Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2018
GESS Science in Perspective Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as "GESS Science in Perspective" course. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. These course units are also listed under "Type A", which basically means all students can enroll | ||||||
Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. | ||||||
Economics | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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851-0252-04L | Behavioral Studies Colloquium Number of participants limited to 50. | W | 2 credits | 2K | M. Kapur, H.‑D. Daniel, D. Helbing, C. Hölscher, R. Schubert, C. Stadtfeld, E. Stern, E. Ziegler | |
Abstract | This colloquium offers an opportunity for students to discuss their ongoing research and scientific ideas in the behavioral sciences, both at the micro- and macro-levels of cognitive, behavioral and social science. It also offers an opportunity for students from other disciplines to discuss their research ideas in relation to behavioral science. The colloquium also features invited research talks. | |||||
Objective | Students know and can apply autonomously up-to-date investigation methods and techniques in the behavioral sciences. They achieve the ability to develop their own ideas in the field and to communicate their ideas in oral presentations and in written papers. The credits will be obtained by a written report of approximately 10 pages. | |||||
Content | This colloquium offers an opportunity for students to discuss their ongoing research and scientific ideas in the behavioral sciences, both at the micro- and macro-levels of cognitive, behavioral and social science. It also offers an opportunity for students from other disciplines to discuss their ideas in so far as they have some relation to behavioral science. The possible research areas are wide and may include theoretical as well as empirical approaches in Social Psychology and Research on Higher Education, Sociology, Modeling and Simulation in Sociology, Decision Theory and Behavioral Game Theory, Economics, Research on Learning and Instruction, Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science. Ideally the students (from Bachelor, Master, Ph.D. and Post-Doc programs) have started to start work on their thesis or on any other term paper. Course credit can be obtained either based on a talk in the colloquium plus a written essay, or by writing an essay about a topic related to one of the other talks in the course. Students interested in giving a talk should contact the course organizers (Ziegler, Kapur) before the first session of the semester. Priority will be given to advanced / doctoral students for oral presentations. The course credits will be obtained by a written report of approximately 10 pages. The colloquium also serves as a venue for invited talks by researchers from other universities and institutions related to behavioral and social sciences. | |||||
851-0157-75L | Behavioral Insights for Environmental and Public Policy Number of participants limited to 24 Particularly suitable for students D-MTEC, D-USYS | W | 2 credits | 2V | J. Schmitz, C. Ghesla, M. Grieder, V. Tiefenbeck | |
Abstract | The course provides an introduction to behavioral environmental economics, and highlights the importance of understanding human behavior and psychology for tackling current environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution or new technology adoption. We discuss recent scientific evidence on topics such as public goods, risk perception, heuristics and biases, impatience, or "nudging". | |||||
Objective | At the end of the course, students understand the importance of economic and psychological forces for determining environmentally relevant decisions of consumers and citizens. Students will learn about the existing scientific evidence regarding the most important behavioral forces and have a good understanding of their consequences for environmental outcomes, and what it means to design effective public policies or marketing strategies that take these behavioral forces into account. Students will also learn the basics of how to use experimental methods to scientifically test the effectiveness of potential policy interventions or marketing strategies targeted at changing people's behavior in a pro-environmental way. | |||||
851-0609-04L | The Energy Challenge - The Role of Technology, Business and Society Prerequisites: Knowledge in Economics and Environmental Issues is obligatory. Particularly suitable for students D-BAUG, ITET, MAVT, USYS | W | 2 credits | 2V | R. Schubert, T. Schmidt, J. Schmitz, B. Steffen | |
Abstract | In recent years, energy security, risks, access and availability are important issues. Strongly redirecting and accelerating technological change on a sustainable low-carbon path is essential. The transformation of current energy systems into sustainable ones is not only a question of technology but also of the goals and influences of important actors like business, politics and society. | |||||
Objective | In this course different options of sustainable energy systems like fossile energies, nuclear energy or all sorts of renewable energies are explained and discussed. The students should be able to understand and identify advantages and disadvantages of the different technological options and discuss their relevance in the business as well as in the societal context. | |||||
Lecture notes | Materials will be made available on the electronic learning platform: Link | |||||
