Summer School at U Copenhagen
Here is information about how to register for this course. The course is open to foreign students (and students enrolled at other Danish Universities).
The course starts July 26, 2026 (at 10:00 sharp) and lectures end August 14. The exam is held on Aug. 18.
Registered students can access all materials for the summer school through https://absalon.ku.dk/ . Some materials, especially readings, will be made avaliable about 3 weeks before the course starts. The lecture notes and assignments will be posted as the course progesses.
Here is the syllabus of 2025.
Behavioral economics seeks to make economics a more relevant and powerful science of human behavior by integrating insights from psychology and the social sciences. Experiments play a crucial role in testing to what extent this integration is necessary and fruitful.
Behavioral and Experimental Economics is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that offers fresh insights into longstanding and fundamental questions in economics. Its significance is reflected in the recognition it has received, including several Nobel Prizes. Given the pace of development and the breadth of the field, this course does not aim to provide a comprehensive overview. Instead, it focuses on a selection of key topics.
The course addresses the following questions:
- What are the advantages and limitations of experimental economics?
- How can (different types of) experiments be used to shed new light on important questions in economics?
- How important are deviations from the assumptions of full rationality and strict self-interest in determining outcomes of economic interaction?
I argue that identifying individual-level “anomalies” is not sufficient to demonstrate their economic and social importance. Instead, it is essential to analyze how institutions can either mitigate or multiply these anomalies. The course discusses a broad range of institutions, including markets, bargaining and democratic decision-making.
Requirements: Microeconomics III or equivalent. The course can be taken by advanced Bachelor, Master (as an elective) or PhD students (with a research module).
Successful completion of this course earns students 7.5 ECTS credits.
Grading:
Participation in experiments and analysis of experimental data is required for admission to final exam (see a); b) 100% final exam (2 hours). The assessment language is English.
a) Active participation in all demonstration experiments (see schedule below) is a core component of this course. No prior preparation is required for these experiments. You earn a “pass” grade if you are present, attentive and make “reasonable” choices during the experiment. Students are encouraged to complete assignments based on the demonstration experiments. Students provide a brief data analysis after each experimental session and respond to specific questions about the experiment. Familiarity with the literature is not expected at this stage (we will talk about the experiments in the lecture). Maximum length of a paper: 4 pages text (not counting graphs, tables, see separate guidelines for more details). Students work in groups (of 2 or) 3. Papers are graded on a “pass” or “fail” basis. Submission of at least one passing paper is required for admission to the final exam. I strongly recommend submitting the first assignment. Please plan accordingly.