Course # 31941 Section Number 2 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 11:00am-12:20pm Term Spring 2026 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. Notes Registered students who do not attend during week 1 of class will forfeit their seat and be withdrawn. Course Sections Quarter Course # Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Spring 2026 PPHA 31941/1 Behavioral Science and Public Policy Kim Wolske Tuesday, Thursday 9:30am-10:50am Syllabus Spring 2026 PPHA 31941/2 Behavioral Science and Public Policy Kim Wolske Tuesday, Thursday 11:00am-12:20pm Syllabus Recent News More news Student Profile: Rosa Dunn, MPP Class of 2027 Wed., August 27, 2025 Building Partnerships for a Changing World: Harris Welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Fri., August 15, 2025 From Harris to the World: How the Bartlett Fellowship Launches Environmental Leaders Tue., August 12, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Get to Know Harris! A Virtual Information Session Wed., September 03, 2025 | 12:00 PM Get to Know Harris! Appointment with MSCAPP Assistant Program Director William Smith Mon., September 08, 2025 | 11:00 AM University of Chicago Office Of Federal Relations 1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW Ste 275 Washington, DC 20006 United States Harris Social Impact Fellowship: Program Roundtable with Faculty Director Austin Wright Mon., September 08, 2025 | 5:00 PM