Literature | Materials will be made available on the electronic learning platform: Link | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Various lectures from different disciplines. | |||||
851-0636-00L | Economics II Does not take place this semester. | W | 2 credits | 2G | ||
Abstract | The course in economics extends over two semesters. The focus during the winter term is on the introduction to economic theory and thought. These considerations provide the fundamental requirements for the analysis of land, habitation and space from an economic perspective in the summer term. | |||||
Objective | ||||||
Content | The course in economics extends over two semesters. The focus during the Fall term is on an introduction to economic thought. These considerations provide the fundamental requirements for the economic analysis of land, housing and urban markets in the following Spring term. The Fall semester focuses on the economic way of thinking. We shall discover why A. Marshall defined economics as "a study of mankind in the ordinary business of life". The course introduces the student to the "big questions" in economics, such as the concept of rationality and its limits, factors driving supply and demand, the working of markets, the importance of the price system and the reasons why markets may fail. There are many interactions between economic and social phenomena on the one hand, and the built environment on the other. Our knowledge of the fundamental economic principles will allow us to understand the workings of the housing, land, credit and real estate markets - markets of fundamental importance for the future architect. We consider questions such as: which are the major problems of the land market? Which factors determine the price of land? What are the economic drivers that shape the form of our cities? Which are the primary difficulties in designing a reasonable housing policy. Finally, the courses discusses the main determinants of real estate investment -- both its risks and its opportunities. | |||||
860-0013-00L | Political Economy Prerequisite: An introductory course in Economics is required to sign up for this course. | W | 3 credits | 2V | J.‑E. Sturm, V. Eichenauer | |
Abstract | This course takes incentives of politicians into account to form a better understanding of the formation of policy and the role of different political institutions in shaping economic policy. | |||||
Objective | In principles courses of economics, the functioning of markets and ways in which the government can shape and influence are discussed. The implicit assumption thereby is that the government will act in the interest of society at large. This course takes incentives of politicians into account to thereby form a better understanding of the formation of policy and the role of different political institutions in shaping economic policy. The course will consist of three blocks. In the first, the basic issues and the tools of modelling political equilibria will be discussed. These will subsequently be used to look into redistributive policies. The focus thereby is on how the interplay between democratic institutions and self-seeking individuals, lobby groups, and parties determines the degree of redistribution in a society. By taking also intertemporal issues into account, the third part allows us to analyse public debt levels, pensions, capital taxation and economic growth. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | An introductory course in Economics is required to sign up for this course. | |||||
363-0532-00L | Economics of Sustainable Development | W | 3 credits | 2V | L. Bretschger | |
Abstract | Concepts and indicators of sustainable development, paradigms of weak and strong sustainability; neoclassical and endogenous growth models; pollution, environmental policy and growth; role of substitution possibilities and technological progress; Environmental Kuznets Curve: concept, theory and empirical results; economic growth in the presence of exhaustible and renewable resources. | |||||
Objective | The aim is to develop an understanding of the implications of sustainable development for the long-run development of economies. It is to be shown to which extent the potential for growth to be sustainable depends on substitution possibilities, technological change and environmental policy. | |||||
Content | The lecture introduces different concepts and paradigms of sustainable development. Building on this foundation and following a general introduction to the modelling of economic growth, conditions for growth to be sustainable in the presence of pollution and scarce natural resources are derived. Special attention is devoted to the scope for substitution and role of technological progress in overcoming resource scarcities. Implications of environmental externalities are regarded with respect to the design of environmental policies. Concepts and indicators of sustainable development, paradigms of weak and strong sustainability, sustainability optimism vs. pessimism; introduction to neoclassical and endogenous growth models; pollution, environmental policy and growth; role of substitution possibilities and technological progress; Environmental Kuznets Curve: concept, theory and empirical results; economic growth in the presence of exhaustible and renewable resources, Hartwick rule, resource saving technological change. | |||||
Lecture notes | Will be provided successively in the course of the semester. | |||||
