Teaching code

4S02512

Teacher

Luca Zarri

Coordinator

Luca Zarri

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

SECS-P/01 - ECONOMICS

Period

Secondo semestre LM dal Feb 17, 2025 al May 23, 2025.

Courses Single

Not Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The major goal of this course is to provide students with a better and more rigorous understanding of a number of economic and social phenomena that characterize contemporary advanced economic systems. Several important issues (including consumers' and investors' bounded rationality as well as the so called "happiness paradoxes") can be fruitfully analyzed through the lens of the major theoretical constructs and empirical findings (including experimental evidence) obtained in the last years within the framework of behavioural economics. These topics will be addressed through lectures as well as various forms of interactive teaching managed through the E-learning platform.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Familiarity with basic microeconomic notions is required, with special regard to the logic of consumer choice. In this regard, the chapters focusing on consumer theory in H. Varian's “Microeconomics” handbook are recommended.

Program

Introduction. What is "behavioural economics"? Origins and methodology of behavioural economics. Behavioural economics and experimental economics (lab experiments, field experiments and lab-in-the-field experiments)
Part One (1A): From classic rationality to bounded rationality: dual process theory (System 1 vs. System 2), heuristics and biases. The contribution of neuroeconomics
Part One (1B): From classic rationality to bounded rationality: choice architecture and nudging. “Libertarian paternalism” and nudging, for-profit nudges (“mis-nudges” and dark patterns; win-win nudges) and nudging in nonprofit organizations. Corporate Social Responsibility: the contribution of behavioral economics
Part Two. Subjective well-being paradoxes within advanced economies: the role of positional goods and relational goods

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The course includes both frontal teaching activities and participatory teaching actions. The latter - to be implemented through various forms of interactive teaching managed through the E-learning platform - will be systematically integrated into the frontal teaching activity in order to improve its overall effectiveness.
During the course, the specific teaching materials will be made available before each lecture on the E-Learning platform.
The reference handbook of the course is "Economia Comportamentale. Guida alla Teoria della Scelta", by E. Angner, Hoepli, 2017.
Further teaching materials will be provided online (e.g. op-eds from the website lavoce.info), through the E-learning service, within the specific webpage prepared for this course.
Classroom attendance, though not compulsory, is highly recommended.

Learning assessment procedures

60-minute written exam, aimed at testing students' understanding of a number of economic and social phenomena that characterize contemporary advanced economic systems and that can be fruitfully addressed through the lens of the major theoretical constructs and empirical findings (including experimental evidence) obtained in the last years within the framework of behavioural economics. The exam will be based on a) multiple choice questions and b) open-ended questions.

Evaluation criteria

The first component of the written exam (multiple choice questions) assigns a maximum of 16 points out of 30. The second component (open-ended questions) assigns a maximum of 14 points out of 30.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

First component: 16 points (out of 30)
Second component: 14 points (out of 30)

Exam language

Italiano