Throughout history, people have played games — games of chance and games of skill. Many of us grew up playing all kinds of different games, and most of those are infused with the core tenets of statistical reasoning and understanding: probability, risk assessment, expected value, and game theory. This course will look at statistics and probability through this lens. We will consider dice, cards, and several ‘classic’ board games. We will consider situations with both complete and hidden information and how to analyze those. We will also bridge the gap into current contemporary styles and combinations of play patterns. We will use those structures to look for and analyze similar ideas, components, and available analytical tools. As a part of this course, we will be utilizing basic programming tools and building simulations.
Learning Outcomes:
* engage in analysis of complex board states, with a bend towards explaining to others logical choices and understandings
* connect foundational statistical ideas to concrete, tactile objects
* build vocabulary in assessing and analyzing probabilistic states
* create a final project focused on pushing forward analysis on a particular game or area of interest
* recognize differences and similarities in genres of games, and use these for probabilistic analysis
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
T/TH 6:30PM-8:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 2000 , All courses , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Mathematics
Tags: quantitative reasoning , STEM