Literature | Bretschger, F. (1999), Growth Theory and Sustainable Development, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Bretschger, L. (2004), Wachstumstheorie, Oldenbourg, 3. Auflage, München. Perman, R., Y. Ma, J. McGilvray and M. Common (2003), Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, Longman , 3d ed., Essex. Neumayer, E. (2003), Weak and Strong Sustainability, 2nd ed., Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. | |||||
363-0564-00L | Entrepreneurial Risks | W | 3 credits | 2G | D. Sornette | |
Abstract | -General introduction to the different dimensions of risks with emphasis on entrepreneurial, financial and social risks. -Development of the concepts and tools to understand these risks, control and master them. -Decision making and risks; human cooperation and risks | |||||
Objective | We live a in complex world with many nonlinear negative and positive feedbacks. Entrepreneurship is one of the leading human activity based on innovation to create new wealth and new social developments. This course will analyze the risks (upside and downside) associated with entrepreneurship and more generally human activity in the firms, in social networks and in society. The goal is to present what we believe are the key concepts and the quantitative tools to understand and manage risks. An emphasis will be on large and extreme risks, known to control many systems, and which require novel ways of thinking and of managing. We will examine the questions of (i) how much one can manage and control these risks, (ii) how these actions may feedback positively or negatively and (iii) how to foster human cooperation for the creation of wealth and social well-being. Depending on the number of students and of the interest, the exam will consist in a project, one for each student or in small groups, focused on the application of the concepts and tools developed in this class to problems of practical use to the students in their varied fields. The choice of the subjects will be jointly decided by the students and the professor. | |||||
Content | This content is not final and is subjected to change and adaptation during the development of the course in order to take into account feedbacks from the students and participants to the course. 1- Risks in the firm and in entrepreneurship -What is risk? The four levels. -Conceptual and technical tools -Introduction to three different concepts of probability -Useful notions of probability theory (Frequentist versus Bayesian approach, the central limit theorem and its generalizations, extreme value theory) -Where are the risks for firms? Downside and upside -Diversification and market risks 2-The world of power law risks -Stable laws -power laws and beyond -calculation tools -scale invariance, fractal and multifractals -mechanisms for power laws -Examples in the corporate, financial and social worlds 3-Risks emerging from collective self-organization -concept of bottom-up self-organization -bifurcations, theory of catastrophes, phase transitions -predictability -the hierarchical approach to understanding self-organization 4-Measures of risks -coherent and consistent measures of risks -origin of risks -dependence structure of risks -measures of dependence and of extreme dependences -introduction to copulas 5-Conceptual and mathematical models of risk processes -self-excited point processes of economic and financial shocks -agent-based models applied to collective emergent behavior in organization of firms and societies and their risks 6-Endogenous versus exogenous origins of crises -mild crises versus wild catastrophes: black swans and kings -the dynamics of commercial sales -the dynamics of Youtube views and internet downloads -the dynamics of risks in the financial markets -strategic management and extreme risks 7-Why do markets burst and crash? -collective behavior, imitation and herding -humans as social animals and consequence of risks -bubbles and crashes in human affairs, innovation, new technologies 8-Limits of predictability, of control and of management -the phenomenon of ``illusion of control'' -the world is a whole: irreducible risks from lack of diversification -intrinsic limits of predictability -the concept of pockets of predictability 9-Human-made risks -political, financial, economics, natural risks -elements on theories of decision making -Human cooperation and its lack thereof, mechanisms and design | |||||
Lecture notes | The lecture notes will be distributed a the beginning of each lecture. | |||||
Literature | I will use elements taken from my books -D. Sornette Critical Phenomena in Natural Sciences, Chaos, Fractals, Self-organization and Disorder: Concepts and Tools, 2nd ed. (Springer Series in Synergetics, Heidelberg, 2004) -Y. Malevergne and D. Sornette Extreme Financial Risks (From Dependence to Risk Management) (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006). -D. Sornette, Why Stock Markets Crash (Critical Events in Complex Financial Systems), (Princeton University Press, 2003) as well as from a variety of other sources, which will be indicated to the students during each lecture. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | -A deep curiosity and interest in asking questions and in attempting to understand and manage the complexity of the corporate, financial and social world -quantitative skills in mathematical analysis and algebra for the modeling part. | |||||
363-1039-00L | Introduction to Negotiation | W | 3 credits | 2G | M. Ambühl, T. Langenegger | |
Abstract | The course combines different lecture formats to provide students with both the theoretical background and the practical appreciation of negotiation. A core element of the course is an introduction to the concept of negotiation engineering. | |||||
