* Being able to analyse a wide range of social phenomena from an economic point of view
* Understand how economic theory explains individuals' behaviour, institutions, and society in general
* Being able to read and evaluate empirical research analysing these issues
* Understand basic econometric tools with which empirical claims about causality can be established

Discrimination, crime, marriage, fertility, education or religion are all examples for key parts of our societies. The behaviour of people and the design of institutions in these social contexts has major consequences for the society (including policy and the economy as a whole). Economists claim that the economic approach is useful in explaining human behaviour and social interactions in such settings and hence helps to better understand the functioning of societies. This in turn will help to design policies helping to achieve societal goals. This course will analyse different social phenomena through the lens of economists. It trains students to understand and analyse a wide range of social phenomena from an economic point of view and to investigate and interpret these issues empirically. In particular, students are given a thorough understanding of how social phenomena can be analysed from an economic perspective and they get an introduction to econometric tools with which empirical claims about causality can be established.

A selection of academic articles.

This course is in transition for the bachelor Fiscal Economics.
See the Bachelor Education and Examination Regulations for more information.

The following rule applies to bachelor Fiscal Economics students.
TRANSITIONAL REGULATION (EBC2194):
The bachelor Fiscal Economics has been discontinued.

There will be repeat education for year 1 and year 2 courses up to and including academic year 2025-2026 and exam-only up to and including academic year 2026-2027. For year 3 courses there will be repeat education up to and including 2026-2027 and exam-only up to and including academic year 2027-2028.

Whether a course is in transition, cancelled, or replaced may depend on the cohort you are in. Sometimes there are additional criteria. It is therefore very important to carefully read the EER and any addendum so you can apply the rules to your individual situation.


PREREQUISITES:
Basic understanding of economic theory and quantitative methods, an advanced level of English.