| Dozent/in |
Dr. oec. publ. Martin Mosler |
| Veranstaltungsart |
Vorlesung |
| Code |
FS261095 |
| Semester |
Frühjahrssemester 2026 |
| Durchführender Fachbereich |
Wirtschaftswissenschaften |
| Studienstufe |
Master |
| Termin/e |
Di, 17.02.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 24.02.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 03.03.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 10.03.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 17.03.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 24.03.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 31.03.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 14.04.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 21.04.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 28.04.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 05.05.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 12.05.2026, 12:15 - 14:00 Uhr, E.508
Di, 19.05.2026, 12:15 - 13:45 Uhr, 3.A05 (Prüfung) |
| Umfang |
2 Semesterwochenstunden |
| Turnus |
Weekly
|
| Inhalt |
We will examine economic behavior in extreme situations. While such situations are rare, the underlying economic forces shape our world even in non-extreme times. The lecture will touch upon both differences and similarities of incentives, decisions and outcomes compared to standard scenarios.
The topics are divided into four parts. First, we will highlight the importance of law and order for economic prosperity and the impacts of lack thereof. The methodological approach relies on empirical spatial models. Second, we will discuss how violence shapes economics, both on the macroeconomic level through wars or civil conflict and at the microeconomic level of terrorists. The focus will be on theory models of decision making. Third, we will discuss topics relating to health, including both diseases and pandemics as well as age and (natural) death. Methodically, we will turn towards empirical approaches to model forward-looking parameters. Fourth, we will close the lecture series with topics relating to extreme nature phenomena. We will see how weather affects economic outcomes, with special emphasis on the impact of climate change, and evaluate the costs of and reactions after natural disasters. We will use the examples to explain econometric methods to identify causal relationships in non-experimental data.
Lectures may have several specific components: First, an economic theory or empirical approach tailored to a topic will usually kick-off or will be incorporated in a lecture. The methodological background will link extreme examples to standard economic tools which is can be used in any undergraduate or graduate course, while motivating students how such basic knowledge can be applied to fascinating cases. Second, we will mostly discuss peer-reviewed articles from top journals for each topic to show the depth of economic research and the broadness of how economics touches diverse aspects of life. Third, specific lectures will feature non-standard teaching styles depending on each topic (and the weather).
Given the topic of this lecture series, the papers may be thought-provoking and controversial. In-class discussions are encouraged. 20% of the final grade will be determined by an essay that shall specifically criticize the content and/or presented view of the course based on competing papers and economic rationale. 80% of the grade will be determined by a written exam.
Provisional table of contents with examples:
1. Introduction: Course overview including content, teaching style, evaluation. Discussion of first introductory topics regarding sports corruption or interstellar trade.
Part I: Extreme Crime
2. Organized crime: mafia, piracy, drug cartels
3. Unorganized crime: cybersecurity, judges, social benefits
4. Financial crime: tax misreporting, international profit shifting
Part II: Extreme Violence
5. Terrorism: decision-making of suicide terrorists, drones, Ku Klux Klan
6. War: trading during war, identity, withdrawal of armed forces
7. Civil conflict: oil, genocide
Part III: Extreme Health
8. Happiness: happiness, coin toss, pills
9. Diseases and pandemics: obesity, malaria, beef bans
10. Death: inheritance taxation, clans
Part IV: Extreme Nature
11. Weather: rainfall, droughts
12. Climate: fossil fuels, cap-and-trade
13. Natural disasters: tsunamis, storms, satellites
Please note that the order of lectures and/or its content is subject to updates during the semester. |
| Schlagworte |
Nachhaltigkeit; Gender/Diversity |
| Lernziele |
Know research in frontier fields of economics. Understand economic behavior and market formation under non-standard conditions. Apply basic economic principles to real-world, yet unconventional examples. Be able to consider extreme events for policy-making. Know the importance of “black swan” events, violations of norms and frameworks as well as macroeconomic dynamics for ensuring resilience of economies. |
| Voraussetzungen |
Knowledge of basic econometrics and microeconomics is recommended. |
| Sprache |
Englisch |
| Anmeldung |
Binding registration takes place via the UniPortal; see notes below in the «Proof of Performance» field.
For course information and materials, registration on the OLAT e-learning platform is required from 2 – 27 February 2026. The students themselves are responsible for verifying the course’s creditability towards their degree program.
Direct link to the OLAT course: to follow |
| Leistungsnachweis |
***IMPORTANT*** In order to acquire credits, and/or take the examination, registration via the Uni Portal within the regular examination registration period (2 – 16 April 2026) is MANDATORY. Further information on registration: www.unilu.ch/wf/pruefungen |
| Abschlussform / Credits |
Written exam / 3 Credits
|
| Hinweise |
Trigger warning: This lecture may cover sensitive topics including but not limited to disasters, violence, crime, diseases or death. Some lectures may be held outside of the classroom or university. Kindly inform the lecturer about any mobility limitations which he shall account for. Some lectures may be in a classroom or non-classroom environment that engages with your senses including but not limited to hearing, seeing or feeling. Such environments may hinder your regular standard learning experience, e.g. complete darkness in the classroom may not let you take notes. Please inform the lecturer about any learning difficulties which he shall account for. |
| Hörer-/innen |
Ja |
| Kontakt |
martin.mosler@iwp.swiss |
| Literatur |
Mandatory papers for each session will be indicated in the syllabus of the course and are accessible online. |