M.A. Seminar: Intertemporal Choice

Intertemporal choice governs our decisions across time, shaping everything from our daily tasks to our long-term goals. It affects how we manage our health, finances, education, and even environmental conservation. However, these choices often deviate from what classical economic theory predicts due to various psychological, cognitive, social, and individual factors. This deviation and its implications are the core of this seminar course.

We will study the current frontier of the intertemporal choice from theoretical, empirical, and policy perspectives. Topics will include the psychological and economic underpinnings of procrastination, the impact of seemingly insignificant costs on behavior, or the theoretical paradoxes in financial habits. Other areas of study involve investigating individual differences in intertemporal choice or the mechanisms that influence these decisions. Additionally, we will examine how intertemporal choice plays a role in policy areas like climate change or health. Students are free to choose a topic that aligns with their own interests.

Each student will select a topic or research question, investigate the current scientific literature, and present their findings to the class. This will culminate in a seminar paper that makes an original contribution to the area. The paper can either be a (1) literature review and analysis of a specific topic, or a (2) an analysis and extension of the empirical results of a published paper using statistical software.

In addition to the substantive content, the course will also address effective academic writing skills. Weekly office hours will be available for students to discuss their ideas, get feedback, and refine their projects.

Grading:

All presentations and written material must be in English.

Seminar paper (60%), presentation (30%), active participation (10%).

Dates:

We will meet in person.

  •  Kick-off meeting: Friday, 27.10.2023, 11:45-13:15
  • Writing workshop (optional): Friday, 27.10.23, 13:15-14:00, directly after kick-off
  •  Presentations: Friday, 12.01.2024 and Saturday, 13.01.2024 
  •  Peer writing workshop (optional): week after presentations