Course # 39925 Section Number 1 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 11:00am-12:20pm Term Fall 2025 Specialization Energy & Environmental Policy Course Instructor Kim Wolske Syllabus Syllabus 9/5/24 The success of many environmental and energy-related policies depends on the support and cooperation of the public. This course, drawing from multiple fields of behavioral science, will examine the psychological and social aspects of different energy-related behaviors, ranging from household energy conservation to public support and opposition for emergent energy technologies (e.g., wind farms, fracking, etc.). Through a mix of lecture and discussion, we will explore questions such as: what are potential motivations and barriers – beyond financial considerations – to the uptake of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies? How can policies be designed to enhance adoption? Why is climate change such a divisive issue and what are the psychological barriers that prevent concerned people from acting? Why do people support clean energy broadly but object to developments when proposed in their own communities? By taking a behavioral approach, the course aims to equip students with an enhanced framework for evaluating energy and environmental policies that goes beyond traditional economic and regulatory perspectives. There are no prerequisites. Notes Registered students who do not attend during week 1 of class will forfeit their seat and be withdrawn. Recent News More news Q&A: Assistant Professor Erin Kelley on Her Work in Program Evaluation, International Development, and With the World Bank Wed., July 09, 2025 University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Launch New Pathbreaking Master’s Program in Climate and Energy Policy Tue., July 08, 2025 Provost Katherine Baicker Appointed Emmett Dedmon Distinguished Service Professor Thu., July 03, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Harris Summer Mixer in Washington, DC: Cultivating Policy Connections Thu., July 10, 2025 | 5:00 PM Harris Summer Mixer in Washington, DC: Cultivating Policy Connections Office of Federal Relations 1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington,, DC 20006 United States Coffee Chat Fri., July 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM Tatte Bakery and Cafe 2129 I St NW Washington, DC 20037 United States Coffee Chat Fri., July 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM Greenberry's Coffee Co. 1805 E St NW Washington, DC 20006 United States
January 22, 2025 Q&A: Professor Ryan Kellogg on "The End of Oil" and the Future of the Global Energy Market