Course # 31941 Section Number 2 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 11:00am-12:20pm Term Spring 2025 Course Instructor Kim Wolske Syllabus Syllabus 2/26/25 Many policies are aimed at influencing people's behavior. The most well-intentioned policies can fail, however, if they are not designed to be compatible with the way people actually think and make decisions. This course will draw from the fields of cognitive, social, and environmental psychology to (1) examine the ways in which human behavior deviates from the standard rational actor model typically assumed by economics, and (2) provide strategies for improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of public-facing policies. The basic premise of this course is that a foundational understanding of human behavior can lead not only to more effective policies, but enhanced decision-making and well-being. This course was previously titled Psychology for Policy Designers. Quarter Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Spring 2025 Behavioral Science and Public Policy Kim Wolske Tuesday, Thursday 9:30am-10:50am Syllabus Spring 2025 Behavioral Science and Public Policy Kim Wolske Tuesday, Thursday 11:00am-12:20pm Syllabus 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