Behavioral Economics: An Introductory Course

Discover the power of behavioral economics and unlock a deeper understanding of human decision-making! This course, led by Brad, dives into the fascinating intersection of psychology and economics to reveal why we often deviate from perfectly rational choices, especially when it comes to money, resources, and time.

Are you curious about the quirks of human behavior in economic situations? This course is for you! We move beyond traditional numbers and graphs to explore the stories and forces shaping our everyday decisions.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Introduction to Behavioral Economics: A foundational overview of the field.
• Critique of Rational Economic Thought: Examining the limitations of purely rational models.
• Assumptions of Neoclassical Economics: Understanding the core principles and their shortcomings.
• Why Consumers Don’t Always Think Rationally: Exploring the reasons behind irrational choices.
• The Dual System Model: How our brains make decisions – intuitively and analytically.
• Cognitive Biases: Identifying common mental shortcuts and their impact.
• Choice Architecture: How the environment influences our decisions.
• Nudge Theory: Understanding subtle changes that can guide behavior.

Behavioral economics challenges the traditional economic view of humans as purely rational. We'll explore how emotions, biases, and environmental cues significantly influence our choices. This knowledge is incredibly applicable to everyday life, helping you understand personal finance, business strategies, and global trends.

By the end of this course, you'll gain a valuable toolkit for interpreting human behavior through an economic lens – perfect for personal growth, business insights, or simply satisfying your curiosity about what drives the world.

Weekly Bonus: Receive a weekly newsletter, "Just One Thing," with a quick, two-minute breakdown of a key economic concept each Monday. Expand your understanding of the world, one idea at a time!

Brad brings a unique perspective to economics as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Duke University graduate, and traveler to over 55 countries. His experiences shape a teaching approach that emphasizes understanding people – how we act, decide, and influence the world.

Join us on this exciting journey into behavioral economics and discover the science behind why we do what we do!