One-Credit Seminar
PA 188L and LAW 179M
Professor Michele L. Malvesti
Course Description: This one-credit, five-day graduate seminar examines decision-making from both a theoretical perspective and from its execution in practice. The course introduces students to various models of decision-making; explores cognitive biases in decision-making; and examines how decision-makers often use — and misuse — historical analogies and lessons from history. The course also focuses on the concept of risk and decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty, as well as the effect of groups on decisions. Drawn, in part, from the professor’s nearly six years on the National Security Council (NSC) staff, the seminar will incorporate select examples from U.S. national security, including decisions related to pandemics and terrorism. The theories, pitfalls, and best practices studied throughout the course also apply to business, public policy, and leadership decisions more broadly.
Seminar Dates. All sessions will be held online.
Session #1: Wednesday, 20 January, 5:30-8:30pm CT
Session #2: Wednesday, 27 January, 5:30-8:30pm CT
Session #3: Wednesday, 3 February, 5:30-8:30pm CT
Session #4: Wednesday, 10 February, 5:30-8:30pm CT
Break: NO CLASS on 17 February
Session #5: Wednesday, 24 February 5:30-8:30pm CT