Behavioral Economics: An Introductory Course

Name: Behavioral Economics: An Introductory Course
Rating: 4.7 (785 reviews)

A Course Designed to Give You a Better Understanding of the World Around You--Perfect for University and Adult Learners!

Highest Rated

Created byBrad Cartwright

Last updated 1/2026

English

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What you'll learn

A love of Economics that I hope is contagious!
This Course is an Ideal Companion to any Introductory Economics Class in the World!
A thorough understanding of the main principles of Behavioral Economics
A thorough understanding of the critique of rational economic thought
A thorough understanding of the assumptions of the Neoclassical view of Economics
A thorough understanding of the critique of consumers' rational thinking
A thorough understanding of the Dual System Model
A thorough understanding of cognitive biases
A thorough understanding of choice architecture
A thorough understanding of the Nudge Theory

Course content

1 section • 9 lectures • 1h 1m total length

Introduction Behavioral Economics - A Critique of Rational Economic Thought1:58
Explore the critique of rational consumer behavior and classical economic assumptions. See how behavioral economics portrays humans as complex and sometimes unpredictable, influenced by climate change and others.
Assumptions of Neoclassical View of Economics5:50
Explore the neoclassical assumptions, including rational agents maximizing utility and profits with perfect information, and see how behavioral economics challenges homo economicus.
What is Behavioral Economics?5:59
Explore how behavioral economics blends psychology with economics, challenging the idea of rational, fully informed buyers and highlighting bounded rationality, incomplete information, social context, and self-control.
A Critique of Consumers' Rational Thinking6:51
Explore how behavioral economics challenges neoclassical assumptions of perfect information and rational choice, highlighting bounded rationality, bounded selfishness, and bounded self-control in everyday decisions.
The Dual System Model9:37
Explore the dual system model, distinguishing system one (automatic) from system two (reflective). Trace how Kahneman, Tversky, and Thaler show fast thinking versus slow deliberate reasoning, challenging rational consumer behavior.
Cognitive Biases8:59
Explore how cognitive biases influence decision making. Behavioral economists frame biases like availability, anchoring, framing, social conformity, status quo inertia, loss aversion, and hyperbolic discounting to explain consumer choices.
Choice Architecture9:04
Explore choice architecture, where decision-shaping defaults and options influence everyday choices—from checkout lines and advertising to default search engines, organ donation opt-in or opt-out, and mandated choices.
Nudge Theory9:40
Explore nudge theory and choice architecture, showing how government nudges with information and incentives can guide people toward healthier, wealthier, and happier choices without mandating them.
Closing Remarks on Behavioral Economics3:12
Explore how behavioral economics broadens the critique of rational consumer behavior, highlighting the influence of choice architects and governments on real decision making, and shaping economic thought.

Requirements

Just a curious mind and an interest in the world around you!

Description

Hi, I'm Brad, and have you ever wondered why we don’t always make perfectly rational decisions, especially when it comes to money, resources, or time?

Welcome to my Behavioral Economics course—a deep dive into the fascinating interplay of psychology, decision-making, and economics.

This course is designed for anyone eager to understand the quirks of human behavior in economic settings and beyond. It’s not just about numbers or graphs; it’s about people—their stories, choices, and the forces shaping their decisions every day.

Complete with engaging video lessons and downloadable notes, this course covers:

An Introduction to Behavioral Economics
A Critique of Rational Economic Thought
The Assumptions of Neoclassical Economics
Why Consumers Don’t Always Think Rationally
The Dual System Model
Cognitive Biases
Choice Architecture
Nudge Theory
And, of course, my love of Economics that I hope is contagious!

Behavioral Economics challenges the traditional economic view that humans are entirely rational beings. Instead, it explores how emotions, biases, and environmental cues influence our decisions. It’s eye-opening, relatable, and incredibly applicable to everyday life—from understanding personal choices to tackling global challenges.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a toolkit of ideas to interpret human behavior through an economic lens, whether for personal growth, business, or just satisfying your curiosity about what drives the world around us.

A Weekly Bonus

As a student in this course, you’ll also receive a subscription to my weekly newsletter, Just One Thing. Each Monday, I’ll send you a quick, two-minute breakdown of one key economic concept. It’s a simple, stress-free way to expand your understanding of the world, one idea at a time.

I’ve been fortunate to explore the world as a Peace Corps Volunteer, a graduate of Duke University, and someone who has traveled to over 55 countries. These experiences shape my approach to teaching Economics as a study of people—how we act, decide, and influence the world around us.

I’m excited to join you on this journey into Behavioral Economics!

Who this course is for:

All people of all ages interested learning about the Economics
IB Economics Students
University Students
AP Economics Students
A-Level Economics Students
And ESPECIALLY adults who had a horrible Economics teacher in university!