Game Theory

In this course, students will become strategic masterminds through a dynamic, project-based exploration of Game Theory, a mathematical framework designed for understanding strategic interactions among rational decision-makers. Students will apply game theory to real-world scenarios like auctions, political campaigns, and even animal behavior. Students will analyze iconic games like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, dissecting everyday situations with powerful tools like Nash equilibrium. Building models, conducting simulations, and participating in interactive games will hone their strategic intuition and test their predictions. In addition, by exploring the ethical complexities of strategic manipulation, students will analyze the impact of game theory on society and even peek into its future applications in artificial intelligence and economics. Prepare to think like a game theorist and discover the power of strategic thinking.

Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.