Objective | Students learn to understand and to identify different negotiation situations, analyze specific cases, and discuss respective negotiation approaches based on important negotiation methods (i.a. Game Theory, Harvard Method). | |||||
Content | The course combines different lecture formats to provide students with both the theoretical background and the practical appreciation of negotiation. A core element is an introduction to the concept of negotiation engineering. The course covers a brief overview of different negotiation approaches, different categories of negotiations, selected negotiation models, as well as in-depth discussions of real-world case studies on international negotiations involving Switzerland. Students learn to deconstruct specific negotiation situations, to differentiate key aspects and to develop and apply a suitable negotiation approach based on important negotiation methods. | |||||
Literature | The list of relevant references will be distributed in the beginning of the course. | |||||
363-1050-00L | Simulation of Negotiations: Ukraine-Russia-European Union Relations Does not take place this semester. | W | 3 credits | 3V | M. Ambühl | |
Abstract | The Global Studies Institute (University of Geneva) is organizing a simulation seminar on Ukraine-Russia-European Union relations in collaboration with SciencesPo Paris and the Chair of Negotiation and Conflict Management (ETH). | |||||
Objective | Students will have the possibility to participate in simulated diplomatic negotiations and to analyse and assess the negotiation logic behind the situation. During the course, they should gain insight in the relations between Ukraine, Russia and the European Union as well as on negotiation techniques in general. The simulation is conducted in collaboration with experts and students during a two days seminar at the University of Geneva. | |||||
Content | In the lectures, students will be provided with basic information on the relations between Ukraine, Russia and the European Union. The historical, political and socio-economic dimensions of these relations, including the various treaties and existing agreements and their evolution will be analyzed. Students will as well participate in an introduction on negotiation techniques, particularly on the negotiation engineering approach. On the basis of the comprehensive analysis, negotiation scenarii will be developed and subsequently tested during a two-day simulation exercise. The simulation exercise will be prepared with the help of experienced negotiators and experts. The simulation exercise is intended for Masters degree and PhD students. The course will be taught in English. The project is headed by Prof. Micheline Calmy-Rey, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva. More details on the program, timetable, reading lists and performance assessment will be published here (ETH-login needed): Link Students from ETH Zurich and Sciences Po will participate in the seminar sessions via video conferencing. They will come to Geneva for the session scheduled on 31 March and for the simulation exercise on 18 and 19 May 2017. Dates/Time/Location GE = University of Geneva; VC = Video conference (ETH main building: HG D22) 21 February | 10:15-12:00 | 1. Indroductory session (VC) 28 February | 10:15-12:00 | 2. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (VC) 7 March | 10:15-12:00 | 3. Implementation of the Minsk Protocol: security dimension (VC) 14 March | 10:15-12:00 | 4. Implementation of the Minsk Protocol: humanitarian aspects (VC) 21 March | 10:15-12:00 | 5. Implementation of the Minsk Protocol: political dimension, position of the separatist group (VC) 31 March | 10:30-17:30 | 6. Introduction to negotiation techniques and discussion on the modalities of the simulation and the set-up of the negotiation tables (GE, Uni Dufour, room 408) 4 April | 10:15-12:00 | 7. Implementation of the Minsk Protocol: political dimension, position of the European Union (VC) 11 April | 10:15-12:00 | 8. Preparation of the negotiation tables (VC) 18 May, 10:00-19:30; 19. May, 8:30 - 19:00 | 9. Simulation of negotiations (GE) 23 May 2017 | 10:15-12:00 | 10. Debriefing (VC) In preparation of the simulation, students will prepare a half-page summary of their negotiation mandate and draft brief statements, if possible in collaboration with the permanent missions of the respective countries. After the simulation, a report and a press release have to be submitted by 23 May 2017. (Technical note for registration: At this stage all registered students are on the waiting list) | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Evaluation: I. Active participation in class (50%) 1. Attend all seminar sessions either in person or via videoconference and actively participate in discussions. If you cannot attend a session, please notify the teaching assistant in advance. In case of excessive absences, credit points will be reduced; 2. Participate in person in the session of 31 March 2017 and in the two-day simulation exercise (18 and 19 May); 3. Do the required readings and regularly read international newspapers (e.g. Financial Times, The New York Times, The Economist, NZZ). II. Texts to be submitted before, during and after the simulation (50%) 1. Before the simulation: students will prepare a 4-5 pages summary of their negotiating mandate, including a summary of the position of all the parties (group evaluation). The negotiation mandate should not be longer than 5 pages and should be submitted by April 24. 2. During the simulation: students draft and present an introductory and final statement (group evaluation). 3. After the simulation: a report on the negotiation outcomes to the Organization, State or region they represent (3-4 pages) and a press release (max. 1 page) have to be submitted by 23 May 2017. The report and press release are individually evaluated. | |||||
