LPPL

The adjustment from HS to college is filled with turbulent transitions and with opportunities for discovery, growth, and development of critical life skills. Course focuses on development of broad skills to create fulfilling lives and successful careers after college, especially in 4 areas: (1) development of emotional resilience skills, (2) development of life management skills, (3) intro to leadership concepts, and (4) establishment of small communities of students.

An overview of the fields of social psychology and behavioral science. We will explore behavioral research in basic social psychology, leadership and organizational behavior, and the ways in which social science methods and research are currently being used in public policy and to solve major societal problems. The ultimate goal is to teach students how to think like behavioral scientists.

Course builds students' skills in "the art of getting things done". Students will establish the critical leadership & team-building competencies that distinguish highly effective leaders. We will introduce frameworks that will enhance student's: resilience; team leadership skills; capacity for thriving in times of adversity; emotional intelligence; interpersonal skills (including conflict resolution & negotiation skills) & decision making.

This course moves beyond the traditional economic approach to public policy and explores the role of psychological analysis. Decision-making is not always rational, but involves various cognitive biases that can result in mistrust and prejudice, preference for avoidance of loss rather than maximization of gain, and overweighting of short-term outcomes.

Course shapes public leaders to recognize & respond to competing value propositions & implement value objectives in specific public context. Course goes beyond concrete incentive systems & aims to shape decisions, behavior, & expectations through social norms & organizational culture. Leaders in the public arena must appreciate competing value propositions & articulate & advocate for principles & standards of behavior.

Leading in the public context requires an understanding of one's own & others' thoughts, feelings, & motivations; & tools for working toward mutually valued outcomes. Course uses behavioral science to develop this understanding & build a toolkit. Through exercises, lectures, discussion, readings, & projects, students will learn general behavioral principles that they can leverage to work toward valued communal goals within public institutions.