000012 - ECONOMY OF HAPPINESS

courses
ID:
000012
Duration (hours):
72
CFU:
9
SSD:
ECONOMIA APPLICATA
Located in:
PESCARA
Url:
ECONOMICS AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES/CORSO GENERICO Year: 1
Year:
2025
Course Catalogue:
https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Overview

Date/time interval

Primo Quadrimestre (02/10/2025 - 02/12/2025)

Syllabus

Course Objectives


(knowledge and understanding):
The course addresses the topics of happiness economics and well-being, providing the main tools for economic, psychological, and sociological analysis, both in terms of theory and key aspects of public policies. The course is based on the study of the classical framework and the most recent findings in the field. From an educational standpoint, the course includes traditional lectures supported by slides and any documents, data, and statistics that can help understand the economic phenomena being studied.
(applying knowledge and understanding):
The student is required to assimilate knowledge and be able to use and apply it in reference to the subjects exposed during the lectures. In particular, socioeconomic phenomena capable of influencing people's happiness and well-being in different social and environmental contexts. Case study analysis will be conducted with the assistance of appropriate data and quantitative indicators drawn from statistics and official documents. This approach will allow for the verification of the student's acquired skills in economic analysis, data representation, and interpretation for describing fundamental elements and conditions conducive to the promotion of happiness and public well-being
(making judgements):
The study of happiness economics requires learning that pertains to the role of social relationships, health status, and their connections with income. Therefore, the student should be able to assess and analyze differences in well-being determinants based on individual characteristics and demonstrate a sufficient degree of independent judgment, particularly through the comparison of emblematic cases presented.
(communication skills): The course aims to equip students with adequate communication skills, with a particular focus on the technical language of the subject, communication, the key research findings in the field, and the ability to effectively convey acquired knowledge in written and oral form.
(learning skills):
Throughout the course, the student's learning ability will be duly observed, with an effort to find the most suitable solutions to make the adopted teaching methodology effective. The assessment of this descriptor takes place both during the educational activities (lectures, exercises) and in the final examination

Course Prerequisites


Basic knowledge of economics, psychology and sociology

Teaching Methods


Traditional lectures, exercises, individual presentations, and group workshops

Assessment Methods


Theses, presentations and oral examination.

Oral exam (up to a maximum of 24/30)

Structure: This is an individual interview designed to explore the topics covered in the course. The oral exam primarily focuses on the student's ability to connect different topics, critically argue their positions, and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the economic mechanisms of well-being.
Evaluation criteria:

Clarity of expression and proficiency in the use of specialized language.
Ability to connect theoretical concepts with empirical data.
Critical reasoning and the ability to independently deepen the discussed topics.


Group projects (from 1/30 to 6/30)

Structure: Groups (composed of 3-4 students) will work on various projects related to specific topics within the economics of happiness. The projects will require:

The collection and analysis of data on a particular public policy or economic phenomenon influencing well-being.
In-class presentations of the results, using statistical tools and critical arguments.

Evaluation criteria:

Quality of the project: critical analysis, originality, and consistency of the conclusions.
Effectiveness of the presentation: ability to communicate clearly and engagingly, with appropriate use of economic terminology.
Team collaboration and individual contribution.



Final Grade Composition:

The final grade will be based on the sum of the scores obtained in the two components (oral exam and group project).
The oral exam will contribute up to a maximum of 24/30, while the group projects will contribute up to 6/30.
The overall score will determine the final grade, expressed in thirtieths.

These assessment methods comprehensively evaluate the acquisition of the expected competencies, ensuring a balance between theoretical analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Texts


Layard (2022), Possiamo essere più felici?, Giunti; Seligman (2012), Fai fiorire la tua vita, Anteprima; Bruni et al (2022), A modern guide to the economics of happiness, EE; Easterlin (2020), An Economist’s lessons on happiness, Springer. Slides' teacher

Contents


This course explores the intersection of economics and human well-being, with a focus on measuring happiness and subjective well-being. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories of happiness economics, research methodologies, and their implications for public policy. We will examine the factors that influence individual and collective well-being, as well as patterns of lifestyle and consumption choices in relation to happiness

Course Language


italiano

Degrees

Degrees

ECONOMICS AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 
Master’s Degree
2 years
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