This course explores strategic thinking in social interactions, analyzing these interactions in a game-theoretic framework. We will textually explore the fundamental concepts of the course,
employing case studies to provide evidential support for our arguments. Our emphasis will be on the core ideas and intuitions behind the theory rather than their mathematical expressions, and we
will examine the impact of this framework on various complex social situations and dilemmas in history, politics, international relations, and their influence on law, diplomacy, and war.
This course is open to all students, regardless of their year in college. For those pursuing advanced studies in economics, this class should be taken alongside the course PEC 2272: Game Theory, which offers a more formal and mathematically rigorous treatment of solution concepts in game theory. However, this course is also suitable as a standalone option for students interested in exploring questions related to strategic interactions in social contexts, even if they have no intention of studying the applications in economics.
The course has two requirements: [a] deep reading of the texts and related homework assignments, and [b] class participation based on the reading of assigned materials [You should
not miss a class. Before coming to class, you must engage carefully with the assigned materials, and you must participate seriously in class discussions.
Please note: Students who are registered for Game Theory will be ensured a seat in this course.
Learning Outcomes:
The course is designed to [1] introduce students to game theory as a way of thinking about strategic situations and help them grasp the intuitive ideas behind formal models, and [2] learn to
apply them to a wide range of settings to explain how people or organizations behave when they are in strategic settings. Throughout this course, students will expand their capabilities for
economic reasoning and progress in their capacities to inquire, engage, and communicate.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
Tu 10:30AM - 12:20PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 10
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: 2000 , All courses , Fully In-Person , New Courses , Political Economy , Two Credit , Updates
Tags: critical analytical thinking. , economics , game theory , political economy , research