den individuellen und gesellschaftlichen Bildungsrenditen über die Effizienz und Fairness verschiedener Bildungspolitiken und -interventionen bis hin zu aktuellen Fragen hinsichtlich der Auswirkungen der Corona-Pandemie und dem Einsatz von adaptiver Lernsoftware reichen.
Dieses Seminar richtet sich an Bachelor-Studierende. Bitte beachten Sie: Die Anmeldung zu diesem Seminar erfolgt nicht über den Lehrstuhl, sondern über Jogustine. Die Anmeldefristen entnehmen Sie bitte den Ankündigungen des Studienbüros. Die Themenvergabe findet bei der ersten Sitzung am 02. November 2023 statt.
Das Seminar eignet sich besonders für Studierende mit Interesse an Mikroökonomik und Finanzwissenschaft. Viele Themen in diesem Seminar basieren auf neuer englischsprachiger Literatur.
Ablauf:
02.11.2023: Vorbesprechung und Themenvergabe in Raum HS VI (ReWi II)
08.11.2023 09-12 Uhr: Individuelle Betreuung
09.11.2023 15-18 Uhr: Individuelle Betreuung
30.11.2023: Abgabe des Exposés, per E-Mail
18.01.2024: Präsentation und Diskussion des Exposés
23.01.2024: Anmeldung der Bachelorarbeit
19.03.2024: Abgabe der Bachelorarbeit, per E-Mail
Individuelle Betreuung: jeden Montag, 11-12 Uhr in Raum 01-119 (Q-Gebäude)

Masterseminar Public Policy WiSe 2023/2024:

Exploring Randomized Experiments in Education
The application of randomized experiments has become increasingly prevalent in educational research. Randomized experiments are widely recognized as generating “gold standard” evidence. In 2019, the Nobel Prize was awarded to economists who use randomized experiments.
This seminar will focus on randomized experiments evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions. The central objective of this seminar is to analyze and critique experimental designs as well as to discuss the strengths and limitations of randomized experiments.
Each participant will present and review one paper, with an in-depth discussion and a critical assessment. For each paper, it should be stated what the key research question is and how it can be answered using a randomized experiment. The focus of the seminar presentation is also to address the key elements of the study design, such as the mode of randomization. Furthermore, the key findings should be presented with a focus on the interpretation of the treatment effects. Finally, the experiment should be discussed regarding its limitations like generalizability, contamination, Hawthorne, or John Henry effects.
In addition, we strongly encourage the participants to propose a redesign of the presented experiment where some of the limitations might be overcome or a different research question is addressed in the same setting.
No specific MIEPP course is required. However, sound knowledge of experimental methods is useful.
Schedule:
November 2, 2023: Introductory session in room HS VI (ReWi II)
November 16, 2023 01:00 – 06:00 pm: Individual meetings, questions on papers
January 12, 2024, 11:59 pm: Deadline for a draft of your paper
January 19, 2024: Seminar with discussions & presentations
February 9, 2024, 11:59 pm: Deadline for final paper
Individual meetings: every Monday, 10:00 – 11:00 am in room 01-119 (Q Building)

Doctoral Seminar “Public and Behavioral Economics” WiSe 2023/2024:
In the doctoral seminar, we present and discuss research projects in the fields of public and behavioral economics, and we teach new research methods that are being used in these fields. The seminar will take place every two weeks and it lasts 90 minutes. All doctoral students and master students from economics at JGU are invited to attend.
Schedule:
November 8, 2023 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session I
November 22, 2023 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session II
December 6, 2023 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session III
December 20, 2023 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session IV
January 17, 2024 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session V
January 31, 2024 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session VI
February 15, 2024 12:00 – 02:00 pm: Session VII
The seminar takes place in room 01-102 (Q Building).