Behavioral Economics: An Introductory Course

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!