Thinking Analytically in an Uncertain World
API 318
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
The goal of this course is to help you think more analytically, which I hope will lead you to better understand the world around you, make smarter personal and professional decisions, achieve better outcomes, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. A central premise of the course is that the world is full of uncertainty, and that using systematic approaches, frameworks and tools to deal with this uncertainty can be immensely helpful for individuals, teams, and organizations. The course will use a variety of approaches including interactive teaching, blended learning, case studies, simulations, learning journals, and a forecasting tournament. You will constantly be asked to apply what you learn in the course to personal, professional and policy situations.
Class Notes
This course has an in-person final exam during the December 9-18 exam period. Students are responsible for ensuring that they do not register for classes with exams scheduled at the same time. Please refer to the posted final exam schedule.
Recommended Prep
The main prerequisite for this course is a good understanding of basic probability and microeconomics. You can meet this prerequisite by having taken any statistics and economics courses at HKS or by providing evidence of your background in these areas. If you have not taken courses in these areas but have a quantitative background (e.g., majored in engineering) and are willing to do some additional work to catch up, we will support you in the course through extra pre-class work and weekly TF sessions. Basic familiarity with Excel will be assumed in the assignments, with the option to use R or other tools for students who are comfortable with such programs.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