364-0576-00L | Advanced Sustainability Economics PhD course, open for MSc students | W | 3 credits | 2G | L. Bretschger | |
Abstract | The course covers current resource and sustainability economics, including ethical foundations of sustainability, intertemporal optimisation in capital-resource economies, sustainable use of non-renewable and renewable resources, pollution dynamics, population growth, and sectoral heterogeneity. A final part is on empirical contributions, e.g. the resource curse, energy prices, and the EKC. | |||||
Objective | Understanding of the current issues and economic methods in sustainability research; ability to solve typical problems like the calculation of the growth rate under environmental restriction with the help of appropriate model equations. | |||||
351-0578-00L | Introduction to Economic Policy Number of participants limited to 100. | W | 2 credits | 2V | H. Mikosch | |
Abstract | First approach to the theory of economic policy. | |||||
Objective | First approach to the theory of economic policy. General understanding from economic policy mechanism. | |||||
Content | Wirtschaftspolitik ist die Gesamtheit aller Massnahmen von staatlichen Institutionen mit denen das Wirtschaftsgeschehen geregelt und gestaltet wird. Die Vorlesung bietet einen ersten Zugang zur Theorie der Wirtschaftspolitik. Gliederung der Vorlesung: 1.) Wohlfahrtsökonomische Grundlagen: Wohlfahrtsfunktion, Pareto-Optimalität, Wirtschaftspolitik als Mittel-Zweck-Analyse u.a. 2.) Wirtschaftsordnungen: Geplante und ungeplante Ordnung 3.) Wettbewerb und Effizienz: Hauptsätze der Wohlfahrtsökonomik, Effizienz von Wettbewerbsmärkten 4.) Wettbewerbspolitik: Sicherstellung einer wettbewerblichen Ordnung Gründe für Marktversagen: 5.) Externe Effekte 6.) Öffentliche Güter 7.) Natürliche Monopole 8.) Informationsasymmetrien 9.) Anpassungskosten 10.) Irrationalität 11.) Wirtschaftspolitik und Politische Ökonomie Die Vorlesung beinhaltet Anwendungsbeispiele und Exkurse, um eine Verbindung zwischen Theorie und Praxis der Wirtschaftspolitik herzustellen. Z. B. Verteilungseffekte von wirtschaftspolitischen Massnahmen, Kartellpolitik am Ölmarkt, Internalisierung externer Effekte durch Emissionshandel, moralisches Risiko am Finanzmarkt, Nudging, zeitinkonsistente Präferenzen im Bereich der Gesundheitspolitik | |||||
Lecture notes | Nein. | |||||
701-0758-00L | Ecological Economics: Introduction with Focus on Growth Critics | W | 2 credits | 2V | I. Seidl | |
Abstract | Students become acquainted with the basics / central questions / analyses of Ecological Economics. Thereby, central will be the topic of economic growth. What are the positions of Ecological Economics in this regard? What are the theories and concepts to found this position in general and in particular economic areas (e.g. resource consumption, efficiency, consumption, labour market, enterprises)? | |||||
Objective | Become acquainted with basics and central questions of Ecological Economics (EE): e.g. 'pre-analytic vision', field of discipline, development EE, contributions of involved disciplines such as ecology or political sciences, ecological-economic analysis of topics such as labour market, consumption, money. Critical analysis of growth and learning about approaches to reduce growth pressures. | |||||
Content | What is Ecological Economics Field of the discipline and basics Resource consumption, its development and measurements Measurement of economic activity and welfare Economic growth, growth critics and post-growth society Consumption, Money, Enterprises, labour market and growth pressures Starting points for a post-growth society | |||||
Lecture notes | No Script. Slides and texts will be provided beforehand. | |||||
Literature | Daly, H. E. / Farley, J. (2004). Ecological Economics. Principles and Applications. Washington, Island Press. Seidl, I. /Zahrnt A. (2010). Postwachstumsgesellschaft, Marburg, Metropolis. Ausgewählte wissenschaftliche Artikel. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Participation in a lecture on environmental economics or otherwise basic knowledge of economics (e.g. A-Level) | |||||
751-1500-00L | Development Economics | W | 3 credits | 2V | I. Günther, K. Harttgen, C. Humphrey | |
Abstract | Introduction into basic theoretical and empirical aspects of economic development. Prescriptive theory of economic policy for poverty reduction. | |||||
Objective | Students are able to - critically discuss economic questions in the context of developing countries - critically discuss policy recommendations for economic development. | |||||
Content | - measurement of development, poverty and inequality, - development theories - trade and development - education, health, population and development - states and institutions - fiscal,monetary- and exchange rate policies - economic policies for economic growth and poverty reduction | |||||
Lecture notes | None. | |||||
Literature | D. Perkins, S. Radelet, D. Lindauer, S. Block (2012): Economics of Development. 7th Edition, W. W. Norton, New York and London. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Requirement: Introduction to economics. Questions of economics of development aid will be covered in the fall course. |
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