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Behavioral Economics and Sustainability
(dt. Behavioral Economics and Sustainability)

Level, degree of commitment Specialization module, compulsory elective module
Forms of teaching and learning,
workload		 Lecture (2 SWS) and recitation class (2SWS),
(attendance: 56 hours (können teilweise in Form von Blended Learning stattfinden), Lernzeit: 45 hours, Zeit für formative Aufgaben: 34 hours, Zeit zur exam preparation: 45 hours)
Credit points,
formal requirements		 6 CP
Course requirement(s): 6-8 worksheets or presentation (10-30 minutes) or term paper (8-10 pages)
Examination type: Written examination or Term paper or Presentation. IMPORTANT: This module is offered by FB02; the exam can only be retaken twice.
Language,
Grading		 English,
The grading is done with 0 to 15 points according to the examination regulations for the degree program M.Sc. Economics, Institutions, and Behavior.
Duration,
frequency		 One semester,
Person in charge of the module's outline Prof. Dr. Björn Vollan

Contents

This course examines theories of behavioral and societal change with a focus on the obstacles to sustainable transformations.


Qualification Goals

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to

  • explain key concepts in behavioral economics relevant to sustainability transformation, including cognitive biases and mental models that influence sustainable behavior,
  • describe cultural and institutional path dependencies to sustainability,
  • critically evaluate empirical research methods from economics, psychology, sociology and related disciplines, and
  • present and discuss behavioral interventions.

Prerequisites

None. The competences taught in the following module are recommended: Experimental Economics .


Applicability

Module imported from M.Sc. Economics, Institutions, and Behavior.

When studying M.Sc. Business Mathematics, this module can be attended in the study area Business and Economics Focus Area: Economics.


Recommended Reading

(not specified)



Please note:

This page describes a module according to the latest valid module guide in Winter semester 2025/26. Most rules valid for a module are not covered by the examination regulations and can therefore be updated on a semesterly basis. The following versions are available in the online module guide:

  • Winter 2016/17 (no corresponding element)
  • Summer 2018 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2018/19 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2019/20 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2020/21 (no corresponding element)
  • Summer 2021 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2021/22 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2022/23 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2023/24 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2025/26

The module guide contains all modules, independent of the current event offer. Please compare the current course catalogue in Marvin.

The information in this online module guide was created automatically. Legally binding is only the information in the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). If you notice any discrepancies or errors, we would be grateful for any advice.