About the Course

Incentives for a Better World

  • Grade 10+
  • CTY-Level
  • Problem-Based

Next time you go to the grocery store, pay attention to where products are placed on shelves. Why are the cheaper store-brand items on the bottom shelf? Behavioral economics contributes to social change in myriad ways, from investment choices to tax policy, climate change mitigation strategies to classroom dynamics. Historically, we have structured society to maximize profits, but behavioral economics can nudge society in the direction of positive systemic change.

Examine how peer pressure can be leveraged into an anti-littering campaign, the debate over universal income versus employment, microfinancing loans, and the balance between public good and personal liberties. As you discover how a behavioral economics approach can potentially solve a range of current problems, you and your peers will design an experiment to alter default behaviors in subtle ways. 

Time commitment: 5-7 hours per week

Fall, Winter, and Spring Time Commitment: 6-7 hours per week (2 hours class time, 4-5 hours independent work).
Summer Time Commitment: 18-21 hours per week (6 hours class time, 12-15 hours independent work).

Important Dates
Apply by August 30 to start:

Apply by August 30 to start:

Classes


Register for an Online Problem-Based course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.
Synchronous class meetings typically last about an hour.

 

This course is not open for enrollment at this time. Please check back later.

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level CTY-Level or CTY-Level
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

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Course Prerequisites

Incentives for a Better World requires:

1 prerequisite

Successful completion of Algebra II or equivalent

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid is available

We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.

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Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact ctyinfo@jhu.edu.
 

Book Title: Behavioral Economics: The Basics
Author: Philip Corr, Anke Plagnol
ISBN: 978-1138228917

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

About Mathematics at CTY

Our online Mathematics courses—spanning elementary through college-level curricula—cover a wide range of topics, from algebra and geometry to chess, cryptology, and AP Calculus and are guided by expert instructors. You’ll join group sessions with classmates to ensure you stay on track with challenging course content. Whether you’re looking for pure math fun and enrichment, to move up the math ladder and advance your honors and AP (and beyond) academic standing, or to train for mathematics competitions, there’s a CTY course that’s right for you.

New math enrichment courses available!

Explore our new math enrichment courses, including Excursions in Pre-algebra, Mathematical Modeling, and Introduction to Logic and Proofs.

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Participate in the High School Math Club or enroll in 6 IP courses: Middle School Competitive Math I, Middle School Competitive Math II, Middle School Competitive Math III, Competitive Mathematics Prep, Competitive Mathematics I, Competitive Mathematics II.

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